Japan

At the start of the J2 2021 season, Montedio Yamagata were one point above the relegation zone and had just two wins from their first ten games. Following a 3-1 loss with V-Varen Nagasaki on the 21st April, it was announced that then manager, Kiyotaka Ishimaru had been dismissed from his job due to poor performances and results. Just 9 days later, it was announced that former Australia, Yokohama F Marinos Assistant Manager and ex-Shimizu S-Pulse manager, Peter Cklamovksi, was to take over at Montedio Yamagata. Despite the situation the club were in, Cklamovski revelled in the challenge.

Background

Background

If you are not following @JSoccerMagazine or @JLeagueShirts on twitter then you are really missing out. The accounts are run by Alan Gibson, an Englishman who has lives in Japan and has lived and worked in various countries such as Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore and Australia.

‪Kyogo Furuhashi is undoubtedly an incredibly talented player and likely to be one of Japan's best players and potential exports. 

In recent years it is hard to ignore the strong Japanese contingent heading overseas to start their European football careers in Belgium. The Belgian Pro League has proven to be a brilliant  starting ground for these players, allowing them to settle into an environment which nurtures them and allows them to grow.