Crisis in Tokushima Vortis: What Went Wrong in the 2024 Season?
Tokushima Vortis, the J1 League contender, is facing a crisis this season. Despite coach Daruma Yoshida’s ambition to rise to the J1 League, the team has faltered in the 2024 season, losing three consecutive matches against Ventforet Kofu, Kagoshima United, and Blaublitz Akita.
Struggling with scoring abilities last season, Tokushima aimed to boost its attacking power for this season. The team acquired new players such as FW Brown Noah Kenshin, defender Wataru Yanagisawa, and defender Kento Hashimoto. They also added DF Kaike and MF Toshiro Shimakawa. Yet, despite possessing talented players like Jose Aurelio Suarez and Yoichiro Kakitani, Tokushima’s objectives have not materialized on the field.
The team faced defensive issues at the beginning of the season, failing to organize effectively against coordinated attacks. Although they showed promise in the second and third rounds by scoring first, Tokushima struggled to convert opportunities and maintain control over matches. Their inability to stop opponents’ momentum resulted in consecutive 1-2 losses, marking them as the only team in the league to suffer three straight defeats since the season opener.
In their match against J3 team Nagano Parceiro in the Levain Cup, Tokushima suffered a humiliating 1-5 defeat, highlighting continued defensive vulnerabilities. Despite making lineup changes, their defense was unable to stop incessant attacks, culminating in a red card and a demoralizing loss.
Following a coaching change from Spanish managers to Daruma Yoshida, Tokushima Vortis has yet to find their new philosophy. The previously established “Tokushima Vortis philosophy” focused on ball possession and match control but has wavered under new leadership. With little time and dwindling options, Tokushima faces a critical juncture as they search for a path forward.
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