Li Tie has resigned as head coach of China's national team and been replaced by former teammate Li Xiaopeng.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Chinese Football Association announced on Friday the former Everton midfielder quit amid growing criticism of his team's performances in their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.
China, looking to reach the finals for the first time since their debut almost 20 years ago, are fifth of six teams in Group B - which also involves the Socceroos - with only the top two guaranteed a spot in Qatar.
"Li Tie submitted a request to the Chinese Football Association to resign as the head coach of the Chinese national men's football team," the CFA said in a statement.
"The Chinese Football Association decided to approve his resignation application after discussion.
"After extensive consultations, the Chinese Football Association decided to hire Li Xiaopeng as the head coach of the Chinese national men's football team."
Li Tie was appointed head coach following the resignation of Marcello Lippi in November 2019.
The 44-year-old previously worked as an assistant to Lippi during the Italian's spells with Guangzhou Evergrande and the China national team before coaching Chinese Super League (CSL) sides Hebei China Fortune and Wuhan Zall.
He was officially installed as head coach in January 2020 and steered China into the final round of Asia's preliminaries.
However, they have registered only one win - against Vietnam in October - in six group games, while they have drawn with Oman and Australia.
A midfield partner of Li Tie's during the 2002 World Cup finals, Li Xiaopeng was most recently working with CSL side Wuhan FC.
His first game in charge will be on January 27 when China take on Japan before facing Vietnam five days later.
Australian Associated Press
