Lead the team on and off the pitch
Inject fighting spirit into blue and red!
MF 37 Kei KOIZUMI
Special content introducing the all-blue-red warriors who will challenge the 2024 season. What are the players, who are facing the opening, thinking and what kind of determination are they approaching the year with? The players' stories, hidden in their love for the club, their thirst for the title, their desire to perform, and the roles they must fulfill - including position changes during the game depending on the game situation - Kei KOIZUMI who showed a brilliant performance in multiple positions. In the 2024 season, with a burning heart, he aims for only two letters, "championship". He has a sense of awareness and crisis, and has solidified his determination to lead the team on and off the pitch.
Kei Koizumi, who will fight in his second season with the determination of blue and red. In his first season, he played multiple positions such as inside half, defensive midfielder, and right fullback, and had the most playing time in the league with 2720 minutes. He showed great effort, but was unable to achieve the desired results for himself and the team. Overflowing with frustration, his words were filled with reflection.
There is no change in the dedication to run through the full 90 minutes and additional time with a strong determination, and the hard-working playing style for the team and teammates. However, there is a stronger awareness as a key player, and an effort to take the lead and pull the team forward is being emphasized.
"Last season was a disappointing year for me personally. I relied too much on the older generation, so this season I need to have more awareness and a sense of crisis. I am not young in terms of age, so I will think about what I can do to help the team win, regardless of playing time. My personality, style, and character may have been a factor in the past, but that doesn't matter anymore. This team has many young players, so I want to not only play, but also use my voice to lead."
The goal that lies beyond this determination is victory and the title. I am burning with fighting spirit towards a joy that I have never experienced before.
"I just want to win. There are many players who have been working hard for Tokyo for a long time, so if I can repay them, there is no choice but to win. I think that is our mission that we have to fulfill. I want to find what I can do to win with everyone and do my best for the team."
Number 37 of the 2024 season will surely show a different side than before. There are no two words for a man. "Koizumi's Aniki" will put his body and voice on the line and inject fighting spirit into the blue and red for victory.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
