Tokyo: Asako Takakura has become the first ever female manager of the Japan women’s national football team after the JFA (Japan Football Association) appointed the four-time AFC Women’s Coach of the Year as successor to long-serving Nadeshiko coach Norio Sasaki.
Sasaki had been at the helm of Japan senior women’s squad since stepping up from the Under 20s in 2006 and lead the Nadeshiko to two FIFA Women’s World Cup finals; two EAFF (East Asian Football Federation) Championships; an Olympic games silver medal; and Japan’s first AFC Women’s Asian Cup triumph.
But the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup winner’s successful tenure came to an end after Japan failed to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics prompting the JFA to turn to the vastly-experienced Takakura as the Nadeshiko looks to rebuild ahead of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the following year’s Olympic games on home soil.
“It had to be her,” JFA President Kozo Tashima told reporters at the announcement of the appointment of the 48-year-old former midfielder, who played at two Women’s World Cup finals on route to making 79 appearances for her country.
“Let me make it clear that we didn’t pick her because she is a woman. It could have been a foreigner or Japanese, male or female. She simply is the most qualified for the position. She had that kind of ability.”
Takakura’s coaching ability has seen her named the continent’s best every year since 2012. She was presented with her fourth consecutive AFC Women’s Coach of the Year award last year in New Delhi (pictured), having led Japan to the 2015 AFC Women’s U-19 Championship.
Takakura had earned a hat-trick of AFC Women’s Coach of the Year awards for her sterling work with the Japanese U-16 women’s team and the side that won the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and it is hoped that her experience coaching and developing players at various age group levels will contribute to rebuilding the Nadeshiko.
“My name had already been mentioned by the media when I was offered the job, and I was thinking what a great opportunity it would be if it came my way,” Takakura was quoted as saying by the Japan Times.
“It’s an honour and I’m fully aware this is no easy job, but I told them I wanted to take this on without hesitation.
“I want to adopt a style that only Japanese can play. When Japan won the 2011 World Cup in Germany, that team took full advantage of their qualities. I’ve been involved in player development for a long time and I know there are a lot of good, young players.
“I want to make Nadeshiko strong again.”
Photo: AFP
Source: the-afc.com