Zaccheroni steps down as Japan coach

In a press conference with Japanese Football Association president Daini Kuniya on Wednesday, Zaccheroni said: "These have been four extraordinary years but it is now time for a change."

He admitted full responsibility for Japan's failure to get out of Group C but said he would do it all again just the same way if he had the chance. 

In an emotional goodbye at Japan's Itu base camp. He said: "I would select exactly the same players and staff if I had another chance.

"I have offered my thanks to all the people that have supported the team in my time as coach. I am the one that decided the tactics and how we play and I want to take full responsibility."

The 61-year-old, who joined Japan in 2010, became the second Italian coach to leave his post this World Cup after Cesare Prandelli vacated his position as Italy coach on Tuesday.  

Despite his failure to deliver with the Blue Samurai, Zaccheroni's reputation does not appear to have been damaged in his homeland where his name has even been mentioned among candidates to replace Prandelli.

Japan arrived at the tournament as Asian Cup holders and with expectations high they could reach the knock-out phase but they lost 2-1 to the Ivory Coast having had the led in the opening game.

They then drew 0-0 with Greece despite having a man extra for most the match and lost 4-1 to Colombia in their final Group game.

Of the Colombian opponents Zaccheroni said: "They are very talented. They are strong, powerful, they don't make mistakes and they nearly always take their chances."

Most agreed with that assessment of the Group C winners and there was no shame in losing to Jose Pekerman's team. But failing to beat 10-man Greece, who eventually qualified in their place, has been less easy for supporters of the Blue Samurai to accept.

Zaccheroni can still walk away from the Japan job with his head held high. Under-performing stars such as Shinji Kagawa, who Zaccheroni dropped for the second game against Greece, have been blamed for the failure to reach the knock-out stages as much as the coach.

And there is affection for the Italian who admitted after the defeat to Colombia: "I can't put into words how good my time has been in Japan. It has been an incredible experience."

As one of only two coaches to have coached Juventus, Milan and Inter in Serie A - Giovanni Trapattoni is the only other - Zaccheroni's repuatation in Italy remains intact.

Two years ago he could have taken over the Italy side if Prandelli had stepped down after the European Championships in 2012, as many thought he would.

Now in the wake of Prandelli's resignation, Zaccheroni's name has been mentioned again in the list of possible replacements although most supporters favour a younger candidate.

Favourites for the job are Roberto Mancini, Luciano Spalletti and Massimilliano Allegri but Arrigo Sacchi likes Zaccheroni and he is understood to have advised likely kingmaker Demetrio Albertini over who should step-in.