Be a Japanese coach.
On December 5, 2022, Japan’s national team was eliminated from the World Cup of Shame —the one in Qatar. After defeating Germany and Spain in the group stage, they were overcome by the Croatians in a 3-1 penalty shootout.
A mix of disappointment and pride filled the Japanese nation. After the match, the Japanese team remained on the field, as downcast as they were grateful. They showed this gratitude right from the stands to the fans who had traveled all the way to Qatar, the so-called model dictatorship where the quality of its football team is as high as its commitment to human rights.
Their coach, Hajime Moriyasu, was the last member of Japan’s “whole” to leave the field. Leading by example, Moriyasu approached the section of Japanese supporters and performed a rei (礼): a bow to show gratitude and offer his apologies. Like any good leader, Hajime understood that there may be many who are guilty of the outcome, but only one who is responsible. That the leader must own everything in his world. That there is no one else to blame but oneself.
Be a Japanese coach. Be a leader as dignified and elegant as Hajime Moriyasu. But... do not ever be a Japanese assistant coach.
Adri warned me about this when he returned from a football camp he attended in Japan. I feel compelled to pass his warning along to you all. Katsutoshi, his guide, explained to him that in Japan, the role of the assistant coach is to say “yes” —bow included— to the head coach.
Taken aback Adri tried to reason with him —I imagine him suppressing a smile almost in disbelief. “But... Katsutoshi, if only one brain is thinking, that’s worse than if two were! The team would benefit much more from having two thinking brains.” But Katsu did not hesitate for a second before replying, with the calm certainty of someone merely stating a fact: “Yes, Adri. But in Japan, the role of the assistant coach is to say ‘yes’ to the head coach.”
So… try not to laugh, and remember to do not ever be a Japanese assistant coach.
However, be an assitant coach that…