Marcello Lippi declared the future was bright for Guangzhou Evergrande after winning his first match in charge of the Chinese champions.

Guangzhou beat Qingdao Jonoon 1-0 on Sunday to go four points clear at the top of the Chinese Super League in Lippi's first match since being appointed on Thursday.

"I have been here for three days. But the team has played in a total of 17 matches in the past three months. I found the team a little bit tired," the 2006 World Cup-winning coach told the AFC website. "The players need some time to adjust its new position and condition," said Lippi, adding he was relieved to get a victory in his first game. "In my career, with Juventus, (Inter) Milan or the Italian national team, my debut match has always been a loss. So I was a little bit afraid about the first match actually."