Scolari ready for Guangzhou test

Scolari takes over the reins at the Chinese champions from the much-loved Fabio Cannavro after putting pen to a two-year contract.

Cannavaro had replaced Marcello Lippi earlier this year, and Scolari has now been tasked with replicating the success that Lippi achieved, with the Italian guiding Guangzhou to three Chinese league titles and one Asian Champions League crown.

Speaking after being unveiled in the southern city, Scolari said that he was impressed by what the Chinese Super League outfit had achieved and was determined to bring further success.

"I knew China was spending a lot to improve its football now and Guangzhou is one of the pioneers. We came here because we recognized the football in Guangzhou," he said.

Evergrande Group Chairman Xu Jiayin explained that Scolari's arrival forms part of the club's plans to hire coaches who have achieved considerable success at international level.

"We didn't only want his name, we also wanted his ability, experience, management skills and the whole coaching team. And those had to be widely recognized by the world already. So it's a risk-free choice for us to hire such a top-class world coach," Xu said.