Japan’s senior players have leapt to the defence of their under-fire head coach Javier Aguirre, who again denied any involvement in a match-fixing case that continues to overshadow their Asian Cup preparations.

The Mexican was among 41 people named by Spain’s anti-corruption prosecutor in court this month following a probe into Real Zaragoza’s 2-1 win at Levante on the final day of the 2010-11 campaign.

The victory ensured Zaragoza, coached by Aguirre, avoided relegation.

It led to suspicions the Japanese FA might remove Aguirre but they stuck by the coach they appointed in July and said he would lead them at the January9-31 Asian Cup despite the ongoing investigation.

The JFA stance has failed to quell the questions from outside the camp for Aguirre as he prepares his side for Group D matches against Palestine, Iraq and Jordan.

However, the former Atletico Madrid manager said his 23-man Japan squad were only interested in winning a record-extending fifth Asian Cup after they met up for training.

“He has said he didn’t do it, so he didn’t do it,” Japan’s most capped player Yasuhito Endo was quoted as saying by Kyodo News.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Shinji Kagawa echoed the sentiment.

“We have just got to concentrate on defending the Asian Cup. We have to believe what the coach has told us and follow his lead,” the former Manchester United player added.

On Saturday, Aguirre told reporters in Tokyo that he was innocent.

“I worked in Spain for 12 years and have never done anything unethical or unprofessional,” he said.

“The only way to win matches is through effort.

“I have never been given gifts by anybody and never expected them. I will cooperate with authorities and defend myself until the end.”