Former Auckland FC boss Steve Corica has wasted little time finding a new challenge, with the Championship-winning boss confirmed as the new head coach of Japanese giants Yokohama F. Marinos.
Corica departed Auckland FC last week after guiding the Black Knights to Isuzu UTE A-League history, leading the club to Championship glory in just their second season and becoming the first New Zealand side to lift the Grand Final trophy.
The 53-year-old now heads to Japan to take charge of five-time J1 League champions Yokohama F. Marinos, replacing Hideo Oshima.
TRANSFER LATEST: Here We Go! Tim Payne seals move to South American giants
The appointment marks a return to familiar surroundings for Corica, who previously played in Japan for Sanfrecce Hiroshima between 2000 and 2001, scoring 18 goals in 50 appearances.
“I am incredibly proud and honoured to be returning to Japan,” Corica said following his appointment.
“My first experience here was as a player, and now to come back as manager of such a fantastic football club is a privilege that means a great deal to me.
“I have come here with a clear ambition – to win trophies, restore a winning mentality and re-establish the culture and standards that have made this club one of the most successful in Japan.”
Corica leaves Auckland having cemented his place in club history, delivering silverware in the form of the Premiers Plate in the club’s inaugural campaign before backing it up with Championship success in the 2025-26 season.
SOCCEROOS LATEST: ‘We looked sluggish’ – Popovic reacts to Socceroos’ FIFA World Cup defeat
Corica now becomes the sixth Australian to have coached Yokohama in the past eight years, following on from Ange Postecoglou, Kevin Muscat, Harry Kewell, John Hutchinson (interim) and Patrick Kisnorbo.
Furthermore, he’ll be hoping to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Postecoglou and Muscat, both of whom won silverware with the club.
