Japan boss accepts 'reality' as Asian Cup shift muddies departure

Tokyo, Japan - Japan's national team coach Hajime Moriyasu accepted the reality of his potential departure after the Asian Cup's January to December rescheduling likely ended his last chance for silverware before retiring. The Asian Football Confederation announced the tournament's delay due to exceptional circumstances in the region following Houthi attacks on the Saudi Arabia host country.

Moriyasu was set to lead Japan in the early next year tournament before stepping down, but now may leave at the end of this year. Japan Football Association technical director Masakuni Yamamoto provided no clarification on the situation as Moriyasu named his squad for friendlies against Brazil and Paraguay in Singapore. Moriyasu, Japan's longest-serving coach, emphasized that the country's football development is more important than his personal circumstances.

He stated that if the Asian Cup were held, he would have given his best to win the title, but it wouldn't have been lost if the tournament didn't happen. The Asian Cup rescheduling may provide an opportunity for the new management team to benefit from the upcoming World Cup. Japan's previous match against Brazil, in October last year, marked their first friendly victory against South American opposition.