Japan coach Moriyasu stuns press conference with heartfelt thanks to Dutch football

Following a dramatic 2-2 draw between Japan and the Netherlands in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup, Japan's head coach, Hajime Moriyasu, delivered an emotional tribute to Dutch football. At the post-match press conference in Arlington, USA, Moriyasu surprised attendees by requesting additional time to speak after the main proceedings had concluded.

Moriyasu specifically addressed the Dutch journalists present, stating, "I think there are many Dutch journalists here, so I want to take this opportunity to thank the Dutch people once again." He emphasized that this gratitude was not mere politeness, but a recognition of the profound impact Dutch expertise has had on the success of contemporary Japanese football.

"I was coached by a Dutch coach, Hans Ooft. Not just me, but Japanese coaches in general were greatly influenced by him. This has contributed to the development of Japanese football as it is today," Moriyasu explained. He recalled Ooft, who managed the Japanese national team from 1992 to 1993 during the nascent stages of the J.League, as a key figure who introduced modern European coaching methods and reshaped footballing perspectives in Japan. Moriyasu, who played under Ooft for the national team, has frequently cited these lessons throughout his career.

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Tôi nghĩ ở đây có rất nhiều nhà báo Hà Lan, vì vậy tôi muốn nhân cơ hội này gửi lời cảm ơn tới người dân Hà Lan một lần nữa

Moriyasu also extended his appreciation to another Dutch football legend, Wim Jansen. "Coach Wim Jansen, who worked directly with me at Sanfrecce Hiroshima and later at Urawa Reds, also contributed greatly to Japanese football," he said. While Ooft's influence was primarily at the national team level, Jansen left a significant mark on club football. Jansen, a former Dutch international, arrived in Japan during a period of rapid football development, working with Moriyasu as a player at Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Moriyasu noted that he continued to be influenced by the Dutch philosophy emphasizing technique, organization, and spatial control.

Beyond these two prominent figures, Moriyasu acknowledged a wider network of Dutch coaches and players. "It's not just these two. Many other coaches and players have contributed to improving the level of Japanese football. That's why I want to thank..." he concluded, underscoring the deep and multifaceted relationship between Dutch and Japanese football development.

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Không chỉ có hai người đó. Còn rất nhiều HLV và cầu thủ khác đã góp phần nâng cao trình độ bóng đá Nhật Bản. Vì vậy tôi muốn gửi lời cảm ơn tớ