1/20 Training
On the 9th day of the Okinawa National Camp, a double training session was held. In the morning, relaxation games were incorporated to loosen up the body, and the players' smiles were prominent. In the afternoon, they worked up a sweat with mini-games focused on passing & control and breaking down plays in front of the goal.
In passing and control, the distance for successful passes has been shortened compared to before, and when a mistake occurs, congestion happens immediately. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI said, "Doing it accurately is the fastest way," demanding more precise skills and judgment. Gradually, mistakes decreased, and there were many instances where the ball was connected with good tempo.
Also, from this day, Yuto NAGATOMO joined the team's full training. Until now, he had been on a separate program and must have been itching to get back. With the return of Japan's pride, the "festival man," loud cheers echoed on the pitch. Starting tomorrow, Masato MORISHIGE is also scheduled to join, and the energetic veterans will liven up the camp from here.
FOCUS ON
The official photographer's selected camp photo project "FOCUS ON." On the 9th day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp, a shot was selected during the traditional group photo session. During the shoot, light shone from the top of a small hill next to the practice field, illuminating the players and staff. With coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI on board, a new season begins. How will the team, which has gone four seasons without a title, transform? The camp will reach its halfway point tomorrow. The fulfilling camp continues, as they have also begun working on breaking down defenses in front of the goal.
CAMP VOICE vol.8 Henrique TREVISAN
This season, the traditional birthday party for Henrique TREVISAN was held at the Okinawa Kunigami camp, surrounded by a festive atmosphere. Last season, Diego OLIVEIRA announced his retirement from professional football. Now in his fourth season with the team, he expresses his desire to lead as the new Brazilian player. We conveyed our "Happy Birthday" wishes to the "big brother Henrique" and heard about his enthusiasm.
Q, Happy Birthday.
A, thank you very much. Another year has passed, and a new season is beginning. I am very happy to be part of Tokyo and to celebrate my birthday at the Okinawa camp.
Q, it has become a tradition every year, hasn't it?
A, I may not have celebrated my birthday with my family for about 15 years now. It's something that can't be helped as long as I'm playing soccer. However, just like this season, I am very happy to be able to celebrate my birthday with my teammates.
Q: What kind of season do you want to have?
A, of course, I want to make it a good season and a good year. I want to contribute to the team at all times and aim to play in every match. I want to make sure we achieve our goals without fail.
Q, we have welcomed a new coach and are working on a new style of football.
A, since we have only just started, we don't fully understand everything yet, but I believe it is a very good style of football. The coach has brought new tactics for us and for the team. I believe this will work very positively. Everyone, including myself, is filled with motivation as we head into the new season. Within that, we want to learn various things and make the team even better.
Q: There has been an increase in training menus that require full mental engagement, hasn't there?
A: That's right. As I just mentioned, thinking speed is also required. We have to think quickly and use our heads, so I believe that all players, including myself, are expected to increase the speed at which we think and improve our play.
Q, Diego OLIVEIRA will take on the role of leading Brazilian players starting this season after his retirement.
A, that's right. With Diego having retired and left the team, I am now the oldest, and this is my fourth season with Tokyo. Among the Brazilian players, I am the most senior and know the team best. There are also new players who joined this season, and since I have just a little more experience, I want to pass that on. We Brazilian players and Japanese players want to come together and contribute to the team. When I joined in my first year, everyone helped me, so now I believe it is my turn to support others.
Q, I have high expectations for "Henrique's Aniki".
A, (laughs). Yes, that's right. I will do everything I can and work hard to lead the team like Diego TABA did.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
