Since it was Saturday, many people came to watch the practice yesterday. And today, under a cloudy sky with occasional heavy rain since the morning, even more people visited than yesterday, creating a good sense of tension for the team.
The morning session was short but very intense and focused training. The main menu consisted of ball possession on the sides and finishing from side attacks. We also included the option to switch the side significantly and tried combinations with multiple units, making it a practice focused on actual game situations.
When the finishing does not connect well for a while, not only Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA but also the players relentlessly shout encouragement. While valuing ball possession, it is clear that they are training with a focus on the combinations leading to the finish and the accuracy of the finish itself.
As mentioned in yesterday's report, today's afternoon training was also open to the public, and just like in the morning, many fans and supporters came to watch.
The afternoon bathed in orange sunlight featured game-style drills on a half court. Divided into multiple teams, they played full-power games segmented into several-minute intervals.
In a smaller area than a regular match, with higher speed and intensity, even a slight gap can directly lead to conceding a goal from a turnover, and if a well-practiced combination works, goals can be forced open even in a tight space.
Building on last season's foundation of ball possession, the accumulation of awareness and structured play directly leading to goals has been added, resulting in gritty goals from high pressing as well as moments where multiple players coordinated to score.
Tokyo is steadily improving as a team. There is only one day left of training. On the final day, the 24th, they will face a J1 team for the first time this season and test what they have built up during the camp.
On the 13th day of the camp, we conducted an interview with Keigo HIGASHI.
Q, Congratulations on the birth of your second child.
A, thank you.
Q. You joined the camp midway, but how did you feel about the team's condition?
As for last season's momentum, this is the second year under Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's system, so to some extent, what we want to do is clear, and in a good way, we have become accustomed to the training menu, so I think everyone is positively engaged in improving the quality there.
Q. What are the characteristics of each new player, and how do you want to make use of them?
A, each has their own characteristics, and I want to understand and make the most of them. Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Kei KOIZUMI are experienced players, so I think they will adapt quickly. I hope we can make good use of everyone and further update the team.
Q. Since last season, Higashi's role as the anchor has become important, but how do you feel about it at this point through the practice matches?
A, personally, I feel my body is moving very well, and I have done good training even during the off-season, so I feel that is showing in a positive way. As a team, we still need to level up, so I think it is important to adjust while communicating with each other through practice and practice matches.
Q: How do you adjust during the camp? Are you ramping up quickly or gradually increasing to peak for the opening match?
I believe that practice is always an opportunity to showcase oneself, so good practice leads to good matches. It's not about fitting into a specific place; each day is very important in this world. Therefore, without focusing too much on that, I just give my all every day.
Q. It seems that you focus a lot on the finishing part even during practice.
A, there were times when we pushed forward, but we need to work on improving the quality and accuracy of our finishing, and I hope we can build up that combination through practice. I believe we are putting a lot of effort into that.
Q. I felt that we were able to maintain smooth ball possession even during practice matches and training.
A, we are focusing on who takes the last open space and how to enter inside after taking it, so we need to improve that further. Since this is the decisive part, I believe it is necessary to increase the number of attempts and improve the quality.
Q. You are familiar with the style of football that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA demands, but is there anything the coach has said to you or asked of you for this season?
A, nothing in particular. I believe I am trusted, and I think the effort I put into daily practice does not lie. Last season, I couldn't play much in the first half, but since I started playing in the anchor position, I believe I have gained trust, and I want to continue giving back to the team even more.
Q. What goals do you have for this season?
A, the goal is to simply enjoy it. Of course, as a team, we aim to win the championship and such, but first, I believe that when each individual plays for themselves, it ultimately benefits the team. So, it is important for everyone to have a strong mindset and play towards their own goals. As I get older, the time I can play in perfect condition is becoming shorter, so I want to fully appreciate this and enjoy both practice and matches.
