Celtic icon Shunsuke Nakamura takes up World Cup role

TL;DR

Shunsuke Nakamura, the Celtic icon, has joined Japan's national team as an assistant coach ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

Key points

Shunsuke Nakamura joins Japan's national team coaching staff
He takes on the role of assistant coach
Nakamura is preparing for the upcoming World Cup

Mentioned in this story

Shunsuke NakamuraJapan national team

Celtic icon Shunsuke Nakamura takes up World Cup role

Celtic icon Shunsuke Nakamura has taken up a new role with Japan’s national side, joining the coaching staff as an assistant ahead of this summer’s World Cup…

Shunsuke Nakamura of Celtic during the Scottish Premier League match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox on May 9, 2009. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

The 46-year-old recently departed Yokohama FC, where he held his first managerial position, and has now linked up with head coach Hajime Moriyasu as the national team continues its preparations for the tournament.

Japan – heading to their eighth consecutive World Cup – will look to benefit from Nakamura’s experience under Moriyasu’s management. Naka will now be coaching current Celtic winger Daizen Maeda.

Speaking via the Samurai Blue’s official website, Nakamura said: “I am delighted to announce that I have been appointed as a member of the coaching staff for the Japan national team.”

“I gave careful consideration to the impact my involvement might have at this crucial stage, with the World Cup finals just around the corner; however, after receiving a passionate and encouraging message from manager Moriyasu, I decided to accept the role.”