Zico mulls over Japan coaching offer

Former Brazil soccer international Zico said yesterday 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 (JFA) confirmed on Wednesday that Zico was...

Former Brazil soccer international Zico said yesterday 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 (JFA) confirmed on Wednesday that Zico was their first choice.

"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." Zico has been at J-League champions Kashima Antlers as player or coach since 1991.

Japanese media reports said he was expected to sign a four-year deal up to the 2006 World Cup later this month.

JFA said they had other candidates in mind if Zico turned down the offer. That shortlist is believed to include Aime Jacquet, who masterminded France's 1998 World Cup triumph, Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and Bora Milutinovic.

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