Wolfsburg’s Shiogai Kenjin: “Communication Is Necessary to Make the Most of My Abilities”
“I’m not the type to naturally blend in. I believe that if I prove myself through my play, they’ll come to me on their own. But to truly make the most of my abilities, communication is essential, so I’ll keep pushing myself.”
Japan national team striker Shiogai Kenjin shared these thoughts shortly after joining Wolfsburg from Dutch side NEC this winter. However, the reality so far has been straightforwardly tough. His playing time in the Bundesliga remains limited.
At this stage, Wolfsburg manager Dieter Hecking is prioritizing stability in his forward line. With the team still battling relegation in the final stretch of the season, the coach is naturally relying on players he can count on.
After a 1-1 draw against Freiburg in Matchday 32, Hecking gave a positive assessment of the team’s performance in the press conference: “It was a good away game. The two forwards worked hard defensively. When they had the ball, they played with more purpose, and we’re seeing more stability.” This comment reflects the thinking behind Shiogai’s limited opportunities.
Hecking has previously explained Shiogai’s situation:
“He has to endure this period and wait for his chance. He came off the bench in two or three games, but things didn’t go well. In training, I can see he has real quality. We need to bring it out of him.”
The forward’s raw talent is recognized. His biggest strength is his decisiveness up front. He can hold the ball up, break into space behind the defense, and shoot without hesitation. He also shows a willingness to press continuously. He has the potential to break the team out of a stagnant rhythm.
But that strength can only be a weapon if it fits the team’s system.
“I don’t think I’m inferior to anyone in this team as a striker,” Shiogai said. His confidence as a striker is strong, and the aggression that comes from that confidence is important. However, there is another factor he cannot ignore: language. Hecking has also pointed it out.
“There is a language barrier. He hasn’t fully adapted to the team yet. He’s still a little bit outside the circle. We need to bring him more into the center. That’s a process the whole team has to work on.”
Deepening mutual understanding is essential for the team to achieve results. Unity, a willingness to do the dirty work, and continuous effort are necessary, especially in a relegation battle. To earn playing time, a player must first be among the options.
Former Japan striker Shinji Okazaki offered a sharp insight:
“There’s often a gap between what the coach thinks is enough and what the player thinks. Players might feel they’re doing well or are even better than others, but if they don’t exceed the coach’s expectations, he might decide to go with another player. Shiogai is young. For the club, it’s not surprising if they see him as a substitute who can make an impact when called upon. Climbing out of that position to score goals isn’t easy, and even scoring doesn’t guarantee a change in status. That’s why mentality and reaction—whether he brings positivity no matter what—are crucial.”
Time spent on the bench can quietly wear a player down. The minutes watching from the stands, the moments after warming up and not being called, the feeling when the game ends while your body still feels ready—all of it takes a toll.
It’s easy to get frustrated or blame the circumstances. But Shiogai isn’t doing that. Instead, he’s looking inward and trying to improve his communication.
“I have to speak up more,” he said.
Players who survive in the Bundesliga adapt both on and off the pitch. No matter how well he trains or how much potential he shows, turning that into the coach’s confidence takes time and a catalyst.
The match against Bayern Munich should have been that catalyst. Coming on as a substitute in the 30th minute of the second half, he held off four defenders in the 44th minute and played a decisive pass into the box. Mathias Svanberg’s right-footed first-time shot hit the post and didn’t go in, but there was something real in that play.
In the final matchday, Wolfsburg will face St. Pauli away. A draw, combined with Heidenheim defeating Mainz at home, would drop Wolfsburg to 16th place. It’s a must-win game, and Shiogai’s boldness could be the deciding factor.