Avispa Fukuoka has taken significant steps to bolster their team for the next season by appointing Kim Myung-hwi as their new manager and acquiring forward Kazuki Fujimoto from FC Machida Zelvia. The club made the announcement on December 21, emphasizing their commitment to improvement after facing challenges in previous seasons.
Kim, 43, now leads the team with hopes of revitalization. His previous role saw him managing at Sagan Tosu, where he gained attention not only for his tactical skills but also for his controversial history, including allegations of power harassment during his tenure. These past actions have resurfaced amid discussions about his leadership at Avispa, prompting some fans to voice concerns.
The acquisition of Fujimoto, 26, is also seen as pivotal for the club’s future. A native of Fukuoka City, Fujimoto made his mark at Machida this past season, participating in 36 matches and contributing three goals along with several assists. His skills with dribbling and on-field intelligence could greatly benefit the offensive lineup for Avispa.
Upon his transfer, Fujimoto expressed enthusiasm about joining his hometown club, stating, "I am proud to be able to compete at this wonderful club," highlighting the personal significance of this move, as reported by GOAL.
Meanwhile, Kim's past has been under scrutiny. He was previously accused of engaging in power harassment, as detailed in a report published by the J-League back in December 2021. The investigation revealed patterns of disruptive behavior he displayed during his time managing the U-18 and top teams at Sagan Tosu, including incidents of verbal abuse and physical intimidation.
Notably, one alarming episode described involved the manager pushing a player aggressively during practice, emphasizing the severity of his actions. Online reactions showcase mixed feelings; some fans are concerned about the potential for similar behavior to resurface, especially when he is back in charge of another team.
Fukuoka chairman Takashi Kawamori addressed these concerns head-on during a press conference, assuring fans: "We must not condone past mistakes, but we believe Kim will grow from the past and guide the team to the next challenge." This transparency aims to build trust with supporters wary of the past.
This managerial change coinciding with the signing of Fujimoto presents both opportunities and risks for Avispa. The club aims to blend Kim's experience and tactical knowledge with Fujimoto's local roots and recent performances to improve their league standing.
Fujimoto's track record—previously contributing significantly to Oita Trinita before guiding Machida to success—positions him as a key player for Avispa. His agility on the left flank and ability to create goal-scoring chances will be integral to the new attacking strategy Kim hopes to implement.
The integration of these two figures is seen as the beginning of a new era for Avispa Fukuoka, where addressing both the management issues and enhancing team dynamics is necessary for success. Fans are encouraged to rally behind the changes, focusing on the promise they hold for the club's performance.
With the new season looming, pressure mounts for Kim to demonstrate growth from his past and embrace the opportunity afforded to him with Avispa. Meanwhile, supporters are hopeful, waiting to see how this mix of fresh talent and experienced leadership will transform the team.
Positive community sentiment has emerged from some fans, eager to see how the club can rise to the occasion. The upcoming season might serve as both redemption for Kim and a new chapter for Fujimoto as they strive to place Avispa Fukuoka back on the competitive map.
