Graduating from the time of continuous worries
Aiming for the top between calmness and passion
DF 4 Yasuki KIMOTO
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 story of the players who have club love, thirst for titles, thoughts for success, and the role they must fulfill──. Yasuki KIMOTO, who gained a new perspective after experiencing the frustration and worries of last season. While looking at his own position, he burns with a hot fighting spirit for position recovery and title acquisition. His performance, shown between calmness and passion, is a must-see.
The quiet man's mouth is smooth. From last season, where there was a lot of time to worry, he now has a clear expression and his words flow smoothly. Yasuki KIMOTO carries both composure and passion, and is preparing for the start of the 2024 season.
In the 2022 season, which was his first season, he firmly grabbed a regular position from the opening and defended the center back position throughout the season. However, in the last season, he was expected to make further progress and continued to stand on the pitch in the first half, such as grabbing the opening starting lineup, but his position suddenly changed in the second half. He struggled for a while as he was slow to adapt to the style demanded by coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI and lost his position.
However, without seeking reasons or causes from those around me, I faced myself and found a solution, and in the end of the season, I made a big transformation. I gained a new perspective.
"Last season, there were times when nothing seemed to go well and I ended up falling apart. But towards the end, I changed my mindset and thought, 'Even if things don't go well, there's nothing I can do about it.' That actually led me in a positive direction. By approaching things in that way, I feel like my appearance has changed and I feel much better. Anyway, this season, I want to give it my all. I truly believe it's a mental battle with myself."
The words of a man who has shed his skin naturally contain passion.
"I have reached the veteran stage and have come to understand that there will be good seasons and bad seasons. Whether I am playing or not, I want to do my best for the team to win, and I feel that our generation needs to have more awareness. Above all, I strongly want to win in Tokyo and win titles, so I want to focus on that and continue to do my best."
Able to combine strength and height, and serve as the starting point for build-up play with accurate feeds and sharp vertical passes. There is no doubt about the ability he possesses as a center back. In order to secure a regular position and become the backbone of the defense, Yasu fights with his emotions on full display.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
