Nielsen departs as coach of Japan women's team shortly after Asian Cup triumph

Last month Japan concluded a commanding Asian Cup run with a 1-0 victory over hosts Australia in the final claiming the continental crown for the third time in four editions.

The side also secured qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil by progressing to the Asian Cup semi finals.

"Nils Nielsen head coach of Nadeshiko Japan the Japanese women's national team has stepped down at the end of his contract" stated the JFA in a concise announcement.

Nielsen became the first overseas coach of the Nadeshiko in 2024 succeeding Futoshi Ikeda who had steered Japan to the quarter finals of the 2023 Women's World Cup and the last eight at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The 54 year old was previously director of football at Manchester City's women's team before joining Japan and led the Swiss women's side from 2018 to 2022.

He also managed the Danish women's team between 2013 and 2017 guiding them to second place at the Women's European Championship in 2017.