MFF Parts Ways with MNT Manager Otsuka Ichiro

Image property of the Mongolian Football Federation

The Mongolian Football Federation announced yesterday via social media that it has relieved men's national team manager Otsuka Ichiro of his duties, ending the tenure of the Japanese coach.

Originally announced as a replacement for his countryman Shuichi Mase in December 2021, Ichiro was on Mongolia's bench for the first time for a friendly against Laos in March 2022. The 0-1 loss in that match started a managerial spell that lasted nearly three years and would span sixteen matches, resulting in only two victories and two draws while suffering twelve defeats.

Ichiro lead the team in a succession of forgettable performances including a winless Intercontinental Cup in 2023 which saw the team lose to tiny Vanuatu and elimination to Afghanistan in the first round of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. Over that time, Mongolia lost nine consecutive matches (its second-longest spell in team history) and failed to score in a record eight games in a row.

The team finally broke both dry spells with a 2-1 friendly victory over Cambodia in June 2024.

Despite a lack of on-field results, Ichiro exits the role second-place all-time in number of matches managed and can be credited for arranging the country's first-ever matches against opponents from both Europe and Oceania. As part of the announcement, the MFF also noted that during Ichiro's time in the position, the federation's relationship with the Japanese Football Federation had reached new heights. Both Ichiro and his predecessor Mase had been recommended as part of a coaching exchange agreement between the two federations.

The Mongolian Football Federation has not yet announced Ichiro's replacement.

With Mongolia scheduled to take on Timor-Leste in a home-and-away series for 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification in ten days, expect an announcement of at least an interim manager very soon. Mongolia also has preliminary round matches of the 2025 EAFF E-1 Championship to prepare for, with the tournament reportedly set to begin in December 2024.

Three Possible Replacements

A yet-unnamed Japanese replacement

If the MFF truly believes that its relationship with the JFF is at an all-time high, it may look to tap its bigger brother for a third-consecutive manager as part of its exchange program. Although this would be a quick and easy fix, eliminating a long search process, perhaps it is time to try a different approach. Shuichi Mase ultimately managed a single match in the role while Ichiro's tenure would universally be considered unsuccessful.

FC Ulaanbaatar manager Andreas Spier

New FC Ulaanbaatar manager Andreas Spier has both the resume and qualifications to take over the role. Holding an UEFA Pro License makes him eligible for the position while his first two matches in Mongolia, featuring a predominantly Mongolian FC Ulaanbaatar squad, have been victories over some of the fiercest opponents in the league. Not only has Spier been at the helm of national teams in both Europe and Africa, he has done so while pulling double duty as manager of a club team. With Spier so fresh in his role at FCU, consider him more for the role if the MFF decides to hire someone on an interim basis.

Bayasgalan Garidmagnai, Mongolia's first-ever Pro-Licensed manager

After becoming Mongolia's first AFC Pro-licensed manager in May 2024, Garidmagnai will, without a doubt, have a long and successful spell as Mongolia's manager at some point in the future. But is this his time? He has been the most exciting managerial prospect in Mongolian football with tenures as head coach of Athletic 220 and Khovd FC following stints as an assistant at Ulaanbaatar City and BCH Lions. The 38-year-old is currently without a coaching role after leaving Khovd FC prior to the current season. Fans of Mongolian football will undoubtedly expect Garda to get the job. Although the MFF has not yet made an official announcement, there have been some communications noticed on social media that would indicate he has already been chosen for the role.