<Rikizo MATSUHASHI Coach>
Q: The start date has arrived. What thoughts did you put into your initial greeting?
A: We received a big round of applause from the fans and supporters, so I conveyed the message, "We will do our best to keep this going until the very end." For everyone who supports us, in today's meeting, we talked about "What is our true success?" I strongly feel that it is the sparkle in the eyes of the people around us who support us. Of course, it is natural that we want to succeed and that the club wants to improve, but I believe that the real success lies beyond that. I think these people are very important, so I felt that we must fight hard for their sake as well.
Q: Is there a theme for the camp starting tomorrow?
A: Using the approach I have taken so far, it is important to make sure we touch the ball a lot and build our physical condition properly, but we also definitely incorporate the tactical elements we aim for. Rather than a specific theme, it is about steadily building on these aspects, and since we are also considering some new things, we want to gradually introduce those as well.
Q: Will the first half of the camp involve high-intensity training?
A: I think the intensity will be somewhat higher. We will work to maintain it consistently. Regarding intensity, we have specific goals in coordination with the physical coach. For example, simple metrics like total distance covered, number of sprints, acceleration, and deceleration always have targets within the training and physical conditioning sessions. I believe it is important to proceed in line with those targets. Meanwhile, we will monitor the players’ condition, assessing actual fatigue levels and injuries, and make judgments accordingly as we move forward. We do not expect everything to go according to plan, so it is crucial to communicate with all relevant parties as we proceed.
<Seiji KIMURA>
Q, it has been one season since your return from a loan transfer.
A, I was able to play in matches throughout the season at my loan club Sagan Tosu, and I believe I gained a lot of experience by participating as a member of the U-23 Japan national team in the Asian Cup and the Paris Olympics. I also feel growth, including mentally. I want to show a different side of myself here in Tokyo.
Q: Is this a long-awaited reunion with Teppei OKA?
A, it’s been a while. We met privately at the end of last year, but playing together as teammates on the same pitch is the first time since we were with FC Tokyo U-18. I’m looking forward to playing together, but as players in the same position and rivals, I want to have a good competition. I want us to push each other to grow even more. I don’t want to lose.
Q: Please tell us again about your goals and enthusiasm for this season.
A, this is my second return from a loan transfer, and I see this season as my last chance, so I will fight through it. I want to firmly achieve results in Tokyo and show my gratitude for those who have nurtured me through my play.
<Takahiro KO>
Q, it was the first day of training for the new coach, Rikizo MATSUHASHI.
A, various players have returned, and Marcelo RYAN has joined us. From today's practice, we were able to create a good atmosphere, and from the meeting, I felt a strong determination to do things properly. It felt like a "Riki-san style" meeting for the first time in a while, and his words really resonated with me, which I believe was conveyed to everyone. While the image of Albirex Niigata's style of soccer comes to mind, the discussion was not only about moving the ball and maintaining possession but also about coming to Tokyo with the goal of winning. Since he has been someone who has communicated what needs to be done to win since his Niigata days, I felt that aspect hasn't changed. I also renewed my resolve to focus on winning decisively with this club.
Q, I believe there are expectations for you to share your experiences from your time in Niigata with those around you.
A, yes, that's right. But I try not to overthink it too much. I am who I am, and I also have competition within myself. First, I want to firmly express myself. In that context, communication and speaking up are very important for the team to win and move in a positive direction. I've been doing that since last season, and I believe we should further increase both the quantity and quality of communication to strengthen the team's coordination and connection.
Q: How do you want to compete this season?
A, looking back on last season, there were quite a few difficult situations at the beginning, and I nostalgically recall having various thoughts myself. Having played in Tokyo for a year, I feel the need to "do more." There were good moments last season, but also frustrating ones, so this season, I want to take full responsibility and raise the standards to win something. As Riki-san often says, the only way to grow is through training, and I believe the intensity and quality of training will be demanded from now on. It’s just a matter of raising each player’s level of awareness. The camp is supposed to be quite tough, so I hope to give it my all starting from tomorrow’s camp.
