World Cup coach Takeshi Okada will definitely not be returning for another run with the national team, the Japan Football Association said Monday.
Asked if there was a chance Okada could stay on as manager as the JFA struggles to sign a successor, vice president Kuniya Daini answered with a flat-out "No."
Daini, though, did admit the search for a new coach has not gone according to plan. Former Porto coach Victor Fernandez is said to be the front-runner, although the JFA has not mentioned any names.
"We're having a hard time reaching an agreement. It's going to take a little more time," Daini said. "We never expected it would take this long."
Japan plays Paraguay in a Sept. 4 friendly at Nissan Stadium in a rematch of the second round of this summer's World Cup. Japan lost on penalties after a 0-0 draw over 120 minutes.