PSS Sleman has officially announced the appointment of Wagner Lopes as the head coach for the upcoming 2024/2025 season. The Brazilian-Japanese coach is expected to lead the Super Elja team to achieve their ambitious targets.
The CEO of PT Putra Sleman Sembada (PT PSS), Gusti Randa, explained that the decision to appoint Wagner Lopes was not made lightly. PSS Sleman has set high goals for the upcoming season, aiming to finish in the top six. “We have often explained that our target for this season is the top six. So we felt the need for a refresh, especially in terms of the head coach,” said Gusti Randa on Friday (28/6).
Wagner Lopes, 55, has an impressive track record in football. As a player, he was a key figure for the Japanese national team in 1998, helping Japan qualify for their first-ever World Cup.
Wagner began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Paulista FC in 2005, where he quickly led the team to win the Copa Do Brasil. He was appointed head coach of the team in 2009 and achieved his first title as a head coach in the Copa São Paulo in 2011.
In 2012, Wagner returned to Japan to serve as an assistant coach at Gamba Osaka. After his stint at Gamba, he continued his coaching career with various teams in Brazil before being appointed as the head coach of PSS Sleman.
Wagner’s highest achievement as a coach came in 2019 when he led Atletico-GO to win the Campeonato Goiano. Under his leadership, the team recorded 31 wins, 16 draws, and only 9 losses in 56 matches.
Gusti Randa emphasized that Wagner Lopes’ experience and coaching style were key factors in the decision to hire him. “We appointed Wagner Lopes as the head coach of PSS for this season. His experience and playing style were among the reasons we chose him as our coach,” he explained.
Wagner Lopes is scheduled to arrive in Indonesia as soon as possible to lead the team’s training sessions. The CBF Pro-licensed coach is expected to collaborate with the coaching staff to prepare the team for the upcoming season. “Wagner will certainly lead the team’s training sessions together with his coaching staff. Next week, they can join the team and prepare for the new season,” added Gusti Randa.
PSS Sleman Coaching Staff for the 2024/2025 Season
- Head Coach: Wagner Augusto Lopes
- Assistant Coach: Ansyari Lubis
- Physical Coach: William Schmidt
- Goalkeeping Coach: Andre Croda Borges
- Assistant Goalkeeping Coach: Amiruddin
- Analyst Coach: Antonio Gabriel Silva Silvera
With the new coaching formation, PSS Sleman is optimistic about achieving their desired success in the 2024/2025 season.