In the middle of the 2022 season, Takayuki Yoshida assumed the role of Manager for Vissel Kobe for the third time.However, 2022 was a tough year, as we got caught up in the struggle for survival.After executing a bold tactical change, the team has been in the upper ranks since the early part of the 2023 season.The battle for the championship was a close one until the end, but they managed to shake off their rival teams and splendidly achieved their first J.LEAGUE victory.What was the driving force behind such a team?What kind of vision do they have for this season, facing it as the champions of the J.LEAGUE?Before the start of the season, I asked about his thoughts as a commander.

—Looking back at 2023, how did you feel at the moment of victory?

By focusing on each battle in front of me and putting my all into every match, the result of winning came along. I had thought that if I won, I would be overjoyed, or perhaps even shed tears, but surprisingly, none of that happened (laughs). Having been in a constant struggle for the top position and feeling pressure throughout the season, if anything, I might honestly say that I feel relieved.

——The players’ attitude of not being overly elated or discouraged by the results of the games during the season, but rather focusing on the next game, was impressive. Is this a part that you were conscious of as a team?

“One game at a time” is our team’s slogan. Not only is it something I emphasize, but I believe the players also approach each game with this mindset. I truly fought all 34 games of the season as if they were the finals. Of course, winning or losing is important, but we were also committed to playing soccer that was true to ourselves. If we played the soccer we wanted to play and still lost, there’s nothing we can do about it. Then, what should be corrected next in order to win? I believe it has been a year of growth, through daily trial and error.

——In the 2023 season, we significantly changed our strategy, applying high pressure from the front line and developing fast, vertical Soccer. Was this decision not a pressured one?

There was no anxiety. I believed it would be good if the team could win, and it’s the manager’s job to lead them to victory. Of course, the tactics have changed, but what has changed the most is the consciousness of the players. We have become a team that can fight by sacrificing ourselves in order to win. Even the players are saying, “We want to be proactive from the front line.” When asked if everyone is prepared to fight with hard work, the answer is, “Yes.” With that in mind, I steeled myself, along with the athletes. Indeed, it is the players who actually play, so I think it was good that we were able to motivate them and make them serious.

——Vissel Kobe has many unique players who have been successful in overseas clubs. How are you managing?

Indeed, there are many players who were regulars for overseas clubs and the Japanese national team, but they are not elites running at the top of the world. I believe they have had their own share of hardships. In mid-tier European clubs, you have to fight with all your might in every match to stand a chance at reaching the top. If you don’t showcase your skills and perform well, you won’t get to play in the matches. I believe that the players, who were playing in a foreign land amidst a tense atmosphere, were so eager to score and win precisely because of these circumstances. Since such players are all playing in the same direction, it makes it easier for the management side. As these are players who possess such a mindset, the sharpness of their counters that exploit an opponent’s mistake instantly makes you feel their exceptional level of skill.

——As the defending champion this season, what is your strategy for the battle?

I continue to fight every match with all my might, so I don’t really have the consciousness of being the previous champion. The members haven’t changed significantly, and the base remains the same. However, I do believe that each team will implement strategies against Vissel Kobe, so we are considering options to counter that. In terms of mindset, I intend to fight each game with the same importance as I did last season. I believe that there’s a title victory ahead, so all I can do is to give my all in every match to meet the expectations of all the supporters.

——As a Manager, how do you perceive your own personality?

I believe there are various types of Managers as well. There are those who adopt a steady stance, leaving the detailed instructions to the coach, and those who passionately appeal to the players, inspiring the team. Since I’m the type who wants to take responsibility on my own, while delegating roles to each coach, I handle all aspects of organizing the entire team myself. So inevitably, the workload tends to increase. I want to thoroughly prepare for practice and carefully check every detail. However, I make sure not to give detailed instructions to the players. Detailed criticisms can potentially lead to confusion, and in the first place, athletes may not be able to remember all of them. It is better to keep words simple. The meeting begins only after careful preparation, deciding what to discuss, in what order, and in what manner. However, the duration of the meeting itself is short. I believe that if information is conveyed concisely and clearly, the players’ understanding of tactics will also be higher.

——When results are not going well, I imagine there might be some confusion in management. How do you interact with the players?

There may be times when I wonder if it would be better to change tactics or teaching methods, but if they are constantly changed, the players would be confused. Therefore, the fundamental way of thinking is to keep conveying the same thing without wavering. I view soccer as a game of probabilities, and I believe the current tactics are the methods with the highest chances of winning. If that soccer game unfolds and we end up losing, it’s something we can’t help. Instead of immediately changing tactics, we ensure to increase the probability of victory by continuing to carry out the same strategy. For that reason, I always try to convey the same thing to the athletes as simply as possible, over and over again.

——Please tell us the highlights of this season

The intensity of pressing from the front line, seizing the ball, and then immediately aiming for the goal is indeed a unique charm of Vissel Kobe. I think even people who haven’t watched soccer much might find it interesting. Of course, experienced veterans like Osako, Sakai, and Muto are present, but we also see young players like Daiju Sasaki emerging, which I think will further enhance the maturity of the team. I certainly hope you will pay attention to this.

——Please say a word to all the supporters

Thank you very much for all your support. At Noevir Stadium last year, about 20,000 people came to support us every time, and it was a great help. Since the distance between the pitch and the spectator seats is close, you can always feel the heat of the game. We will fight with all our might in each and every match this season, aiming to meet everyone’s expectations. We would be happy if you could join us in our battle towards our goal of winning the championship.

This season, Vissel Kobe finds itself being chased by rival teams. Even while feeling the pressure, the commander’s mindset remained the same as last year – to fight each game with full force. In addition to the domestic titles, they will also compete in the Asian Champions League in the 2024 season. What kind of battle will they show us? The whistle for kickoff is about to blow shortly.

INTERVIEW : Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)
Kodai Wada