1/12 Training Report
On the first day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp on the 12th, a welcome ceremony and the first practice were held at Kaigin Field Kunigami. During the welcome ceremony, goalkeeper Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who hails from Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture, took the microphone and reflected on his childhood memories, saying the following.
"I remember when I was in elementary and middle school, many J-League clubs came to Okinawa, and I watched a lot of practices and practice matches. I hope to be able to give energy to the people of Kunigami Village as a professional soccer player."
Then, with running and step work, we loosened our bodies that had stiffened from travel, preparing for the next day's practice with ball feeling and pass & control. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, who has taken charge this season, emphasizes the importance of each action in 'stopping and kicking' for each player, making the first day of camp fully embody our style.
CAMP VOICE vol.1 Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA
Newly welcomed coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the new Tokyo team has started their camp in Okinawa, Kunigami. On the first day of the camp, Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA was chasing the rolling ball with a fulfilling expression, different from a season ago.
Last season, which was joined with great expectations, continued with a separate menu from the camp. After that, injuries continued throughout the year, resulting in an unsatisfactory season.
"I wanted to bring a new breeze to this team, and I had higher expectations for myself than anyone else."
That is why Kogashi's determination for this season is strong. Right after finishing the first day of practice at the Okinawa Kunigami camp, we spoke with the number 11 who is on the road to recovery.
Q: It was a different start compared to last season's camp, as we were able to complete the entire menu from the first day.
A,if we can get through this camp properly, I believe we can compete throughout the season. It may sound a bit negative, but I have never been able to get through past camps without taking a break (laughs). However, I believe we can get through this one properly, and I want to show a different side of ourselves this time.
Q: I think you had a frustrating experience in your first year last season. What changes do you feel heading into this season?
A: Last season, I wasn't able to participate in matches as much as I wanted, so this season, with the intention of making a fresh start, I want to prepare my mind and body to be able to give 100% and fight from the opening match.
Q: There were also practices using the ball from the first day, right?
A, it was training with the ball that also had a bit of intensity. I think there are still many basic exercises at this stage, but by accumulating this kind of training, I believe the skills will improve. The basics of stopping and kicking, for example, are areas that this team has somewhat neglected until now. Including myself, I want to grow in those aspects.
Q, if ball movement becomes smoother, there may be more scoring opportunities.
A: If the accuracy of the basics improves, I believe the number of ideas and options will also increase. That is why I think we are able to build up good training.
Q: This offseason, Marcelo RYAN has joined the team, and if Kogashi can play on the pitch without injury, it will be a significant reinforcement.
A: Diego OLIVEIRA has retired, and Taro (Ryotaro ARAKI) has also returned to Kashima Antlers, so those around me might be a little worried. That’s why I want to firmly prove that I can play in matches and fill the gap they left behind. I think both my performance last season and the team’s results were unsatisfactory to the fans and supporters. Since we both ended up feeling unfulfilled, this season I want to show plays that we can all get excited about together.
Q, It has been a year, but please make the words I continued to say during last season, "I want to bring a new breeze to this team," a reality.
A, that's right. When I step onto the pitch, I want to firmly show Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA's play. RYAN also has an atmosphere where he can aggressively push forward on his own, so I want to deepen our coordination again during this camp.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
