1/28Training
On the morning of the fourth day of the Okinawa Itoman camp, we worked up a sweat with passing and control drills, and in the afternoon, we did strength training at the gym.
Before the practice on this day, a welcome ceremony was held at Itoman Nishizaki Athletic Field, where Itoman City Mayor Masanobu Tōmei and others visited to encourage the players.
It was also announced that we have acquired player Kei Sato on a permanent transfer from Germany's SV Werder Bremen (SV Werder Bremen II). The last piece for this season has been filled, and we will now enter the final phase.
With 4 days remaining in the Okinawa camp, where various tests have been conducted to implement the tactics of the newly appointed coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI from this season, a new foundation for Tokyo is being built in this tropical land.
FOCUS ON
The official photographer's selected camp photo project "FOCUS ON." On the fourth day of the Okinawa Itoman camp, this photo captures Seiji KIMURA, who has returned from a loan to Sagan Tosu. The changes in the man who returned after a season of training were certainly not small. In addition to his calm play and leadership on the pitch, his appearance has also changed significantly. With a sculpted physique, his bulging muscles have piqued the interest of his teammates. There is a sense of a breakthrough coming from KIMURA this season.
CAMP VOICE vol.14 Wataru GOTO
Wataru GOTO, who was promoted to the top team this season, has been selected for the U-20 Japan national team that will compete in the "AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025." If they succeed in the tough Asian qualifiers, they will secure a spot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025. Before leaving the team in February, we asked the young guardian about his enthusiasm for the U20 Asian Cup and his impressions of the camp so far.
Q, congratulations on being selected for the U-20 Japan national team. The qualifiers leading to the U-20 World Cup are about to begin.
A, thank you very much. In my activities with the U-19 Japan national team so far, I have not had enough playing opportunities to be satisfied, so I want to firmly secure a starting position.
Q: A tough battle in Asia awaits.
A: Personally, I have experience from my time with the U-17 Japan national team, so I have some idea of what to expect, but I want to approach this as something completely different and hope to enjoy playing while doing so.
Q: We lost to Spain in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Indonesia 2023. I believe the frustration experienced on a global stage can only be resolved in a world tournament.
A: I still remember the second goal we conceded against Spain. Marc Guéhi, who scored that goal, is also active at Chelsea, and I definitely want to overcome that frustration someday. When we were eliminated from the U-17 World Cup, I set a goal to take revenge on Spain at the U-20 World Cup. To achieve that, we first have to win through the Asian Cup.
Q: How do you feel about the camp so far?
A: At first, I was able to work on my challenges while enjoying myself. However, as those around me improved and the things I couldn’t do increased, feelings of frustration and impatience arose. I am driven by the desire to catch up quickly and to quickly make up for what I lack.
Q: It seems that you were also working on extra practice after training.
A: For the additional areas I need to work on, Shota YAMASHITA, the goalkeeper coach, and Ryota Inoue, the assistant goalkeeper coach, have been supporting me, making it a fulfilling time.
Q: What areas do you feel are challenging?
A: It’s close to almost everything. Even in terms of stopping shots, I thought I was able to do it when I was with FC Tokyo U-18, but now there are times when I can’t perform unless the conditions for preparation and decision-making are met. I need to be able to perform consistently under any conditions. In build-up play as well, there are still many situations where the opponent takes the ball or passes go off target. I think there are many challenges both offensively and defensively.
Q: In three days, I will be leaving the team.
A: While aiming to be a starter from the opening match, it is difficult to leave the team, but since I was selected for the U-20 Japan national team, I now feel that I must contribute to the U-20 Japan national team winning the U20 Asian Cup and qualifying for the U-20 World Cup.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
