On Feb 13 (Thu), just two days before the start of the 2025 season, it was announced that Kei KOIZUMI would be the new captain of the blue and red team. Last season, he continued to lead the team as part of a three-man captaincy. After receiving an offer from the new coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, he accepted after much deliberation. The man who plays with his fighting spirit on the pitch will wear the armband on his left arm for 'Rikizo Tokyo.' What role will he take on? The background of Coach Matsuhashi's choice of number 37 and the determination he holds in his heart are also worth noting.
He has been called "Aniki" by fans and supporters. However, Kei KOIZUMI himself dismisses it by saying, "No, no."
"That's a phrase given to us by the supporters, so the teammates and staff must be thinking, 'Where's the 'Aniki'?' Maybe I shouldn't say anything, but everyone on the team and the staff already knows."
However, I have been trying to change from just the image of an "older brother." As the season ended without any titles and it became difficult to find goals, Koizumi was seen shooting every day at Kodaira. When asked about the reason, he replied as follows.
"We haven't been able to win any titles, including cup competitions, for two consecutive seasons, and nothing has changed. This is the reality. Looking back on the season, both individually and as a team, we still lack strength. There is only about a month left for practice in Kodaira. Even so, I believe it is important to cherish each day. We may not be able to make something happen in the remaining few matches. However, it could lead to next season and beyond. For the sake of someday, the players can only believe and value the present."
This season, I have been learning from Keigo HIGASHI since the pre-season camp and have been working on past training during extra sessions. Kei KOIZUMI's growth mindset, which continues to focus on himself, has led him to express these words.
"What I do for myself connects to the team. I have to challenge myself to become a better player. Ultimately, I believe that will lead to the team's victory."
It may have been inevitable that a armband was wrapped around Koizumi's left arm. This is because the newly appointed blue-red commander, Rikizo MATSUHASHI, demanded from the players the proactive behavior that Koizumi has embodied. Coach Matsuhashi explains, "I decided based on seeing Koizumi as he is."
"He is not particularly talkative. However, while he doesn't just act without speaking, I thought he is a player who always gives his all and can communicate through his actions. I appointed him as captain after observing each of his actions."
Koizumi himself received an offer to be the commander and said, "Honestly, I was unsure whether to accept it. I spoke honestly with Riki-san and asked for a little more time to decide," indicating that he refrained from giving an immediate answer.
"Last season, we had three captains, but having three people versus one is completely different. I understood that it was a role where I had to firmly decide within myself to 'do it,' so I couldn't respond immediately."
I was able to solidify my determination because, since the members didn't change drastically, I thought there were many people who understood me. I know better than anyone that I can't do anything alone, and it was significant that my teammates understood that as well.
"I think it would be good to be right in between the veterans and the young players, listening to various opinions and getting help from everyone. However, I also believe that there are moments when I need to change my personality and perform without relying on that support. I believe I can grow, and for the sake of putting pressure on myself, I want to fulfill this year as captain."
I intend to lay everything bare without hiding anything. I have no intention of changing my approach to steadily building my days without stretching myself. "Every day, the moment I step onto the pitch, I want to continue working with a change in my eyes. That is something I want to uphold." During the time spent worrying about the coach's inquiries, many people told me, "You don't have to bear it all alone," and Coach Matsuhashi also said, "I don't want you to just raise your voice."
"Since that's what everyone around me has been saying, there is pressure as a captain, but it's not a bad burden. Moreover, there are people who help create the atmosphere and many who understand me. If there are gaps during practice or if the intensity is low, there will surely be times when I have to speak up strongly. However, I want to be someone who can discern the moments, rather than always verbalizing everything."
With help and involving those around us, we walk together. The image that Coach Matsuhashi aims for, connecting people, may be that of such a leader.
"If I can make solid statements in each moment and show it in my play, I believe various people will pick up on that. This season, I think it's especially important to value each match in front of us. If we can create the right atmosphere there, that would be great. As a player and as a man, I want to be a cool guy."
A man is silent in blue and red──.
The man who speaks with his back has made up his mind to seriously aim for being the 'big brother' of Tokyo.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
