Motohiro Yamaguchi (山口 素弘) is a Japanese football manager and former player. He played for the Japan national team.

Club career

Yamaguchi was born in Takasaki on January 29, 1969. After graduating from Tokai University, he joined All Nippon Airways (later Yokohama Flügels) in 1991. The club won 1993 Emperor's Cup their first time in major title. In Asia, the club also won 1994–95 Asian Cup Winners' Cup. In 1998, the club won Emperor's Cup. However the club was disbanded end of 1998 season due to financial strain, he moved to Nagoya Grampus Eight with Seigo Narazaki in 1999. The club won 1999 Emperor's Cup. He moved to J2 League club Albirex Niigata in 2003. The club won the champions in 2003 and was promoted to J1 League. In August 2005, he moved to J2 League club Yokohama FC was founded by Yokohama Flügels supporters. The club won the champions in 2006 and was promoted to J1 League. He retired end of 2007 season. He also served as captain in all teams.

International career

In January 1995, Yamagugchi was selected by the Japan national team for the 1995 King Fahd Cup. At this competition, on January 6, he debuted against Nigeria. After his debut, he became a regular player and he played most matches for Japan until the 1998 FIFA World Cup. In 1996, he played full time in all matches at 1996 AFC Asian Cup. In the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification in 1997, he played all matches and Japan won the qualify for 1998 World Cup first time Japan's history. At the 1998 FIFA World Cup, he played full time in all three matches. These were his last appearances for Japan. He played 58 games and scored 4 goals for Japan until 1998.

Coaching career

After retirement, Yamaguchi became a manager for Yokohama FC as Yasuyuki Kishino successor in March 2012. He managed the club until 2014

Career statistics

Club

International

Managerial statistics

Honors

Yokohama Flügels **Nagoya Grampus Eight ** Albirex Niigata Individual