Masato MORISHIGE, who finished his 14th season in Tokyo with a top 10 ranking for the first time in 6 seasons, concluded, "I only feel a sense of crisis." Having spent half of his life as a professional football player, he can see the end of his career approaching. The longest-serving player on the team even says, "I don't care what people say or think." In his summary of the 2023 season as captain of the blue and red team, his words were filled with a desperate cry. Within them, a strong determination to win was evident.
It was unclear what we were aiming for and what kind of football we wanted to play.
Q: First, please share your honest thoughts looking back on this season.
A, it was a tough season. That's my honest impression right now.
Q. I think you had a good time during the pre-season camp, but after that, the matches became gradually unstable. What was your impression of the start?
We had a good feeling, including during the camp. The overall atmosphere of the team was good, and with it being the second season under coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, we were looking forward to the opening game with the thought of "this season, we can do it." We were able to achieve victory against Urawa Reds, but we dropped points in the following games against Kashiwa Reysol and Kyoto Sanga F.C. We thought we could gain momentum after beating Urawa, but there were some stumbling blocks. As expected, a good start is important, and not being able to win there was a big setback. In the first three games, our record of 1 win, 1 loss, and 1 draw showed our true strength for this season.
Q, After that, entering Golden Week, we continued to suffer consecutive losses and faced Kawasaki Frontale in the Tamagawa Clasico at the Japan National Stadium.
A, Winning against Kawasaki was a result that was typical of Tokyo in a sense. When it's like a festival and everyone's motivation is high, we can win. In special games like the opening game and at the National Stadium, we are able to come together and achieve results. Winning against Kawasaki there definitely gave us confidence. However, when we looked at the content, it wasn't because our football had been refined and reached a high level of completion. It was more of an impression that we won with a sense of crisis and motivation, and it didn't feel like we had matured as a team and earned points through our football.
Q, Unable to use the victory in the Tamagawa Clasico as a turning point, the team went on to record 1 draw and 3 losses before the coach was replaced. What were your thoughts during that time, Morishige?
During the 1 and a half seasons, we gradually became afraid of taking risks and could only make safe decisions when trying to connect the ball. For example, just passing the ball around the perimeter made it easier for the opponent to defend. We didn't have any breakthrough strategies and ended up relying too much on individual efforts. We had ideas like using the center or simply kicking the ball, but it became disorganized and we couldn't come to a unified decision on what to do, resulting in poor performance. I don't think our team had a clear goal or style of play.
Quality and ideas to score goals are needed
Q, In the early stages of the second half of the season under Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, there were signs of gradual upward growth. During that time, what was going well, and where did you feel uncertainty?
After the change of coach, in the first game, Head Coach Takayoshi Amma made it clear what needed to be done. We were able to review the essential parts of soccer that we were lacking. As a result, we were able to defeat Kyoto in the group stage of the Levain Cup. After that, Coach Peter Cklamovski took over and continued to focus on attacking soccer and intense training. While seeking to utilize that intensity in our play, it was important to accumulate points first. In the first half of the second half, our goal was to play solid soccer and secure wins. We worked with a focus on the basics and keeping the essence of the game in mind.
Q. The team seemed to be on the rise as it accumulated points, but from Sec. 24 against Yokohama F.Marinos, there was a stretch of four winless matches. What do you feel were the reasons for not being able to clinch close games against the top teams?
A, One reason may be that there is no opening strategy. Until then, we were able to overwhelm our opponents with a high line, high press, and play intensity, but against opponents at a higher level or those who defend by dropping back, we need one or two different ideas and attacking methods from a different angle. We didn't have enough tricks up our sleeves, and I think that difference has affected us losing points.
Q, I think that has also been an issue we have been facing since the 2022 season.
A, In the second half, we have been focusing on overwhelming the opponent by switching intensity and offense and defense. Even though we are trying to be aggressive, we still have a limited number of attacking options and patterns. We are aiming for an attacking style of soccer, but I believe we are currently struggling to reach our full potential. We need players who have the quality and ideas to score from there.
Q, This season, Diego OLIVEIRA has regained form and scored 15 goals. However, there was a significant gap in the number of goals compared to the next highest-scoring player.
A, As a team, we are aiming to take control of certain areas and have a common understanding of where to send the ball when the opponent comes in a certain way. It's important to increase the reproducibility and create more chances. We need to work on that more, but ideas are essential for our attack. I hope someone will step up and lead our attack with those ideas.
It's just right for young players to be noisy.
Q, For that, I believe the maturity of the team is indispensable. I think the team cannot make use of ideas unless there is conviction, not just improvisation or mere whims.
A, there may be some aspects that the players themselves need to think about a little more. Overall, there are players who tend to be too passive and have their own opinions on how things should be done. It is important for each player to share their thoughts and opinions from their respective positions and work together to create something good. Yuto NAGATOMO and I, who are in the final line, are communicating what we see from the back. However, there is an impression that the communication ends with a one-way conversation of "Oh, I see, I have to do that.".
Q, Is this the part of the problem that Tokyo has been facing?
A, instead, for example, there may be a phenomenon that looks like this when viewed from behind. However, the defense may say that, but from the attacking side or midfield, it should be impossible, or there should be another opinion. If you don't convey that, you can't rub it together forever. When playing as a team, communication is essential. There are definitely many things that you think are absolutely necessary to shine and play better. Instead of keeping it silent, there are new discoveries and deeper understanding by exchanging opinions with each other.
If you only do what you are told in silence, you will not become a team. You have to speak up. Of course, each player has their own character. Even without saying it, players who can execute will demand it from the beginning, like Kuryu MATSUKI. They are naturally able to move those around them in a way that is easy for them to do. If you are not afraid of being misunderstood, or avoiding conflicting opinions, the conversation will not move forward. From there, the next step of aligning and unifying our intentions will begin.
Q, During the season, you were often seen telling the mid-level and younger players to speak up more and giving them advice.
A, It's just right for young players to be noisy. If they don't pull the team, the team won't be energetic. I think it's strange that we keep playing in the game forever. Tokyo has many serious players, for better or for worse. There have never been any sharp players, and I think they are too quiet.
Q, Just as Morishige, who used to play quietly when he was young, has come to think and exchange ideas, even if it takes time, if players who speak up do not emerge, continuous strength in the future cannot be achieved, right?
A, for example, Nagatomo is a respected presence. However, respect and being careful during the game are different. We need to demand more in order to improve. If it ends up making things worse and we can't play well, soccer is not fun. If we can demand things from those around us and they can lead the attack, then there is no problem at all. Without that, nothing will be created through reactions. It's our job to find a balance, so young players can do whatever they want. They can cause trouble for the team, play the way they want, challenge themselves, make mistakes, and even go too far. Otherwise, it becomes difficult in reverse.
Q. Both Morishige and Nagatomo gave the impression that when they were young, they played on the pitch as they pleased. I remember the veterans having to clean up after them with a wry smile, even if it meant arguing with their seniors.
A, that's why it's unimaginable. Without saying anything, it's not fun to play, right? In the current situation, I'm sure you're thinking, "If you do this, it'll be good," or "If you pass me the ball, it'll be good." We have to demand things like, "Why aren't you moving forward?" or "Move forward and pass it to me." Of course, we can't win if everyone does whatever they want, but if, for example, Matsuki starts doing it, the people around him will resonate and create an atmosphere of wanting to support that kind of play. By demanding each and every thing, we can create good soccer.
I want to win in Tokyo
Q: Unfortunately, Morishige's own streak of consecutive goals ended this season, but you were able to finish with a win in the final match against Shonan Bellmare.
A, I don't care at all about records and I don't receive anything (laughs). We were able to end with a win, but we need to calmly reflect on this season and analyze it properly. I only have a sense of crisis for the next season. To be honest, I didn't get much of a feeling from this season. I can't imagine a bright future if things continue like this. Each season is a competition and I know that if one gear clicks, the team will do well. I want to keep struggling with a sense of crisis.
Q. How should this team change for the next season?
It is important for the team to be led by the core players in the midfield. In doing so, it is necessary for everyone to come up with ideas and work together in small details and situations, as we have adopted an attacking style as our playing style. With this style, we have no choice but to continue with determination and aim for victory, no matter what the result may be.
Q: Since you spoke harsh words at the final home game, I think you will also face strict scrutiny yourself.
A, I said it with that determination, and I said it as a way to put pressure on myself. Now, as a team, we need to have a greater sense of crisis. Each and every one of us needs to take responsibility and think of ourselves as key players in Tokyo and step onto the pitch. I don't care what anyone says to me personally. I'm waiting for more young players to come out and resonate with me. If anyone wants to criticize someone, they can criticize me for saying, "I want them to do it the way I think." That's why I want the young players to step up and become the center of the team without fear.
I want to win in Tokyo.
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
