Japan boss accepts ‘reality’ as Asian Cup shift muddies departure
The Asian Football Confederation said the tournament in Saudi Arabia would be postponed by nearly a year due to 'exceptional circumstances' following Houthi attacks on the host nation.
Japan's head coach Hajime Moriyasu has accepted the current reality following the Asian Cup's postponement from January to December 2027 due to exceptional circumstances. The Asian Football Confederation cited Houthi attacks on the host country as the reason for the significant shift in dates. Moriyasu, who was initially set to lead Japan at the tournament, will now hand over to Under-23 coach Go Oiwa.
However, it appears Moriyasu's tenure may end by the end of this year. The Japan Football Association's technical director, Masakuni Yamamoto, declined to provide further details as Moriyasu announced his squad for friendlies against Brazil and Paraguay in Singapore. Despite the postponement, Moriyasu maintains that the development of Japanese football is more important than his own situation.
He emphasized that the seven games in the Asian Cup would not have been lost regardless of the tournament's cancellation. Moriyasu chose his squad with a focus on the immediate future, citing the upcoming matches against Brazil and Paraguay.
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- Japan boss accepts ‘reality’ as Asian Cup shift muddies departure freemalaysiatoday.com
- Japan boss accepts 'reality' as Asian Cup shift muddies departure sports.yahoo.com
- Japan boss accepts 'reality' as Asian Cup shift muddies departure nst.com.my
