Ukraine chief dismisses Lippi speculation
Reuters - Monday 15 November 2010, 14:54
KIEV - Ukraine have dismissed media
speculation linking former Italy World Cup-winning coach
Marcello Lippi with their national job.
"It doesn't make any sense as we already have a coach for
the national team," said Ukraine football chief Hrigory Surkis,
referring to Yuri Kalitvintsev who was appointed in a caretaker
role in August.
"All these media stories have no basis whatsoever," Surkis
told local media. "Most likely Kalitvintsev will continue as
coach after the winter break.
"He just needs to back up his claims for the job with some
positive results."
Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Sunday that Lippi
was ready to return to coaching and might attend Ukraine's
friendly against Switzerland on Wednesday.
The 62-year-old has been out of work since Italy were dumped
out of this year's World Cup in the group stage.
Ukraine are preparing for Euro 2012 which they are jointly
hosting with Poland.