Holland Begins New Chapter in Japan After England Assistant Role

Steve Holland is relishing the opportunity to lead Yokohama F-Marinos, following his departure from the England national team setup where he worked under Gareth Southgate.

Steve Holland is set to embark on a new chapter in his managerial career, leaving behind his role as England assistant manager under Gareth Southgate. At 54, Holland is eager to step out of Southgate's shadow and forge his own path as the new manager of Japanese club Yokohama F-Marinos.

Holland's tenure as England assistant manager was marked by significant success, including two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final appearance. However, following England's defeat to Spain in the Euro final last year, both Holland and Southgate stepped down from their roles. Holland has now taken up a new challenge in Yokohama, following in the footsteps of notable managers like Harry Kewell and Ange Postecoglou.

In addition to his experience as England assistant manager, Holland also spent eight years as an assistant at Chelsea. His only previous stint as a head coach was at Crewe Alexandra between 2007 and 2008. Despite this, Holland is confident in his abilities and eager to prove himself as a top-flight manager. “I'm very ambitious about my managerial career,” he stated.

Holland revealed that he had informed Southgate of his desire to strike out on his own soon after last year's Euro final. “He came to my house and I made it quite clear to him that I wanted to be a head coach,” Holland explained. “I also, out of respect for our relationship, wanted him to know early so that he had time to organise who his next assistant would be if he went into another job.”

As Holland begins his new role at Yokohama F-Marinos, he expressed his excitement about the project and his eagerness to work with the players. “I'm very happy to be here, this is a really exciting project, and I'm looking forward to getting cracking with the players this season,” he said.

Gareth Southgate's future plans remain uncertain, and his former assistant Steve Holland is none the wiser. “I speak with Gareth regularly, we have a really strong friendship,” Holland said. “I can't answer the question do I think he'll be in another job soon, I don't know the answer to that, you'd have to ask him.” Southgate, 54, has been out of management since leaving the England job and has hinted that he may not return to the dugout.

Holland, meanwhile, is focused on his new role as manager of Yokohama F-Marinos. The Japanese club is part of the City Football Group and has a rich history, having been led by notable managers like Ange Postecoglou and Harry Kewell. Holland expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I'm very much looking forward to the opportunity that I've been given” in Japan.

As he prepares to take the reins at Yokohama, Holland reflected on his own ambitions and experiences. “Being a head coach is something I'm very ambitious about doing, and I feel very well placed, given the experiences I've had to make that step,” he said. With his wealth of experience as an assistant manager, Holland is confident in his ability to succeed in his new role.