Tatsuma Yoshida has resigned from his job as Singapore coach, just days the Lions' AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 adventure came to an end at the hands of Indonesia in a heartbreaking semifinal defeat.
Yoshida's departure was announced at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, with the Japanese's desire to be closer to his family back home in Japan cited as the main reason behind his decision to leave a year before his deal would have expired next December.
- Egy calls on Indonesia to believe they can end 25-year title wait
- Singapore bow out of Suzuki Cup with heroic display befitting Lions
- Don't miss The John Dykes Show, with all new episodes each Friday on Disney+ Hotstar. Click here to join the conversation!
The impending exit of the 47-year-old is likely to be a huge blow to Singapore, given the general consensus that the Lions had improved since Yoshida was handed the reins in May 2019.
At the ongoing Suzuki Cup, the Lions reached the last four of the tournament for the first since in they last won it in 2012 and then produced a herculean effort to almost advance to the decider.
In Saturday's semifinal second leg, the Singaporeans took Indonesia to extra-time despite finishing the match with just eight players before ultimately succumbing to a 4-2 defeat that saw them lose the tie 5-3 on aggregate.
Nonetheless, Yoshida's resignation is not a complete surprise given the recent speculation on him being coveted by several suitors - with former employers Ventforet Kofu one of the teams said to be interested in his services.
