The Japan Football Association's decision to retain coach Moriyasu is interpreted as the result of emphasizing the ‘value of the system’ beyond performance supremacy. Coach Moriyasu has led the team since 2018 and achieved significant achievements such as defeating Germany and Spain at the Qatar World Cup, and also proved his leadership by breaking through the group of death and advancing to the round of 32 at the North and Central America World Cup. In particular, the positive internal evaluation that Japanese soccer was raised to a global level without being confined to the Asian framework became a key driving force for the reappointment. Although the result of a 1-2 comeback defeat against Brazil was disappointing, the association judged that long-term project continuity was more important than the short-term pain of elimination. This is a glimpse into Japan's unique soccer administrative philosophy based on patience and trust, which is in sharp contrast to the radical culture of Korean soccer that easily replaces coaches.

However, this process of reappointment is subject to a strange condition called a ‘one-year short-term contract,’ which is drawing attention in the future. It appears to be a desperate attempt by the association to choose stable operation rather than drastic change ahead of the Asian Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia early next year, but from Coach Moriyasu's perspective, this is by no means an unwelcome proposal. This is because a director who is qualified to demand a long-term vision is given a one-year contract that can be terminated at any time depending on performance. In fact, Coach Moriyasu plans to announce his position and proposal through an official press conference after returning to Korea, and this choice is expected to be a watershed that will determine the next four years of Japanese soccer. This delicate tug-of-war between the association and the coaches shows both the realistic concerns facing Japanese soccer and the anxiety about the future.

Taking advantage of this confusion, Japanese soccer legend Keisuke Honda issued an unconventional challenge through social media that shocked soccer fans. He boldly requested that if he was not satisfied with Coach Moriyasu's temporary extension, he would rather be given a one-year chance. Bae Su-jin's suggestion that he could be dismissed immediately if he fails in the Asian Cup is interpreted as his will to take a bold game rather than being complacent with a helpless reality. But the reality is that the walls are high. Honda does not even have the ‘JFA Pro License’, which the Japanese soccer world has set as a prerequisite for taking office as a coach. Although his proposal has attracted public attention and has emerged as a hot potato in the Japanese soccer world, the practical limitations of administrative procedures and qualification requirements remain a huge barrier that he cannot overcome.

Meanwhile, Coach Moriyasu is also attracting attention for his classy words and actions as the head coach of the Japanese national team. He sent a message of support to director Hong Myung-bo, who has recently received strong criticism at home and abroad, saying, "We must stop criticizing results and acknowledge the efforts he has made for the country." This shows the composure of a great player who understands his opponent's difficulties as both a rival and a friend, and at the same time expresses the philosophy that the sport of soccer should not be judged solely on wins and losses. In this way, in addition to his tactical capabilities, Coach Moriyasu shows leadership encompassing the entire soccer world and is gaining stronger support in Japan. The Japanese soccer world's move to keep him despite being eliminated in the round of 32 proves that they highly value the identity he brought to the team, not just the results of the game.