The shout of "Super!" echoing through Kodaira resonated in my mind.
Former FC Tokyo U-18 coach Kazuki Sato would always shout "Super!" from the bench whenever players showed clever play during matches or practice. In 2018, a first-year high school student who received that exclamation appeared right before his eyes. That was the moment he first recognized Rio OMORI.
"I remember, I remember. When Kazuki-san shouted 'Super!', all the players were happy. It rarely happens."
With that "super" play, he showcased the progress made over the past four years. And that too, against the opponent who had tasted that bitterness──.
I never forgot the bitter memory that resurfaces with a throbbing pain. On November 6, 2021, in my first year as a professional, during Sec. 35 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League against Yokohama F.Marinos. At the 39th minute of the first half, Masato MORISHIGE received his second caution and had to leave the pitch. Omori, who was sitting on the bench, was sent onto the pitch as a substitute for Diego OLIVEIRA.
However, what awaited there was a nightmarish time. They helplessly conceded multiple goals, and by the end, it was 0-8. With the team's worst defeat on record, the moment the match ended, they collapsed as if a thread had snapped. Omori wiped away tears and said, "I will never forget this for the rest of my life."
To fill the gap that suddenly appeared, the journey of gaining experience in the J2 League began from the following season. In his second year as a professional at FC Ryukyu, he followed his seniors closely and started serious strength training. Later, even after joining Omiya Ardija in the 2023 season, despite not getting playing opportunities, he focused on self-reflection and devoted himself to building his body, which is the foundation of a football player.
"After finishing morning practice and having lunch, the daily cycle was to rest a bit in the afternoon, do strength training, go home, and then have dinner."
Continuing a lifestyle of spending most of his time at the clubhouse, at Iwaki FC, which he joined for the 2024 season, he further focused on his body and for the first time consistently participated in matches. That experience deepened his confidence.
"Going to Iwaki, I was able to learn various methods and approaches to matches as a team. Last season, I went to FC Imabari, but I felt the condition to keep playing in matches myself, and while controlling that, I was able to try various things. I think I was able to build up to a good stage."
He played a key role in the J2 League over two seasons and has taken on a new challenge. Having made the decision to don the blue and red again for the first time in five seasons, his face showed increased determination. During the pre-season camp in Okinawa, the bold challenger said, "I want to climb up from the very bottom." However, he reminded himself, "I want to hurry, but I won't rush," as he awaited his moment to soar.
"Due to the nature of the position, flashy plays do not necessarily lead to evaluation. Stability and consistency over time are the key factors for assessment. Since you can't suddenly become capable of something new, I believed it was necessary to earn trust."
The long-awaited "moment" has arrived. And it came at the perfect timing──. It was a great opportunity that came due to Masato MORISHIGE's injury, who competes for a regular position, and Hayato Inamura's poor condition. "I think I was lucky to be able to step up at this timing by chance."
The promised place reached by his own strength. The opponent he faced was a fateful rival who once caused him bitter defeat in his debut match. In Sec. 5 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Centennial Project against Yokohama FM, Rio OMORI earned his first starting lineup for the Blue-Red team.
"At that time, I couldn't do anything anymore. First of all, losing was one thing, but it was a game where, for better or worse, I couldn't do anything. That was frustrating, and I felt powerless. That frustration was so strong that winning against Yokohama FM after returning to Tokyo and performing well became a personal goal. I absolutely wanted to get back at them, so I was happy to give it my all for 90 minutes. (In the past four years) I was in the J2 League and couldn't face Yokohama FM. It was a good opportunity and the right timing."
At that time, we were easily shaken by the Tricolor Army of Hama. However, the confidence we carefully built up and accumulated every day was expressed on the pitch as strength and intensity. Throwing their bodies to block the opponent's shots was exactly the proof of that. And carrying the ball and delivering it to the front line with high-precision feeds made the nostalgic shout of "Super!" echo repeatedly in my mind.
"From my perspective, when I placed the ball on the first touch, I was able to play without feeling pressure. This was largely due to the timing of passes and positioning of the players around me. The arrangement of the surrounding players and how I received the ball were also good, so if I keep my head up, I am confident I can make the pass. That’s the most important part, I think. Since it’s a position built on accumulation, I was able to produce decent results as a starter, and I believe that winning without conceding any goals is of great value."
The team secured a comfortable 3-goal victory. It was the first time he played the full 90 minutes in blue and red, and the team's first clean sheet game of the season. When the final whistle blew, there was no sign of the figure who had collapsed on the pitch five years ago. Quietly clenching his fist, he savored the victory and the journey up to this point.
After the match, Omori said, "I wanted to get back and play in a match as soon as possible, and I wanted to seize the opportunity when it came. However, I intended to fulfill my role, so even on the bench, I wanted to fight hard for the team. This is just the beginning, but from here, I want to continue winning streaks," he expressed. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he said, "And also," and continued.
"Currently, there are several players on loan from Tokyo. I hope this gives those players confidence that they can still perform well when they return to Tokyo. This season and beyond, I want to continue showing that aspect."
The words he left in the mixed zone were said to be a cheer for his comrades who, just like his former self, grit their teeth and spend their days.
"Last season, I was playing together with Kaji (Yuki KAJIURA) at Imabari. If we keep going without losing sight of our goals, I believe we will surely become a strong asset for the team in the future."
What I realized after being beaten down and falling was the height of the wall. I drew a roadmap to overcome it and steadily built up by wearing down my spikes. The destination I sought turned out to be the next wall.
The real start from here is the challenge to surpass Morishige, which was set during the rookie era. The three-way battle, including Hayato Inamura, is expected to intensify.
"Both of them are good players, and I understand that it's not easy to unsettle them. Since I play in the same position alongside them and feel it up close, I want to take my time and bring myself up to that level of quality. If there are three such players in Tokyo, winning the championship will definitely be closer. In that sense, I want to push up from below."
The man who lives by reason spoke about the destination he aims for from here. What was embodied in his words was the strength of a man who crawled up from the depths of the earth.
"I think there are games where we lose control during tough periods or in terms of gameplay, and we get scored on or continuously penetrated. I want to be a player who can defend well in such games, and as a center back, that has to be a priority. Of course, build-up play and chance creation must be above standard, but I believe my strength lies in solid defense. While absorbing the attack, I want to also showcase my defensive qualities. When we lose and feel down, it would be great if more players could turn things around positively. I want to be one of those players. Tokyo has many talented players, and if everyone can perform well, we have the quality to win the championship. It's about how well I can bring out the strengths of my teammates. I want to be the one to bring out those strengths."
Omori, who knows pain, said, "I want to become a man who can protect the team." He pushes someone's back and makes them look forward.
Not just the play. I couldn't help but want to shout "Super!" at that back as well.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
