BREAKING NEWS: Former Chelsea and England manager lands shock new managerial role.
In a surprise move, former Chelsea and England assistant coach Steve Holland has been appointed as the new manager of Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos. Holland, 54, takes over the reins from interim coach John Hutchison, who stepped in after Harry Kewell’s departure in July following a string of disappointing results.
Holland’s appointment marks a significant milestone in his career, as he returns to management for the first time since his brief stint as Crewe Alexandra’s manager in the 2007-08 season. Since then, he has spent most of his career as an assistant coach, working with some of the biggest names in the sport.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Holland expressed his excitement and ambition for the new role. “Our challenge is to win the title again,” he declared. “We will play aggressive attacking football. We want to build a team that can compete for the title with consistency and high competitiveness.”
Marinos, who finished ninth in the recently completed J.League season, 20 points behind champions Vissel Kobe, will be looking to Holland to revive their fortunes. The club’s last title win was in 2022 under Australian coach Kevin Muscat, and Holland will be determined to bring success back to the team.
Holland’s experience and credentials make him an attractive appointment for Marinos. After a successful spell as an assistant coach at Chelsea, he linked up with Gareth Southgate to work with England’s under-21 team before the pair took over the senior national team in 2016. As England’s assistant coach, Holland played a crucial role in the team’s success, helping them reach the final of the Euros in both 2021 and 2024, as well as the World Cup semi-finals in Russia in 2018.
Holland’s appointment is a significant coup for Marinos, and the club will be hoping that his experience and expertise will help them return to the top of Japanese football. With his emphasis on aggressive attacking football and building a competitive team, Holland is likely to bring an exciting brand of football to the club.
As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, Holland will be aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Marinos face stiff competition in the J.League, and the team will need to be at their best to compete with the likes of Vissel Kobe and other top teams. However, with Holland at the helm, the club will be hoping that his experience and tactical acumen will give them the edge they need to succeed.
The appointment of Steve Holland as Marinos’ new manager is a significant development in Japanese football, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how he fares in his new role. With his impressive credentials and experience, Holland is well-equipped to bring success to the club, and his emphasis on attacking football will likely make for an exciting season ahead.
