Lippi rules out Italy supervisor role

MILAN, Sep 14 (Reuters) Italy's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi has rejected the idea of a return the national team in a supervisor capacity.

Guido Rossi, the head of the Italian Football Federation, had floated the idea of Lippi taking on such a role at the head of the federation's technical department.

''I will never be a supervisor because that is not my trade,'' said the former Juventus coach who led Italy to victory on penalties over France in July's World Cup final in Berlin before standing down.

Lippi gave backing to his replacement, new Italy coach Roberto Donadoni, who has come under criticism following the poor start to the Azzurri's Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

''I respect him a lot and I am convinced he will find a good relationship with his players,'' Lippi said in comments reported by the news agency ANSA.

Italy drew at home to Lithuania and then lost 3-1 to France in their opening Group B games but Lippi said the world champions would find their form again.

GREAT LAD ''I have no doubt that they will get back to great form and that Roberto will be able to bring the best out of them -- he is a great lad. He was a kind of coach on the field when he was a player,'' he said.

Lippi has previously said he intends to return to club coaching but confirmed he was in no hurry to get back into the game just yet.

''At the moment I am still enjoying the aftertaste of the World Cup which I think will last a good while yet. It would be daft to take on a club after one or two weeks of the season,'' he said.

''I have had some calls from non-Italian clubs but I didn't meet with any club directors,'' said Lippi, who would be high on the list of any top European clubs who might change coach in mid-season.

Lippi had been linked with Manchester United during the World Cup but rejected the rumours by pointing out his lack of English language skills.

Asked about his English he replied ''It is a little bit better''.

REUTERS AY HS2035