Guangzhou Evergrande manager Marcello Lippi believes his players are not as hungry as they were last season.
The reigning Chinese Super League and Asian champions drew 1-1 with Japan's Yokohama F. Marinos in their second Asian Champions League outing of the 2014 season on Wednesday night.
Jin Hanato opened the scoring in Yokohama in the 21st minute before Guangzhou's marquee signing Alessandro Diamanti saved their blushes with a 38th minute effort to tally his third goal in three outings since arriving from Bologna.
After the match, former Italy boss Lippi suggested his side were 'lacklustre' while also indicating perhaps their mindset had altered from last campaign's successes.
"Our performance was lacklustre today, partly because we had some injuries and we have played a few games over a short period of time," said Lippi.
"However, our players are lacking the strong desire to win that they had last season. Obviously they have a different mental condition from last year."
Guangzhou, who beat Jenan Hianye 3-0 in their CSL opener on the weekend, next face Jeonbuk Hyundai on March 18 in Matchday 3 of the 2014 Asian Champions League.
