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February 8, 2024
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Cerezo Osaka is an ambitious club that is actively preparing to position itself among the elite teams of the J. League in 2024. With a rich history and a passionate fan base, they are determined to make a significant mark in the upcoming season. However, before they set their sights on future achievements, it is crucial to take a moment to reflect on the challenges they faced and the developments that transpired during the 2023 season. This retrospective will highlight the obstacles they encountered and reveal the lessons learned and the progress made, providing valuable insights as they progress in their quest for success.
Throughout much of the summer, Cerezo Osaka was deeply immersed in fierce competition for a top-three finish in the league standings, with the ultimate goal of securing the coveted spots in the AFC tournament accompanying such a position. Their determination and hard work during the early part of the season positioned them as serious contenders, and the atmosphere around the club was optimistic and excited. However, as the season progressed into its later stages, they encountered a dramatic downturn in their fortunes, significantly impacting their campaign. This downturn was marked by disappointing performances that saw the team struggle to maintain the momentum they had built. It led to missed opportunities and a drop in morale as they fought to regain their earlier form.
The Sakura suffered six losses in their final eight matches, plummeting from fourth place to a disappointing ninth position. A key issue during this stretch was their faltering offense, as they managed to score only once in their last eight games, casting a shadow over what had previously been a promising season.
Ryosuke Yamanaka was hampered by injuries that limited his participation in 2023, yet he remained a dynamic and reliable two-way full-back, contributing four assists over the season.
His absence will be felt in the Sakura defense, especially as they prepare to replace Matej Jonjić, who moved on to Incheon United in the K League during the off-season.
Last season, the backline conceded an average of one goal per game, highlighting the need for rebuilding a cohesive and consistent defensive unit ahead of the 2024 campaign.
In response to the pressing need for more attacking prowess, Cerezo has welcomed Vitor Bueno to the squad.
The final matches of the 2023 season underscored this requirement, and Bueno, a Brazilian playmaker, is expected to make a significant impact. Cerezo previously made headlines by signing Léo Ceará, who delivered an impressive 12 goals and three assists last season, but it became clear that he needed additional support.
Bueno arrived from Athletico Paranaense, where he netted five goals and provided five assists in the top Brazilian flight last season. Together, he and Ceará form a formidable attacking partnership, poised to revitalize a struggling offense.
The primary objective for Cerezo in 2024 is to compete fiercely against the league’s top teams in both league play and cup competitions. This is a critical year for the club after finishing ninth last season and failing to progress to the quarter-finals in either domestic cup.
The Sakura aim for a top-five finish, a goal they have achieved in three of the last five seasons.
They also aspire to contend for silverware, having reached the J.League YBC Levain Cup finals in 2021 and 2022. With a successful reshuffle of the backline and the hope that Vitor Bueno will fulfill his potential, Cerezo Osaka can reclaim their position among the league’s elite and strive for cup success.
After all, they were in contention last year until their unfortunate late-season collapse.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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