Naoki Kusunose

Naoki Kusunose
Personal information
Full name	Naoki Kusunose
Date of birth	April 17, 1964 (age 60)
Place of birth	Tokyo, Japan
Position(s)	Defender
Youth career
1983–1986	Hosei University
Senior career*
Years	Team
1987–1990	Yomiuri
1990–1995	Honda
Managerial career
2012	FC Machida Zelvia (caretaker)
2013	FC Machida Zelvia (caretaker)
2015–2018	Japan Women U-17
2021-	Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
Medal record
Yomiuri
Honda
	*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Naoki Kusunose (楠瀬直木, Kusunose Naoki, born April 17, 1964) 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.

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.^[1] 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.^[2] 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).^[3] 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.^[4]