FC Tokyo kicked off the season at the Kodaira Ground under clear skies, preparing for the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, a special tournament held for just six months during the season transition period.
With the season starting earlier than usual, Tokyo formed the new team about a week ahead of schedule and will spend one month preparing for the opening match on February 7.
Except for Masataka KOBAYASHI and Ryunosuke SATO, who are participating in activities with the U-23 Japan national team, and Yasuki KIMOTO, who is in poor condition, all players, including new signings and those returning from loan, gathered at Kodaira. Before practice, head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI held a meeting and emphasized the importance of each player having a clear image of their goals for the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, saying, "I want everyone to take responsibility for the goals they envision and sincerely engage in their daily efforts."
Today's training, marking the start of the season, focused on activities to awaken the players' bodies after the off-season, including drills using the ball to improve physical condition and mini-games. Even though it was the first day, the team took their time to apply physical load while maintaining a bright atmosphere during practice, firmly taking the first step toward February 7.
In the afternoon, new players, President Shigeya Kawagishi, General Manager Mitsushiro Obara, and Manager Rikizo Matsuhashi attended a press conference to announce the new team structure. The newly joined players Hayate TANAKA, Hayato INAMURA, Kento HASHIMOTO, and Fuki YAMADA expressed their determination to meet the club’s expectations and their commitment to winning titles. YAMADA left a strong message, revealing his individuality by stating his goal to achieve double-digit numbers in both goals and assists as an individual.
The four players promoted from FC Tokyo U-18 showed signs of nervousness in their expressions during the opening greetings at the unfamiliar press conference setting. However, when asked about their goals for this season, they expressed their determination to dive into the harsh professional world with their own words, saying things like "I want to climb up from the bottom" and "I want to score double-digit goals." By the time of the group photo session, their nervousness had eased, and they responded with smiles to the photographers' requests, taking their first steps as professionals.
The team will continue training at the Kodaira Ground until January 10, then start their camp in Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture from January 12, working to strengthen team unity while refining tactical details in preparation for the season opener.
<Player Hayato Inamura>
Q. Once again, you put on the blue and red training kit.
A. Since I didn’t play in many matches during my academy days, I was truly happy to hear people say “welcome back” after today’s practice, but for me, it feels like I have joined a new team.
Q. What kind of words did Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI say to you?
A, He told me that he expects me as a valuable player. Considering my situation last season, he said, "You are still a player who can do more," and those words ignited a fire in me. I have also watched Tokyo’s matches so far, and my image of the kind of play I want to make once I join the team has grown stronger. I am also happy to be able to fight alongside Coach Matsuhashi again.
Q. How do you feel about becoming teammates with Masato MORISHIGE, with whom you took a photo when you were young?
A. It is very moving. After all, he is a player who symbolizes Tokyo, and I myself started playing as a center back in high school. The first player I remembered, or rather, the player I wanted to become like, was MORISHIGE. I never imagined I would be able to play on the same team in this way, but I am really looking forward to it. We play the same position, and he is someone I must surpass. I believe many players have challenged MORISHIGE before, but first, I want to approach it with the mindset of taking that position for myself.
Q. How do you want to make the most of your own strengths, Inamura?
A. In terms of build-up play, having a left-footed player like me allows for smooth development, and I believe my strengths will be effective in the style of football that Coach Matsuhashi aims for. Defensively, by focusing on a high line, I feel we can reduce the number of goals conceded compared to last season. I also want to be involved in quick attacks after winning the ball, taking advantage of the characteristics of the forward players.
