Sagan Tosu's Coach Supports Argentina in World Cup Final Despite Spanish Ties
Sagan Tosu's Unique Connection to Spain
Sagan Tosu FC, a prominent football club in Japan, has a notable link to Spain, having had FIFA World Cup champion Fernando Torres play for them during the 2018-19 season. As the FIFA World Cup final approaches, with Spain set to face Argentina, Takuma Hidaka, the youth team coach at Sagan Tosu, has expressed his support for Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, to win their second consecutive title on July 20.
Coach's Preference for Messi
Despite the club's Spanish heritage, Hidaka has voiced his desire to see Messi lift the trophy again. 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 win the World Cup again."
Argentina has also contributed significantly to the J-League, with several stars like Sergio Batista, Pedro Pasculli, Hector Enrique, and Diego Maradona's brother, Hugo, having played in Japan.
Fernando Torres' Influence at Sagan Tosu
Reflecting on Torres' time with the club, Hidaka noted that the former Spanish striker was actively involved at the academy level, engaging with young players and coaching staff. "He was very supportive and interacted frequently with the youth team, which was greatly appreciated by everyone involved," he remarked.
Japan's World Cup Aspirations
Japan continues to face challenges in advancing beyond the round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup, having recently exited in the round of 32 after a defeat to Brazil. Despite previous appearances in the knockout stages, the national team is determined to improve and acknowledges the need to compete against physically stronger opponents.
Hidaka emphasized that at the club level, efforts are being made to help Japan overcome its historical hurdles in the World Cup. He stated, "Japan has shown its maximum potential at this point, and we are focused on becoming more competitive in the future."
Commitment to Development
Discussing the evolution of Japanese football, particularly at the grassroots and J-League levels, Hidaka highlighted the commitment to hard work. "At Sagan Tosu, we prioritize hard work, and we are beginning to see positive results. I believe the entire country is dedicated to giving its all to the sport," he added.
Insights from the Bengaluru FC Match
After a 2-0 loss to Bengaluru FC's youth team, Hidaka praised the Indian players and acknowledged the challenges his team faced. He noted, "The match was intense from the start, but we made two critical mistakes that led to goals. We need to improve our preparation for future games."
He concluded by commending Bengaluru FC, stating, "They were an excellent team, and there were many learning opportunities for our players. This match was beneficial for both teams."