15/02/2023【Feature】Hisato Sato – JD2 preseason preview

Hisato Sato won JD1 with Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2012, 2013, 2015 and JD2 in 2008. Also, he played 31 games and scored 4 goals for Japan from 2006 to 2010.

Giants and new faces set to clash in JD2
This year sees big clubs Shimizu S-Pulse and Jubilo Iwata back in JD2.

Shimizu S-Pulse have the same manager, recruited well, and can play 4-4-2 or 3-4-3, and I anticipate a very good season for them. Jubilo Iwata, on the other hand, have a new manager and were banned from making any new signings, so whether they can start picking up points early will be key.

Roasso Kumamoto have lost a lot of players from last year, but the style of football their manager demands isn’t dependent upon individuals so I think they’ll do ok – although a repeat of last season’s play-off final appearance will be difficult. I think Oita Trinita, Machida Zelvia – who have made some excellent signings – and my old club Vegalta Sendai will also challenge for the title.

Iwaki FC and Fujieda MYFC are making their JD2 debuts. Iwaki FC play with physicality, and they may need time to assert themselves at this level. If Fujieda MYFC can produce the same attacking play as last season they could do very well though.

I think Tokushima Vortis’s Yoichiro Kakitani and Yuta Goke of Vegalta Sendai will be two standout players.

The key when I won the JD2 title with Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2008 was that we also played with a focus on being able to compete in JD1. The biggest difference came in front of goal, with mistakes more often leading to goals in JD1.

Information is provided by the third-party provider and it is intended to be used for reference only.  The content and information have not been verified or confirmed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its affiliates (together, the “HKJC”), and will not be used for dividend payout purposes.    HKJC also do not make any representation or warranty about the timeliness, reliability or accuracy of any such information.