"The Man Overflowing with "Tokyo Love" Experienced
Bitter Days of His First Season Back
People, players, and stories. Introducing the 2024 PLAYER'S REVIEW, featuring all the blue and red warriors who fought through the season. What were their thoughts and feelings during the season? Confidence, progress, challenges, joy, and regret... Each player will reflect on their battles this season in their own words.
After gaining experience through a temporary transfer, Go HATANO returned to Tokyo with high expectations as the team's guardian, but his season was filled with struggles as his positive attitude backfired and led to a red card. This caused him to have fewer opportunities to play, but he was saved by the words of veteran players. This is the story of the 2024 season filled with ups and downs for the goalkeeper overflowing with love for Tokyo.
"I think it was a salty feeling," he honestly reflected on the season. It's not surprising. He had a successful season at his loan club V-Varen Nagasaki, gaining confidence and experience, and returned to Tokyo in 2024. On the first day of training and at the start of camp, he was in great shape, with agility, quick reactions, power, and a wide defensive range. His aerial strength was particularly overwhelming, quickly moving his large frame and securing a starting spot for the opening game in blue and red once again.
However, his season was hindered by two red card incidents. The first one was in the Sec. 5 match against Kawasaki Frontale in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League. He was suspended for one game and returned to the bench as a substitute. After that, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA returned to the starting lineup due to his absence for national team duties, but was once again shown a red card and sent off in the Sec. 13 match against Kashiwa Reysol. This resulted in a two-game suspension, making the bench his main place. This was a stark contrast to his record of keeping goals in all 36 matches in the J2 League last season. The difference between his expectations at the start of the team's training in January and the reality was significant.
"I thought I would already be going to the national team this fall. How naive of me,"
The main reason for the ejection was a foul on the opponent who had broken through behind the final line and tried to defend by jumping out to the penalty area. After this incident, Hatano reflected on himself and devoted himself to practicing in order to get another chance. The team had been abandoned by victory and Hatano had been away from the field for a while, but when he confided his worries, he was encouraged by veterans such as Yuto Nagatomo, Masato Morishige, and Keigo Higashi to "just be himself" and was able to approach things positively.
"I thought about returning to my playing style. As a result, I was able to save the team when I suddenly got a chance to play in the Vissel Kobe match (Sec. 34). I was able to play in my own way."
In the face of the unexpected situation of scrambling to play due to Nozawa Taishi's accident, HATANO did not hesitate and instead showed his joy to play with a smile, making fine saves to contribute to the victory.
"I think I had a good experience and I also became stronger myself. I don't think it was a wasted season."
With a lively spirit, intense training, and a strong love for the club, Go HATANO has the confidence that he is the best. He no longer cares about what others say. He will fight passionately for the team, staying true to himself. This attitude drives HATANO's heart, as he vows for further growth as a player.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
