A man overflowing with "Tokyo Love" experienced
frustrating days in his first season back
Every person and player has a story. '2024 PLAYER’S REVIEW' introduces each blue-red warrior who fought through the 2024 season. What thoughts did they carry throughout the season? Confidence, sense of achievement, challenges, joy, regret... Reflecting on this season's battles in their own words.
After gaining experience through a loan transfer, Go HATANO returned to Tokyo with high expectations as a guardian. However, from the smooth days leading up to the team's training camp, things took a turn for the worse, and a red card incident stemming from his over-aggressiveness led to a decrease in his playing opportunities, resulting in a challenging season. What saved him were the words of the veteran players. This is the story of the ups and downs of the 2024 season for a goalkeeper filled with "Tokyo love."
"I think it felt a bit salty," he candidly reflected on this season. It's understandable. After performing well throughout the season on loan at V-Varen Nagasaki, he returned to Tokyo for the 2024 season with confidence and experience. On the first day of training, welcomed back in blue and red, and at the time of the camp, he was in excellent condition in terms of agility, quick reactions, power, and defensive range. His strength in aerial battles was particularly overwhelming, allowing him to move his large frame quickly and make a strong start to secure a spot in the opening lineup.
However, two expulsions hindered his season. The first was during Sec. 5 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League against Kawasaki Frontale. At that time, he was suspended for one match and had to return to the bench. Later, after Taishi Brandon NOZAWA left the team for national duty, he returned to the starting lineup, but was shown a red card again during Sec. 13 against Kashiwa Reysol and was sent off. He received a two-match suspension here, making the bench his main place. This was in stark contrast to his record of guarding the goal in all 36 matches of the J2 League last season. The gap between this and the image he had envisioned at the start of the team activities in January was significant.
(I thought I would already be representing the national team this autumn. I was too naive.)
The main reason for the expulsion was that the attempt to defend against an opponent who broke through behind the final line resulted in a foul when he tried to rush out to the edge of the penalty area. Taking this opportunity to reflect on himself, Go HATANO devoted himself to training in order to seize another chance to play. Although there was a period when the team was abandoned by victory and he was distanced from playing opportunities, when he expressed the worries he had been carrying in his heart, he was encouraged by veterans such as Yuto NAGATOMO, Masato MORISHIGE, and Keigo HIGASHI, who told him, "Just be yourself," allowing him to approach things positively.
I thought I would return to my playing style once again. As a result, when the opportunity to play suddenly came during the match against Vissel Kobe (Sec. 34), I was able to save the team. I felt I could play as myself.
Despite the situation of a scramble appearance due to the accident of Taishi NOZAWA, Go HATANO did not hesitate, but rather expressed his joy of playing with a smile and contributed to the victory by making fine saves to protect the goal.
"I think I had a good experience and became stronger myself. I believe it was a season that was definitely not wasted."
With a bright enthusiasm, the intensity of practice, and a strong pride in loving the club, I believe I am the best. I no longer care what others say. I will fight passionately for the team, staying true to myself. This attitude drives Go HATANO's heart to further growth as a player.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
