The results of the practice match can be found here.
<Kanta DOI>
Q, Please tell us about the feeling of finishing the game without conceding any goals.
A, in today's match, I partnered with Henrique TREVISAN as center backs. He was constantly giving instructions, which made it very easy to play and there were many moments where I was saved by that. I also want to become a player who can actively communicate from the back line.
Q, It seemed like there was close communication among the defensive players.
A, Since the opponent was Sanfrecce Hiroshima, there were many players with high technical skills at their feet, and there was a risk of them advancing toward the goal with a single vertical pass. I believe we were able to provide coverage by calling out to each other, especially regarding positioning.
Q, you raised the defensive line and played compact defense. How was the defensive intensity?
A, In the latter part of the second half (four 45-minute periods), the defensive line dropped overall. I think it would have been better if we could have pushed it up to a slightly higher position. Raising the defensive line makes the defense more compact, and it also creates a situation where the defensive midfielders can more easily win the ball. I played a total of 60 minutes today, but first, I want to play in a way that maintains high intensity for the full 90 minutes.
Q, the camp will end tomorrow. Please tell us about the progress and challenges you have experienced during this period.
A, I think my body is slimmer compared to other players. I want to further strengthen my physicality.
<Takahiro KO>
Q, brought variety to the attack and had stability in build-up.
A, we maintained good spacing, and with many players involved while keeping fluidity, I believe we created chance scenes in both the first and second halves. Regarding build-up play, it is a role expected of a defensive midfielder, and I want to steadily build on it through matches and training. I am gradually feeling a sense of progress, so I aim to further improve my accuracy.
Q, what kind of progress or differences do you feel compared to Albirex Niigata?
A, Personally, I feel that my coordination with the team is gradually improving. Having transferred from Albirex Niigata this season, I once again feel that Tokyo’s style of soccer is fast and vertical. Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI also demands speedy play from the players. Looking overseas as well, fast vertical soccer seems to be the mainstream, so I want to adjust to that style.
Q, Is it Takahiro's role to maintain balance in the midfield position?
A, I need to get used to Tokyo's fast-paced style of soccer, and on the other hand, I am also someone who has sought that kind of play. If I can adapt to both calming the ball and quickly advancing it vertically, I believe I can grow into a player who can be utilized regardless of tactics, and I want to aim even higher.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, How was the entire camp?
A, I believe there were many opportunities during the camp training and practice matches where the players challenged themselves to embody the style of soccer the team aims for. Of course, there were more instances where things didn’t go well, but I think now is the only time to take on those challenges. To some extent, we need to challenge ourselves without fear of failure, be decisive, keep discussing actively, and use the three weeks until the league opener as a time to improve even further from here.
Q, Does the amount of communication and challenges lead the team in a positive direction?
A, I believe it is necessary to keep discussing how we can improve and increase our chances of winning. During last season's camp, we played with a certain level of decisiveness, and I think there are still plays in the challenge phase this season as well. Of course, results are important, but right now, taking on challenges is the most important thing. Since there were not only bad aspects during the camp period, I want to carefully adjust both the scenes where good points appeared and the areas that require tasks and corrections.
