1/29Training
On the morning of the fifth day of the Okinawa Itoman camp, we sweated it out at the Itoman Nishizaki Athletic Stadium, and in the afternoon, we did strength training at the training gym.
This is the 18th day since the start of the first camp. Amidst the players' growing fatigue, there were unusual moments in this camp where the timing was off during game-like training, resulting in consecutive passing errors.
At the end of the morning's full practice, as the circle was formed, Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI asked the players for precision and timing in their passes. He also mentioned that "time is needed" to synchronize timing.
The camp is nearing its end and there is some fatigue, but the coach positioned it as a "crucial moment" and mentioned that when mistakes continue, it is necessary to have strict demands on each other.
FOCUS ON
The official photographer selects camp photos in the project "FOCUS ON." On the fifth day of the Okinawa Itoman camp, a two-shot of Mitsuru SATO, who has newly donned the blue and red, and Teppei OKA, his childhood friend, was chosen. They became teammates at Buddy SC Setagaya in elementary school and reunited at Meiji University. And now, they have once again put on the same uniform in Tokyo. As buddies, they are sure to support each other in blue and red from now on.
CAMP VOICE vol.15 Player Kei Sato
On his first day joining the team, player Sato Keiin adjusted with a separate training menu. After practice, he not only rekindled old friendships with players from Meiji University and those he fought alongside in youth national teams, but he was also seen conversing with many other players. With his natural high communication skills, he quickly blended into the team. Furthermore, an online press conference was held, where he responded to each question from the reporters with a smile.
Q: Please tell us about the circumstances that led to your decision to transfer to Tokyo.
A: Originally, I still had six months left on my contract with SV Werder Bremen. I had the feeling of wanting to see it through there, but after the milestone winter break ended and the season started, I received an offer from Tokyo. After considering which choice would be better for my career, I decided to come to Tokyo.
Q: What words have moved your heart?
A: When I received the offer from the club, I felt their passion and heard that the club aims to win the J1 League. Since it is a club from my hometown, Tokyo, a strong desire arose within me to achieve the league championship at all costs.
Q: Many players, including Yuto NAGATOMO, are from Meiji University.
A: Among the seniors, peers, and juniors from Meiji University, Nagatomo-san is especially an experienced player. Although we haven't had deep conversations yet, I want to absorb various things from here and internalize them within myself.
Q: Please tell us your impression of the fans and supporters in Tokyo.
A: When I was in Germany, I often saw the phrase "Tokyo is passionate" on social media. This applies not only to the players but also to the fans and supporters, who seem to be strongly backing the players. I have also seen footage of enthusiastic cheering at the stadium. I feel that they are a source of strength for us at the stadium.
Q: You must have had various experiences during your one and a half years living in Germany. How do you reflect on that now?
A: My challenge in Germany was playing in a personally tough environment, so I believe there were many difficult periods. I was exposed to an environment where there were plenty of players taller than me, physically strong players, and fast players. I think I grew through competing with those kinds of players in terms of physicality and my own strengths. In addition to that, I believe my mindset and skills have also improved, so I want to give back something good to this team.
Q: Have you ever faced obstacles?
A: I have faced obstacles before. I believe that overcoming them has shaped who I am today. I want to use that hardship as fuel to thrive in Tokyo.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
