Former Brazil soccer international Zico said he would take his time in deciding whether to accept an offer to replace Frenchman Philippe Troussier as Japan's coach. The Japan Football Association confirmed on Wednesday that Zico, at J-League champions Kashima Antlers as player or coach since 1991, was their first choice following Troussier's departure after a relatively successful World Cup.
"This is the matter on which I cannot make a quick conclusion," Kyodo news agency quoted Zico as telling reporters in Japan shortly before leaving for Brazil. "Terms are not a major problem. I want to draw a good conclusion in good faith."
Japanese media reports said he was expected to sign a four-year deal with the national team up to the 2006 World Cup later this month, but JFA officials have admitted they have other candidates in mind if Zico turns down the offer. That shortlist is believed to include Aime Jacquet, who masterminded France's World Cup triumph in 1998, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Bora Milutinovic, available after taking China to their first World Cup.
Troussier, who took charge in September 1998, stepped down after guiding the co-hosts to the second round of the World Cup before losing to Turkey. Zico was part of arguably the best team not to win the World Cup when Brazil went out 3-2 to a Paolo Rossi hat-trick in Spain in 1982.
Filed by Shane Murray
