Football Season Guide

Finished 10th last season, and then somewhat embarrassingly lost manager Akio Kogiku to relegated Sagan Tosu at the end of last season. Curiously appointed Arthur Papas as their new manager, who has limited experience in the J-League. He is known for having faith in younger players, and trying to bring them through but the current squad doesn't seem to be angled that way, which could be a stumbling block. Wing-backs (assuming Papas sticks with the same formation as his predecessor) could be their first problem. On the left, Kyohei Noborizato picked up a hamstring injury at the end of January, and understudy Funaki has been injured lately too. On the right, it's not clear which newcomer (Nakamura or Wongkorn) will be the mainstay, although it's believed Nakamura has the edge. Lost some regulars pre-season but did well in replacing them. CB Toriumi has been replaced by Hatanaka. Brazilian duo Capixaba and Ceara (star striker lasdt season) have been replaced by both Rafael and Thiago Andrade. Neither are out-and-out strikers, which could be an issue, but both are very dangerous attacking players and should be considered as strong replacements. Team may lack a little balance in midfield, especially given the significant number of flair players they now have. That, fused with their wing-back situation and new CB arrival could mean they'll start slowly, and that they'll concede goals rather easily to begin with. Should be ok in due course though. Attack is their biggest strength. Papas will need to figure out the best way to use them all, and to designate which one of them will replace Ceara's goals. That's their only real concern there though because they've got some brilliant and inventive creators which possess a large amount of unpredictability. May start slowly again, but should be very dangerous after that. Could break into the top six if things click.