Ryunosuke Sato faces reduced playing time at Valencia CF

Ryunosuke Sato, a highly-regarded Japanese midfielder who recently transferred from FC Tokyo to Valencia CF, has seen a significant reduction in playing time. After appearing in the first five matches of the season under former manager Carlos Corberan, Sato has failed to see any minutes in the four subsequent matches following the managerial changes.

Following the dismissal of Corberan, interim manager Oscar Sanchez and the newly appointed Javier Aguirre have both left Sato on the bench without providing any playing time. Spanish media outlet MARCA reported that Sato has “disappeared from the rotation,” noting that the club’s €4 million investment is being questioned as he struggles to find a role under the new leadership.