The Japan national team has missed out on recruiting Postecoglou as their new manager. Postecoglou has taken the helm at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.

What happened?

Postecoglou is the former Australia national team manager who has also managed Yokohama M, Celtic, and Tottenham. The Japan Football Association contacted Postecoglou as a potential candidate, but they struggled to match his salary demands.

Why is it important?

Postecoglou's attacking style of football would have brought a new level of excitement to the Japan national team. Mikel Nakayama said that if Postecoglou was in charge, the result of the Brazil game might have been different.

What's next?

The Japan national team is currently on a 3-game winning streak, with their last result being a 3-0 win over Bolivia on November 18, 2025. Currently, S. Machino and T. Kubo are sidelined due to injury. The failure to recruit Postecoglou is a significant blow to the Japan national team