Kazuo Saito
Introduction  is a former Japanese football player and manager. He played for Japan national team.
Club career Saito was born in Saitama on July 27, 1951.After graduating from Hosei University, he joined his local club Mitsubishi Motors in 1974.The club won the 2nd place for 4 years in a row (1974-1977). In 1978, the club won all three major title in Japan; Japan Soccer League, JSL Cup and Emperor's Cup. The club also won 1980 Emperor's Cup, 1981 JSL Cup and 1982 Japan Soccer League. However, in 1988–89 season, the club finished at the bottom place and was relegated Division 2.He retired in 1989.He played 248 games and scored 3 goals in the league. He was selected Best Eleven in 1975, 197 and 1978.
National team career On January 28, 1976, Saito debuted for Japan national team against Bulgaria. He played as regular player at 1976 Summer Olympics qualification and 1978 World Cup qualification. He was also selected for Japan for 1978 Asian Games. In 1984, he played for Japan for the first time in 6 years. 1984 Summer Olympics qualification was his last game for Japan. He played 32 games for Japan until 1984.
Coaching career Saito retired from playing career in 1989, he became a manager for Mitsubishi Motors (later ''Urawa Reds'') as Kuniya Daini successor. In 1989–90 season, he led the club to won the champions in Division 2 and promoted to Division 1.He resigned in 1992.Through a coach for Urawa Reds and JEF United Ichihara (later ''JEF United Chiba''), he signed with Kawasaki Frontale in 1997.In 2000, he returned to Urawa Reds and managed the club. From 2010, he signed with JEF United Chiba and became a coach. In 2014, he managed JEF United Chiba as caretaker as Jun Suzuki successor.
Club statistics  Club performance League Season Club League Apps  GoalsJapan League1974Mitsubishi MotorsJSL Division 115019751801976171197718119781301979140198018119811801982180198312019841501985/862101986/871901987/882001988/89120Total2483
National team statistics  Japan national teamYearAppsGoals1976140197750197890197900198000198100198200198300198440Total320
Managerial statistics TeamFromToRecordGWDLWin %Urawa Reds20002000JEF United Chiba20142014Total
References
External links * *  Japan National Football Team Database*