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February 3, 2024
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Shonan Bellmare has experienced five distinct periods in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League, yet they have never remained in the top flight for more than six consecutive seasons. However, this changes with the onset of the 2024 campaign, which marks a historic achievement for the club: their seventh consecutive year in J1. This milestone is a testament to the Hiratsuka side’s hard work and perseverance, but it also raises the question of what challenges and opportunities await them in Year 7.
As they aim to solidify their presence in the league, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Bellmare will adapt and compete against their rivals.
The 2023 season they proved a precarious journey for Bellmare, as they were entrenched at the bottom of the table for 11 consecutive weeks. Despite these early struggles, the team persevered, escaping the relegation zone in late October.
They achieved this turnaround by earning an impressive 13 points from just five matches, ultimately securing their spot in the first division for another year. However, the season was not without its challenges, particularly in defense, where Bellmare had significant issues, allowing the fourth-most goals in the league. On the other hand, Yuki Ohashi emerged as a critical figure, leading an attack that, while inconsistent, managed to score just enough to keep the team afloat throughout the season.
One of the most significant blows for Bellmare is the departure of Yuki Ohashi, the player who helped guide them out of the relegation zone last season. His impressive tally of 13 goals ranked him seventh in the league, making his exit to Sanfrecce Hiroshima particularly concerning for the team.
This loss is compounded by Shuto Machino’s earlier summer transfer, leaving Bellmare without its top two goal-scoring threats from the previous year. The challenge now lies in filling the void left by these key players, as their absence could heavily impact the team’s offensive capabilities in the upcoming season.
Shonan Bellmare is pinning their hopes on Lukian to step up as the new focal point of their attack to address the gaps left by Ohashi and Machino. This decision comes with inherent risks, as Lukian has managed only eight goals combined over the last two seasons with Avispa Fukuoka. However, there remains a promising goal scorer within him.
Three years ago, he showcased his potential by scoring 22 goals and providing eight assists while playing in J2 with Júbilo Iwata. Bellmare is banking on the resurgence of that version of Lukian to lead their front line effectively. If he can rediscover his scoring touch, he might be an adequate replacement for Ohashi, significantly bolstering the team’s offensive options.
Having been near the bottom of the table in five of the last six seasons, Bellmare is no stranger to the pressures of relegation battles. As they enter the new season, their primary goal is to distance themselves from the threat of relegation and aim for a more secure position in the middle of the table.
While much of the attention will naturally focus on Lukian and the team’s attempts to fill the void left by their departed stars, the critical question remains: How will they manage defensively? Last season’s defensive shortcomings were a significant factor in their struggles, prompting the club to make strategic signings, including Kim Min-tae from Kashima Antlers and Yuto Suzuki from Júbilo.
These recruits are expected to strengthen the backline, providing much-needed stability. If they improve the defense while maintaining productivity in attack, Bellmare could emerge as a mid-table contender, alleviating the anxiety of relegation and allowing them to focus on building for a brighter future.
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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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