Reasons for the numbers and results that are hard to accept
The sense of ease and fulfillment felt
DF 4 Yasuki KIMOTO
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... Reflecting on this season's battles through the words of each player.
"Good fortune brings many troubles," one might say. An accident occurred to Yasuki KIMOTO, who had been feeling good both physically and mentally. An unexpected injury changed the course of events. The 2024 season, which he positioned as a "year of competition," did not yield the results and numbers he had envisioned, and he was unable to secure a regular spot as a center-back. Yet, why did he still seem to have a sense of composure and fulfillment, directing the arrow towards himself? Let's reflect on the season of number 4.
In his third season since joining, Yasuki KIMOTO positioned this season as a crucial year. However, the number of appearances in league matches fell below 33 matches in his first year and 24 matches in his second year, and he was unable to secure a regular spot as a center-back.
What is regrettable is the absence due to a nasal bone fracture sustained in the first leg of the J.League YBC Levain Cup playoff round against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in June. The player himself reflects, "My body was moving well, and it was a good time mentally," so the timing of the absence was unfortunate.
However, looking at his expression, it is also true that this season, his third year wearing the blue and red uniform, seems to be the most fulfilling season.
"I wanted to be more involved in the matches, and I am not satisfied at all with the number of games, but this season I felt very calm emotionally, and I think my performance itself was not bad."
That is why──. As I mentioned before the opening, reaching a significant milestone of 30 years old last August has undoubtedly been a major reason for the change in my mindset.
"In my first year, I was able to play in many matches, but in my second year, last season, I felt too much pressure to perform on my own and ended up taking on too much by myself. Because of that experience, this season I was able to relax a bit, and as a result, there were areas where my performance improved."
Another factor that has allowed Kimoto to face himself is the pressure from the younger players. The presence of Kanta DOI, who secured a starting position at the age of 19 in his second year as a professional, and Teppei OKA, a college graduate rookie who supported the team in the center back and left back positions, has eased the feelings of the "serious number 4."
"It's a strange way to put it, but this season I was able to think that even if I couldn't play in the matches, other players were doing well. Young players have emerged, and on the contrary, I was able to focus on myself. I was able to work hard in practice to prepare for my own participation in the matches, and instead of feeling down about not being able to play, I was able to focus on my own growth. I think I've changed in that regard."
This season, the team that couldn't even compete for the title, let alone win it, is described as "disappointing," and regarding his own playing time, he is certainly not satisfied.
Still, his refreshing expression and smooth tone have not changed since before the opening, and Yas has faced himself in his own way, spending the 2024 season gaining new insights.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
