1/24 Training
On the final day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp, set-piece practice was conducted at Kaigin Field Kunigami. In the afternoon, the team moved to the secondary training site, and starting from the 25th, they will begin the Okinawa Itoman camp.
After the first camp concluded, following practice on this day, Yuto NAGATOMO and Masato MORISHIGE shouted, "We're not done yet!" Next to them, Teruhito NAKAGAWA calmly interjected, "It feels like the camp is already over, but we still have more than a week left." The two older players, putting on a brave face, sighed and could only manage a wry smile, saying, "That's true."
As the menu has increased to better simulate official matches, we are finally entering the second camp. From here, we will incorporate practical training while repeating trial and error to refine the team as we head towards the opening.
FOCUS ON
The official photographer's selected camp photo project "FOCUS ON." On the final day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp, a shot capturing Koki TSUKAGAWA running with splashes of water was selected. During this camp, head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI has been conveying the importance of taking initiative. In that context, without being told by anyone, TSUKAGAWA has been thinking and taking action both on and off the pitch. I have seen him several times during the first camp actively cleaning up the grass that fell next to the air shoe cleaner used by everyone. TSUKAGAWA struggled with injuries last season, but he successfully completed all the sessions of the first camp. Starting from the 25th, he will begin the Okinawa Itoman camp with the team.
CAMP VOICE vol.11 Takahiro KO
Takahiro KO, who knows well about Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the coach from his time at Albirex Niigata, feels nostalgic but is also tightening his resolve as he sees a new side of the commander. As he heads into his second season, he expressed his desire to "show an even more overwhelming presence" and shared his reflections on the first camp and his enthusiasm for the second camp.
Q: The Okinawa Kunigami camp has reached its final day, but what kind of first camp has it been?
A: With a new coach, a new team has been formed. Everyone is training with a fresh mindset and in a good atmosphere. I believe we are having a very good camp.
Q: Coach Matsuhashi has been emphasizing the importance of mindset while demonstrating a commitment to each individual play. In recent days, there has been an increase in training that allows us to see the overall picture.
A: Having gone through Coach Matsuhashi's training up to this point, I personally felt a sense of nostalgia. The messages conveyed to the players were things I had heard before. Some of them resonated with me anew, and the talks about "who you are" and "acting on instinct" were also concepts that made sense to me during my time at Albirex Niigata. Personally, I want to express myself even more. Even during practice, I believe all the players are sensing these things and individually engaging with them. I think this also contributes to improving the quality of our training.
Q: Indeed, it is evident that each player is trying to take initiative in their efforts.
A: I definitely think that is the case. I also feel that the quality of training has improved, starting from warm-ups and passing & control drills. There is a sense that each training session is connected. We were able to work on improving individual condition and intensity during the first camp, so from here, I hope we can deepen our shared understanding as a team to compete effectively.
Q: Coach Matsuhashi also mentioned that he is trying to take on a new challenge.
A: I think we are trying to take on challenges that we never attempted at Albirex Niigata. He said, "Considering the strengths of Tokyo's players, it's good to have such new challenges." Winning the ball high up the pitch, then launching short counters and fast-paced attacks are Tokyo's strengths. This is something I personally felt while playing for Tokyo last season. No matter the position or situation, we want to play offensively, so we also want to actively take on these challenges.
Q: There is a saying that stagnation is regression, but perhaps Coach Matsuhashi is also trying to surpass his current self.
A: Indeed, that may be the case. I have heard Coach Matsuhashi use that phrase even during his time at Niigata. I believe there is an intention to improve and reach higher levels. We just need to respond firmly to that.
Q: What are you thinking about in order to surpass your current self?
A: I want to project an overwhelming presence. Since joining last season, I have played in many matches, but I also want to achieve better individual statistics. I want to become a player who makes people say, "The team wins because Yan is here. He’s indispensable." However, there are some truly excellent competitors, so if I can establish that kind of presence, I believe a new world will open up for me. I want to raise my own standards and become a player who can do more in both offense and defense.
Q: The second camp is starting. What kind of time do you want to have?
A: Starting with sharing the team’s vision, I think there will be more match-style training, so I want us to coordinate as a whole. While focusing on that, I also want to improve our game stamina and intensity.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
