Makoto Hasebe, the 40-year-old former Japanese national team captain and Eintracht Frankfurt player, has expressed his desire to become the first Japanese coach in one of Europe’s top leagues after retiring from his playing career. This comes after Hasebe ended his 17-season stint in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend, where he played his 384th game in the German top flight, putting him on par with Robert Lewandowski and only trailing Claudio Pizarro for Bundesliga appearances among foreign players.
Hasebe will now transition into coaching at the youth level with Frankfurt, aiming to obtain his coaching qualifications before taking on more senior coaching roles within the club. He will primarily focus on coaching the under-21 second team while gaining experience across different categories. Despite being the oldest player in the Bundesliga this season, Hasebe emphasized that age is not a significant factor in his coaching aspirations.
Reflecting on his coaching career, Hasebe mentioned that Bundesliga coaches have already invited him to observe their training sessions and methodologies, 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, with his sights set on making history as the first Japanese coach in Europe’s top leagues.
