"I'll use it when I come now."
Hiromi HARA (then coach) convinced Naohiro ISHIKAWA with this "famous saying", as well as fresh talents such as Yasuyuki KONNO, Akira KAJI, and Teruyuki MONIWA. The trio of Lucas, Kelly, and Jean, who are almost like representatives of Brazil. Powerful college graduates such as Hitoshi SHIOTA, Mitsuhiro TODA, and Yoshiro ABE. Yoichi DOI and Jo KANAZAWA, who are instant impact players transferred from J1 clubs. Ryuji FUJIYAMA and Satoru ASARI, who embody the spirit of Tokyo Gas. In addition, emerging talents from the academy such as Yuta BABA and Yohei KAJIYAMA, these players came together and the blue and red army was on the verge of celebrating their golden age.
After winning the Nabisco Cup in the 2004 season, it was only natural for them to have high hopes for the league competition. However, in January just before the start of the 2005 season, their slogan "Hop, Step, Champ" did not lead them to victory in the league as expected.
The highly anticipated Danilo and the new formation 4-3-3 failed to deliver. The team finished 10th, lower than their 8th place finish in the 2004 season, and were eliminated in the 5th round of the Emperor's Cup and in the group stage of the Nabisco Cup. They were unable to achieve significant results in terms of performance.
There is a long and deep river between winning the cup and accumulating points in the league throughout the season to lift the trophy. Tokyo has learned this lesson firsthand in the world of football. Looking back, how embarrassing it was to have such a slogan that we could easily win the league in one go.
But that's okay. Without the arrogance of thinking we can do it too, in other words, without the youthfulness, we cannot acquire the strength to do big things. Tokyo, a young club that learned its place in the big sea, was able to fight with a newfound vigor after the possibility of winning was gone.
After suffering their 9th loss in the J1 League Sec. 22 match against Kashiwa Reysol, they finished the season with an impressive 12-game undefeated streak. The arrival of Paraguayan prodigy Sasa SALCEDO in the middle of the season brought victories and draws, with memorable matches against Verdy and Kawasaki Frontale. However, the most memorable match was the final Sec. 12 match against Cerezo Osaka.
With the possibility of winning remaining for 5 teams, if they can maintain their 2-1 lead, they can achieve their first J1 victory. It was 22-year-old Imakano, a symbol of young Tokyo, who shattered the hopes of C Osaka.
In the final moments, Yusuke KONDO's right foot shot from Masashi MIYAZAWA's right corner kick was blocked by the opponent, but Imakazu did not give up and flashed his left foot at the loose ball. He pierced the goal net. It was a moment when "Ima-chan" and Tokyo, jumping for joy in the completely hostile environment, left their mark in history as an unpredictable heel.
"Cerezo, who were in first place, had momentum and a strong front three. But we wanted to show that we also had strength. I thought if they won the championship right in front of us, I would regret it for the rest of my life," said Imakano. The crown rolled over to Gamba Osaka, the rival of Cerezo. Since then, Cerezo has never won the league championship.
After winning the Nabisco Cup for the first time last year, the team took a new step forward. However, manager Hara took responsibility for the poor results and resigned. This December 3rd, the day that showed the team's determination to send off their beloved coach, was a harsh reality check for Tokyo. It was a day that marked a new starting point for the team to forget about being the "Hop, Step, Champ" and instead focus on steady growth.
Text by Wataru GOTO (Freelance Writer)
【25 Years of History】Special Column Here
25 Years of History vol.1 Things We Must Not Forget
25 Years of History vol.2 The Road to Our First Title
