The appointment of Kinoshita as the new manager of Avispa Fukuoka has stirred considerable controversy, largely due to his past involvement in power harassment during his earlier role at Sagan Tosu. On December 16, Kinoshita, now 43, held his inaugural press conference, articulately addressing the media and expressing his desire to regain the trust of the players and fans alike. "I am pleased and feel the responsibility. I want to restore trust with my words and actions," he said, reflecting on his tumultuous past and aspirations as he embarks on this new chapter. Despite Kinoshita’s hope for redemption, many supporters remain skeptical. The transition arrives at a time when the club's direction is under scrutiny.
His history of abusive behavior came to light when allegations of power harassment emerged during his tenure at Sagan Tosu, prompting the Japan Football Association (JFA) to demote his coaching license. With his contract at Tosu terminated by January 2022 due to these allegations, Kinoshita was sidelined from coaching until recently, when he served as head coach at Machida. For the last two seasons, he took diligent steps to redeem himself, and this year, he successfully led his team to earn promotion back to J1 status. The club's chairman, Takashi Kawamori, emphasized during Kinoshita's appointment how the board believes he has made significant efforts to reflect on his past mistakes. "His past mistakes are not something we can condone, but he has sincerely reflected on them and shown commitment to improvement," Kawamori stressed.
His re-appointment, coming as it does after significant public outcry, highlights the challenges Kinoshita now faces. Just hours after Kinoshita's announcement, major sponsor Advanz made headlines by announcing the review of its long-term contract with Avispa Fukuoka. The declaration emerged via the company's official channels, acknowledging their longstanding support since 2014. Nonetheless, contrasting sentiments were voiced about the arrangement, with the company noting it would reconsider its support strategy for the future. While expressing unwavering support for Fukuoka's academy and its players, Advanz's statement carried an implicit warning, highlighting the desire for the club to grow without compromising its values.
Fans took to social media immediately, sharing their displeasure over the managerial decision and speculating about the potential ramifications. Comments poured in like, “Is this the influence of the new manager?” and criticisms about dwindling sponsorship associated with his past echoed simultaneously. Advocates of integrity within the sport pointed to the wording of Advanz's announcement, asserting it sent “a powerful message” about the club's shift and the ramifications of having Kinoshita at the helm.
While Kinoshita aims for growth within Fukuoka, he stands under the spotlight of skepticism where expectation looms larger than before. Supporter group Ultra Obli also raised concerns over the club settling for someone with Kinoshita's background, drafting several poignant communications demanding transparency and reconsideration of the appointment. They raised analogies with the club’s mission to inspire local youth through sports, emphasizing the necessity for leaders to reflect those values.
Despite some backlash, Kinoshita seeks to advance his vision for the team, pledging to advocate for attacking football. "I would like to express soccer with intensity, where many players are involved and go all out," stated Kinoshita during his presentation.
Aiming to heal the rift caused by misconduct, Kinoshita stated, "I fully recognize my past mistakes. There are various opinions surrounding me and I sincerely intend to navigate them with humility.” This demonstrates his awareness of the challenges before him and signals his intent to grow from the experience.
Expectations are set high for Kinoshita, and the repercussions of his appointment will likely echo through the winds of Fukuoka, impacting not just his career but the livelihood of Avispa. The club's vibrant community carries the blessings and challenges of moving forward from the shadows of Kinoshita's questionable past, trying to maintain its reputation and supporter trust as they maneuver through the divided sentiments surrounding their new leadership. The coming season will be pivotal for Kinoshita, and he's aware of how actions will speak louder than words. Can he earn back the trust? Only time will tell, but expectations are shaping up for what is certain to be another dramatic chapter for Avispa Fukuoka.
