Football Season Guide

Blaubitz Akita finished in 10th place last season. Enjoyed mid-table comfort all throughout and it was a relatively calm campaign. Ended up full 20 points above the relegation zone but also full 10 points behind the top 6, so there was not much to play for during the final few months of 2024. The big strength of the team last year was their defence. Had the third best defensive record in J2, only 35 goals conceded in 38 games. At the same time, the main weakness was the attack. Scored only 36 goals in 38 games. No individual player scored more than 6 goals last term. As expected the impressive defensive displays from 2024 attracted attention. Star goalkeeper Kakoi, as well as, the two most important defenders Takashi Kawano and Keita Yoshioka are no longer in the team. Rebuilding the same efficiency with different personnel will be a major challenge. Already added 6 new defenders to the ranks, 3 on loan, but it is yet to be seen how they can fit in Akita’s tactics. 41-year-old Kaga is also no longer in the squad and despite his lack of game time he was still a key figure in the dressing room last season. Tried to find better options in attack and already 4 new strikers have joined the team. They will be fighting with the disappointing last season Komatsu and Kajiya for the 2 starting spots in what is likely to remain an unchanged 4-4-2 formation. Captain Hiroto Morooka and Tomofumi Fujiyama should remain the preferred starters in the heart of the midfield. The new arrivals in this zone Kazuya Onohara and Ryotaro Ishida are more likely to be used off the bench.