Naoki Kusunose

Naoki Kusunose (楠瀬 直木) is a Japanese football manager and former player. Currently, he is head coach of the Japan women's national under-17 football team and manager of WE League club Urawa Red Diamonds.

Playing career
Naoki Kusunose played for Yomiuri and Honda as defender.

Coaching career
Naoki Kusunose became manager for some youth team; e.g. Hakuoh University, Tokyo Verdy youth team. Since 2012, he became stuff for FC Machida Zelvia. In November, manager; Osvaldo Ardiles was sacked. Naoki Kusunose managed team as caretaker. After that, Yutaka Akita was appointed new manager. But In June 2013 manager; Yutaka Akita was sacked. So, Naoki Kusunose managed team as caretaker again until end of 2013 season. In February 2015, Naoki Kusunose became head coach for Japan women's U-17 national team (aiming for 2016 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Jordan). In November, Japan won second position in 2015 AFC U-16 Women's Championship and qualified for 2016 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. He resigned before 2018 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in November.