Nagoya Grampus on Tuesday announced that manager Takafumi Ogura will go on a sabbatical, effective immediately.

The former defender has struggled in his managerial debut and leaves Grampus with a record of just four wins and 15 defeats, heading into the final eight rounds of the season.

“In this ‘year of reform’ for Nagoya Grampus I was given the important responsibility of both head coach and general manager, and I worked hard to contribute to the club that I love,” Ogura said. 

“The front office, staff, and players have all given their best, but we are in our current situation due to my weaknesses for which I am deeply sorry.”

Ogura will be temporarily replaced by assistant coach Bosko Gjurovski, who returned to the club earlier this summer after recently managing Macedonia’s national team.