In 1994, following his retirement, Xi entered coaching. Xi's first coaching role was under
Hu Zhigang's management of newly formed
Shenzhen. Despite winning the
Yi League, Xi moved on in 1995 to manage
Shanghai Dashun. In 1998, Xi returned to manage the club, now known as Shanghai HSBC. In 2001, after a stint managing
Shanghai Pudong, Zhikang joined the coaching staff at
Shanghai Shenhua. In December 2011, Xi was announced as Shanghai Shenhua's manager. In 2013, Xi joined the coaching staff at
rivals Shanghai SIPG. In December 2013, Xi was appointed manager of Shanghai SIPG for the upcoming
2014 Chinese Super League season. ==Personal life==