is a Japanese former football player and manager. He currently works as an assistant coach for the Japan national team.
Club career Saito was born in Shizuoka on April 20, 1973. After graduating from Waseda University, he joined his local club Shimizu S-Pulse in 1996. He played as regular player from first season. At 1996 J.League Cup, the club won the champions and he was selected New Hero awards. End of 1996 season, he was also selected J.League Rookie of the Year awards. The club also won the 2nd place at 1998 Emperor's Cup and 1999 J1 League, he was also selected Best Eleven in 1999. In 2000s, the club won 1999–2000 Asian Cup Winners' Cup and 2001 Emperor's Cup. In 2006, he moved to J2 League club Shonan Bellmare and played in two seasons. In 2009, he was appointed playing manager of Prefectural Leagues side Fujieda MYFC.Toshihide Saito leaves Fujieda MYFC After promotion to the Japan Football League in 2011Fujieda club history and acceptance into J3 League for the 2014 season, Saito decided to leave the club.
International career Saito was capped 17 times for the Japan national team between 1996 and 1999.Japan National Football Team Database His first international appearance came on August 25, 1996, in a friendly against Uruguay at Osaka Nagai Stadium. He was an unused substitute at the 1998 FIFA World Cup. He also played at 1999 Copa América.
Career statistics
Club + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueEmperor's CupJ.League CupTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsShimizu S-Pulse1996J1 League2923016048219972223000252199833050103901999283304035320002835060393200120100202212002201201023120032000002020042631060333200528000713512006810030111Shonan Bellmare2007J2 League46420—484200838010—390Fujieda MYFC2009Prefectural Leagues113——1132010Regional Leagues152——152201150——502012Football League11000—110201315110—161Career total3852628046145927
International + Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsJapan199620199770199840199940Total170
Honors
Emperor's Cup: 2001 J - League Cup: 1996 Japanese Super Cup: 2001, 2002 Asian Cup Winner's Cup: 2000
Individual J.League Rookie of the Year: 1996 J.League Best XI: 1999
References
External links
Japan National Football Team Database