Kosuke Kitani Explained

Kosuke Kitani
木谷 公亮
Fullname:Kosuke Kitani
Birth Date:9 October 1978
Birth Place:Kamagaya, Chiba, Japan
Position:Defender
Currentclub:Sagan Tosu (head coach)
Youthyears1:1994–1996
Youthclubs1:Shutoku High School
Collegeyears1:1997–2000
College1:Kokushikan University
Years1:2001–2004
Clubs1:Omiya Ardija
Caps1:46
Goals1:3
Years2:2005–2009
Clubs2:Vegalta Sendai
Caps2:159
Goals2:2
Years3:2010–2013
Clubs3:Sagan Tosu
Caps3:75
Goals3:6
Years4:2013–2014
Clubs4:FC Gifu
Caps4:42
Goals4:1
Totalcaps:322
Totalgoals:12
Manageryears1:2024–
Managerclubs1:Sagan Tosu

is a Japanese former football player and manager who is the head coach of side Sagan Tosu.

Playing career

Kitani was born in Kamagaya on October 9, 1978. After graduating from Kokushikan University, he joined J2 League club Omiya Ardija in 2001. Although he debuted in first season, he could hardly play in the match until summer 2003. He played many matches as defensive midfielder and center back from summer 2003.[1] However his opportunity to play decreased in 2004. Although Ardija won the 2nd place and was promoted to J1 League from 2005, he left the club end of 2004 season without playing J1.

In 2005, Kitani signed with J2 club Vegalta Sendai. He became a regular player as center back soon and played many matches until 2008. However he could hardly play in the match behind Kodai Watanabe and Elizeu in 2009. Although Vegalta won the champions and was promoted to J1 from 2010, he left the club end of 2009 season without playing J1 again.

In 2010, Kitani signed with J2 club Sagan Tosu. He became a regular player soon. In 2011, he played all 38 matches and Sagan won the 2nd place and was promoted to J1. Although he played in J1 first time in his career in 2012, he lost his position and could only play 4 matches in late in 2012 season.[2]

In July 2013, Kitani moved to J2 club FC Gifu. He played all 17 matches in 2013 season.[3] Although he played many matches in 2014, he retired end of 2014 season.

Club statistics

Club performanceLeagueCupLeague CupTotal
SeasonClubLeagueApps GoalsApps GoalsApps GoalsApps Goals
JapanLeagueEmperor's CupJ.League CupTotal
2001Omiya ArdijaJ2 League10000010
20022030colspan="2"-50
200325220colspan="2"-272
200418120colspan="2"-201
Total4637000533
2005Vegalta SendaiJ2 League41110colspan="2"-421
200645020colspan="2"-470
200741000colspan="2"-410
200830100colspan="2"-301
20092020colspan="2"-40
Total159250colspan="2"-1642
2010Sagan TosuJ2 League33320colspan="2"-353
201138300colspan=2-383
2012J1 League40000040
201300001010
Total7562010786
2013FC GifuJ2 League17110colspan="2"-181
201425000colspan="2"-250
Total42110colspan="2"-431
Career total322161701034016

Notes and References

  1. https://data.j-league.or.jp/SS/jpn/team/2003020003_000038_W0707_J.html J.League
  2. https://data.j-league.or.jp/SS/jpn/team/2012010001_000044_W0707_J.html J.League
  3. https://data.j-league.or.jp/SS/jpn/team/2013020003_000054_W0707_J.html J.League