This week's match against Yokohama F.Marinos will be held at “Our National” Stadium. For the Blue-Red, who succeeded in a strong season start with three consecutive wins but suffered their first defeat in the previous match, this game is one where victory is absolutely necessary to aim for the championship.
For Keiin Sato, who has been a driving force behind the team's progress yet has ended up goalless, this match is an opportunity to remove the “thorn” lingering in his heart and to release all the pent-up feelings at once. Overcoming that frustration, he strongly vows to bring joy to the Blue-Red — such is the determination of the player wearing number 16.
Overcome That Frustration
Even now, I sometimes recall it. That frustration is something I can never forget──.
In last season’s Emperor's Cup Semifinal Round held at the Japan National Stadium, the fierce battle against FC Machida Zelvia extended into extra time, ultimately leaving Tokyo to taste bitter defeat. For Keiin Sato, in his first year back from Germany and with winning a title as his top goal, it was a result he could never stop regretting. It is still fresh in memory how his eyes shone with emotion after the match.
"It was the only remaining title, the title we were all aiming for, so the frustration still remains even now. I remember it naturally without anyone having to remind me. I came to Tokyo to win a title, and after experiencing that frustration, my desire to win the championship with this team has grown even stronger."
Rising from the humiliation of defeat, he has steadily moved forward step by step, aiming to become a truly "championship-worthy team." The ideal he set forth is an aggressive style of soccer based on a fiercely competitive attitude, combined with flexible and adaptive decision-making that is not bound by rigid forms.
While the team recorded three consecutive wins from the start of the season, including a victory in a penalty shootout, Kei Sato has contributed to the team with overwhelming dedication as a right attacker. Changing his main position from forward, which he played last season, he has showcased a splendid rotation on the right side with Sei MUROYA. With passionate play, he has supported the team’s strong start to the season. In terms of statistics, he has only one assist in the Tamagawa Clasico, but the level of his contribution is something that every Aoaka watcher unanimously recognizes.
Satoshi Satō, who set his personal goal at 10 goals thinking, "If I score double-digit goals, the team should be able to win the championship," values the team's victory above all else. Even as he says, "From here on, I want to keep scoring goals and racking up assists," he calmly assesses the situation: "To put it extremely, if there is a player with a higher chance of scoring than me, I will pass without hesitation. Of course, I want to score goals myself, and my goal of double-digit goals has not wavered at all. But the most important thing is for Tokyo to win. I still haven't scored yet, but I accept that and choose the option for the team to surely score and win. By doing so, the team gains confidence, and I can play with more composure and be able to score goals."
In this season, having taken on the role of vice-captain, he supports captain Muroya, who leads from the front, and drives the team aiming for the championship with his inherent positivity and fighting spirit, always lifting the mood no matter the situation. He then interprets in his own way the words from head coach Rikizo Matsuhashi to the attacking players: "Keep swinging your legs."
"I interpret Coach Riki Matsuhashi's words, 'Swing your legs,' as meaning 'Score goals.' Behind that is the belief that 'If the attackers score, we can win.' It's not just about swinging hard, but swinging and scoring. I will be the one to score. If we aim to be a team worthy of winning the championship, we must become players worthy of winning it. Every player and staff member truly wants to win and approaches each match with that mindset, working daily in training to become a team worthy of the title. As the vice-captain, I want to lead the team, show by example, and be a player who scores goals. I believe that a player who can lead the team to victory even in tough situations is a player worthy of being on a championship team."
This weekend, a match at the Japan National Stadium will take place for the first time since that day. The moment he steps into the stadium, various memories will surely come flooding back. And those memories will ignite a fire in his heart.
"The moment I enter the National Stadium, I think the frustration from that time will come back and a burning passion will rise within me. Especially because we lost to Kashiwa Reysol, there is a strong feeling that we absolutely must win this match. A team aiming for the championship must never suffer consecutive losses, and first, we want to overcome the disappointment of the Emperor's Cup. I believe the fans and supporters feel the same way, so I want everyone to really energize the stadium at the National, and together, we want to clear away that frustration and move forward. I am truly hungry for goals. I will score and lead us to victory."
Determined to fully commit to 'For the team' while also embracing a fearless spirit to achieve his big goals.
His aim is victory, and to become the player who leads the team to win with his own goals. The goal-hungry 'Golden Wolf' steps forward as the 'New National Man' to carve out the future.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Toshio Aoyama
