Zico to coach Japan

Former Brazil international Zico Coimbra has accepted the job of Japan coach. The 49-year-old confirmed his acceptance, saying he was offered the post eight days ago.

Zico, who has been at J-League champions Kashima Antlers as a player or coach since 1991, will begin his new role on July 20 ahead of next month's friendly against China.

He replaces Frenchman Philippe Troussier, who stepped down after leading Japan to the second round of the World Cup finals last month.

"The Japanese interest was a big surprise as I haven't got much experience as a coach," the former Flamengo player told a media conference.

The former midfielder was part of Brazil World Cup team that lost 3-2 to Italy in the second round of the 1982 tournament in Spain.

He said he had initially wanted to be co-ordinator of Japan's national squad, but the Japan Football Association preferred him to take on the coach's role.

"I always said the last thing I wanted to do was be a football coach, but in life you can never say never," Zico added.

Japan play China on August 22 in Beijing and are hoping for another friendly match against Argentina in November -- part of Zico's strategy to get as many games under his belt as possible.

CO-ORDINATION PROBLEM

Zico said one of the main problems he faces is lack of co-ordination between Japanese clubs and the national side, a difficulty he had first-hand experience of during his spell at Kashima.

"In one Asian Cup final, eight of our players were called up for a training session and we lost the title," Zico said.

Troussier, who took over the helm in September 1998, stepped down after Japan were beaten by Turkey in the second round of the World Cup.

But Zico said Japan had their work cut out to qualify for the next World Cup in Germany in 2006.

"Other national teams from the continent will be striving in the qualifying rounds to put an end to the supremacy of Japan and (South) Korea," he said.

Co-hosts South Korea were the revelation of the World Cup, reaching the semi-finals with a mixture of flair and grit usually associated with South American teams.

Zico said it was that combination he planned to bring out.

"They (Japan) possess the same physique and approach to football as we do," he said.

"Almost all the coaches that succeed there are Brazilians or Argentines. Hiring me is a result of that."