「平成の怪物」元サッカー日本代表のストライカー・平山相太さん　監督と教員として第2の人生を歩むワケ「他の人たちと区別化してもらいたかった」

A former Japan national team striker, once known as a "monster" in the soccer world, is embarking on a new chapter in life in Miyagi. This year, Sota Hirayama became the head coach of the Sendai University soccer team. Six years after his retirement, why did he become a coach in Miyagi? He spoke to the television cameras for the first time about his reasons. The Current State of the "Heisei Monster" Sendai University Soccer Team Head Coach, Sota Hirayama: "We can't afford to let our guard down, and we can't afford to waste a single second. Let's all train well and get ready for the match." On September 17th, at the Sendai University soccer team's training ground in Shibata Town, Miyagi Prefecture, former Japan national team player and former Vegalta Sendai player Sota Hirayama (39) was watching the players' training with a passionate eye. Reporter: "Does the coach plan the training menu?" Sendai University Soccer Team Head Coach, Sota Hirayama: "Yes. He's very kind." Hirayama became the head coach of the Sendai University soccer team in April of this year. While attending Nagasaki's prestigious Kunimi High School, Hirayama won the top scorer award at the national tournament two consecutive years. He was a striker who garnered attention as the "Heisei Monster" for his overwhelming finishing ability, leveraging his over 190cm frame. He also scored goals overseas and in the J.League, and has been selected for the Olympic and A national teams. Why did he pursue a career in coaching? It's been six years since he retired from playing. Why did this "Heisei Monster" become a university soccer team coach in Miyagi? Reporter: "When did you decide you wanted to become a coach?" Souta Hirayama, Head Coach of Sendai University Soccer Team: "I was with FC Tokyo, so I guess it was around 26 or 27 years old. With so many people retiring and becoming coaches, I was thinking about how I could set myself apart, and I decided that studying not only soccer but sports in general at university and becoming a coach would help me stand out from the crowd." Hirayama joined Vegalta Sendai from FC Tokyo in 2017. He was expected to play a key role, but due to injury he was unable to play a single game and retired before the season began the following year. Sota Hirayama: "I still want to play in front of the fans and supporters, but since that will never happen, I want to somehow repay them." His Vision as a Coach After retiring, Hirayama enrolled at Sendai University with the desire to study in order to become a coach. This year, he became the soccer club's coach, while also teaching classes such as "Coaching Theory." Sota Hirayama: "Of course, I study soccer, but I also enjoy giving lectures, preparing materials for classes, and studying for those things." The Sendai University soccer club is a prestigious institution that has produced professional players for 14 consecutive years. Currently, over 200 members are practicing. Captain Taku Tsuzuki: "They're known as the monsters of the Heisei era, and they have a really intimidating image. Their appearance is also impressive. They're meticulous in organizing their practice sessions and getting into shape." Soccer club member: "I thought they'd be more physical-based, but they were surprisingly particular about the finer details of teamwork, like passing the ball and making sure certain points were taken care of. I was surprised." Disappointing loss to a strong opponent On September 4th, Sendai University competed in the Prime Minister's Cup, one of the top university soccer tournaments. In the first half against Niigata University of Welfare and Medical Care, one of the top universities in Japan, Kenryu Fukuda scored a goal... The defense, led by fourth-year defender Rintaro Yamauchi, who has signed with Iwaki FC, showed a focused defense. However, they were defeated in a comeback after extra time, resulting in their first-round defeat. Sota Hirayama: "Watching everyone play, I saw how much they've grown mentally and how strong they are. The only way we can make up for today's disappointment is at the Intercollegiate Championships." "Giving back" in his final home as a player Sendai University's next goal is to compete in the All-Japan University Soccer Championships, also known as the Intercollegiate Championships, in December. Sendai University has won the Tohoku University League 17 times in a row, but has struggled so far this season, sitting in fourth place. To qualify for the Intercollegiate Championships, they have no choice but to win, and important matches await. Captain Taku Tsuzuki: "We can't afford to lose in the league, so we'll give it our all in practice, and the results we accumulate will bring us closer to the Intercollegiate Championships, so I want to give it my all." Sota Hirayama: "To win, we have to score points, so the goal isn't just to pass the ball around. I want to focus on taking shots and making moves that are aimed at the goal." Hirayama has b...