2025 Season Preview: Kawasaki Frontale | OneFootball

Kawasaki Frontale's rollercoaster 2024 season perfectly encapsulated the fine margins in Japanese football. Despite Shin Yamada's impressive 19-goal haul, the team's defensive frailties ultimately proved costly in their pursuit of silverware.

Looking ahead to 2025

The appointment of Shigetoshi Hasebe marks a new era for Kawasaki Frontale, who find themselves at a fascinating crossroads. Last season's mixed bag - continental success coupled with domestic inconsistency - provides both encouragement and clear areas for improvement.

The numbers tell a stark story: while Yamada's 19 goals in 38 appearances highlighted their attacking prowess, shipping 57 goals - significantly more than champions Vissel Kobe's 36 - exposed their defensive fragility. Their continental form, however, showed what this team is capable of, with commanding victories over Shandong Taishan (4-0) and Pohang Steelers (4-0) in the AFC Champions League.

The summer departures of Ryota Oshima disrupted the team's rhythm, though emerging talents like Asahi Sasaki and Kota Takai showed promise. The midfield axis of Kento Tachibanada and Yasuto Wakizaka provided stability, even as the team struggled with consistency against domestic opposition.

Kawasaki's tactical flexibility was evident throughout 2024, but the challenge now lies in addressing the defensive vulnerabilities that plagued their campaign. The accumulation of yellow cards and set-piece frailties need particular attention, while reducing the over-reliance on Yamada will be crucial for sustainable success.

The integration of Louis Yamaguchi and Marcinho offers depth, but the disappointing early exit from the Emperor's Cup underlined the need for greater squad harmony. With the transition from long-time manager Oniki now complete, Hasebe's primary task will be building on the attacking flair while instilling defensive discipline.

The foundations are there - the continental performances proved as much - but transforming Kawasaki into consistent challengers domestically will require addressing these clear structural issues. The talent is evident; now it's about finding the right balance.

The managerial transition at Kawasaki Frontale represents perhaps their most significant shift in recent years. After Toru Oniki's seven-year tenure ended in 2024, former Avispa Fukuoka boss Shigetoshi Hasebe steps into the spotlight, inheriting a squad that needs fine-tuning rather than wholesale changes. Yasuto Wakizaka's continuation as captain provides valuable continuity during this period of change.

Transfer Activity

The winter window has seen calculated movement both in and out of Todoroki Athletics Stadium. The headline arrival is French-Japanese goalkeeper L. Thébault-Yamaguchi, back from his loan at Machida, addressing last season's defensive concerns. Additional reinforcements include K. Tsuchiya in defence, C. Haydar in midfield, and T. Ito up front - all suggesting a measured approach to squad building.

The outgoing traffic has been more substantial, with seven departures - mostly loans for younger talents seeking regular football. Zé Ricardo, Kota Yui, and Taiyo Igarashi head the list of loan moves, while R. Matsui and D. Tono have secured permanent transfers elsewhere. The loan strategy, particularly involving promising players like Takatora Einaga to FC Ryukyu and Y. Hayasaka to Iwaki FC, indicates a clear focus on development.

This transfer activity reflects a club balancing immediate needs with long-term planning. The return of Thébault-Yamaguchi directly addresses their defensive frailties, while the loan departures suggest confidence in the existing squad core under Hasebe's new regime.

Squad Analysis

Hasebe's likely first-choice XI presents an intriguing blend of established quality and tactical innovation. The experienced Jung Sung Ryong remains the foundation between the posts, protected by a back four that combines the aerial prowess of Jesiel and Yuichi Maruyama centrally, with the attacking instincts of Sai van Wermeskerken and Shintaro Kurumaya in the full-back positions.

The engine room sees captain Yasuto Wakizaka partnered with the industrious Kento Tachibanada, offering both defensive stability and creative impetus. The attacking trio behind the striker features the guile of Akihiro Ienaga, the direct running of Marcinho, and Yuki Yamamoto's creative spark, all supporting target man Erison.

This 4-2-3-1 setup maximizes the squad's strengths, with the experienced core of Jung Sung Ryong, Jesiel, and Ienaga providing leadership throughout the spine. The midfield combination looks particularly promising - Wakizaka and Tachibanada's partnership allows for both defensive security and attacking freedom, while the variety in attack through Marcinho's pace and Erison's physical presence offers multiple tactical approaches.

The squad depth also enables tactical flexibility, with personnel suited to both possession-based football and counter-attacking strategies. The decision to loan out several young prospects, including Takatora Einaga and Taiyo Igarashi, suggests confidence in the current first-team options while maintaining a clear pathway for future development.

While last season's defensive record needs addressing, the balance of this squad - particularly the blend of experience and tactical adaptability - provides Hasebe with solid foundations for the 2025 campaign.

Season Outlook

While the starting XI shows promise, some structural concerns persist. The advancing years of Jung Sung Ryong and Akihiro Ienaga raise questions about longevity through a demanding season, while defensive depth remains thin beyond the first-choice backline. The attacking burden on Marcinho and Erison could prove heavy, particularly during congested fixture periods.

The opening fixtures will be crucial in setting the tone under Hasebe's leadership. A home opener against Nagoya Grampus (February 15) followed by away trips to Kashiwa Reysol (February 22) and Avispa Fukuoka (February 26) represents a challenging start. Key dates pepper the calendar thereafter - notably the Kanagawa derbies against Yokohama F. Marinos (April 9 and September 13) and potentially season-defining clashes with Urawa Reds (May 21 and December 6).

Kawasaki Frontale enter 2025 with a squad capable of challenging, yet carrying just enough question marks to temper expectations. Hasebe's tactical acumen, particularly in addressing defensive vulnerabilities while maintaining attacking fluidity, will likely define their season. The blend of experience and emerging talent suggests a team in transition, but one that should remain competitive.

Prediction: 4th place - expect a strong challenge for AFC Champions League qualification, falling just short of the title race due to squad depth issues in the latter stages of the season.