Satoshi Yamaguchi (footballer, born 1978)

Satoshi Yamaguchi (山口 智) is a Japanese professional football manager and former player who is the manager of club Shonan Bellmare.

Club career
Yamaguchi was born in Sakawa, Kochi on April 17, 1978. He joined JEF United Ichihara (later JEF United Chiba) from youth team in 1996. He debuted on March 20, when he was 17 year and 354 days old. It was the youngest player to play for J1 League until Yuki Abe made new record in 1998. He became a regular player as center back from 1997. He moved to Gamba Osaka in 2001. The club won the champions 2005 J1 League, 2007 J.League Cup, 2008 and 2009 Emperor's Cup. He was also elected Best XI for 3 years in a row (2006-2008). In Asia, in 2008, the club won the champions AFC Champions League and the 3rd place Club World Cup. He returned JEF United Chiba in 2012 and played in 3 seasons. He moved to Kyoto Sanga FC in 2015 and retired end of 2015 season.

National team career
In June 1997, Yamaguchi was selected Japan U-20 national team for 1997 World Youth Championship. He played as right back of 3 back defense with Tsuneyasu Miyamoto and Kazuyuki Toda full time in all 5 matches.

On May 27, 2009, Yamaguchi debuted for Japan national team against Chile. On May 31, he also played against Belgium. He played 2 games for Japan in 2009.

Managerial career
From 2021 season, he will be the assistant coach of Shonan Bellmare on 14 May 2021. On 1 September 2021, Yamaguchi was appointed as manager of J1 club, Shonan Bellmare following the retirement of Bin Ukishima for during 2021 season. After winning his first victory as a manager in the 33rd round against Yokohama FC. On October 23 at same year, he led the team to remain in the final round of the 38th round against Gamba Osaka on December 4 at same year. It was decided that he would continue to serve as manager in the 2022 season and in June he was awarded the monthly best manager award.

Club statistics
1 Includes AFC Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup. 2 Includes Japanese Super Cup and Promotion Playoffs to J1.

Personal honours

 * J.League Best XI - 2006, 2007, 2008

Team honours

 * AFC Champions League - 2008
 * Pan-Pacific Championship - 2008
 * J1 League - 2005
 * Emperor's Cup - 2008, 2009
 * J.League Cup - 2007
 * Japanese Super Cup - 2007