Football News

Japan appoint Javier Aguirre as new manager

Japan appoint Javier Aguirre as new manager


Javier Aguirre news

Aguirre confirmed Japan coach
Football Transfer Centre

Mexican coach Javier Aguirre has been appointed the new Japan manager. The 55-year-old has signed a long term deal worth approximately $2.4 million per year.



After Alberto Zaccheroni stepped down as the Samurai Blue manager, the Japanese FA had been interviewing several candidates for the vacant role. Javier Aguirre appeared to be the early favourite after being contacted just two days after the World Cup finished.

Aguirre, who has had two spells coaching the Mexican national team and relatively successful stints working at Espanyol and Atletico Madrid; has brought along the relatively unknown Stuart Gelling, a former Liverpool youth coach who has spent time working with Aguirre's son Inaki. Gelling is joined by goalkeeping coach Ricardo Lopez. 

Japan will looking to defend their Asian Cup in 2015 when the tournament is hosted in Australia.