Zaccheroni admits he jumped at chance to coach Japan

New Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni admitted he jumped at the opportunity to take the national team job.

The 57-year old Italian tactician was recently appointed to lead the Blue Samurai, taking the reins from Takeshi Okada, and said it was not a tough decision once Japan Football Association technical director Hiromi Hara offered him the role.

"I accepted it in a flash," Zaccheroni told Italian daily Corriere della Sera.

"These national team players will not be satisfied with themselves [after the World Cup], they can surely improve. I have a desire for both myself and the players to grow.”

Zaccheroni added that it would work out well as most of the national team players are plying their trade in the local J-League.

"Japan only have eight players playing in Europe so I won't be going back and forth to Italy. I plan to live in Japan,” he added.