July 14 Training
The Hokkaido Shiraoi Camp kicked off at the Shiraoi Sakuragaoka Park Athletics Stadium. On this first day, a welcome ceremony was held starting at 3:00 PM. Unfortunately, the weather was rainy, but Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the head coach, did not hold back his words of gratitude for the passionate encouragement from Shiraoi Town.
“Although the weather is unfortunate, thank you very much for such a warm welcome. As we hold our camp here, we are truly grateful for the many hours and the efforts of many people who have helped create this environment. We will do our best to have a good camp and training here, steadily building up and aiming to report back to everyone’s efforts with the result of winning the championship. Although it is a short period, we hope to make it a good camp by connecting and interacting with everyone within the limited time. We expect to be in your care, so we kindly ask for your support. Thank you very much for today.”
Then, after the ceremony, the training menu was completed in the order of warm-up, passing & control, rondo, and running training, concluding the first day of training.
After practice, Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA, who was with Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo until the 2023 season, spoke to the local media, saying, "I hope to make good preparations for the season. (Since my transfer) I haven't been able to show myself playing in many matches, so I want to show a lively appearance and demonstrate that I can perform well this season."
From the nature-rich northern land, the full-scale team building aimed at league domination has begun.
CAMP VOICE vol.1 Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI
Q: Unfortunately, it started with rain, but the Hokkaido Shiraoi camp has begun.
A: The environment may have been different from what we expected, but I think what we can do in the current environment is what matters. We will set aside the heat for now and first appreciate that a good environment has been prepared for us. Since the period is short, we want to focus on one or two themes in attack and defense rather than trying to do everything. Several practice matches are also scheduled, and we want to make sure these themes come through strongly in those games.
Q: Within what you can share, please tell us the themes for both offense and defense.
A: I believe we are a team with a strong focus on the central area. Conversely, this means we play fully aware of the risks involved. It is expected that opponents will often try to prevent us from effectively using the central route to break through. Considering where the soccer goal is, I think it’s important to refine our attacks down the flanks so that they don’t become just a formality, but rather build attacks involving one or two players actively. Regarding defense, assuming that we are pressing forward, the key is how we can win the ball back through high pressing. Since physical elements are also involved, we want to incorporate this as part of improving our conditioning. The theme will be to win the ball near the opponent’s goal and how to connect that to scoring. I want to work on this while discussing it with Coach Yu TOKISAKI.
Q: We want to make good use of the practice matches as well, right?
A: Since we don’t take long practice sessions, I want to focus on something specific rather than trying to do everything. After returning to Tokyo, there will still be two weeks until the season opener, so I want to effectively combine what we have built up so far as our strengths.
FOCUS ON – Photo of the Day –
The first day of the summer camp, full of firsts due to the season transition, was also chilly. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI passionately spoke to the players in a huddle before practice.
"Always focus on something and do it properly. I'll say it again, we must become a group with high awareness. It's not about numbers. It's okay to be few. Let's proceed with a strong sense of purpose."
The passion of the coach, who stated that "As the manager, I myself must have a stronger determination than anyone else to absolutely 'win the championship'" in order to compete this season, was conveyed through his words spoken on the northern land.
