Roger Schmidt is one of the most sought-after coaches on the European market. Since leaving Benfica Lisbon, he has repeatedly turned down offers from top clubs at home and abroad—and has now decided, at least for the time being, to stop working as a coach. The 58-year-old is taking on an advisory role in Japan.
After almost three years at Bayer Leverkusen, Roger Schmidt had become a title collector at all his foreign clubs, winning the cup in China with Beijing Guoan and in the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven, as well as the championship and Super Cup in Portugal with Benfica.
Since being released from his position in Lisbon around a year ago, he had taken a break, but now it is clear that he will not be returning to the soccer scene as a coach. Schmidt will take up the position of Global Football Advisor for the J.League on October 1.
“Not working as a club coach anymore is not a new decision for me.”
Part of this move, which came as a surprise to outsiders, had been clear to Schmidt for some time. “Not working as a club coach anymore is not a new decision for me,” he told. “Even before signing with Benfica, it was clear to me that I wanted to take a break afterwards because I wanted to have time for things outside of soccer, especially for my family.” This attitude has not changed.
Schmidt is leaving open the question of whether he will ever return to club coaching. “I have never officially announced that I will no longer be a coach, but I have always had a clear stance on this and have not reconsidered it every week. I don’t want to set myself any goals right now, but rather remain open.” He will officially set his sights on his new goal this Wednesday.
Japan wants sustainable development
The job in Japan fits in with his life plan and also represents a completely new project for him. He will initially be employed in an advisory role by the Japanese league until the end of June next year, using his expertise to help further develop the J.League.
Instead of spending big money on big stars, Japan is pursuing a different path, aiming for sustainable development: Schmidt will hold seminars for coaches and sporting directors, but will also work specifically with youth coaches and academy players on site. He says: “I was very attracted by the vision and motivation to change things.”
Schmidt will be in Japan on a regular basis over the next nine months, working with coaches and players from the youth sectors on the pitch. The project also includes trips to Europe for Japanese youth coaches.
The aim of the project is to develop from the grassroots up. Yoshikazu Nonomura, chairman of the J.League and initiator of the collaboration, hopes that new impetus will lead to sustainable development: “We are very happy and confident that Roger Schmidt will share his knowledge and experience with the J.League and the J-clubs, thereby initiating a process of development.”
