Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo have spent the bulk of their time in the midtable since rejoining the top flight in 2017, but they did have one fourth place finish in 2018. Can they challenge to be among J1’s better teams in 2023 like they did five years ago?

Last season

It took eight weeks for Consa to notch their first win last season as draws reigned supreme in the early part of the season, but they were a consistent team throughout. They finished with 11 wins, 11 losses and 12 draws, cruising to a 10th place finish. It was a reliable league average season in most every way.

Goal for 2023

Consa were pretty good in most every aspect last season, except in defense. They conceded 55 goals, second-worst in J1 and if they want to be better in 2023, it all comes down to whether they can defend better.

Gu Sung-yun is back at the club after his military duty and could make a big difference in goal. If he can help lead a more organized, reliable defense as well as make some big saves, Sapporo could make the type of defensive improvement they need.

What to watch for

Mihailo Petrović is embarking on his sixth season at the helm of Consa. He oversaw a terrific 2018, which included a cup final in addition to the fourth place finish, but Sapporo have otherwise been steady midtable under Petrović.

Petrović and Consa will be hoping to see some progression this season and they’ve made some additions that could bring them the improvement they’re chasing.

In addition to Gu, Seiya Baba joins from Tokyo Verdy and the 21-year-old could be a fixture for the club going forward. Along with Yuki Kobayashi, who comes from Vissel Kobe and brings some solidity to the midfield, they could help sort out the Consa defense.

Toss in a full season of Supachok Sarachat, who could be the jolt of creativity that Sapporo sometimes lacked up front, and you can see how Petrović guides the club back to the highs of 2018.