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Youngest J-League Coach Takes Charge in Hokkaido

HOKKAIDO, Aug 14 (News On Japan) - Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, which decided to change coaches mid-season, held its first training session under new head coach Shingo Shibata, 40, as it begins its push to return to the J1 league within a year.

Despite setting a return to the top division as its highest priority, the club has been languishing in 10th place in the J2 standings.

The club announced the termination of its contract with former head coach Daiki Iwamasa, and has now started anew under Shibata’s leadership. Born in Tokyo, Shibata played as a defender for Consadole for two seasons from 2008 before retiring. Since 2011, he has been coaching the club’s youth teams.

The new regime’s first match will be at home on August 16th against Blaublitz Akita. With just 13 matches remaining, the fight for promotion will be entrusted to the youngest head coach in the J.League.

Source: 北海道ニュースUHB

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