On February 13 (Thu), just two days before the start of the 2025 season, it was announced that Kei KOIZUMI would be the new captain of the blue and red team. Last season, he continued to lead the team as one of the three captains, and after receiving an offer from the new coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, he accepted it after much consideration. The man who plays with his fighting spirit on the pitch will wear an armband on his left arm in 'Rikizo Tokyo.' What role is he going to take on? The background of Coach MATSUHASHI's choice of jersey number 37 and the determination he holds in his heart.
He has been called "Aniki" by fans and supporters. However, Kei KOIZUMI himself dismisses it by saying, "No, no."
"That's a phrase given to us by the supporters, so the teammates and staff must be thinking, 'Where's the 'Aniki'?' Maybe I shouldn't say anything, but everyone on the team and the staff knows everything anyway."
However, I have also tried to change from just being an "Aniki" in image. As the season ended with no titles, it became difficult to find goals, but there was Koizumi at Kodaira, shooting every day. When asked about the reason, he answered like this.
"We haven't been able to win any titles, including cup competitions, for two consecutive seasons, and nothing has changed. This is the reality. Looking back on the season, both individually and as a team, we still lack strength. We only have about a month left for training in Kodaira. Even so, I think it's important to cherish each day. We may not be able to make something happen in the remaining few matches. However, it could lead to next season and beyond. For the sake of someday, the players can only believe and value the present."
This season, I have been learning from Keigo HIGASHI since the pre-season camp and have been working on past training during extra sessions. Kei KOIZUMI's growth mindset, which continues to point the arrow at himself, has led him to express these words.
"What I do for myself connects to the team. I have to challenge myself to become a better player. Ultimately, I believe that will also lead to the team's victory."
It may have been inevitable that a armband was wrapped around Koizumi's left arm. This is because the newly appointed blue-red commander, Rikizo MATSUHASHI, demanded from the players exactly the proactive behavior that Koizumi has embodied. Coach Matsuhashi explains, "I decided based on seeing Koizumi as he is."
"He is not someone who speaks a lot. However, while he doesn't just act without words, I thought he is a player who always gives his all and can communicate through his actions. I appointed him as captain after observing each of his actions."
Koizumi himself received an inquiry from the coach and said, "Honestly, I was unsure whether to accept it. I spoke honestly with Riki-san and asked for a little more time to decide," indicating that he refrained from giving an immediate answer.
"Last season, we had three captains, but having three people versus one is completely different. I understood that it was a role where I had to firmly decide within myself to 'do it,' so I couldn't respond immediately."
I was able to solidify my determination because, since the members didn't change drastically, I thought there were many people who understood me. I know better than anyone that I can't do anything alone, and it was significant that my teammates understood that as well.
"I think it would be good to be right in between the veterans and the young players, listening to various opinions and getting help from everyone. However, I also believe that there are moments when I need to change my personality and perform without relying on that support. I believe I can grow, and for the sake of putting pressure on myself, I want to fulfill this year as captain."
I intend to lay everything bare without hiding anything. I have no intention of changing my approach to steadily accumulate each day without stretching myself. "Every day, the moment I step onto the pitch, I want to continue working with a change in my eyes. That is something I want to uphold." During the time spent worrying about the coach's inquiries, many people told me, "You don't have to bear it all alone," and Coach Matsuhashi also said, "I don't want you to just raise your voice."
"Since that's what everyone around me is saying, there is pressure as a captain, but it's not a bad burden. Moreover, there are people who help create the atmosphere, and many who understand me. If there are gaps during practice or if the intensity is low, there will surely be times when I have to speak up strongly. However, I want to be someone who can discern those moments, rather than always verbalizing it."
With help and involving those around us, we walk together. The image that Coach Matsuhashi aims for, connecting people, may be that of such a leader.
"If I can make solid statements in each moment and show it in my play, I think many people will feel it. This season, I believe it's especially important to value each game in front of us. If we can create the right atmosphere there, that would be great. I want to be a cool man, both as a player and as a man."
A man silently supports blue and red──.
The man who speaks with his back has made up his mind to seriously aim to become Tokyo's "Aniki."
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
