After snatching their second straight J-League first-division title at the death last term, Vissel Kobe are set for a sterner test in the 2025 season starting Friday, with their nearest challengers strengthening on the pitch and others making intriguing managerial changes.League MVP Yoshinori Muto's decision to stay has provided a boost for Kobe, who should have enough to cover for the departures of captain Hotaru Yamaguchi to J2 side V-Varen Nagasaki and left-back Ryo Hatsuse to English second-tier club Sheffield Wednesday. But the lack of marquee signings means it has been, on paper, a lo…READ FULL ARTICLE
