2/1 Final Day of Camp
On the final day of the Okinawa Itoman camp, the team practiced behind closed doors and returned to Tokyo after completing the three-week schedule. For 21 days, the players actively engaged in training, stepping onto the pitch with a fresh mindset every day.
From here, we will return to Kodaira Ground and carefully build up our days again towards the opening match of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League on February 15 (Saturday).
It is 2 weeks until the reborn Tokyo creates a frenzy.
FOCUS ON
The official photographer selects camp photos in the project "FOCUS ON." On the final day of camp, photos selected by the new head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI were featured. After three weeks of camp, the coach expressed words of encouragement to the players who actively participated. Although they spent a rich time together, Coach MATSUHASHI shook his head and said, "Not yet." Together with all the players and staff, they will build upon these careful days to create a new blue and red from here. That first step was certainly taken in the southern land.
CAMP VOICE vol.18 Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, Keita ENDO, Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q: How was the three-week camp?
A: Things have been going smoothly for me so far, and I think I have been able to make a good impression.
Q: This is your third year as a professional. What differences have you felt compared to past camps?
A: Last season as well as my first year as a professional, I was given various experiences. Although my experience is still limited, I believe those experiences are gradually becoming useful.
Q: You mentioned that you struggled the most during the last season, but it seems you have been able to overcome that.
A: I have only been doing practice and practice matches so far, so I can't really say. I think it will be after I produce results in official matches.
Q: I think there have been many changes since Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI took office. How do you want to change as a player, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA?
A: First of all, I think it is important to play in a way that contributes to the team. Then, I want to show plays that lead to results and create chances. From here, I will return to Kodaira and thoroughly carry out practice, aiming to improve my level both individually and together with the team.
Q: There are two weeks left until the league starts. What kind of preparations do you want to make from here on?
A: Of course, I don't think the team is perfect yet, but I want to work towards getting closer to that and improve our accuracy even a little.
<Keita ENDO player>
Q: The camp has also come to an end.
A: I believe I was able to properly improve my condition. I also feel that, as a team, we have somewhat come together on what we want to do. However, I think there are still areas where our skills and decision-making are lacking, so I want to grow individually in those aspects. I also want to make up for my own shortcomings, and above all, I’m glad that I was able to finish without injury.
Q: There are two weeks left until the league starts. What kind of preparations do you want to make from here on?
A: Personally, I want to improve my condition and the quality of my play, and as a team, I want us all to discuss what we can do better. Although the camp has ended, there are still two weeks until the season opener, so I want to properly focus on my body and prepare well.
<Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA>
Q: You made it through the entire camp schedule, didn't you?
A: I pushed through for the first time in a while. I think it’s different from usual, and from here I want to make this season different as well. I mentioned earlier in the camp that I had never fully made it through, but I actually did in my first professional year (laughs). At that time, the university tournament ran right up until just before the season started, so I had almost no rest and was probably in the best condition. Thinking about it that way, I believe this is the first time I’ve properly made it through the camp. From here, I want to return to Kodaira and continue preparing well.
Q: You were showing good movement throughout the camp.
A: There were tough training sessions mixed in with the younger members, but being able to experience that toughness is a blessing compared to rehabilitation and such. I enjoyed doing it, so I want to continue steadily while savoring this kind of happiness.
Q: There are two weeks left until the opening. I think the competition will become even more intense from here.
A: I think from here on, it will be necessary to build a body that can firmly withstand the intensity of matches. Capitalizing on chances is also a challenge for the team, so as a forward, I want to focus and work hard to keep scoring goals.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
