On February 13th (Thu), just two days before the start of the 2025 season, it was announced that Kei Koizumi would be taking on the role of new captain for the blue and red team. He had already led the team as one of three captains last season, and after receiving an offer from new coach Rikizo Matsuhashi, he ultimately accepted the position after much consideration. This man, who always displays his fighting spirit on the pitch, will now wear the armband as "Rikizo Tokyo" and take on whatever role is needed. What is the story behind Matsuhashi's decision to give him the number 37 jersey, and what determination does he hold in his heart?
He has been called "Aniki" by fans and supporters. However, Kei KOIZUMI himself dismisses it, saying "No, no."
"It's a phrase that the supporters gave me, so my teammates and staff must be thinking, 'Where's the "Aniki" at?' I might not have to say it, but my teammates and staff know everything."
However, I have been trying to change from just being an "aniki" in image. Last season, when we were unable to achieve our goal and it became difficult to find a target, there was Koizumi who kept shooting every day in the end. When I asked him why, he answered like this.
"We couldn't win any titles for two consecutive seasons, including the cup tournament. Nothing changed. This is reality. Looking back on the season, we still lack strength, including as individuals. There is only about a month left for training in Kofu. Still, I think it's important to cherish each day. We may not be able to make something happen in the remaining few games. But it may lead to next season and beyond. For the future, the players have no choice but to believe and cherish the present."
This season, I have been studying under Keigo HIGASHI since the pre-season camp and have also been working on extra passing training. Kei KOIZUMI's growth mindset, always pointing the arrow towards himself, has led him to say these words.
"What I do for myself, leads to the team's success. I have to challenge myself in order to become a better player. Ultimately, I believe that will also contribute to the team's victory."
It may have been inevitable for Koizumi's left arm to be wrapped with an armband. This is because the new blue and red commander, coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, demanded from the players the proactive actions that Koizumi has embodied. Coach Matsuhashi explains, "I decided based on seeing Koizumi as he is."
"I'm not a talkative person. But I'm not just all talk, I always try my best and I think I'm a player who can speak through my actions. I chose him as captain after watching his every move."
Koizumi himself also received an offer from the commander, and said, "Honestly, I was hesitant to accept it. I told Riki-san honestly and asked for a little more time," and refrained from an immediate response.
"Last season, we had a three-person captain system, but it's completely different between three people and one person. I understood that it was a role that I had to firmly decide to "do" within myself, so I couldn't answer immediately."
I was able to make up my mind, "because the members didn't change at all, I thought there were many people who understood me. I know better than anyone that I can't do anything alone, and it was a big thing that my teammates understood that."
"I thought it would be good to be sandwiched between veterans and young players, listen to various opinions, and get help from everyone. However, I can't rely on that and sometimes I have to change my personality and perform well. I believe I can grow and I want to fulfill this year as captain in order to put pressure on myself."
I intend to reveal everything without hiding anything, without stretching myself too far, and without changing my attitude of carefully building up each day. "Every day, when I step onto the pitch, I change my mindset and continue to work hard. That's the only thing I want to stick to." During the time I was struggling with the coach's offer, many people told me, "You don't have to bear it alone," and even Coach Matsubashi said, "I don't want you to speak up."
"There is pressure as a captain because people around me say so, but it's not a bad burden. There are people who help create a good atmosphere and many who understand me. There will surely be times when I have to speak up if there are gaps or low intensity in practice. But I want to be the kind of person who can assess each moment without always having to put it into words."
With the help of others, we will walk together while involving those around us. Perhaps this is the kind of leader that coach Matsubashi aims to be, drawing the same picture and connecting people with people.
"If I can make strong statements in every moment and show it in my play, I think many people will feel it. This season, I think it's especially important to focus on each game in front of us. We need to create a strong atmosphere there. As a player, and as a man, I want to become a cool man."
Men stay silent in blue and red.
The man who speaks with his back has made up his mind to seriously aim for Tokyo's "big brother".
Text by Yohhei Baba (Freelance Writer)
