As noted on the latest JTalk Podcast, also, I spoke to Afshin Ghotbi about the rumours of S-Pulse youngster Hideki Ishige “moving to Manchester City”. When these rumours first surfaced, many were outraged. We at JSoccer Magazine did not believe it so, but wrote that IF he should make that move, it should be at a very high price, and that cash be invested very wisely in the future of a team that already seems to have a bright future.
In my exclusive talk with the S-Pulse coach he assured me that Ishige would not be leaving the Shizuoka team any time in the near future and this was merely part of a long-term plan to broaden the horizons of his young players. A plan that would bode well for the near and long-term future of the team he us building at S-Pulse. His young, and even some of the not-so-young players, depending on timing and availability, would be encouraged to spend “down time” at other clubs, with experienced players and coaches, and learn their craft with the best. It’s something that Ghotbi feels strongly about and is doing all in his power to help develop the members of the Orange Revolution taking place at S-Pulse.
Ghotbi noted that he had specifically chosen Ishige for this time at Manchester City – making use of his extensive contacts throughout the football world, and noted that the schoolboy J.Leaguer would not be the last of his team to be given this chance, also naming forward Ryohei Shirasaki as someone he would like get similar experience. The S-Pulse coach has been assured by Roberto Mancini himself that the versatile Ishige would be training with the first team squad in January, if all goes to plan – the only problem on the horizon is convincing the player’s school teachers that he should be allowed time off from his studies!
When asked if Ishige would be sold, if Manchester City came in with a bid after the player’s session with the Premier League, Ghotbi replied that, while it was unlikely, yet, if Ishige ever decided he wanted to move on, the club would not stand in his way, but would make sure they were well compensated and the money would be put to good use improving the S-Pulse family and giving more promising youngsters the chance that the likes of Ishige and Shirasaki are getting.
Alan Gibson, JSoccer Magazine