New China coach Lippi looks to restore confidence

Marcello Lippi (L) and Cai Zhenhua, president of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), pose for a photo as Marcello Lippi is given China's national team coach shirt at a news conference in Beijing, China October 28, 2016. REUTERS/Jason Lee

BEIJING (Reuters) - Marcello Lippi said his first priority as China coach is to restore some confidence to his players as he looks to breathe some life into their faltering campaign to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

The 68-year-old, who guided Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, was named China coach last weekend and has two weeks to get his side ready for their next qualifier against Qatar in Kunming on Nov. 15.