wf111: Nadeshiko Topics August 19th

(Excerpt) Updates and topics related to Nadeshiko players are provided.（抜粋和約）なでしこ選手関連のトピックスをご案内しています。

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It appears that JFA President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto has resolved to channel his energy into reforming women’s football, given the current lack of maneuverability in the men’s football. He unveiled a comprehensive strategy on August 14. Notably—and unusually for the Japan Football Association—the plan sets out specific elements, numerical targets, and deadlines.

Saitama of the WE League has announced that all its players have turned professional. This marks the first time a club in the league has achieved this milestone, drawing significant attention. Additionally, the league’s season-opening event—the kickoff conference—was held.

Across Europe, pre-season matches are in full swing as teams prepare for the start of the new league season. The match between Manchester City and Barcelona on August 15th drew significant attention—a clash between the reigning English champions and the European champions. The blogger would like to offer some comments on this game as well.

While the transfer of a world-class goalkeeper of Japanese men’s national team to Aston Villa is attracting considerable attention, one must not forget that the club has another outstanding Japanese goalkeeper. Akane Okuma’s full-match appearance in a preseason match is certainly noteworthy.

In Asia, the preliminary stage of the Champions League has kicked off.

[1] Nadeshiko Strategy Presentation
What was most surprising of all was the lineup of members who took the stage at the presentation: Satsuki Katayama (Minister of Finance and/or Minister for Financial Services), Natsumi Akita (Executive Managing Director for Group CCuO* and Group CBO** at Mizuho Financial Group), Aya Miyama (Vice Chair of the JFA Women’s Committee) and Tsuneyasu Miyamoto (President of the Japan Football Association).
*CCuO: Group Chief Culture Officer —responsible for corporate culture—
**CBO: Group Chief Branding Officer —responsible for brand strategy and promotion—

While the potential contributions of Ms. Katayama and Ms. Akita require further assessment, the blogger has high hopes for Ms. Miyama. Her appointment brings in a figure who is truly a national treasure for women’s football in Japan—after all, she has experienced what it takes to be the best in the world. Leaving such talent on the sidelines until now was nothing short of a waste of a precious asset.

[2] WE League
While WE League regulations require clubs to hold professional contracts with at least 15 players, Saitama has signed professional contracts with its entire squad. The blogger supports this move; it is surely no easy feat, but I hope Saitama succeeds in this endeavor.

Meanwhile, the WE League held its kickoff conference on August 17, ahead of the season opener on August 22. The event appeared to be more polished than in the past—perhaps an effect of new sponsorships?

[3] City vs. Barça Pre-season (Aug 15)
It appears to have been a typical pre-season match where both teams fielded young players.

That said, Barça displayed their trademark ball retention and attacking drive, scoring two goals in the first half. Both goals came from attacks on the right side of the box—a pattern mirroring goals conceded by the men’s World Cup team of Japan. Does this suggest there is room for improvement in the defensive work of City’s left-sided central midfielder?

The second half seemed to go City’s way. Their first goal came after left-back Alex Greenwood made a solo run all the way from the halfway line; perhaps this was the result of City’s fluid movement? Their second goal also stemmed from a breakthrough on the left flank.

Looking at it this way, Barça’s strength lies in attacking down the right, while City’s lies in attacking down the left. Does this imply that their defensive vulnerabilities lie on the respective opposite flanks?