Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has branched out into rugby and has been assisting the Japan coach, Eddie Jones, in preparation for next year’s World Cup, reports The Guardian.
Jones said he sought out the “best soccer coach” following last month’s defeats to Romania and Georgia as he aims to lead Japan to a first win at a Rugby World Cup since their sole success over Zimbabwe in 1991.
“The main thing we learnt this year was that we have to be tactically more flexible. We need to react to situations on the field and make adjustments to the way we play,” the Australian was quoted as saying byKyodo News on Monday.
“The soccer approach is called tactical periodisation, in which everything is done in preparation for the game and in order to be tactically aware.”
“I watched Bayern train and had a really good meeting with the head coach and I really think we can improve greatly with adjustments in the way we train. He is the best soccer coach in the world and you always want to learn from the best.
“Rugby and soccer are very similar in that you always want to move the ball into space and Bayern Munich and his previous team Barcelonaplayed the most fantastic passing game you have ever seen. The principles are exactly the same.
“The very best soccer teams vary their depth and formation in order to make the most of the space. So when you get the chance to learn from the best it’s a fantastic opportunity.”