This week's match against Yokohama F.Marinos, held at our "National" stadium. For the Red and Blue, who succeeded in a strong start with three consecutive wins but suffered their first defeat in the previous match, this game is crucial and a must-win to aim for the championship.
For Keisuke Sato, who has been a driving force behind the team's progress but has yet to score, this match will be an opportunity to remove the 'thorn' lingering in his heart and release all the pent-up feelings at once. Overcoming that frustration, he strongly vows to bring joy to the blue and red supporters — this is the determination of the player wearing number 16.
Overcome that frustration
Even now, I remember it in unexpected moments. That frustration is something I can never forget──.
Last season's Emperor's Cup Semifinal Round held at Japan National Stadium saw a fierce battle against FC Machida Zelvia, which extended into extra time, resulting in a bitter defeat for Tokyo. For Sato Yoshimasa, a first-year player back from Germany who had set winning the title as his top goal, it was a result he could not regret enough. It is still fresh in memory that there was something shining in his eyes after the match.
"The only remaining title, it was a title that everyone was aiming for, so even now the frustration remains. I naturally remember it without anyone having to tell me. I came to Tokyo to win a title, and after experiencing that frustration, my desire to win the championship with this team has become even stronger."
Rising from the humiliating defeat, we have taken steps forward one by one aiming to become a truly "championship-worthy team." Our ideal is an aggressive style of soccer based on fierce fighting spirit, combined with flexible and adaptive decision-making that is not bound by form.
While the team recorded three consecutive wins from the opening, including a victory in a penalty shootout, Keito Sato has contributed to the team with overwhelming dedication as a right attacker. Changing his main position from forward, which was his primary role last season, he showcased an excellent rotation on the right side with Sei MUROYA. With passionate play, he has supported the team's strong start to the season. In terms of statistics, he has only one assist in the Tamagawa Clasico, but the extent of his contribution is something that every Aoaka watcher unanimously acknowledges.
Kei Sato set his personal goal at 10 goals, thinking, "If I score double-digit goals, the team should be able to win the championship," but what he values most is the team's victory. He says, "From here on, I want to keep scoring goals and also rack up assists." Even so, he calmly assesses the situation, "To put it extremely, if there is a player with a higher chance of scoring than me, I will pass without hesitation. Of course, I want to score goals myself, and my goal of double-digit goals has not wavered at all. However, the most important thing is for Tokyo to win. Although I haven't scored yet, I accept that and choose to ensure the team scores and wins. By doing so, the team gains confidence, and I can play with more composure and start scoring goals."
In the season where he became the vice-captain, he supports captain Muroya, who leads by example, and aims for the championship by driving the team forward with his inherent positivity and fighting spirit, saying, "I will always energize and lift the atmosphere." He also interprets in his own way the words from coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI to the attacking players, "Keep swinging your legs."
"Mr. Riki (Coach Matsuhashi)'s words 'Swing your leg' mean 'Score a goal.' Behind that is the belief that 'If the attackers score, we can win.' It's not just about swinging properly, but swinging and scoring. I will score. If we aim to be a team worthy of the championship, we must become players worthy of the championship. Both players and staff truly want to win and approach each match with that mindset, and they work hard in daily practice to become a team worthy of the championship. I am also the vice-captain, and I want to lead the team, set an example, and become a player who scores goals. I believe that players who can win matches even in tough situations are the players worthy of a championship team."
This weekend, the match at Japan National Stadium, the first since that day, is coming. The moment you step into the stadium, various memories will surely come flooding back. And those memories will ignite a fire in his heart.
"The moment I step into the National Stadium, I think the feeling of frustration will definitely rise up and ignite my passion. It's precisely because we lost to Kashiwa Reysol that we have to win this match. A team aiming for the championship must never suffer consecutive defeats, and first, we want to overcome the disappointment of the Emperor's Cup. I believe the fans and supporters feel the same way, so I want everyone to cheer loudly at the National Stadium and together clear away that frustration to move forward. I am truly hungry for goals. I will score and lead us to victory."
To achieve a big goal, I keep the determination to show fearlessness while fully committing to "For the team."
The aim is victory, and to become a player who leads the team to win with his own goals. The goal-hungry "Golden Wolf" steps forward as the "New National Man" to carve out the future.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Tomo Aoyama
