In the following years, the former defender went on to win the J1 League with Yokohama F. Marinos before leading Shanghai Port FC to victory in the Chinese Super League as well as the Chinese FA Cup last year.

In this exclusive interview, the 51-year-old offers readers a glimpse into his storied career, influences, and approaches to fostering a positive team environment.

At the same time, with Saudi Arabia being selected as the hosts of the 2034 edition of the FIFA World Cup, AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh explores the broader question of the chances of an Asian team being crowned champions of the global showpiece which remains dominated by European and South American nations.

The publication also highlights the salient features of the AFC Elite Club Coaches Forum 2024 which was conducted virtually in September, featuring icons of the game such as Ange Postecoglou, Hernán Crespo, and Rafa Benítez. The trio traced key moments from their managerial careers while sharing insights and discussing some of the fundamental factors that define elite professional football.

The 13th edition of Coaches Circle also revisits the 3rd AFC Women’s Football Conference 2024, which took place from November 12 to 14, and witnessed experts from across the Continent gather to further enhance the women’s game, while also celebrating the various success stories of Asian teams in the recent past, most notably DPR Korea’s stellar performances at the FIFA U20 and U17 World Cups.

Additionally, it also provides updates on the various AFC projects, such as the AFC Coaching Convention, the AFC Elite Youth Scheme, and the AFC Grassroots Charter, all aimed at the continuous enhancement of football development in Asia.

Finally, the report also provides key dates of upcoming events by the AFC Technical Department, while touching upon highlights from the AFC Annual Awards Seoul 2023, offering not just technical staff members but also the many passionate fans of Asian football an opportunity to reflect on the memorable moments and milestones of the past year.

Click here to enjoy the latest edition of the Coaches Circle.