Osim says return to coaching 'risky'

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(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-10-22 16:20

TOKYO - Former Japan coach Ivica Osim has made a full recovery from a life-threatening stroke but the 67-year-old believes a return to management would be risky.

Former Japan's head coach Ivica Osim from Bosnia arrives at the soccer stadium before a friendly soccer match between Japan and Bosnia in Tokyo January 30, 2008. [Agencies]

Osim has been linked with a move to J-League club Consadole Sapporo less than a year after collapsing at his home and falling into a coma.

However the Bosnian, who arrived in Japan on Wednesday to consult physicians over his rehabilitation, said a return to coaching was still a long shot.

"I would like to coach again but the doctors probably wouldn't agree to it," he told reporters at Narita airport. "It would be a high risk for me and for my family."

Walking without the aid of crutches, Osim added: "It's nice to be back in Japan healthy again. I've missed Japan since I have been away."

Sapporo officials told Reuters on Wednesday that there had been no decision on who would be in charge next season after the side's relegation from the first division this year.

Osim was replaced as Japan coach by Takeshi Okada in December but holds an advisory role with the Japan Football Association.

The Bosnian has refused to rule out a return to management since his recovery but said earlier this year he did not want to "die on the bench."

Osim was unable to watch Japan's penalty shootout against Australia in last year's Asian Cup quarter-finals, disappearing down the tunnel after extra time.

He admitted after the game he had feared he would have a heart attack and a few months later suffered a serious stroke at his Japan home while watching soccer on television.