After spending the last couple of years coaching RCD Espanyol, Javier Aguirre was introduced today as the new head coach of the Japanese National Team. Having coached Mexico in two World Cups (2002 and 2010), Aguirre will substitute Alberto Zaccheroni as the main man for the Samurai Blue squad.
On why he accepted to coach the Japanese Aguirre told the local press:
“The Japanese Federation were very interested due to my previous experience. After the World Cup in South Africa we tried to work something out, but it couldn’t be done. I’m really excited on getting back to work, and I hope to live up to the challenge, which is most definitely, one of the biggest in my coaching career”.
In the curious element of the press conference, Aguirre had to clarify the local press how his name was pronounced. “My name is Aguirre”, being emphatic with the double “r” in his last name.
“El Vasco” will make his debut on September 5th in a friendly match against Uruguay. The first official tournament for the Japanese with Aguirre will be the Asian Cup of Nations on 2015, which will be held in Australia.
