Mito Hollyhock of J1 announced on the 26th that its manager changed from Daisuke Kimori (樹森大介) to Football Director Naoki Mori (森直樹), who became the new manager. The club was 17th at the end of Round 12 after six consecutive losses, and will seek to remain in J1 with 26 matches remaining.
Mito announced on 26 October that its manager changed from Daisuke Kimori (樹森大介) to Football Director Naoki Mori (森直樹), who became the new manager. After 12 league rounds, the club was 17th with 2 wins, 3 draws and 7 losses, and its losing streak had reached 6 after a 0-6 heavy defeat in its most recent match against FC Tokyo.
The club explained that it had considered the results in the Centennial Vision League and the team's progress since Kimori's appointment in deciding to appoint a new manager. President Kojima (小島) said the club had decided to fight through the remaining 26 matches, using the phrase “taking everything into consideration.”
Under the new system, new manager Mori will build on the foundation established by former manager Kimori, while setting out “quality,” “intensity” and “speed” as the 3 pillars, with avoiding relegation identified as the top priority. He outlined a policy of rebuilding the players' motivation and the team's coordination.
In terms of squad building, the transfer of defender Shoki Omori (大森渚生) to Kashima and injuries that sidelined several players had an impact. After taking charge, new manager Mori said he would review the team's previous approach and seek to play Mito-style football, with all players winning the ball and defending together.