Departing from Kodaira Ground early in the morning, from Haneda Airport to Naha Airport. Tokyo will start its camp from the second day of the start.
The players were shaken by a 2 and a half hour bus ride from Naha City and moved to Kunigami Village. They were welcomed by many accommodation staff members and entered their rooms where they will spend about 2 weeks.
I arrived and immediately put on my new training gear, and then proceeded to the afternoon practice.
The players are able to practice with good expressions.
Today, we moved our bodies with a light menu, taking into consideration the fatigue from traveling.
From tomorrow, full-fledged second division training will begin. From here until the start of the season, the entire team will work hard in training and come together as one group.
I interviewed Yasuki KIMOTO on the first day of the camp.
Q, what did you focus on during the first day of training camp?
A, since there was also movement, I first focused on properly getting up and being conscious of being able to approach tomorrow's practice in a good condition.
Q, How is the atmosphere of the team?
A, it has been a really good atmosphere since last season, and I think everyone, including new players and young players, can train in one direction.
Q: Have the new players who joined also been able to blend into the team?
A, many of the players who transferred in are close in age, and they are experienced players, so I think they have been able to integrate smoothly into the team. There are also many young players within the team, but I believe they have blended in well.
Q: Who is leading the excitement?
A, to be honest, there are no players this season who are really energizing the team like last season, and although there aren't many voices trying to hype things up, we are still able to work in a good atmosphere even without players leading the excitement.
Q, I changed my jersey number to 4 starting this season.
A: I didn't ask to change my jersey number myself; it was suggested by the strengthening department to try the single-digit number 4. I believe they evaluated my performance throughout the season and entrusted me with a single-digit number. However, you don't play soccer because of your number, nor does your skill improve because of it. Still, wearing a single-digit number has made me feel an even stronger sense of responsibility toward the team, and in that sense, I want to express that and lead the team throughout this year.
Q, the competition for center-backs is also becoming intense.
A, no position is guaranteed to anyone, and especially among center backs, there are many good players, including young ones. In that sense, if whoever plays can maintain a good condition throughout the year, it will naturally lead to individual growth and also contribute to the team’s results. So, in a positive way, we all want to appeal ourselves so much that the coach is always unsure about who to put in. I also want to secure my position by showing my strengths and not losing to others.
Q, I think the build-up from Kimoto's center back is important in the soccer that Coach Albert is looking for.
A, the soccer style required is to firmly maintain possession of the ball from the back and handle it carefully. I have many opportunities to make passes, and I think there will be many such situations this season as well, continuing from last season. Since the opponents analyzed us and we struggled in some areas last year, if I can connect the ball properly no matter the situation, the players up front can play more comfortably, which will lead to good attacks. Therefore, I want to steadily improve my level.
