Makoto Hasebe, a retired Japanese football player at the age of 40, has expressed his desire to become the first Japanese coach in one of Europe’s top leagues. After playing 384 games in the German top flight with Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend, Hasebe put himself on par with Robert Lewandowski and only trailed Claudio Pizarro for Bundesliga appearances among foreign players.
Hasebe plans to obtain his coaching qualifications before taking on more senior coaching roles within Frankfurt. He will begin by coaching the under-21 second team while gaining experience across different categories. Ultimately, Hasebe’s goal is to coach Frankfurt’s first team and make history as the first Japanese coach in Europe’s top leagues. Despite being the oldest player in the Bundesliga this season, Hasebe emphasized that age is not a significant factor in his coaching aspirations.
Throughout his career, Hasebe has been invited to observe training sessions and methodologies of Bundesliga coaches, providing him with valuable insights as he embarks on this new journey. Drawing inspiration from coaches like Xabi Alonso, Hasebe is determined to reach high levels in coaching, whether in Japan or Germany. His illustrious playing career includes domestic success in Japan with Urawa Reds, Bundesliga victory with Wolfsburg, and winning the German Cup and Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt.
With accolades like the 2011 Asian Cup under his belt, Hasebe’s transition from player to coach signifies a new chapter in his football career as he sets his sights on making history as the first Japanese coach in Europe’s top leagues.
