To win seriously, enjoy the difficulties──. Such a major theme has emerged.
This season, the team started activities on January 5, spent about a week at the Kodaira Ground, then flew to a tropical location. After completing a 13-day camp in Itoman, Okinawa, and returning to Tokyo, head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI summarized, "We were able to strongly express what we are trying to work on."
The most notable aspect of the camp, aimed at clarifying the style of the coach in his second season in charge, was the significant amount of time dedicated to build-up training.
"In terms of how to convey it, the situation changes rapidly as the ball moves. If it is too organized, it becomes patterned. If the opponent analyzes that, the next move becomes necessary, so we presented several options."
They have been made aware of how to move the ball, positioning, and the movement of the third player, aligning their gaze even at the outlet for connecting passes against the opponent's high press, carefully presenting the intention and aim of each practice. The coach said, "It may seem like we are focusing on build-up play, but I actually think it’s about what comes after that," and added the following.
"How to break down the back of the opponent who comes to take the ball and build relationships is important. No matter how much you shake them off from behind, it won't lead to a goal. What matters is how good a combination you can create after shaking them off."
The time spent on build-up was merely a preliminary step toward how to ultimately shake the goal net. On the other hand, training in numerically advantageous situations in front of the goal still left issues. Overcoming the challenge of 'high expected goals but not converting them into actual goals' from last season has only just begun.
"Even in advantageous situations, we fail to score. We can't make good choices. Whether the ball holder moves the opponent or how to shake off the opponent off the ball—these detailed points must be conveyed. For example, how to make the opponent's body orientation difficult is important not only in timing but also in the dribbling route and changes in speed. There are many moments when you can simply take the opponent's back by timing alone, but those aspects also need refinement. We must raise our level in how we proceed once we reach the attacking third. Unless we overcome this barrier, I don't think we can become a top team."
This camp became a large group including trainees, but all players went through almost the same training menu. While sticking to the "Matsuhashi style," one of the features was that individual training menus tailored to each player were also created. Within that, practical match-style training was held almost every day, and the combinations changed daily according to performance. During these 13 days, it was also discovered that young players showed lively play to secure their regular positions, while veterans countered with their seasoned depth, not to be outdone.
“It wasn’t just that each player showed their performance; some players’ expressions changed. It didn’t feel like the usual. When I talked with those players, their strong desire to win was clear, and their feelings toward each training session were reflected in their faces. There was no sense of not understanding or being unable to adapt to position changes. Since they are specialists, positions are important, but you never know where things will fall. There might be discoveries in enjoying that process. After all, if you don’t find it interesting, you won’t notice what’s right in front of you. Just like encounters between people, it’s not by chance but by necessity that you meet certain people. Without that mindset, it’s hard to recognize such opportunities. I believe the same applies to soccer—it’s important to link things not to chance but to inevitability.”
A mindset is essential for solving issues. During this camp, detailed principles for dealing with crosses and high pressing were also presented. It is important not only to follow these detailed instructions for offense and defense but also to understand the reasoning behind them. Naturally, difficulties and errors will arise. The question is whether players can even enjoy those challenges.
"Simply put, I want the players to enjoy playing more. To love soccer, have a little more talent than others, and be able to make a living in this world. I think that’s something that rarely happens. If they don’t challenge themselves, nothing will be interesting. I believe they have had opportunities to imitate past successes or great players and to hear their words. Even at the team level, there may be precedents of teams that succeed like this. But the important thing is that it’s not just about those things."
Saying that, Coach Matsuhashi cited the Manchester Derby he watched on TV during this camp as an example. It was the first match after the managerial change, where Manchester United secured a 2-0 victory against their archrivals Manchester City. There might be an answer in United's response when they were pushed to the brink.
"United changed their manager, but the players did not change. However, the football completely changed. It wasn’t because there were different players who could do something, but it was as if United had become like City. I don’t know why that mindset changed. There may be intricate tactics, but to me, it looked like the players were challenged and enjoying themselves. The change of manager was a big event, but in that moment, what they were doing showed a change that made me think they would continue to refine their play even more. If talented players, who are a bit better than others and can make a living in this world, stop enjoying football, I think that would be a waste. And I believe that reason will follow."
After establishing a clear direction, demands between players and staff are indispensable to move the team forward. It’s not that there were few opportunities for discussion. However, Coach Matsuhashi said, "There can be even more of such demands," and pointed out the following.
"There are demands among the players as well regarding what must be sought. After the intense training sessions in this schedule, each may have felt a sense of accomplishment. However, upon closer inspection, the lack of precision was clearly evident. If the final pass is not delivered accurately and the required strength and speed are not demonstrated, it will not lead to the final goal. We must accept the feedback given and connect it to how we play going forward."
Attention to detail can be pursued even further. It is inevitable that phrases like "not yet" and "more and more" will increase among the players. The composed coach said, "That is normal."
And during the camp, the phrase unanimously expressed by players and staff was "championship." The 2025 season was one in which many obstacles were overcome, but also one filled with many frustrations. It is precisely because they have digested that experience that they sincerely want to turn boos into cheers and tears into smiles.
"When we connect to victory, confidence and motivation arise. Even in tough situations, we must have the strength to keep going without losing those qualities. Winning is a great help in uniting individuals and the organization as one. However, it doesn't mean that winning at all costs is acceptable. We push forward our own style and what we aim to do, pursuing that. While the outcome of matches cannot be controlled, daily life is crucial for us to be worthy of victory. I believe we are living those kinds of days, so I think my most important job is to translate that into points. Saying the content was good but we didn’t win is no different from last season. I understand it’s difficult. I believe it’s important to ride the wave with both victory and match content."
Less than two weeks remain until the kickoff of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Hundred Year Vision League. It all depends on whether each individual can spend their days striving to win and to claim the championship. Rikizo Tokyo will never take the easy way out; they choose to embrace challenges. Those 13 days conveyed that spirit clearly.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
