After five seasons, Masato MORISHIGE, who has donned the armband, has been trying to lead the team through its transformation as captain. The team's most senior player expressed in simple words the feelings he has experienced this season. What emerged was the real changes in Tokyo.
The first wall overcome
Q: First of all, thank you for your hard work this season. How do you think the team has grown in this year full of changes?
A, before the season started, I believe all the players were eager and motivated to take on a new style of football with a fresh mindset. In fact, I think many players wanted to play this kind of football. Of course, as we played more matches, there were times when we keenly felt the gap between our ideals and reality. At times, I think there were moments of confusion and doubt. Also, depending on whether or not they had playing opportunities, each player might have had different feelings. We have come this far while experiencing those things. Understanding that it would take time, as captain, I decided to keep believing and not to doubt. Depending on the match results, there might be skeptical views directed at us. Even at such times, I have been conscious of continuing to work as a team moving in one direction. As we approach the end of the season, we have gradually become able to play with confidence, and we are starting to feel that we can somehow shape things up. Throughout the year, we overcame various challenges and faced new ones again. Still, because we did not leave things to chance and managed things ourselves, we were able to positively overcome those new obstacles together. In that sense, a good cycle was born, and I feel that we successfully overcame the first wall we anticipated before the season started.
Q: I believe there were difficult times, but how did you overcome them?
A, we started this season having decided to work together with the coach's proposed style of soccer as the best approach. Although there were various feelings during the season, we had to trust the coach and keep in step with each other, otherwise we would fall into suspicion and doubt at some point. I believe the most important thing was that we were able to align ourselves there, more than the technical aspects.
Q: As captain for the first time in five seasons, how to behave when the team is not performing well was one of the themes.
When experienced players start complaining, for better or worse, the younger players are influenced. First, the seniors must show a solid attitude to ease the younger players' anxieties and demonstrate that what they are doing is not wrong. I feel that we are gradually becoming the kind of group I envision. There are various challenges, but it's not like we are overwhelmed. We have been discussing and clearing each issue one by one in relation to the style of soccer we want to play. Every day, we can practice purely for fun, but there is also a sense of discipline. I think Yuto NAGATOMO's influence is significant here, and we also have players like Keigo HIGASHI who know 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 the same way. I believe the team's pure attitude toward soccer, taking action first, and working toward the same goal have all been well executed as a whole.
The presence of the two who supported the team
Q: It has become a familiar sight to see you running together with player Nagatomo after practice.
A, I have been pulled along by Yuto-kun. Even if I feel like I’m getting older, there is someone next to me who is one year older and aiming for the World Cup with the Japan national team (laughs). He makes me realize that I still have a long way to go. People around me say I’m doing my best at 35, but I think, 'No, no, we have someone even more amazing here.' Having that person by my side was personally very significant.
Q: Player Nagatomo has always acted for the team at every club he has been with. Having him around must have been a support for the team.
A, it's incredibly significant. I also decided at the start of this season that no matter what happens, I would not criticize the coach or make negative remarks. I knew it would take time, and I expected there would definitely be moments when dissatisfaction might erupt, which would be problematic. But Yuto, who has the greatest influence, casually said at one point, "We're becoming a good team." Everyone listens to Yuto's words, so I was extremely grateful, and it made things easier for me as the captain.
Q: Player Higashi was someone who created his own place despite struggling.
A, Keigo never complained or showed behavior that negatively affected the team. Even when he couldn't play in matches, he was always the most quietly dedicated, and he consistently showed that attitude. This is not just this year; it's very clear from watching Keigo up until now. Regardless of his position, he is a player who can focus on what needs to be done. Keigo's presence was also significant for this team.
Q: One of the characteristics of this season was that the circle of communication expanded through players with such experiences.
A. In the soccer we are currently working on, there are many things that cannot be resolved without talking. Detailed coordination is necessary, and we must pay close attention to the relationship between the receiver and the passer, as well as which foot to pass to. Because it is something that cannot be created without extensive discussion, opportunities to talk naturally increased. This was also because we enjoyed what we were doing, allowing players to engage in proactive discussions among themselves. We continued with some parts, while realizing others needed to be refined further. Having experienced success beyond that, I believe the discussions became even more active as we aimed to do more.
Towards a fulfilling 2023 season
Q: While there were unstable battles throughout the season, I believe another characteristic of this season is that there were no prolonged bad matches.
A, having the foundation we had until now was also a big factor. It wasn’t just about doing new things, but also about the strengths we had built up so far. Especially in defense, maintaining high intensity, approaching matches with high motivation, and not losing in one-on-one situations. When those aspects faded, we often ended up losing matches. If we focus only on offense, we lose our point of return. We don’t know what to do and end up losing continuously. However, this team still retains the successful experiences from before. The strengths we had until now and the strengths of what we are currently working on. Because of these two, I think we were able to fight while finely adjusting the balance. In a long season, there were matches where we picked up points even if the content wasn’t a winning game. From there, we also made efforts to extend even the better periods of play. Through such matches, we were able to accumulate progress while gaining some hints. The causes of defeat in each match were also clear, so I believe we established a flow of not making the same mistake twice.
Q: Because what Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is asking for is very simple, there is also a vast amount of room left. Have you started to enjoy filling that in?
A, that's right. But perhaps it's enjoyable precisely because I don't think it will ever be complete. Whether practicing or playing matches, there are always new discoveries. It's been a while since I've felt this much fun playing soccer.
Q: So, how do you feel about the challenges heading into next season?
A, after all, it's about scoring goals. I think accuracy is the most important. Because this is the kind of soccer it is, in the end, quality and individual ideas become necessary.
Q: If the scoring patterns and breakdown strategies can be shared within the team, it seems like it could improve even further?
A, I think that is a stage a little further ahead. To some extent, we have been able to build up from the back, connect the ball through the midfield, and carry it to the front of the goal. I think the impression was that in the final stages of the season, we stumbled when trying to score against teams that were defending deep. While maintaining possession, I believe that if we discuss and systematize the patterns, such as which spaces open up in certain situations, we can improve. Moving forward, when such challenges arise, it would be great if we can overcome them together again.
Q: So, what kind of team do you want to create in Tokyo?
I believe we are gradually becoming a team that makes people want to come to the stadium to watch. That’s why we want to continue playing enjoyable and exciting soccer. Soccer is the most thrilling sport when goals are scored. If we keep showing everyone our efforts to take on that challenge and play even more attacking soccer, I think we will become an even more attractive team.
Q: Finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters who have supported us for a year this year.
A, I think this season often required us to be patient. Next year, we want to repay that patience with results. We ourselves are looking forward to it, and we believe that next year we can play football that will be even more enjoyable for the fans watching, so we hope you look forward to it. Thank you for your support throughout the year.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
