Relegated Gamba Osaka have turned to Kenta Hasegawa in a bid to revive the club's fortunes after a disastrous season ended with more disappointment Tuesday in a 1-0 defeat to Kashiwa Reysol in the Emperor's Cup final.
After the defeat, Gamba officially announced the appointment of the 47-year-old Hasegawa, who ironically has not managed since Shimizu S-Pulse lost here in the 2010 Emperor's Cup final against Kashima Antlers.
Hasegawa, a former Japan striker, managed Shimizu for six seasons from 2005. He led S-Pulse to fourth place finishes in 2004 and 2007, and two Emperor's Cup finals.