Former Japan coach Troussier eyes move to lead women's national team

Philippe Troussier, the former coach who guided Japan's men's national football team to the 2002 World Cup, has revealed a surprising ambition: to coach the Japanese women's national team. In a recent interview with Yahoo Japan, the 70-year-old strategist, who has spent the last three years in retirement in France managing his own wine brand, expressed his interest in the burgeoning field of women's football.

"The men's national team of Japan is very strong, but I am also interested in your women's team," Troussier stated. "Women's football is developing strongly in countries around the world. I believe there are many female players in Japan who can meet those tactical standards and demands. If I have the opportunity, I want to use the experience I have gained so far to lead the Japanese women's national team."

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The men's national team of Japan is very strong, but I am also interested in your women's team. Women's football is developing strongly in countries around the world. I believe there are many female players in Japan who can meet those tactical standards and demands. If I have the opportunity, I want to use the experience I have gained so far to lead the Japanese women's national team.

Troussier's comments come after his departure from coaching the Vietnam national team, where he was dismissed following disappointing results in the 2023 Asian Cup and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Despite this recent setback, he remains a respected figure among Japanese football fans. He also offered his outlook on the men's team's prospects for the 2026 World Cup, predicting they could advance past the group stage and potentially reach the quarterfinals.

"Japan's chances with the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia in Group F are equal. And that means every match will be fierce," he said. "I still believe Japan can get past the group stage. Their strengths are their organizational ability and quick counter-attacks. Even under high pressure, the Japanese team remains calm enough to pass the ball and break down opponents' formations. The toughest match will be against the Netherlands. Japan trying to draw is realistic. I hope they can beat Sweden and Tunisia. And I also hope Japan reaches the top 8 of the 2026 World Cup."

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Japan's chances with the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia in Group F are equal. And that means every match will be fierce. I still believe Japan can get past the group stage. Their strengths are their organizational ability and quick counter-attacks. Even under high pressure, the Japanese team remains calm enough to pass the ball and break down opponents' formations. The toughest match will be against the Netherlands. Japan trying to draw is realistic. I hope they can beat Sweden and Tunisia. And I also hope Japan reaches the top 8 of the 2026 World Cup.