# Tokyo Verdy managerial changes and league standing

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tokyo-verdy-managerial-changes
> Updated: 2026-10-21T08:37:35.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 4.

Following a difficult start to the J1 League season, Tokyo Verdy dismissed manager Hiroshi Jofuku on October 5. The decision came after the team failed to secure a win in eight matches, leaving them in 19th place in the relegation zone. Jofuku, who had previously led the club to promotion in 2023, expressed regret for “not being able to meet everyone’s expectations.”

On October 8, the club appointed Naoki Soma as the new manager. Soma, a former player for Verdy, aims to transition the team from a mid-table side into a championship contender by implementing a more aggressive attacking style and refined defensive pressing. He stated he will work “without setting limits” to secure victories.

Soma’s managerial debut on October 11 resulted in a 0-2 defeat against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. This loss extended Tokyo Verdy’s winless streak to nine matches and dropped the club to last place in the J1 League standings.

On October 21, Tokyo Verdy extended their winless streak to 11 matches following a 2-2 draw against Yokohama F. Marinos at the National Stadium. Despite a comeback, the team remained at the bottom of the league standings.

On October 24, Tokyo Verdy secured their first win of the season by defeating Avispa Fukuoka 3-1. This victory ended their 11-match winless streak and allowed the club to climb to 18th place. Manager Naoki Soma attributed the win to effective tactical substitutions, noting that substitute players scored to secure the result, including a decisive goal from Yuya Matsuhashi and a late strike by Seimon Teranuma. Captain Koki Morita expressed relief at the breakthrough, stating the team is beginning to implement their tactical identity more effectively.

## Claims

- Naoki Soma has been appointed as the new manager of Tokyo Verdy. (reported by 3 sources)
- Tokyo Verdy has gone eight league matches without a win this season. (reported by 3 sources)
- The club terminated the contract of manager Hiroshi Shirofuku on October 5. (reported by 2 sources)
- Naoki Soma stated he will work without setting limits to achieve victory. (reported by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-21: Tokyo Verdy remains winless after 2-2 draw against Yokohama F. Marinos

Tokyo Verdy remains winless after 11 matches following a 2-2 draw against Yokohama F. Marinos in J1 League action.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tokyo-verdy-remains-winless-after-2-2-draw-against-yokohama-f-marinos

### 2026-10-10: Sanfrecce Hiroshima defeat Tokyo Verdy 2-0 in J1 League

Sanfrecce Hiroshima defeated Tokyo Verdy 2-0 in J1 League action, driven by goals from Matsumoto Yasushi and Suzuki Akito. Tokyo Verdy remains winless after nine matches and drops to last place.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tokyo-verdy-falls-to-last-place-after-loss-to-sanfrecce-hiroshima

### 2026-10-08: Tokyo Verdy appoints Naoki Soma as new manager

Tokyo Verdy has appointed Naoki Soma as new manager following the departure of Hiroshi Shirofuku, aiming to end an eight-match winless streak and pursue J1 League championship contention.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tokyo-verdy-appoints-naoki-soma-as-new-manager

### 2026-10-05: Tokyo Verdy dismisses manager Hiroshi Jofuku

Tokyo Verdy has dismissed manager Hiroshi Jofuku following a winless start to the J1 League season that left the club in 19th place.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tokyo-verdy-dismisses-manager-hiroshi-jofuku

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Cite as: Tokyo Verdy managerial changes and league standing. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tokyo-verdy-managerial-changes