After Moriyasu Japan, is Iniesta Japan? Consider acquiring a leader license → Expectations will explode someday
Dec 17, 2024
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Japan's Tokyo Sports Web shed light on the possibility of Iniesta leading the Japanese national team on the 16th, saying 'The possibility of the birth of Iniesta Japan'
Iniesta played his retirement game at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo on the 15th. Called "El Clasico in Tokyo", the game was attended by a large number of retired star players who played for Barcelona and the Real Madrid in the past. Since leaving Barcelona, Iniesta has played for Vissel Kobe in the J-League for more than five years and chose Japan as his second stage. They are retired players, but thanks to Iniesta, it has drawn tremendous attention that such games will take place in Japan.
Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, Rivaldo and Rafael Marquez played as Barcelona players, while Iker Casillas, Fabio Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos and Ivan Campo won 2-1 this game.
After the game, Iniesta said, "Hello, everyone. Thank you," he said in Japanese. Iniesta said "I'm so happy to be back in Japan, a special place where I've spent many years. I thank the Real Madrid players for playing with me, and I am grateful to share this moment with my Japanese fans. I'll never forget it," he said.
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Tokyo Sports Web said 'As expectations rose early on for Iniesta's birth, some senior members of the Japanese national team said that Iniesta has deep thoughts about Japan, so he seems to be able to work in Kobe in the future, and that if the timing is right, he may be able to coach the Japanese national team someday.'"
He then expressed his expectations, saying, `Although Barcelona and other countries around the world will show interest, it would not be nonsense to see Iniesta, who said Japan is home, leading the Japanese national team on the World Cup stage.'
The Japanese national team is currently led by coach Hajime Moriyasu, and he will lead the Japanese national team until the 2026 World Cup by renewing his contract in December 2022. If Iniesta shows his capabilities as a coach within the next two years, he can lead the Japanese national team after Moriyasu. However, it is unclear whether he will be able to take over the national team as soon as possible because he has no experience as a coach yet and the acquisition of a license should be done first.
digh1229@sportschosun.com
