Words from the old boys celebrating Vissel Kobe's consecutive victories in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League.Lastly, introducing the messages received from Tomoaki Makino, Yuta Goke, and Kenmei Fujimoto!Even though our ages and the paths we've walked are different, our love for this club is the same.Deliver to the players, Manager, Team Staff, and the fans and supporters!

The intensity of practice improved the players’ condition, creating a team that could run to the end —— Tomoaki Makino

—What do you think contributed to achieving back-to-back league championships?

Makino: “Not only the veteran players, but also the young and mid-level players have managed to maintain high motivation, which allowed us to have highly intense practice sessions on a regular basis.The intensity of that practice improved the athletes’ condition, creating a team that could run to the end.I believe that Manager Yoshida’s management was excellent, demanding the same level from everyone without giving special treatment just because they are veteran players.Moreover, the significant contributions of the new players were also notable. Especially, the performances by players Ideguchi and Miyashiro exceeded our expectations.”

——What do you think is the essence of Vissel Kobe’s strength?

Makino: “Objectively speaking, the strength of Vissel Kobe was the consistency in their game throughout the year, they were able to play without faltering, figuring out ways to win and score goals. It is something that has been ongoing since last year, and even if there were times when things didn’t go well, they continued to show their own style of Soccer without compromising their beliefs.”

——What words would you like to say to Vissel Kobe’s players?

Makino: “Once again, congratulations to everyone at Vissel Kobe on your back-to-back J.LEAGUE championships and Emperor’s Cup win.By now, you all can be considered a big club.The upcoming season welcoming as a champion.In the midst of aiming for a three-peat, you become a target that is completely marked. I hope that you continue to be a steadfast team that keeps producing results.”

——Please share a message with fans, supporters, and the local people of Kobe.

Makino: “I believe that you all are the best supporters in Japan, just like the team.Your support will continue to drive the players in the next season.We look forward to your unwavering support next season as well!”

All the players were able to embody the soccer that the manager wanted to play on the pitch, with each player’s individual level and the whole team facing the same direction —— Yuta Goke

——Please say a few words about Vissel Kobe’s achievement of winning the league title two years in a row.

Goke :”Congratulations to everyone involved in Vissel Kobe on winning the J1 League.I am delighted as if I have achieved consecutive victories myself.”

—What do you think contributed to achieving back-to-back league championships?

Goke: “I believe that after all, it was due to the individual levels of the players, the team facing the same direction, and everyone on the pitch being able to embody the soccer that the manager wanted to play.”

——What does Goke think is the essence of Vissel Kobe’s strength?

Goke: “I believe there is not only the pitch, but also a fulfilling environment around it.I believe that the readiness of the pitch, clubhouse, meals, and other amenities, prepared to compete in the rigorous and high-level league known as J1, is top-class. I felt it was incredible to still have a hungry spirit in such an environment and to be greedy for victory. As a member of this club, I was reminded once again of how truly fulfilling it is.”

——What words would you like to say to your colleagues at Vissel Kobe?

Goke: “I hope that Vissel Kobe continues to be strong in the future.”

——Please share a message with fans, supporters, and the local people of Kobe.

Goke: “Congratulations.The supporters in Kobe are kind, and even after I’ve left, they keep in touch and look out for me through social media.Thank you very much indeed.I believe that having a strong team is thanks to the Kobe supporters.Please continue to support us passionately and enjoyably from now on. Congratulations on your consecutive championships.”

I felt that the consecutive victories were achieved precisely because they are top-class in the J.LEAGUE in terms of ball control, running ability, and spirit —— Noriaki Fujimoto

——Please say a few words about Vissel Kobe’s achievement of winning the league title two years in a row.

Fujimoto: “Congratulations on achieving back-to-back wins and two titles to all the staff and the fans and supporters who create the best atmosphere.”

—What do you think contributed to achieving back-to-back league championships?

Fujimoto: “I believe the factors were the strength of our team and the fact that they didn’t fall apart even during tough times. Firstly, I thought the prowess of Manager Yoshida’s team management, player utilization, and timing were remarkable.With Yamaguchi as the main player, if the athletes representing Japan fight and play with such dedication, they won’t lose easily.Personally, I think the inclusion of player Miyashiro was quite significant.I came to Kobe with considerable resolve and contributed as a key player on the team. It not only reduced the burden on players like Osako and Muto, but also helped to distribute the marking.Three players scored in double digits, and I believe that Miyashiro has not only been producing solid results in the league, but also in the Emperor’s Cup and ACLE, becoming the most important player for the team.I thought that Sasaki’s play was amazing, who was able to change the flow even from the middle and consistently produced results right from the start.Even in tough times, Maekawa, who never let in a goal, was a very important figure.I believe that the good performance by all the players who joined us this season has also enhanced our team’s strength.While the attack was focused on long balls, I think the balance was good as both could be utilized when the situation calmed down and there was time to wait for the ball. I felt that the consecutive wins were achieved because they are top class in the J-League in all aspects, including ball control, running ability, and spirit.

——What is the current “strength” of Vissel Kobe?

Fujimoto: “When I was a member, we had players like Iniesta, Villa, and Podolski, who had made their mark on the world stage. We tended to focus on possession, trying to break through with individual ideas and breakthroughs.I believe that at Vissel Kobe right now, while relying on individual abilities, the tasks for the whole team have become clear.When players like Osako, Muto, and Sasaki kick the long ball, their surrounding teammates are quick to prepare and react for the second ball, which allows them to directly advance to the front of the goal. I think it was difficult for the opposing team to press from the front, as they would recover the second ball with a long ball, making it hard to go for high pressure.I think we managed to hold the ball for that duration, but there might have been times when it wasn’t good, like when we couldn’t advance to the goal and seemed to be holding onto it.Even in situations where they were on the receiving end of a counter-attack, I thought players like Yamakawa and Thuler were properly managing the risk and responding accordingly. Even when shots were fired, I believe Maekawa was able to securely save them by limiting the course. I believe the strength of Vissel Kobe now lies in the tactics clarified by Manager Yoshida, the atmosphere created by the fans and supporters, and the players who can feel that and express it in their play.”

——What words would you like to say to Vissel Kobe’s players?

Fujimoto: “The upcoming season will be one where you aim for a third consecutive championship.Personally, I hope you achieve a three-peat, the Emperor’s Cup, J.LEAGUE YBC Levain CUP, and the J.LEAGUE triple crown, in addition to becoming the Asian Champions.I believe in what Vissel Kobe can do at the moment, and in 2020, we won the Emperor’s Cup. I declared at the report meeting for fans and supporters that I would win three crowns.I hope you can accomplish what I was unable to achieve while I was there.Otherwise, I would become a liar (laughs).There may be more challenging matches this season, but Vissel Kobe has the strength to overcome them. With the support of your passionate fans and supporters, I hope you will fight bravely.I am proud to have been a player for Vissel Kobe, and there is no doubt that my time with Vissel Kobe was an important period in my soccer career.Please allow me to comment on the triple crown and three consecutive victories for the upcoming season.I firmly believe that it will definitely be done.Congratulations on your consecutive championships and double crown.”

——Please share a message with fans, supporters, and the local people of Kobe.

Fujimoto: “The fans and supporters have always been a great source of strength for me, cheering me on with loud voices and claps, even in tough and difficult times.When I was there, I was personally frustrated because I couldn’t achieve good results as I wished.Nevertheless, the presence of all the supporters was significant, making me realize that I needed to fight, that I had to win for everyone. They were my driving force.Thanks to everyone, we have achieved a consecutive J.LEAGUE championship and won the Emperor’s Cup, thus accomplishing a double crown.Of course, it’s the players who perform on the pitch.The ones who produce results are the players and the manager.As expected, I thought the performance of the 12th player was an entity that could not be separated from this result.The atmosphere, pressure, and vitality of that Noevir stadium all overlapped and changed the result.The result was achieved by the city of Kobe, which was cheering for us even outside the stadium.Vissel Kobe will continue to run for a while yet.The support from all of you is absolutely essential for the club’s players to continue growing and achieving results.Please continue to love Kobe, no matter what happens.You are all heroes.　Congratulations on the consecutive victories and the double crown, let’s continue together from here on.”

Click here for Vol.1 “How did Kyogo Furuhashi feel about Vissel’s back-to-back J.LEAGUE championships? “

Click here for Vol.2 “Junya Tanaka and Hirofumi Watanabe also praise their former J.LEAGUE team’s back-to-back championships!”

EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe, Shiori Saeki (IN FOCUS)