Avispa Fukuoka announced that it will appoint Jofuku Hiroshi (城福浩) as its new manager as it seeks to remain in J1. The circumstances behind the appointment and expectations for a defensive overhaul were discussed at the appointment press conference.
Avispa Fukuoka announced on the 11th that Jofuku Hiroshi (城福浩) had been appointed as its new manager. The appointment press conference was held at Island City Forum in Fukuoka, with Representative Director and President Nishino Tsutomu (西野努) and Director of Football Yanagida Nobuaki (柳田伸明) in attendance.
President Nishino Tsutomu (西野努) said that remaining in J1 this season was the club's top priority and that, by appointing Jofuku Hiroshi (城福浩), the club would "give everything we have so that we can all finish the season with smiles next June." Director of Football Yanagida Nobuaki (柳田伸明) explained that Jofuku Hiroshi (城福浩) had been appointed to address the team's defensive issues in light of the recent increase in goals conceded.
Director of Football Yanagida Nobuaki (柳田伸明) also stressed the need for a coach capable of demonstrating the team's current style of play, and said he hoped Jofuku Hiroshi (城福浩) would rebuild the elements of a "strong defense and fast attack" and express an aggressive style in both attack and defense on the pitch.
Comments from Jofuku Hiroshi (城福浩) himself at the press conference were covered in a separate article. The club indicated that it would focus on balancing attack and defense and bringing out the best in its players.