The task of SD/TD is to continuously develop the team. To create the mechanisms (systems, people, organisational culture) for this. On top of that, the team must achieve results. (This order of priority is important)
[Responsibility borne by the club].
The responsibility that Urawa Reds bears as a club is to be proud of Urawa and always aim to be No.1 in Asia. And to always continue to fight on the world stage with PRIDE OF URAWA. As a team, as individuals and as a club, we must be at the top of Asia in every aspect and always aim to be at the top.
[Reflection as an individual].
It is positive that we have continued to try new things as individuals and as a club (innovation) while maintaining respect for the club's history and emblem (tradition).
On the other hand, I have always felt myself inadequate as a director.
Last year's (2023) ACL final, especially away. And the FIFA Club World Cup at the end of the year against Manchester City. I strongly desired to make a team (club) that could continue to fight on that kind of world stage. At the same time, I could not imagine how to fill the gap with the current situation.
I strongly felt that I still lacked some personal competence, perspective and Vision.
The club has many challenges, but it has the ambition to overcome them and grow, and the responsibility to lead the industry as a leading club in Asia.
On the other hand, as a club that needs short-term results, we have to meet those expectations, and we have and will continue to tackle the difficulty of solving multiple simultaneous equations.
About my decision.
Leaving is more difficult than getting a high position job.
In the case of SD/TDs, as noted in the section on roles, it is not a case of 'good enough' because they have some good results and 'not good enough' because they do not have good results. I have always believed that it is best if the team is in the process of growing and can hand over to the next person.
Mr. Horinouchi is the right person for the next Urawa Reds SD. Considering his age, I can say that it is probably too late for him to take over. It is not a bad idea to gain experience under me, but there is a big difference in the amount of experience between the top and number two positions. I want Mr. Horinouchi to gain good experience quickly so that he can become a representative SD in Japan and Asia, and he must also go through trials and errors. I want everyone who supports the club and the team to support him and watch over him from that perspective.
SD/TDs of the future need to work not only with team building, but also in close cooperation and mutual understanding with club management. To do this, they need to verbalise and visualise what is happening on and off the pitch, share it with management, evaluate teams and people from a subjective, objective, managerial perspective, and have better decision-makings. In addition, competition for talent will intensify as the market for professional football human resources (players, coaches, team staff, SD/TDs, etc.) is incorporated into the global market through the seasonal transitions planned in 2026 Summer. The J-League and its clubs will have to jump into this global competition. What preparations can be made now will greatly affect the clubs in five or ten years' time.
When I looked over the growth of the club, my growth as individual and the development of the industry, I decided that now is the best and last time to do so in all aspects, and I had a careful conversation with the club, made a decision and decided to act on it.
As for my future, I understand that whatever path I take, it will be even thornier than now.
I hope that my future challenges will expand the possibilities in the next generation of SD/TD careers and contribute to the development of the industry.
★ ★ ★
My speech at the last team meeting (28 June 2024)
First of all, thanks. I am sincerely grateful that they accepted me to fulfil the full term of my contract for about three months after announcement of stepping down from the director. It has been an intense and valuable time.
What I want to say. Nothing has changed in terms of the concept we have set out, the direction of football and the things we are aiming for. We have put in place a structure that allows us to do this and I think still we have plenty of potential and possibility this season. It is important that we continue to work towards our goals as a club without wavering. I am so sure we can still achieve it.
One thing I would like to ask everyone (all players and staff). If you have any doubts or small questions, I would like you to talk directly with the person concerned. The manager, the SD and all the team staff have the capacity to do so. Don't swallow it, don't take it home, don't take time out to have a direct (gut) dialogue. Resolve or acknowledge differences. I think this is one of the club values [sincerity], and loyalty to the team, which Matthias says over and over again. By doing so, the team can reach a higher level.
Finally, my future. In this year I will work and learn about the global player transfer market, club management and team management, and I hope to make an announcement about 2025 and beyond as soon as I have decided.
