Sagan Tosu's Coach Backs Argentina and Reflects on Japanese Football's Growth

Sagan Tosu's Unique Connection to Spain and World Cup Aspirations

Saga, Japan - Sagan Tosu FC, a prominent football club in Japan, boasts a special link to Spain, having had FIFA World Cup champion Fernando Torres play for them during the 2018-19 season. As the anticipation builds for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, Takuma Hidaka, the youth team coach at Sagan Tosu, has expressed his support for Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, to secure a consecutive title on July 20.

The relationship between Spain and Japanese football is rich, with notable players like Andres Iniesta, Fernando Torres, David Villa, and Juan Mata having graced various J-League teams over the years. Despite this connection, Hidaka is rooting for Messi to lift the trophy again, highlighting his personal preference ahead of the final.

In a conversation following a match against Bengaluru FC during the Reliance Foundation Development Tour in Japan, he stated, "Personally, I would love to see Messi lift the World Cup again."

Argentina has also contributed significantly to the J-League, with legends such as Sergio Batista, Pedro Pasculli, Hector Enrique, and Diego Maradona's brother, Hugo, having played in Japan.

Reflecting on Torres' time with Sagan Tosu, Hidaka noted that the former striker was actively involved at the academy level, engaging with young players and coaches, which was greatly appreciated.

"During his time here, he frequently visited the academy, interacting with the youth team and coaching staff, and everyone valued the support from such a prominent figure," he remarked.

Despite the influx of international talent and the experience of world champion teams, Japan continues to face challenges in advancing past the round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup. The team recently exited in the round of 32 after a defeat to Brazil, having previously reached the pre-quarters in two earlier tournaments. The Japanese football community remains committed to improvement while recognizing the hurdles posed by more physically dominant opponents.

Hidaka emphasized that at the club level, efforts are underway to help Japan overcome its historical limitations in the World Cup. He stated, "What Japan has demonstrated in the World Cup reflects our current capabilities. We have shown our best strength, but moving beyond this point will be quite challenging."

He acknowledged the difficulties of competing against naturally stronger and more explosive players, indicating that this will be a primary focus for the future of Japanese football.

Discussing the evolution of Japanese football from the J-League to grassroots initiatives, Hidaka expressed optimism about the sport's growth, particularly at Sagan Tosu. He noted, "While I can't speak for all of Japan, at Sagan Tosu, hard work is a core value, and we are beginning to see positive results. The entire country is also prioritizing a full commitment to the sport."

In a recent match against Bengaluru FC's youth team, which ended in a 2-0 loss for Sagan Tosu, Hidaka praised the Indian players and acknowledged the challenges his team faced. He expressed satisfaction with the learning opportunities presented by the match.

"The game started with high intensity from both sides. We conceded two goals due to goalkeeper errors, and I believe we need to improve our preparation for future matches," he commented. "Bengaluru FC was an excellent team, and there were many learning moments for our players. I am thankful that this match was beneficial for both teams."