TOKYOism

After 5 seasons, Masato MORISHIGE, who put on the armband, was trying to lead the team as captain amidst the team's transformation. The longest-serving player spoke in an unadorned manner, expressing the contents of the sense of accomplishment he gained this season in words. What stood alongside that was the real change in Tokyo.

First hurdle overcome

Q, First of all, thank you for your hard work this season. How do you think the team has grown in this eventful year?
Before the season started, I believe all the players were eager to engage in a fresh approach to soccer. In fact, I think many players wanted to play this style of soccer. Of course, as we played more matches, there were times when we felt the gap between our ideals and reality. There were moments of confusion and hesitation as well. Additionally, each player may have had different feelings depending on their opportunities to play. Despite those experiences, we have continued to move forward. I understood that it would take time, so as captain, I decided to keep believing and to avoid doubt at all costs. Depending on the match results, doubts can arise. Even in those times, I have been conscious of the team continuing to move in one direction. As we approach the end of the season, we have gradually been able to play with more confidence, and I feel we are starting to shape something. Throughout the year, we have overcome various challenges, but we have also faced new issues. However, because we did not leave it to chance and took matters into our own hands, we were able to positively overcome those new walls together. In that sense, I feel we successfully navigated the initial challenges we anticipated before the season started.

Q, I think there were difficult times, but how did you overcome them?
A, We started this season by deciding to work together to make the coach's proposed soccer the best way. There are various thoughts in the middle of the season, but if we don't trust the coach and align ourselves, we will fall into doubt somewhere. I think that aligning there was the biggest thing rather than technical things.

Q, as the captain for the first time in five seasons, it was one of the themes to see how I could behave when the team was not doing well.
When experienced players start to complain, young players are influenced, for better or worse. First, by showing a solid attitude, the older players can alleviate the younger players' anxieties and demonstrate that what they are doing is not wrong. I feel that we are gradually becoming the group I envision. There are various challenges, but it doesn't feel overwhelming. We have been clearing each challenge one by one while discussing the soccer we want to play. Every day, we are able to practice purely and enjoyably, while also facing some intensity. I think Yuto NAGATOMO has a significant influence in that regard, and we also had players like Keigo HIGASHI who understand what needs to be done. Players like Ryoma WATANABE and Koki TSUKAGAWA have responded well to us veterans. Seeing that, the younger players realize they need to behave in the same way. I believe we have been able to maintain a pure attitude towards soccer, take action first, and work towards the same goal as a team.

Two people who supported the team

Q, The scene of running with Nagatomo player after the end of practice has become familiar.
A, I have been pulled by Yuto-kun. Even if I think I'm getting old, there is someone one year older than me who is aiming for the World Cup with the Japan national team next to me (laughs). It still makes me think that I have a long way to go. People around me say that I'm doing well at 35, but I think "No, there are even more amazing people in my team." Having that person next to me was also personally significant.

Q, Nagatomo has always acted for the team at every club he has been in. With him, he should have been a support for the team.
A, it's really big. I decided to start this season without criticizing the coach or making negative comments no matter what happens. I knew it would take time and I was prepared for moments when frustrations would arise. But then Yuto, who has the most influence, said at a random timing, "We're becoming a good team." Everyone listens to Yuto's words, so it was really appreciated and made it easier for me as captain.

Q, Player Higashi was a player who created his own place while struggling.
A, Keigo has never complained or shown any behavior that would negatively affect the team. Even when he couldn't play in the game, he always worked diligently and showed that kind of attitude. This is not just limited to this year, but it's been evident in Keigo's behavior up until now. He is a player who can focus on what needs to be done, regardless of his position. Keigo's presence was also significant for this team.

Q, It was also a feature of this season that the circle of communication expanded through players who have such experience.
A, There are many things that cannot be solved without talking in the soccer we are currently working on. Detailed adjustments are also necessary, and we must pay attention to details such as the relationship between the receiver and the sender, and which foot to pass to. Because it is something that cannot be created without discussing it in various ways, the opportunity to talk naturally increased. It was also because we were able to enjoy what we are doing now that we were able to have proactive discussions among the players. We have to continue doing this, but we also have to push ourselves further. I think that the discussions have become more active because we were able to experience success in the future.

2023 Season Goes Beyond Fulfillment

Q, I think one of the characteristics of this season is that while there were unstable battles throughout the season, there were also no consecutive bad games, in other words.
A, Having a base up until now was also important. Not only doing new things, but also having our strengths from before. Especially, defending with high intensity, approaching games with high motivation, and not losing in one-on-one situations. When those things started to fade, we lost many games. If we only focus on attacking, we won't have a place to fall back on. We won't know what to do and end up losing. However, the success we've had so far remains with this team. Our strengths from before and our current efforts. It's because we have those two things that we were able to fight while adjusting the balance. In a long season, there were games where we were able to pick up points even if we didn't play well. We also made efforts to extend good periods of time in those games. We were able to build on those games and gain hints. We were also able to avoid making the same mistakes twice because we were clear on the reasons for our losses in each game.

Q, Is it now enjoyable to fill in the vast margins because what coach Albert is asking for is very simple?
A, I see. But maybe it's because we know we'll never be perfect that we can enjoy it. Whether it's during practice or a game, there's always something new to discover. It's been a while since I've played soccer with this much joy.

Q, how do you feel about the challenges for the upcoming season?
A, the place to score after all. I think the accuracy is the most important. Because of this type of soccer, I think quality and individual ideas are necessary in the end.

Q, if the team can share their scoring patterns and ways to break down the opponent's defense, it could become even better.
A, I think that's a little further ahead. To some extent, we have been able to build up from the back and connect the ball through the midfield to bring it to the goal. Towards the end of the season, I think we stumbled when trying to score against a defensive opponent. I think if we discuss and patternize situations where spaces open up while holding the ball, we can do it. I hope we can all overcome these challenges together in the future.

Q, So, what kind of team do you want to make Tokyo into?
I think we are becoming a team that makes people want to go to the stadium. That's why I want to keep playing exciting and thrilling soccer. Soccer is the most exciting sport when it comes to scoring goals. By continuing to show our efforts together and playing more and more attacking soccer, I believe we can become an even more attractive team.

Q, Finally, please give a message to all the fans and supporters who have supported us throughout this year.
A, I think this season has been a season where we have had to endure a lot. Next year, we want to answer with results for enduring this far. We are also looking forward to it, and I hope that we can play soccer that is more enjoyable for those who are watching next year, so please look forward to it. Thank you for your support for one year.

Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)