On February 1, 2025, Jubilo Iwata and Shimizu S-Pulse met for a highly anticipated training match at Shirakawa Stadium, Kagoshima, underscoring the enduring rivalry between the two teams. This friendly match, which is known to fans as the Shizuoka Derby, had all the makings of a competitive showdown as both sides sought to make final adjustments before the upcoming season.
The match consisted of four 45-minute quarters, allowing both teams ample time to showcase their strategies and test their players' conditions. For Shimizu, Koya Kitagawa, their star forward, was eager to make his mark after recovering from injury. "We need to win against Iwata, regardless of the format of the match," he stated, clearly underscoring the importance of this derby to the players and fans alike.
With Kitagawa now fully engaged in team practice, the Shimizu squad entered the match with heightened spirits. During the training camp, he had been working hard to regain match fitness, displaying confidence and enthusiasm as they prepared for this significant event. "This world is about winning and losing, and especially against Iwata, we need to focus on securing the victory," Kitagawa emphasized, reflecting the fierce pride he and his teammates felt toward their rivals.
Jubilo Iwata, under the direction of their coach John Hutchinson, was also gearing up without fretting over their opponent's strategies. Hutchinson explained, "Our focus is on creating our own play style without focusing on Shimizu's data," indicating the team's intent to focus on their strengths rather than getting distracted by preparation for Shimizu's tactics. This strategic mindset reveals the psychological edge Iwata is aiming for going forward.
Both teams demonstrated their tactical compositions during the match, with Iwata’s newcomers trying to leave their imprint on the squad. New signing Katsuaki Ueebisu mentioned the challenges of adapting to their opponent's defensive style, and how the team was aiming to retain possession and craft scoring opportunities. “We’ve been trying to develop our ball-holding play style,” he noted, showing his team's commitment to adapting for the upcoming league play.
Coaches from both sides had their eyes set on honing the players' skills, perfecting set pieces, and instilling competitive edge. Shimizu’s training was highlighted by Kitagawa's dedicated drills aimed at refining his shooting skills as he prepared for the derby—lexicon among local fans often associates this intense matchup with passionate football and deep competitive spirit.
This training match not only served to condition the players but also to engage fans. The match was scheduled to be streamed live via the Shizusaka app, ensuring supporters could follow the derby’s excitement from anywhere, heightening fan involvement. Viewers would have anticipated not just the skill on the pitch, but the palpable energy from the players and fans alike.
The air was thick with anticipation as fans flooded social media to voice their excitement leading to the match. Shimizu, coming off previous successes and significant momentum, were optimistic about their chances against their rivals, particularly with Kitagawa back on the field. Shimizu based their strategy on gaining victory early on, hoping to maintain their winning mentality through to the season’s commencement.
The match reflected not only the teams’ current preparations but also their histories, clad with moments of artful play and bitter rivalry marking the pages of Shizuoka football history. Winning this match could set the tone for the upcoming season, easing the minds of fans and players alike.
Totaling their competitive flair and heartfelt passion, both Jubilo Iwata and Shimizu S-Pulse carried the weight of their club’s legacies ready to etch fresh new chapters onto their storied rivalship. With Kitagawa’s resolve to generate momentum and Hutchinson’s strategies pushing Iwata to refine their own skills, all eyes were set on the pitch for what would be another memorable encounter.
After the match, regardless of the outcome, both coaches emphasized the importance of taking learnings from this training match to implement moving forward. The final outcome was expected to be a springboard for players to assess their performance as they entered the competitive J-league season.