RIO DE JANEIRO, July 11: Former Brazil international Zico has accepted the job of Japan coach, the 49-year-old has confirmed. 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.

Japan play China on Aug 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.

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