Japan's football bosses turned their attention on Thursday to the hunt for a new coach after Alberto Zaccheroni resigned in the wake of a winless World Cup, with media reports suggesting ex-Mexico chief Javier Aguirre was in the frame.
The Japan Football Association has already started negotiations with the Mexican veteran, who led his nation to the last-16 twice in 2002 and 2010, the Sports Nippon said in its online edition.
Japan went to Brazil brimful of confidence after an easy qualifying campaign, with predictions they would reach the quarter finals and even a suggestion from talismanic forward Keisuke Honda that the Blue Samurai could win the competition.
But the Asian champions never really fired, and their best result was a spiritless 0-0 draw against Greece.
Less than 24 hours after a 4-1 walloping by Colombia, Zaccheroni fell on his sword, bringing down the curtain on a four-year reign.
Sports Nippon said despite the failure in Brazil, the team needs to stick to the path the Italian tactician put them on, emphasising speed and intensity, and is looking for a successor with a similar style.
Aguirre, 55, has a long career coaching in Europe, particularly in Spain, directing clubs such as RCD Espanyol, CA Osasuna, and Atletico Madrid.
JFA "Executive director (Hiromi) Hara, who will take command in handpicking the successor, worships the soccer in Spain, which makes Aguirre a perfect candidate," the Sports Nippon said.
The Daily Sports Online , meanwhile, reported Japan has already approached Jose Pekerman, the coach of Columbia's national team, who handed the team their drubbing on Tuesday in Cuiaba.
