Could you introduce yourself?
Hello! I am Asako Sakurabayashi, I work as technical staff (Analyst) for JEF Ichihara Chiba women's team. Before starting this job, I played in many teams as a football player. I played in Spain (Barcelona) for five years.
How did you start your football career? How did you then start your current job?
I think my start in football was largely due to the influence of my siblings. After going to Spain, I seriously started aiming to become a professional player. After leaving football, I initially worked as a company employee, but I wanted to take part in some teams as a coach or field staff. I was given the opportunity to be involved with my current club. I believe that being an analyst is a profession where I can use both the skills I developed as a company employee and the experience I gained as a football player.
What do you think of Japanese women's football? Is it developing?
I believe that the level of football is increasing day by day, not only in women's football but also in Japan. I think the establishment of the WE League was largely due to the previous generation of Japanese female football players showing a level to be competitive at the global level. However, the current situation in the WE League in terms of name recognition and attendance numbers is a bit stagnant.
What are your views on the development of Japanese women's football?
Of course, we will continue to be at a physical disadvantage compared to foreign players, but I think we will never change our style and continue to fight with our Japanese character. In this sense, the number of players currently playing at the highest level in the world is increasing, and I think these players contribute greatly to the development of women's football.
Can you specifically introduce your business to the Jef Chiba Women's team?
I am currently mainly responsible for opponent analysis for the JEF Chiba Women's team. I also give individual video feedback to the players about what I notice about their teams during matches and daily training. In practice, I am not limited to the analyst position, I am involved in training as a coach. I am very grateful to my coach and other staff for giving me such freedom in my work.
Finally, she started her career as an analyst, coach, etc. on women's football. What advice would you give to those who want to start as a professional?
I feel that in today's world of football it is becoming important to co-exist with video and data and if you have computer skills I think this can be a huge advantage. But once you start working on the business, I think the important thing is "how much improvement you make for the team". It is not a very difficult job, I think it is important to have an attitude of working as one part of the team while being in close communication with the players and technical staff.
