After challenging campaign, Albirex Niigata look to end 2024-25 season on a high

SINGAPORE – After 22 years in the S.League and Singapore Premier League (SPL), Albirex Niigata find themselves in an unfamiliar position – the six-time champions are currently fourth in the league and 26 points behind leaders Lion City Sailors.

This marks a sharp contrast to the previous two seasons, when they won back-to-back titles.

While goalkeeper Hassan Sunny admitted that it has been a “difficult year” with “a lot of changes”, he noted that the club are undergoing a period of transition – they are in their first season with a roster of predominantly local players.

Previously, the White Swans, who are a satellite team of their parent club in Japan’s J1 League, comprised mainly Japanese players.

Over the years, they have added Singaporean footballers before their conversion to a local team from the 2024-25 season.

Despite the challenges, Hassan and his teammates are hoping to end their campaign on a high with just six matches in the league remaining.

The 41-year-old, who joined Albirex in 2023, said: “We’re not in a position that we were at for the past few years – it’s a new team, new era for us but we are trying our best to finish as high as possible, so that’s what we’re looking at as our main goal.”

Things were tough from the get-go as Albirex had one win and six losses in their opening games, leading to the departure of head coach Kazuaki Yoshinaga in July 2024.

The four-time Coach of the Year was replaced by former assistant coach Keiji Shigetomi.

Albirex have lost 13 games in the league this season, more than double their combined losses (five) in 2022 and 2023.

The former champions also suffered some heavy defeats against the Sailors (7-1, 6-0) and Geylang International (6-0) in the SPL.

But Hassan urged patience, citing the example of his former club Sailors, who won the league only the year after their privatisation.

He said: “Personally I feel like I was prepared for this because you won’t be successful overnight during a transition, it takes time...

“We knew that the transition would slow down a few things. From where we were in the first half of the season to where we are now, I think it’s a huge achievement.”

On March 28, they were thrashed 7-1 by Young Lions in the Singapore Cup, wrapping up a point-less run in the competition. 

But left-back Gareth Low is hoping to turn things around as they face the developmental side at the Jurong East Stadium on April 13.

He said: “Of course the scoreline reflects that it wasn’t a good match.

“We didn’t play to the levels we expect ourselves to and we’re not denying that Young Lions are a good side.

“All we can do is put our focus (on our upcoming match) and not think too much about the last game against them, just go back to doing what we know we can do and giving them a good fight this time.”

The 28-year-old, who won the SPL with Albirex in 2020, insisted that the team have maintained their winning mentality in every game, even though they may not be challenging for titles.

Head coach Shigetomi said: “This is a very important game, especially considering that we haven’t been able to get the results recently.

“We want to win at home for our fans. We really appreciate our fans who have come along with us through thick and thin this season.”

Geylang International v Hougang United (April 11, 7.45pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

Geylang’s hopes of finishing in the top two this season were all but dashed following a 3-1 defeat by Tampines Rovers on April 4, leaving them 10 points adrift of the second-placed Stags. After back-to-back league losses, the Eagles will be eager to return to winning ways as they aim for a top-three spot.

Tanjong Pagar United v Tampines Rovers (April 11, 7.45pm, Jurong East Stadium)

The Stags are in red-hot form, scoring 16 goals and conceding just three in their last four games in the SPL and Singapore Cup. They will be hoping to continue their winning streak as they face last-placed Tanjong Pagar and keep the pressure on the Sailors, who are seven points ahead with a game in hand.

Lion City Sailors v Brunei DPMM (April 12, 6pm, Bishan Stadium)

The Sailors will be brimming with confidence after a stunning 2-0 win over Sydney FC in the first leg of their Asian Champions League Two semi-final on April 9. With momentum on their side, they will aim to strengthen their grip on the top spot as they chase a second title since their privatisation.