Kawasaki Frontale, the J-League soccer team, officially announced its roster and coaching staff for the upcoming 2025 season on December 6, 2024, signaling the club's ambition for revival after finishing eighth last season.
With the recent exit of former head coach Toru Oniki, who led the team for several seasons, Kawasaki Frontale has ushered in new leadership under Shigeru Hasebe, previously the manager of Avispa Fukuoka. Hasebe's experience, including securing the Levain Cup during his tenure at Avispa, brings fresh hope to the squad.
The club revealed the retention of several core players, which it announced through its official website. Key players such as goalkeeper Chon Sung-ryong, midfielders Daiki Yokoyama and Ryota Oshima, and forward Koudai Takai are all confirmed to be staying for another season. "We have reached contractual agreements with several main players including Chon Sung-ryong and Takai Koudai," reported Kawasaki Frontale, highlighting the importance of these players to the team's future success.
Other notable re-signings include forward Yu Kobayashi and midfielder Akihiro Ienaga, both of whom have been pivotal for Frontale's recent successes and have garnered fan appreciation over the years. The steadfast commitment from these players emphasizes their dedication to the club's aspirations for improvement.
Simultaneously, the restructuring of the coaching team reflects the club's determination to adapt and overcome the challenges they faced last season. The coaching staff now includes Hasebe as head coach, along with Yoshihiro Nagahashi as head coach assistant, and several other coaches who will focus on various aspects like goalkeeping and conditioning. This transition highlights Kawasaki Frontale's strategic approach to nurturing talent and enhancing team performance.
"We are entering the new season with optimism under Coach Hasebe," the club stated, signaling their expectation for rejuvenated team dynamics and performance improvements.
Alongside the player announcements, the team disclosed key changes to the players' jersey numbers for the 2025 season. For example, the number for the midfielder Yuki Yamamoto has shifted, reflecting broader changes across the roster. Specifics were provided for players' numbers under the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) rules, which require different regulations compared to domestic competitions. "Changes have been made to some player numbers for the ACLE," according to the club's official announcement, ensuring all fans are informed of the team's new aesthetic.
Kawasaki Frontale's proactive strategy aims not only to retain key talent but also to nurture promising new players, with several young talents stepping up from the U-18 ranks. Notably, Kaidai Tsuchiya has been promoted to the first team, adding promising depth to the squad. The club is clearly focused on developing its youth system to maintain competitive advantage.
The club's supporters have shown unwavering loyalty and enthusiasm, leading to high expectations for the upcoming season. With these organizational tweaks, the fans are hoping for sustained improvement and potential trophies. Kawasaki Frontale's vision for the future involves creating a balanced mix of seasoned players and youthful exuberance, promising to deliver thrilling football for their loyal fans.
Basketball, football, and other sports fans often connect with their teams through love for the game, and Kawasaki Frontale aims to solidify such bonds through energetic seasons. Providing entertainment and putting strong performances consistently will be the club’s priority as they prepare for matches against fierce competitors.
With all these strategic alignments, Kawasaki Frontale is gearing up for what they hope will be a triumphant and memorable 2025 season, striving not just for improvement, but for the glory they have known previously.