Notable quotes after Guangzhou Evergrande sacked South Korean Lee Jang-soo and appointed Italian big-name Marcello Lippi

"I dispatched an assistant to go see the club's matches, which made me even more determined. I am very enthusiastic about coming to China."

Marcello Lippi, who won the European Champions League with Juventus and guided his native Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, after being appointed coach of Guangzhou Evergrande

"Many foreign coaches came to China this year, but some of them left after a short time because almost all of the teams increased their investments in order to get good results, and when they failed to reach those targets, the coaches always take the responsibility. Lippi is a good choice for Evergrande to increase its fame."

Wu Jingui, former head coach of CSL team Shanghai Shenhua

"To be frank, the preference of the boss is more important than the team's performance. A professional coach should be prepared for the day he will leave when he takes the post. Looking at how Lippi led the Italians to win the 2006 World Cup, I think he is good at building up a team."

Zhu Jiong, head coach of Shanghai Shenxin

"In my first year, I devoted all my energy to the team's training and the scouting of opponents when we were in the second division I only slept three hours a day. I really wanted to do better with Lee, but the Chinese bosses have little patience. I would rather take less money, but earn more trust and support."

Kim Yong-kab, former assistant coach of Guangzhou Evergrande, who left the club with head coach Lee Jang-soo

"Can famous foreign coaches be successful when they come to China? Fame and money don't equal good performances. There are not many foreign coaches who are still remembered by Chinese fans after they departed. A lot of money but no patience has become the character of Chinese soccer."

Li Weifeng, Tianjin Teda player and national team center-back

(China Daily 05/18/2012 page24)