Okinawa Kunigami Camp is now on its 4th day today.
Tomorrow, the 23rd, we have a practice match with FC Ryukyu, so we conducted training with the intention of simulating a real game.
In the attack menu, each player is positioned in their respective position and confirms the build-up from the final line and the breakdown in the vital area. While sharing the priorities during the attack, we aimed for the goal.
In the red and white scrimmage on the half court, the team's direction to be practiced in tomorrow's practice match was emphasized. Instructions were given among players to switch positions and defense.
In the afternoon, due to bad weather, we focused on recovery menus. Each player prepared their condition for tomorrow's practice match.
After the end of practice, we interviewed player number 40, Riki HARAKAWA.
Q, there were also impressive direct free kicks during practice. How do you feel and what is your condition?
A, I still have a long way to go, and I believe that practice and matches are different. Personally, I think my condition will gradually improve through the course of matches. Including tomorrow’s match against FC Ryukyu, I want to steadily raise my level in the practice matches during the camp period.
Q, tomorrow you have the first practice match of the season against FC Ryukyu. What points do you want to focus on going into the match?
A, As a team, we have new players joining us, so we are having meetings to unify what we need to do. We need to focus on that and play. As an individual, I want to give 100% of my play at this point in order to further improve my condition. I hope to be able to play with attention to detail.
Q, the camp is still in its early stages, but how do you feel about the team's style of play and direction?
A, there hasn't been any major change since last season; I feel that we are focusing on refining and thoroughly developing what we have built up so far. This applies to tomorrow's practice match as well, and I want to demonstrate this consistently through my play.
Q. Do you have any personal goals during the training camp period?
A、First and foremost, I want to avoid injuries. Also, I want to avoid catching a cold (laughs). Every season, I tend to lose condition during camp or have to partially withdraw due to injuries, so my primary goal is to complete the camp without any injuries.
Q. Looking back, what kind of year do you want this season to be?
A. I joined midway through last season, and I felt the difficulty in how to adjust what the team does and my individual strengths, and how to balance them. During the off-season, I reviewed my play on video and was able to organize my thoughts. I believe that by improving further from here, I can give back even better performances to the team. I want to be particular about the content and quality of my play.
Q, Players expected to be immediate contributors have joined. How will you integrate with them?
A. Each of the new players has their own unique strengths, and to become a strong team, we need a deep enough roster to allow for rotation. Since we have many players on the team, if each player can express their individual characteristics, I believe a synergistic effect will emerge, and the team will grow to have a wide range of options. I want to continue expressing my own strengths without forgetting them.
