JEF United Chiba's Yuto Sato is the exact opposite of Amar Osim -- he sounds like he is actually looking forward to the new season.

The spring in Sato's step may have something to do with the midfielder being the new JEF captain, after the departure of Yuki Abe.

The 25-year-old, who made his national team debut last year, was in a bullish mood when The Japan Times spoke to him, as he targeted more cup success and an improved league position in 2007.