Guangzhou Evergrande coach Marcello Lippi, left, reacts during a press conference before their AFC champions league game against Yokohama F. Marinos in Yokohama, Japan, March 11, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

YOKOHAMA, Japan - Guangzhou Evergrande coach Marcello Lippi denied the speculation he could still take over the role of Chinese national team coach as the Italian World Cup winning coach prepared his side for their meeting with Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos on Wednesday.

Lippi signed a new three-year contract with the Asian champions last week after being persistently linked with the national team post, despite the recent appointment of Frenchman Alain Perrin.

The 65-year-old moved to end suggestions he would be ready to step in and take over following China's qualification for next year's AFC Asian Cup finals in Australia by reconfirming his commitment to Guangzhou.

"There is no possibility for me to coach the Chinese national team any more as I have extended my contract with Guangzhou," said Lippi.