Football Season Guide

For the second time in three years Jubilo Iwata spent only one season in J1. Survival was more than possible for Jubilo last term but 4 defeats in the last 5 rounds meant that they finished just below the dreaded line and only 3 points away from the safety shore. Conceded the equal-worst 68 goals in 38 games last season. This was the main issue. In attack relied heavily on Ryo Germain and his 19 goals. Expectedly, the star striker was among the several regulars that left this winter. It hasn’t been a max exodus of sorts but still with 4 starters no longer in the squad and a managerial change Jubilo will have a new look in 2025. The ex-Yokohama Marinos boss John Hutchinson is now in charge. He preaches attacking football. This was the main reason why Brazilian striker Matheus Peixoto opted to stay. He is expected to be among the contenders for the Golden Boot in J2 this year. Captain Eiji Kawashima is 42-years-old now but he is not planning to give away his starting role between the posts. The main players in defence stayed put. They were not very good last season though so new additions were made. This, plus the fact that J2 oppositions are generally weaker, should give Jubilo much better defensive record this term. The midfield line looks strong on paper but there is creativity missing. Rei Hirakawa and Bruno Jose left. This should see Masaya Matsumoto given more freedom in the middle of the park. He struggled last season though. Despite making 35 appearances he didn’t score and had just one assist.