Hajime Moriyasu vs Carlo Ancelotti: Kodai Sano 🇯🇵 and Rayan 🇧🇷 .
One of Hajime Moriyasu’s biggest shortcomings is how long it takes him to integrate new players into Japan’s national team (especially young ones).
Kodai Sano needed more than two impressive seasons in the Dutch Eredivisie 🇳🇱 before Moriyasu finally handed him his international debut. Even then, he was integrated too late to make the World Cup squad, despite playing a major role in helping his club qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
By contrast, Rayan (three years younger) was called up to Brazil’s national team by Carlo Ancelotti after just half a strong season with Bournemouth 🏴.
Yesterday, Rayan created the chance that led to Brazil’s winner against Japan.
This contrast says a lot.
Moriyasu often prioritizes hierarchy, continuity, and seniority over form, timing, and immediate impact. His approach can feel more like that of a club manager who believes he has months to slowly integrate players.
However, international football moves much faster. The windows are shorter, the margins are thinner, and form matters more. National team managers must identify momentum early and act before the moment passes.