Departing Singapore coach Tsutomu Ogura hails Lions’ spirit, urges players to make history

In an interview with ST, Tsutomu Ogura says he is proud that there has been a mentality shift under his watch. ST PHOTO: DEEPANRAJ GANESAN

SINGAPORE – Being congratulated after a comeback 2-2 draw with China triggered a terse reaction from Tsutomu Ogura on his debut as Singapore coach in March 2024. He criticised that mindset, insisting that the Lions should never be satisfied with a draw.

After stepping down prematurely as Lions coach 15 months later, he expressed pride that there has been a mentality shift under his watch.

The manner of the 2-1 away victory over Bangladesh in an Asian Cup qualifier on June 10 – with players dissatisfied despite having overcome physical opponents before a partisan home crowd – is a sign that the Lions are now demanding more from themselves and one another.

The Japanese coach highlighted that even those who did not play in Dhaka were animated on the sidelines, encouraging their on-field teammates to see out the victory.

“I am very proud... because there has been a change (in mentality),” said the 58-year-old as he looked back on his Lions stint in an exclusive interview with The Straits Times.

“Even in our first Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong (which ended in a 0-0 draw in March) who are higher than us in ranking, nobody was satisfied with the draw. People were disappointed and felt we should win. I am very happy about this.”

The Japanese, who was appointed in February 2024 on a two-year contract, resigned due to personal reasons, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced on June 24.

While his tenure is over after 509 days, Ogura is heartened by the players’ showing in his 16th and last match in charge.

“Bangladesh was a very hard game for us, because it was an away match, in a full stadium of home fans,” he added. “It was physical and it was at the end of a long club season for so many players especially those from Lion City Sailors. They were very tired, almost dying and it is difficult in this situation to have emotional control.

“I’m very proud of them, yes it is not perfect, but we have built together a good atmosphere and high motivation within the team now. It’s easy to say ‘we must work together as one team’, but this is not something you can teach, you need (time) to create that feeling.”

Lions captain Hariss Harun concurred with that assessment, adding that Ogura had emphasised team unity from the start.

The 34-year-old , who noted that Ogura always demanded the most from his players and set a high standard, added: “Team spirit and togetherness are the things that he was emphasising from day one. It has taken time for it to show.

“When he started to say it back in March 2024, maybe there were some players who looked at each other and wondered what this guy was talking about. Even with the players he chose (for the squad), he did so based on their temperament and character, and how they can help the team on and off the pitch, even when they’re not playing. So I think all of that helps to create what we have built.

“I’m not saying it’s perfect, because there’s still a lot to improve. But it is a pity that after we have established this, he’s leaving.”

Ogura told ST he had realised in January that there was a family issue he needed to attend to, and it has reached a stage where he has to return home.

While he declined to go into details, Ogura said: “My priority now is to be with my family and help them. This was a very hard decision to make, of course ... but my family has supported me for a long time .”

Former BG Tampines Rovers coach Gavin Lee, who served as Ogura’s assistant, has been installed as interim coach while the search for a permanent successor has begun.

In 16 matches in charge of the Lions, Ogura’s record stands at five wins, three draws and eight losses

Victory in Bangladesh leaves Singapore top of their Asian Cup qualifying group on goals scored, ahead of Hong Kong (four points), Bangladesh and India, who have a point apiece. Only the group winners will advance to the Asian Cup in 2027.

Ogura chose to step down in June to give FAS time to prepare for the crucial back-to-back qualifiers against India in October.

The former Japan national assistant coach said he has no regrets over his time in Singapore and highlighted the Asean Championship semi-final run with a predominantly local-based squad as another proud moment , especially how the team grinded out a 0-0 draw away against Malaysia .

It was just the second time since their 2012 title win that the Lions had booked a berth in the last four.

He hopes that fans will continue to support the team through thick and thin, adding that they are a powerful source of motivation. During his tenure, an open training session was organised before the 3-1 friendly win over the Maldives on June 5 for around 100 fans at Bishan Stadium.

Ogura said: “When the fans are watching, players are extra motivated. Players also understood their responsibility. I hope more people go to the stadiums too. Everyone will remember the (AFC Champions League Two) final, we need (more of) that atmosphere and players will be more motivated.”

Even as he prepares to return home to Chiba, which is best known for being home to Japan’s two Disney parks, Ogura – who has grown to love local fare like chicken rice and laksa – will be keeping himself up to date with Singapore football.

He said: “I have told the players, if somebody wants to change the history, we must keep doing more to improve. With this togetherness in the team, they can make history (by qualifying for the Asian Cup). But we need more people to believe, more people need to support the SPL teams, the national team and then you can have more funding.

“Look at Uzbekistan and Jordan, they have qualified for the World Cup for the first time. Ten years ago, how many people believed that can happen? If Uzbekistan can do it, why can’t Singapore? I believe they can.”

Deepanraj Ganesan is a sports journalist at The Straits Times focusing on football, athletics, combat sports and policy-related news.

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