As Japan’s players burst into tears after losing to Brazil in the 96th minute of their last-32 match to make it five losses in five World Cup knockout games, a pundit on British television neatly summed it up. “It’s heartbreaking for Japan,” he said. “As a nation, they just feel they have to break through this barrier and now they have to wait another four years to do that but that’s the World Cup. The great teams find a way to win and that’s where Japan need to get to.”
That pundit was Ange Postecoglou, and now, Asia’s No 1 team need him to not just talk the talk but walk the nation to the top level of the global game. The federation in Tokyo should do all they can to get his signature on a lengthy contract as he is going to be in demand this summer. As last season progressed at Tottenham Hotspur and the drop became closer, the previous campaign under Postecoglou – with no danger of relegation and a major European trophy – looked better and better. Now, as teams head home from the World Cup earlier than they would like, the Australian’s brand of football, and more importantly, the mentality and attitude that come with it, seems more attractive than ever.
Scotland have been linked to the available manager. Reports have suggested wage demands make it difficult but it is unlikely that the job would appeal to Postecoglou. But there is another country where the 60-year-old has worked to even more impressive effect than Scotland and which, all respect to fans of the Tartan Army, has a deeper talent pool and a much higher ceiling.
Who wouldn’t be excited about Japan and Postecoglou getting together? Old rivals South Korea, perhaps. The Taeguk Warriors would also be a good fit for the former Celtic boss with the under-fire KFA inviting applications for the vacant head coach position for the next month. But most would see the Japan option as a journey not to miss.
It makes sense especially after three-and-a-half years at Yokohama F. Marinos, who he led to a memorable J.League championship in his second season, the club’s first in 15 years. Along the way, “Angeball” changed not only the style and the attitude of the club, but the league too. Knowing the teams and players is a big plus. Knowing the country’s culture is bigger.
However, there are obstacles. Hajime Moriyasu has been head coach of the Samurai Blue since 2018 and, in that time, the team has become feared in Asia and respected around the world. But there is a sense that the former international has taken his homeland as far as he can, and debate over whether he should stay. It is surely time, however, for a new, though familiar, face.
The main criticism of Moriyasu is overcautiousness against top teams. After an excellent first half against Brazil, Japan sat back to protect the one-goal lead – something that Postecoglou had implored them not to do when speaking on ITV at half-time – and ended up paying the price. The Australian had already been frustrated with Japan’s 2-2 draw against the Netherlands when he felt that they only started playing after going behind.
“Do that from the beginning,” Postecoglou said. “They are capable of much more than what they showed today and they can be a lot more brave. It’s my frustration that every time Japan went a goal down, all of a sudden you saw the capabilities they have, [they were] a lot more positive on the ball. They’re very risk-averse; they won’t take the game to the opposition, even though they have the quality to do so.”
With him in charge, they would. Japan’s toughest opponent seems to be themselves. Their first World Cup knockout defeat was in 2002 against Turkey. In 2010 there was a goalless draw and a penalty shootout loss against a limited Paraguay team. The last two were more annoying as Japan took the lead in both. First they blew a two-goal advantage against Belgium in 2018 to lose 3-2, and in Qatar 2022 were ahead against Croatia before crashing out on penalties.
Japan have the talent, the team and the tactical nous to beat the best but lack the belief against the very best. The Aussie boss is all about playing on the front foot and taking the game to the opposition, no matter who that is. It is exactly what the Samurai Blue need and the players, most of whom play club football at the highest level, would surely respond.
The first test would be the Asian Cup in January, a competition that Postecoglou won in 2015 with Australia. But Japan don’t need the former Spurs boss to become the best in Asia, they’re already there. The challenge is to gain entry into the world’s elite. Postecoglou would help kick down the door.
