Japan’s Coach Zaccheroni Resigns

Japan’s national football team coach Alberto Zaccheroni has announced his resignation, following his team’s exit from the World Cup.

The Asian team finished last place in group C, losing to Colombia and Cote D’Ivoire and drawing Greece.

Zaccheroni, 61, took charge of Japan in 2010, after the team’s successful World Cup, reaching the second round. He led them to an Asian Cup title in 2011 and made them the first country to qualify for this year’s World Cup (after hosts Brazil).

"I am disappointed and not satisfied with the results. I really wanted to take us forward and qualify for the second round and I am so disappointed. But I picked the team, decided on the tactics and how we play and I want to take full responsibility”, the experienced Italian coach said, quoted by FIFA.com.

"I told the players and staff that I was happy and proud to be their coach. Over the last four years I have put my heart and soul into helping this team grow. I think the culture of Japanese soccer and the special characteristics and technique of the players can cut it on the world stage but physical strength is what is lacking”, Zaccheroni added.

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