Montedio Yamagata on Wednesday confirmed that manager Nobuhiro Ishizaki will remain in his position for the 2016 season.

The promoted outfit have collected only 10 points following the MEIJI YASUDA J1 League in July, and sit second from bottom in the second stage standings as well as the overall table.

Nevertheless, the club have affirmed that coach Ishizaki is safe in his position, with the club maintaining total faith in him.

“As we look to maintain the team’s style next season, there is a need to clearly define our needs in terms of reinforcement and improvement in order to grow,” club chairman Takashi Takahashi wrote in a statement explaining the decision. 

“We believe that [retaining Ishizaki in 2016] is the best option in terms of enabling us to continue to build a stronger foundation and correct our current deficiencies.”

The NDsoft Stadium outfit face crucial clashes on the final two days of the regular league season, first hosting fellow strugglers Shimizu S-Pulse, before visiting Gamba Osaka in the final round.