A man overflowing with "Tokyo Love" experienced
frustrating days in his first season back
Every person and player has a story. '2024 PLAYER’S REVIEW' introduces all the blue and red warriors who fought through the 2024 season, one by one. What thoughts did they carry as they went through the season? Confidence, a sense of achievement, challenges, joy, regret... We reflect on this season's battles through the words of each individual.
Go HATANO, who gained experience through a loan transfer and returned to Tokyo with high expectations as a guardian, faced a challenging season after a dramatic red card incident that reduced his playing opportunities, turning the smooth days from the team's start to camp upside down. What saved him were the words of the veteran players. This is the story of the ups and downs of the 2024 season for a goalkeeper filled with "Tokyo love."
"I think it felt a bit salty," he candidly reflected on this season. It's understandable. After performing well throughout the season on loan at V-Varen Nagasaki, he returned to Tokyo for the 2024 season with confidence and experience. On the first day of training, welcomed back in blue and red, and at the time of the camp, he was in excellent condition in terms of agility, quick reactions, power, and defensive range. His strength in aerial battles was particularly overwhelming, allowing him to move his large frame quickly and make a strong start to secure a spot in the opening starting lineup.
However, two expulsions have hindered his season. The first was during Sec. 5 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League against Kawasaki Frontale. At that time, he had to serve a one-match suspension and became a bench member. Later, although Taishi Brandon NOZAWA returned to the starting lineup after the team was left by him for national team duties, he was shown a red card again during Sec. 13 against Kashiwa Reysol and was sent off. After receiving a two-match suspension here, the bench became his main place. This stands in stark contrast to his record of guarding the goal in all 36 matches of the J2 League last season. The gap between this and the image he had envisioned at the start of the team's activities in January was significant.
(I thought I would already be on the national team by this autumn. I was too naive.)
The main reason for the expulsion was that the player attempted to defend by rushing out to the edge of the penalty area against an opponent who had broken through behind the final line, resulting in a foul. Taking this opportunity to reflect on himself, Go HATANO devoted himself to training in order to seize another chance to play. Although there was a period when the team was abandoned by victory and he was distanced from playing opportunities, when he expressed the worries he had been carrying in his heart, veterans like Yuto NAGATOMO, Masato MORISHIGE, and Keigo HIGASHI encouraged him by saying, "Just be yourself," which allowed him to approach things positively.
"I thought I would return to my playing style once again. As a result, when the opportunity to play suddenly came during the match against Vissel Kobe (Sec. 34), I was able to save the team. I felt I could play as myself."
In response to the incident involving Taishi NOZAWA, who had to scramble into the game, Go HATANO did not hesitate; rather, he expressed his joy of playing with a smile and contributed to the victory by making fine saves to keep the goal secure.
"I think it was a good experience, and I became stronger myself. I believe it was a season that was definitely not wasted."
With a bright and lively spirit, the intensity of practice, and a strong pride in loving the club, I believe I am the best. I no longer care what anyone else says. I will fight passionately for the team, staying true to myself. This attitude drives Go HATANO's heart to further growth as a player.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
