Struggling professional club East Tokyo United brings former player Tatsumi back as manager after his work with a small English team. Supporters remember the circumstances of his earlier departure. Improving results will require earning cooperation from players and a community that have reasons to doubt him.
The club's problems extend beyond the next opponent. Reputation, confidence and the different things people expect from a manager shape how a team can train and play. Tatsumi's methods make the prospect of an upset dependent on changing relationships inside the organisation as well as tactics on match day.
The close view of an adult face places attention on someone’s response rather than a spectacular shot or tackle. Tatsumi’s appointment also has to be understood through such reactions: colleagues and supporters bring memories and expectations to his return. Results matter, but the conditions for improving them are built between matches.
