Blackburn Rovers have handed Ryoya Morishita the captain’s armband for his second season, and the 29‑year‑old Japanese winger says he will drive the club toward promotion. Morishita, who arrived from Legia Warsaw in August 2025, set a personal target of 10 goals and 10 assists as Blackburn open the campaign away at Wolves on 14 August.

How does Morishita plan to lead the squad?

Morishita told BBC Radio Lancashire that his first year was a crash‑course – he joined after the season had already started and spent most of it finding his feet. “Now I have to be a leader at Blackburn Rovers because I’m nearly 30,” he explained. He wants to use his experience to mentor the many youngsters in the squad, saying, “I have to take care of them and I think that is very important.” The winger believes his familiarity with the club’s culture will help him set the tone in training and on match days.

Why is his leadership crucial now?

Blackburn Rovers finished 20th in the Championship last season, 52 points from 46 games, with a recent form of LWDLD. They scored 42 goals and conceded 56, leaving them 14 behind the league average and 43 points adrift of leaders Coventry. With Tony Mowbray’s humor‑filled approach praised by the player, Morishita hopes his influence can turn those numbers around. “The new coach makes us laugh. He is a very good guy and I love him,” he added, hinting that a positive dressing‑room atmosphere could be the missing piece.

What does this mean for Blackburn’s promotion hopes?

If Morishita hits his 10‑goal, 10‑assist benchmark, he could directly add 20 goal contributions – a sizable chunk of the 42 goals the team has already netted this season. That output, combined with a steadier defensive record, might lift Blackburn out of the relegation‑watch zone and into a genuine playoff conversation. The winger’s ambition aligns with the club’s stated aim to climb the table, and his willingness to shoulder responsibility may inspire teammates to raise their own standards.

When does the season kick off and what’s at stake?

Blackburn Rovers open the new Championship season away at Wolves on Friday, 14 August, 20:00 BST. A strong start could set the tone for a campaign that currently sees the club 20th, 52 points, 13 wins, 13 draws and 20 losses. The Rovers need to reverse that trend quickly; every point now feels like a step toward safety, and every win a step toward the promotion chase. Morishita’s leadership will be tested from day one, and fans will be watching to see if his promise translates into results.

What’s the broader picture for Blackburn?

Beyond Morishita’s personal goals, the club’s broader strategy under Mowbray focuses on blending experience with youth. The Japanese international’s commitment to mentoring younger players fits that blueprint. If the team can tighten up defensively – currently conceding 56 goals – and add a few more goals from Morishita’s wing, the gap to Coventry could start to shrink. The season is long, but a decisive early push may keep the Rovers’ promotion dream alive.