The "Genius Who Works Hard" is back, showcasing his strengths
MF 18 Manato SHINADA
This is a special content introducing all the blue-red warriors challenging the 2024 season. What are the players thinking as they approach the opening match, and what determination do they have for the year ahead? The stories of the players, filled with club love, a thirst for titles, aspirations for success, and the roles they must fulfill──. Manato SHINADA, who has returned from a loan to Ventforet Kofu, will once again wear the "blue-red number 18." As the new season begins, the genius who works hard is committed to showcasing his strengths.
The coaches involved have described Manato SHINADA as a "genius who works hard." The form of that effort is about to change slightly.
Last season, I experienced my first transfer in my sixth professional season. Although I had injuries along the way, I left a record of 2 goals in 20 matches in the 2023 Meiji Yasuda J2 League while on loan at Ventforet Kofu. Additionally, I played in one match of the Emperor's Cup and two group stage matches of the AFC Champions League. Considering that my previous five seasons had a total of 20 appearances in J1, it must have been a valuable experience.
"In Tokyo, it was a competition with players who have experience with the Japan national team and those who have already earned the trust of the coach. It was a battle where I always had to change something about myself."
Such initiatives were taken for granted. "However, in Kofu, we often talked about how to present ourselves," he says. Even without standing in glamorous places, there were players who had survived as professionals. By interacting with them, differences emerged in the preparations leading up to the matches and the approach to practice.
In Kofu, I have continued my unwavering efforts as before. In a fleeting moment, a teammate advised me, "While you can think and work on it, how you present it is also important." With those words, I realized that I had been caught up in what I lacked. That is why I have started to face the image of myself as a player, Manato SHINADA, once again.
"I think it starts with the kick. Even if it's a bit difficult, I want to show a bold side by trying. While being particular about showcasing my strengths, I want to keep trying no matter how many times I fail. I want to maintain that attitude."
Deliver precise passes of varying lengths with both feet. Read the nuances of the game and dominate the pitch. Regain that feeling. Having experienced the outside world, I realized that the best environment for that is right here where I returned. There are coaches who understand my journey and perfect rivals as well.
"There are parts where I have lost sight of my strengths. People I have known for a long time give me advice from the outside, so I want to regain the self I had during my time in U-15 Fukagawa and U-18. More players from my generation are joining the Japan national team, and I feel motivated not to lose to them. I want to continue playing in matches and experience the intense competition for the championship at the end. I want to make that a given in the future, so I also want to enjoy the feeling of challenging myself to achieve it."
He will wear the number 18 again, which he has carried since his academy days, with the desire to make it his own color. At the end of his diligent search for self, he will surely bloom into his own unique flower.
text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
