Former Japan coach Takeshi Okada has resigned as Yokohama F. Marinos manager following a poor run of results by the J. League first-division side, soccer sources said Thursday.
Assistant coach Takashi Mizunuma will replace the 49-year-old, who coached Japan at the 1998 World Cup in France on their debut in soccer's showcase tournament and took over as F. Marinos manager in 2003. F. Marinos won back-to-back J. League titles in 2003 and 2004 in Okada's first two years in charge.
His side finished ninth in the 18-team table last year and are in 12th place on 23 points from 19 matches this season, 19 points adrift of leaders Gamba Osaka.
According to people close to the move, Okada told club officials of his intention to resign following Wednesday's 2-1 home defeat by Omiya Ardija.