Iconic Brazilians Choose 2006 as Swansong
July 7, 2005
Traditionally, the end of a major soccer tournament spells the end of some coaches' tenure in charge. Sometimes it’s the failure to secure the prize that leads to the decision to quit; similarly the unsuccessful campaign can lead to the coach being removed by his federation. But more often than not, coaches see the end of a long qualification process and tournament as the perfect time to step down.
Two Brazilian icons have considered this and have recently announced that they will be leaving their posts after the World Cup in Germany in 2006. Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, one of Brazil's most successful coaches ever, announced that he would be leaving the national team this week and stressed that he would not be choosing another position at the Brazilian association after vacating his post.
The 'White Pele' denies Brazil takeover
Zico, one of the stars of the Brazilian team of the late 1970's and early 80's, also announced that his tenure as coach of the Japan national team would also come to an end after the finals next year, fuelling rumors -- which he strongly denied -- that he would be taking over from Parreira.
It would be a tough act to follow. Parreira, 62, led the 'Seleçao' to their fourth World Cup in 1994, the Copa America last year and the Confederations Cup last month. While a high level job is not a priority after the World Cup, Parreira admitted that his life would still revolve around soccer: "I am attached to football and I don't think I could do anything else. I still have this idea to start a school for talented players," he said.
Brazil coach could leave in glory
Parreira could be leaving Brazil with yet another World Cup title under their belts, if the bookmakers and team captain Ronaldinho can be believed. Brazil have been installed as 9/2 favorites to lift the trophy for a sixth time and Barcelona star Ronaldinho fancies those odds. "We know it will be very difficult, but we believe we will win again," the captain told reporters.
Japan’s coach Zico will be hoping to end his time with the Asian champions with a successful World Cup and for a campaign that takes his team further than the first knock-out round, the pinnacle so far of Japan's World Cup adventures.
Zico's Japanese legacy assured
The 52 year-old was appointed in July 2002, taking over from Frenchman Phillippe Troussier, and has had a successful tenure in charge of ‘Team Nippon’, leading the country to a third Asian Cup triumph and sending Japan off to Germany 2006 as the first team to qualify. They also gave a good showing at the Confederations Cup.
Zico, known as the ‘white Pele’, is also denying that he has a job lined up at his former league club Flamengo which is currently struggling near the bottom of the Brazilian first division. Zico inspired Flamengo to three Brazilian championships in the early eighties and it was suggested that he would return after the World Cup to help his former club return to the glory days.
Born Arthur Antunes Coimbra, Zico was renowned as the No. 10 jersey of Flamengo and led the club to the Brazilian championship in 1980, '82 and '83 - the first of a record five national titles. Zico was a star in the Brazilian team in the World Cups of 1978, '82 and '86. He also played for Italy's Udinese and later for the Kashima Antlers of the J-League, where he ended his career.
He is credited for the rise of some of Japan's most exciting stars through his dedication to youth programs and the development of players through the J-League.