Yokohama F. Marinos sacks manager Steve Holland after poor start

Steve Holland, former England assistant manager, has been dismissed as head coach of Japan's Yokohama F. Marinos after just four months in charge, following a poor run of form that left the club near the bottom of the J-League with only one win in 11 league matches. Holland, who joined the club at the start of the 2025 season after a successful stint alongside Gareth Southgate with England, struggled to translate his assistant coaching success to a head coach role. The team’s domestic struggles contrast with their progress in continental competition, having reached the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League, where they are set to face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. Patrick Kisnorbo has been appointed interim manager following Holland’s departure. This marks the second consecutive season Yokohama F. Marinos have fired a manager midseason, highlighting ongoing instability despite their history of recent league titles. The club, part of the City Football Group, is hoping for a turnaround as they approach key domestic and international fixtures.