Zico's future still in doubt, despite talk of 2006
It was very interesting to read Zico's comments out of Hungary this week. "I will continue as coach until 2006, and then I will call it a day," Zico is reported to have said to a local newspaper.
Oh really?
Following up on this, the Japanese media asked Zico about his future.
The Brazilian replied that he had no interest in coaching a J.League team, or the Brazilian national team.
Reading this, anyone would think that Japan under Zico is a growing force, and that his services as a coach would be in great demand if he left his post with the JFA.
The truth is very different, though.
Zico has taken Japan backwards, not forwards, due to his lack of coaching credentials. He has turned them from a well-organised, highly-motivated and well-drilled machine to a confused jumble of all-stars lacking direction and tactics.
I doubt if any J.League club would be interested in hiring him as their manager.
Zico was talking in the build-up to Sunday's friendly with Hungary, the result of which, I am sure, will have no influence on his future.
Neither will the game against the Czech Republic next week, or against Iceland and England in Manchester.
Japan could easily draw or maybe even beat one or two of these teams, as they are low-key preparation matches in which many substitutions will be made.
Japan's next serious match is against India at home in a World Cup qualifier on June 9, and surely they will win that one, too.
So Zico is safe through to the Asian Cup, which Japan will defend in China from July 17 to August 7.
This, I firmly believe, is when Zico's long-term fate will be decided.
If Japan don't get out of their group--and it will not be easy against Oman, Thailand and Iran--I am certain the JFA will take firm action and end the relationship.
Even if Japan finish in the top two in the group, will the JFA be satisfied with a quarter-final finish?
No, I think Zico is being very presumptious talking about the 2006 World Cup.
He faces a difficult test in China this summer, and must start showing Japan's Asian rivals a bit more respect.
ends
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