Japan Coach Alberto Zaccheroni dropped hints he’s available for the Italy job after Cesare Prandelli. “I’ll wait until after the World Cup.”
Japan Coach Alberto Zaccheroni dropped hints he’s available for the Italy job after Cesare Prandelli. “I’ll wait until after the World Cup.”
Both men will be in Brazil at the tournament this summer, as Zac’s Japan were the first side to qualify, while Prandelli has refused to say whether he’ll stay on beyond that competition.
“I read that I am among the candidates for the post-Prandelli era, but I am not putting myself forward as a candidate,” Zaccheroni told Sport Mediaset.
“I’ll wait until after the World Cup and then make my decision based on any eventual proposals I receive.
“What would I say if the call from Italy did come? I don’t even know when this should arrive. Nobody has called me yet, at least not from Italy.
“My intention is to decide in July, but I don’t know if others will wait that long. My experience in Japan has been gratifying. I personally grew as a Coach, having previously only worked at club level.
“Some were a little perplexed at how I would do leading a national team, but I won the Asian Cup and achieved World Cup qualification, so the results were there.”
Zaccheroni was also asked about the current Serie A scene, including Clarence Seedorf’s arrival on the Milan bench.
“Juventus are doing divinely well and are also more business-like than the other clubs. At times Italian teams can make decisions with their hearts, but the Bianconeri look at the facts.
“At the end of the day, I think they will win the Scudetto, despite an extraordinary Roma. Inter are a work in progress with a new President and Coach, so it’ll take time.
“Milan are giving it their all, though at times they can be too affectionate towards their players, almost the opposite of Juve. I do agree with Adriano Galliani when he says players are happier at Milan than in other clubs.
“As for Seedorf, nobody has experience when they start out. In technical and tactical terms, he has an infinite knowledge to draw from. The biggest test will be how he deals with the players.”