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Japan coach Zico hints at exit

April 23, 2004 11:14 IST

Japan coach Zico has hinted he intends to quit after the 2006 World Cup, a Japanese newspaper reported on Friday.

"Nothing is certain but I doubt I will be coaching (Japan) after 2006," the Brazilian was quoted by Japan's Nikkan Sports daily.

"Like I've said before, I still feel I can do a job for Japanese football. But I won't accept any offers from J-League clubs."

Japan's coach Zico seen during their Confederations tournament match against New Zealand in Saint Denis, near Paris in June 2003 Zico, who was

talking to Japanese reporters in Budapest, where Japan play Hungary in a friendly at the weekend, said that he had no interest in coaching Brazil.

"I don't want to coach another national team. Brazil? That's the one job I definitely won't do," said the 51-year-old, who scored 54 goals in 78 games for Brazil.

Zico has faced intense criticism after a string of poor performances since taking charge of Japan after the 2002 World Cup.

Disenchantment among Japan fans culminated in a public protest calling for his dismissal after a lucky 1-0 win over Oman in their opening 2006 qualifier in February.

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