Kawasaki’s head start on Mainz’s playing style

Sota Kawasaki has left his homeland behind to join Mainz 05 – and in doing so, turned down a chance to make his senior international debut at the East Asian Championship. A long-held dream became reality this summer, with the midfielder making the move to Europe. “I want to play here for as long as possible, and of course I’d love to win trophies during my career,” said the soon-to-be 24-year-old, who is expected to strengthen FSV’s game both in and out of possession.

Since taking part in his first training session with the team almost two weeks ago, Kawasaki’s focus has been on getting to know the people and surroundings at Bruchweg. He says he already feels comfortable – although he’s still adjusting to the demands of the training schedule. “The sessions here are generally shorter, but a lot more intense,” he explained. “You need to prepare properly every day. It’s hard work, but it’s a lot of fun.”

The playing style of his former club, Kyoto Sanga – where he wore the captain’s armband in recent years – is also helping him adapt. “It was quite similar to what we’re doing here in Mainz. That’s rare in Japan,” Kawasaki added. The fact that his former coach, Gwi-jae Jo, had a fondness for Mainz’s football has also eased his transition to life in Germany. As the new signing explained, many of the core principles of the 05ers’ style of play are already familiar to him. “My coach in Japan really liked how Mainz played, and he regularly showed us video clips of them during his analysis. I’ve always enjoyed that style of football – and he was convinced I’d be a good fit here.”

That made it relatively easy in the end to leave his homeland mid-season in the J.League to join FSV. A video call with new head coach Bo Henriksen ultimately convinced him to make the move.

Ambitious and assured

With the training camp in Austria getting underway on Wednesday, Kawasaki will now have the chance to get an even better sense of his new club and teammates – and to soak up more of the 05 DNA, both on and off the pitch. Over the first few weeks, he’s spent most of his free time with fellow countryman Kaishu Sano, who has shown him around the city and taken him out for meals. In the Hohe Salve region, more training sessions and two friendly matches now await the 05ers. The focus will be on tactical and technical work, following an opening phase of pre-season centred around athletic development.

Kawasaki is now looking to define his role within the Mainz system – and he already has a clear idea of where he fits in. He knows how Henriksen is planning to use him too. While he has previously played in the number six role in Japan – and is certainly capable of doing so – he prefers to operate further forward. “I like to play in a more attacking role where I can act as the first line of defence. I think the eight or ten suits me best,” he said.

The early signs in training and the first friendly matches suggest that Kawasaki and FSV could be a great match. His strong running, relentless pressing, composure on the ball and sharp passing make him an exciting option to enhance Mainz’s attacking game. The new arrival has made a good impression – and has confidence both in himself and in the team. “I want to play every game and help us be successful. Mainz finished sixth last season, so the goal has to be to improve on that,” he said, clearly full of belief and ambition.