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February 4, 2024
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Sagan Tosu may not possess the financial resources of some of their top-flight competitors, but this only makes their achievement of entering their 13th consecutive season in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League even more remarkable. This club consistently performs beyond expectations, demonstrating resilience and determination despite financial constraints. As they prepare for the upcoming season, the question arises: Will 2024 be the year they finally re-enter the top half of the standings for the first time since their impressive 7th-place finish in 2021? The anticipation among fans and analysts is palpable as they wonder how the club will approach the challenges ahead and if they can build on their previous successes.
The 2023 campaign was one of Sagan’s more challenging seasons since their debut in J1 in 2012. Although they briefly occupied eighth place during a couple of midsummer weeks, this was an exception rather than the norm, as they spent much of the year languishing in the bottom half of the table.
Despite these struggles, they managed to avoid severe relegation threats, which reassured their supporters. However, after several years of being recognized as one of the standout defensive teams in the league, Sagan slipped in this area during the 2023 season, conceding 47 goals. Fortunately, this defensive decline was somewhat balanced out by a surprisingly effective attack, which scored the fifth-most goals in the league. Key players like Yoichi Naganuma contributed significantly, adding 10 goals to the tally. At the same time, Yuji Ono also made his mark by scoring nine, forming a formidable frontline that kept defenses on their toes.
The departure of Yuji Ono to Albirex Niigata represents a significant setback for Sagan. He was a crucial player in their attack, providing both creativity and finishing prowess throughout the 2023 season. Ono was not only a constant threat in front of goal; his ability to drop deep and facilitate play progression was invaluable to the team’s overall dynamics.
His intensity during pressing situations added another layer of depth to Sagan’s game, making him a player that was hard to replace. With Ono’s exit, Sagan will likely have to rely on multiple players stepping up to fill the void he left rather than simply finding a direct replacement. This change could require a shift in team strategy as they seek to adapt to his absence while maintaining their competitive edge.
As Sagan looks to rebuild and stabilize their defense, the arrival of Seiji Kimura is seen as a vital step forward. Historically, the club has built its success on a solid defensive foundation, which faltered last season. Kimura could be instrumental in restoring that balance, bringing his skills to the backline as they aim for a more robust defensive performance in 2024.
Sagan has a strong track record of nurturing young talent from other clubs, giving them more significant roles and allowing them to flourish. Kimura, who joins on loan from FC Tokyo, embodies this approach. At just 22 years old, he is physically gifted and has the potential to elevate his career significantly during his time with Sagan. The club is betting on his abilities to reinvigorate their defense and contribute to a successful season.
As Sagan Tosu heads into the new season, their objective should be to achieve modest improvement, targeting a solid mid-table finish. After finishing 14th place last season, they are just a few positive results away from climbing the standings; conversely, they are also perilously close to the relegation zone with only a few unfavorable outcomes.
A key challenge will be to keep their attack effective without the contributions of Ono, but equally important will be the need to strengthen the defense. For Sagan, this means refreshing their rearguard and investing in developing the next generation of defenders. Whether it is Kimura, fellow newcomer Kim Tae-hyeon from V-Varen Nagasaki, or an academy product ready to step up, these young players will need to play a crucial role in Sagan’s success, as they have in the past. The road ahead may be challenging, but one thing is clear: Throughout its history, Sagan Tosu has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to punch above its weight in J1, and there is every reason to believe it will continue to do so.
Keeping the attack humming without Ono will be a challenge, but equally, the focus must be on improving the backline. For Tosu, that means refreshing their rearguard and developing the next generation of defenders.
Whether that is Kimura, Kim Tae-hyeon (who has come over from V-Varen Nagasaki), or an academy product waiting in the wings, the kids will need to be a key ingredient in Sagan’s success, as has been the case for years.
It will be a challenging challenge, but after all these years, one thing is clear: You should not bet against Sagan Tosu, figuring out a way to punch above their weight in J1.
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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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