During his playing days, Sidmar Antônio Martins made his mark at Shimizu S-Pulse, and after retiring, he gained popularity on television programs.Currently, he is serving as a goalkeeper coach at Vissel Kobe.Last year, with Daiya Maekawa as the central figure, he led the team of goalkeepers and contributed to the J.LEAGUE victory.While the overwhelming offensive power tends to attract attention, it is an undeniable fact that the stable defense line, ranked third in the league for fewest points allowed, significantly contributed to the team's leap forward.How will coaching be carried out this season with the addition of three new goalkeepers?

——Last season, goalkeeper Daiya Maekawa became a key player in the J.LEAGUE victory.How did you view their performance?

Daiya Maekawa has been demonstrating high performance throughout the year.Of course, there were scenes where I made mistakes, but I was able to grow by correcting them during practice and matches.I feel that my success was due to the fact that I was truly focused and dedicated to each and every game.

——Specifically, what kind of guidance were you providing?

As a highly skilled player, I was striving to utilize my abilities to their fullest during the season.As specific instructions, since the entire team employs a high-press tactic, there are times when the opponent team targets the area behind our defense line with their passes. Therefore, we have meticulously prepared for movements such as rushing out from in front of the goal to clear the ball, or to perform defensive actions.I believe the number of rushes from in front of the goal was among the top in the J.LEAGUE.The point where Mayuzumi was able to grow significantly over the past year.

——How do you go about sharing tactics with the players?

First, before the match, we conduct a meeting about the opposing team and devise strategies.In reflecting on the game afterwards, not only the players who participated, but the entire goalkeeper team made sure to exchange opinions.What is good and what needs to be improved?How can it be further improved?I always listen to their thoughts, understand them myself, and interact while constantly thinking about how I can easily convey instructions.

——There are three new goalkeepers joining from this year.What kind of play are you expecting?

At this stage, they are being explained about how Vissel Kobe is developing their soccer under what kind of thinking, and in what direction they are fighting.I am striving to understand the characteristics and skills of each new player, but for now, I am working to ensure that the players can quickly adapt to Vissel Kobe’s Soccer.Just because I’m coaching doesn’t mean that the player’s abilities will suddenly improve. I’m currently working on creating an environment where the players can exhibit their own strengths.

——What is the strength of Vissel Kobe from the perspective of coach Sidmar Antônio Martins?

I was affiliated as a coach from 2013 to 2014, but Vissel Kobe is a team that feels like one big family.The players and staff can support each other, and if there is any problem, everyone can work together to solve it.In tough situations, we have prevailed by raising our voices and inspiring our comrades.You possess the mentality of a winner.That’s why we are strong.

——What do you think Vissel Kobe needs to become even stronger?

Winning is not easy this year, with not only domestic titles but also the ACL (Asian Champions League) to contend with.The countermeasures against Vissel Kobe should become more stringent.However, it is important to foster a strong belief that “We will definitely win.”The 2023 season really had a strong sense of unity within the team.I want to firmly carry on that unity into this year as well, and build a strong future on top of the past accumulation.In that sense, I definitely want to win the title again this year.In order for Vissel Kobe to become a perennial championship team, it is necessary for them to win this year.I believe that winning the title once again will lead to the next future.I believe that if we do so, the number of supporters will increase even more.

——What kind of soccer player does Coach Sidmar Antônio Martins think is a professional?

What’s important is the pure love for soccer.Do you like soccer?

——Yes, I like it

I don’t like it.I love it (laughs).The passion for victory, the kindness of thinking about teammates, and the dedication to move for the team.I started playing soccer from the age of seven, and up until now, where I am coaching, there has not been a single moment when I lost my passion.If you are a professional, you must not forget this feeling, right?

——In a nutshell, what is the appeal of Soccer and goalkeepers?

Soccer is really a sport where you can’t predict which team will win.It’s quite common for lower-ranked teams to beat those ranked above them, and for the score to flip in the final stages of the game is an everyday occurrence.That thrill, and the whole team’s passion for victory, is unique to soccer.There is also the fun aspect of the role of a goalkeeper.Among the 11 players, only the goalkeeper is allowed to use their hands.Isn’t it cool to defend the last fortress alone?I believe the joy of putting your body on the line to protect the goal is something not found in other positions.There’s tremendous pressure, but it’s important to overcome it.I make sure to convey not only the technical aspects, but also the mental aspects to the players.Appealing to the heart might be a unique aspect of my coaching style.

In Vissel Kobe’s soccer, where they apply high pressure from the front lines, the role of the goalkeeper to take care of the space behind is extremely significant.The ability to aggressively press is also because there is a goalkeeper who can be trusted to guard the goalmouth.Coach Sidmar Antônio Martins is discerning the characteristics of each player, while creating an environment for them to excel.Breaking through Vissel Kobe’s goal this year will probably not be easy.After all, there awaits some of the top goalkeepers in the J.LEAGUE.

Together with Daisuke Kawashima, who serves as an interpreter.

INTERVIEW : Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)
Kodai Wada