Hajime Moriyasu, the head coach of the Japanese national football team, has reportedly set his sights on a future in European club management rather than taking on another national team role, specifically dismissing recent links to the Malaysian national side. His ambition is to become the first Japanese coach to lead a professional club within Europe.
Sources, including the New Straits Times, indicate that Moriyasu’s current contract with the ‘Blue Samurai’ is set to conclude on February 28, 2027. Following this, his primary objective is to transition into the European club scene. This preference stems from a desire for daily involvement in club operations, a sentiment echoed by Japanese publications such as Nikkan Gendai and Sakanowa, which reported that coaching another national team, particularly one in Southeast Asia, is not his preferred career path. Moriyasu reportedly values the consistent engagement offered by club management over the periodic duties of a national team coach.
Representatives for Hajime Moriyasu have officially denied recent allegations that the Malaysian Football Federation (FAM) had made contact regarding the 2030 World Cup qualifiers. They reaffirmed Moriyasu’s clear intention to pursue opportunities in Europe once his tenure with the Japan Football Association concludes.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian national team currently operates under the guidance of interim manager Tan Cheng Hoe. He returned to lead the squad in June following the unexpected departure of Peter Cklamovski, who left to take up a coaching position with Salford City in England’s third tier. The Malaysian Football Federation is actively seeking a long-term solution to solidify the team’s structure, enhance stability, and restore its competitive edge after what has been acknowledged as a challenging period.
