Quadruple winners Albirex ready to conquer all comers in new season

SINGAPORE – It is often said that winning a title is hard, but defending it is even harder – and that saying could apply four times over for Albirex Niigata (S).

But the Japanese satellite club, who swept all four competitions last season – the S.League crown, Singapore Cup, League Cup and Community Shield – in a historic first in Singapore football, are undaunted by the challenge.

This, despite having retaining only seven players from last year’s all-conquering squad and appointing a new head coach in Kazuaki Yoshinaga, who asserted that the White Swans are ready to dominate again.

Under predecessor Naoki Naruo, the club scored a joint-best 50 times in the league and conceded the least times, often overwhelming opponents. And even with key players like top scorer Atsushi Kawata, who was named Player of the Year, and others like Tatsuro Inui, Yoshinaga, 48, (above. Photo: Teo Teng Kiat) is confident his team can continue to thrill.

“Basically, with the players at my disposal, I’ve decided what formation I will employ,” he explained on the sidelines of the Albirex pre-season kick-off party on Wednesday night (Feb 15) at Le Danz dance studio at Queen Street.

“We may not adjust (to other teams’ tactics); we want to concentrate on ourselves, to play to our potential. We will aim to play attacking football - that is what I want to see.”

Midfielder Shuto Inaba, an integral component of the team last year and the newly-appointed captain for this season, agreed with his coach.

“Of course, as champions, all teams will want to beat us, but it’s up to us to show that we can rise above that and play better football,” the 23-year-old told TODAY.

“Last year we won all four titles, so there’s some pressure, but I am relishing it. Our new players have very high ability also and we are confident of achieving what the coach wants.”

The 23-strong Albirex team, who were unveiled in front of the club’s sponsors and invited guests in an upbeat ceremony, have played various friendlies locally to get up to speed ahead of their season opener against Tampines Rovers on February 26.

Yoshinaga, who has coached at J-League sides Shimizu S-Pulse and Ventforet Kofu, is happy with what he has seen.

“There are a lot of new players and we need to learn how to win again,” he acknowledged. “But I’ve gotten to know the players better after one month with them and I know where we can improve. I am getting more confident…it’s a good experience.”

In Singapore for the first time, he added that he came “mentally prepared” to live up to the challenge and has “no problem” adjusting to his new surroundings.

“I am ready to take in and absorb new things,” Yoshinaga said. “I’ve also told the players to accept things that they may not be used to back in Japan, such as the Lighting Warning System (that halts matches when it is activated by inclement weather).”

Albirex’s confidence was encapsulated by chairman Daisuke Korenaga, who spoke after an introductory video that showcased highlights of their trophy-laden campaign in 2016.

“I have no doubt we will win all four titles again,” he declared.

If they can translate their confidence into results this season, one will not bet against that.