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February 23, 2024
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Vissel Kobe has proudly claimed the title of J.League champions for the first time in the club’s history, marking a significant milestone in their journey. However, as they celebrate this historic achievement, they face an even more significant challenge: the pursuit of back-to-back championships. Repeating as champions is notoriously difficult in any league, requiring skill, determination, and the ability to adapt to the heightened expectations and pressures of being the reigning titleholders. As Vissel Kobe embarks on this new season, they must navigate the challenges ahead while striving to solidify their legacy in Japanese football.
Every team will be aiming for Vissel this season. Can they defend their place at the summit?
Vissel Kobe had an impressive run during the last J. During the league season, an astonishing 26 match weeks were spent perched at the top of the league standings. Their dominance was particularly evident as they held the first position for the final nine games, showcasing their consistency and skill as a team. Throughout the season, Vissel Kobe displayed a remarkable level of performance, executing strategic plays and demonstrating exceptional teamwork that set them apart from their competitors. Their ability to maintain their lead highlighted their strength and left no doubt in the minds of fans and analysts alike about who the top team in J1 was. This remarkable season solidified their reputation and instilled a sense of pride and accomplishment among their supporters, establishing Vissel Kobe as a formidable force in Japan.
Kobe conquered the league with a balanced squad that ranked second in goals scored and third in goals conceded. They were perfect in all parts of the pitch, with J.League Best Eleven selections in defense, midfield, and forward, but they were led most prominently by J1 Most Valuable Player and joint Top Scorer Yuya Osako.
With Osako and Yoshinori Muto, the only player in J1 to hit double digits in both goals and assists, Vissel had a dynamic duo in front of a squad capable in every phase; it is little wonder why they were able to find so much success and ultimately claim the title.
Leo Osaki—Vissel made sure to keep the core of their title-winning team intact, with nobody playing a key role in departing the club in the winter.
Kobe did lose Osaki, who was featured in 21 league matches and helped close out some tight games in the heart of defense.
Yosuke Ideguchi – Vissel’s impressive midfield from last season arguably gets better with the addition of the versatile Ideguchi.
After making a name for himself with Gamba Osaka, Ideguchi had stints abroad in England, Germany, Spain, and Scotland before joining Avispa Fukuoka last year and winning the 2023 J.League YBC Levain Cup.
With the defending champions needing depth for an increased fixture load, the do-everything midfielder is a perfect fit.
Reign supreme once more.
After reaching unprecedented heights in 2023, Kobe has responded by keeping their team intact and adding talent around the edges.
Ideguchi is not the only impressive addition, though. Right back Rikuto Hirose has joined from Kashima Antlers, and the electrifying Taisei Miyashiro could be crucial in helping Osako and Muto up front.
Vissel not only has a J1 title defense in front of them but also the AFC Champions League Elite group stage awaiting them in the fall and two domestic cups.
Life at the top is complex, and the club has spent the winter preparing itself to take on all the comers. Let us see how they get on.
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