Lippi snubs Blues approach
21 Nov 2007 - 13:53:26
Birmingham City have had an approach for Marcello Lippi turned down by the Italian World Cup-winning coach.
The Blues launched an ambitious bid to lure the former Juventus and Internazionale coach out of his self-imposed exile, in place since he led Italy to World Cup glory in Germany in June 2006.
The St Andrew's club are on the lookout for a new manager after Steve Bruce decided to end his six-year tenure and join Wigan Athletic earlier in the week.
However, co-owner David Sullivan, who has promised to cast the net as wide as possible to find a new boss, has revealed Lippi was not interested in joining the club.
Former Tottenham boss Martin Jol has also already snubbed an approach from the Blues.
"We made an approach and Lippi turned it down. This is not a stunt. It's genuine," he told the Birmingham Mail.
"He is available at the moment and we are looking at bringing in a manager of his stature and calibre, if at all possible.
"He was one of the first we went to but unfortunately nothing materialised.
"Of course, you get knock-backs. That's football. But if you do not try you will never know. It was the same with Martin Jol. It made sense for us to approach him.
"We are juggling other balls in the air at the moment and we will see which ones land. I want to stress to our supporters that we are working very, very hard to bring in the right man.
"Until you get to meet them and speak to them, you can never be quite sure. But it won't be for a lack of trying, believe me.
"We are determined to find a manager who would create a bit of a stir and excite people."