'Could the National Team Coach Be Reappointed?' After World Cup 32nd Round Exit, Flip-Flop Remarks: "We Could Have Done Better..." Japanese Manager Sparks Debate

*This content was translated by AI.

'The mood surrounding the future of the manager who has led the national team for eight years is strangely shifting. Reports have emerged that the Football Association is exploring an unusual one-year contract extension, while the manager himself has made ambiguous remarks suggesting both staying and stepping down.

On the 7th, Japanese sports specialty media 'Number Web' conducted a focused analysis of the atmosphere captured during local press conferences and broadcast interviews regarding whether Hajime Moriyasu, who returned to Japan after completing the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup schedule, would continue or relinquish his coaching duties.

The current local atmosphere stands in stark contrast to that immediately following the Qatar World Cup four years ago. At that time, Manager Moriyasu appeared on a broadcast on the day of his return and clearly expressed his intention to stay when asked if he wanted to continue as manager, answering directly: "Yes, I want to continue." At that time, Japan's national team caused a sensation by winning two games and losing one in the group stage against Spain, Germany, and Costa Rica, only to suffer a 2-3 comeback defeat against Belgium in the Round of 16.

However, this time the atmosphere is different. In the North American World Cup, Japan finished second in their group after drawing with Netherlands (2-2), Sweden (1-1), and defeating Tunisia (4-0), before suffering a 1-2 comeback defeat against Brazil in the Round of 32. Although they displayed excellent performance against the South American powerhouse, the results were ultimately inferior to the previous tournament. In an official press conference held immediately after returning on the 2nd, Manager Moriyasu evaded a direct answer when asked about his future, stating: "From now on, I will rest for a while and first properly reflect on this tournament. Nothing has been decided beyond that point."

Furthermore, Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, President of the Japan Football Association, also showed a somewhat lukewarm attitude by mentioning administrative procedures: "I cannot discuss family matters. While there were parts where Japan's strength was displayed, it is also true that we failed to secure victories."

In this context, remarks made by Manager Moriyasu on the third day after his return when he appeared on a local broadcast program lend weight to the notion that he may step down from his managerial position.

When asked about his reflections over the eight years, Manager Moriyasu stated: "At every moment, I have already done everything I could. I have continued with the mindset that it would be fine to end here while burning myself out completely every day, so I believe I have done everything thoroughly and feel refreshed."

However, Manager Moriyasu has not declared that he will completely relinquish his coaching duties. He immediately added: "I wanted better results and still believe it is possible. There are lingering regrets regarding the outcomes."

Regarding future plans, he also left room for interpretation: "Whether I remain with the national team has not yet been decided, but I want to contribute in any way possible to make Japanese football the best in the world."

Local observers in Japan believe that Manager Moriyasu, who has solidly built the team over eight years, is deeply conflicted between the Football Association's unusual condition of exploring a one-year contract extension after the World Cup and his own sense of mission. With the Asian Cup just ahead next January, it remains to be seen whether Manager Moriyasu will choose a beautiful farewell as things stand or take hold of the poisoned chalice once again.

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*This content was translated by AI.