Troussier lacks motivation (Allsport).

By Ian Parkes, PA Sport, Sendai

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Philippe Troussier claimed a lack of motivation is the reason behind his decision to quit as Japan coach at the end of the World Cup.

Troussier has made no secret of the fact he is to step down as soon as the co-hosts exit from the tournament, a decision which has not caused too much unrest within the Japan Football Association.

The no-holds-barred Frenchman, renowned for his aggressive nature, has struggled to endear himself to his bosses and the media, partly because he still does not speak any Japanese. His press conferences have been conducted through a translator.

But there is no doubt Troussier has been a success, as he has followed his triumph in the 2000 Asian Cup by guiding Japan to the top of their World Cup group and into the last 16.

Troussier, who made his name in Africa for a decade with Burkina Faso, Nigeria and South Africa, has had enough and his sights are set on pastures new.

Although he will not readily admit it in public, he is apparently eager to take on the role as head coach of France should Roger Lemerre be sacked or resign following the champion's disastrous defence of their title.

Troussier was offered the role as Lemerre's assistant in 1998, but as he candidly admitted in a recently-published autobiography, he has no desire to be number two to anybody, seeing himself as the main man.

"Every minute we receive messages of support from the fans and I admit it is hard to break away when you know there is such a warm atmosphere," said Troussier.

"But that atmosphere and the support from the fans is not something which will make me change my mind and stay as coach of the national team.

"Four years is a long time to be in charge, so as far as I am concerned then once the World Cup is finished then I will leave.

"It will be difficult to motivate myself for a match in August against someone like the Phillippines, so it's time for a new coach to come in, for a change of blood.

"I think it is necessary for Japan to begin a new process, and I know of a lot of people who would like to have this job.

"After the World Cup I will then have a rest and think about which direction is best for me - but I know I will at least become Japan's number one fan."

Japan face Turkey on Tuesday at the Miyagi Stadium for a place in the quarter-finals, but with Troussier concerned his players are lacking motivation due to their heroic exploits.

Troussier has accused his players of showboating in the group games, and pandering to the cameras, and fears the showdown with the Turks could prove nothing more than "a circus" as a fireworks display is planned for the match finale - win or lose.

"If the public are going to treat this game as a festival then I will not worry about how the players react. If it proves to be my last day then I too will enjoy it," added Troussier, who has no injury or suspension problems.

"But I do not want my players to think that way because this World Cup is far from over for us, which is why I am trying to put the players under pressure, to get them motivated like they were at the beginning of the tournament.

"This is something I am trying to achieve because there are a lot of players going their own way. There is a lot of individualism which I need to control because we play best as a group and when we are united."