Last in the first division, Vissel Kobe who does not appreciate the use of the Barcelona legend has dismissed his coach Miguel Angel Lotina.
Vissel Kobe, the Japanese club of veteran Spain’s Andres Iniesta, sacked coach Miguel Angel Lotina on Wednesday just three months after his arrival, a move over disagreements over the use of the ex-Barcelona star, according to Japanese media. .
Vissel Kobe, bottom of Japan’s top flight with just 11 points from 18 appearances, faces relegation in what would be a first in Iniesta’s career. Lotina had arrived in early April to redress the situation but could only pick up seven points from nine matches.
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Takayuki Yoshida returns for the 3rd time
According to the Japanese press, the Spanish coach, who experienced relegation with five different clubs in his country, is at odds with Vissel Kobe officials over how best to use the 38-year-old Iniesta. Even though he has fielded the former Barcelona man for the past seven meetings, Lotina has ditched the Barca-inspired passing game for a more counterattack-focused strategy and he wouldn’t agree on the timing of the game either. game to award Iniesta.
Club officials fear Iniesta’s departure in the event of relegation. Arrived at Vissel Kobe in 2018, he extended his contract for two years in May 2021. He has so far won only one title with the Japanese team, the Emperor’s Cup in 2019.
Lotina has been replaced by the Japanese Takayuki Yoshida, who takes over this position for the third time.