Graduation from a period of continuous struggles
Aiming for the top between calmness and passion
DF 4 Yasuki KIMOTO
A special content introducing all the blue and red warriors challenging the 2024 season. What are the players, who are about to start the season, thinking and what determination are they bringing into the year? The stories of the players, who hold in their hearts their love for the club, their thirst for titles, their aspirations for success, and the roles they must fulfill──. After experiencing the frustrations and struggles of last season, Yasuki KIMOTO has gained a new perspective. While reflecting on his current position, he is passionately ignited to reclaim his position and win titles. His performance, balancing calmness and passion, is a must-see.
The taciturn man's words flow smoothly. In stark contrast to last season, when he spent a lot of time worrying, he now speaks with a clear expression and lively words. Yasuki KIMOTO is carrying both calmness and passion as he prepares to start the 2024 season.
In the 2022 season, which was his first season, he firmly secured a regular position from the opening and defended the center back position throughout the season. However, in the last season, he was expected to make further progress and started in the opening game, but his position suddenly changed in the second half of the season. He struggled to adapt to the style demanded by coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI and lost his position, leading to a period of struggle.
However, without seeking reasons or causes from those around him, he faced himself and found solutions, undergoing a major transformation toward the end of the season. He gained a new perspective.
"Last season, nothing went well and I fell apart on my own. But toward the end, I came to a mindset of 'It can't be helped if things don't go well,' and that actually led to a positive direction. By approaching it that way, I think my expression changed, and mentally I feel truly refreshed. Above all, I want to give it my all this season. I really see it as a mental battle with myself."
The words of a man who has shed his skin naturally contain passion.
"I have reached the veteran stage and have come to understand that there will be good seasons and bad seasons. Whether I am playing or not, my main focus is always on doing my best for the team to win. I also believe that our generation needs to have more awareness and continue to work hard. Above all, I strongly desire to win and bring home a title in Tokyo, so I want to keep my focus on that."
Combining strength and height, he can serve as the starting point for build-up play with accurate feeds and sharp vertical passes as his weapons. There is no doubt about his abilities as a center back. To secure a regular spot and rise to become the key defensive player, Yasu fights with raw emotion.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
