Today marks the fourth day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp.
Tomorrow, on the 23rd, we have a practice match against FC Ryukyu, so we conducted training assuming a real match scenario.
In the attacking menu, each player is positioned according to their respective roles, confirming build-up from the final line and breakdowns in the vital area. While sharing priorities during the attack, we aimed for the goal.
In the half-court scrimmage, the players were mindful of the team's direction to be implemented in tomorrow's practice match. Instructions for positioning and switching defense were exchanged among the players.
In the afternoon, due to bad weather, the menu focused on recovery. Each player prepared their condition for tomorrow's practice match.
After practice, we conducted an interview with number 40, Riki HARAKAWA.
Q: There was a wonderful direct free kick in practice. How is your feel and condition?
A, I still have a long way to go, and I believe that practice and matches are different. Personally, I think my condition will gradually improve through the matches. Including tomorrow's match against FC Ryukyu, I want to steadily improve through the practice matches during the camp period.
Q. Tomorrow, we have our first practice match of the season against FC Ryukyu. What points do you want to focus on going into the game?
As a team, since we have new players joining, we are holding repeated meetings to unify what needs to be done. We are required to focus on that and play accordingly. Personally, to further improve my condition from here, I want to give my 100% performance that I can deliver at this point. I hope to play with attention to detail.
Q: The camp is still in its early stages, but how do you feel about the team's style of play and direction?
A. We have not made any major changes since last season; I feel that we need to thoroughly refine and further develop what we have built up so far. This applies to tomorrow's practice match as well, and I want to demonstrate this consistently through our play.
Q. Do you have any personal goals during the camp period?
A, first of all, it's important not to get injured. Also, not catching a cold (laughs). Every season, during camp, I end up losing condition or partially withdrawing due to injuries, so first and foremost, I want to finish the camp without any injuries.
Q. Once again, what kind of year do you want this season to be?
A, I joined midway through last season, and I found it challenging to adjust how the team operates and how to balance my personal strengths. During the off-season, I reviewed game footage and was able to organize my thoughts. I believe that by improving from here, I can contribute even better performances to the team. I want to focus on the content and quality of my play.
Q: Players expected to be immediate assets have joined the team. How will they integrate?
Each of the newly joined players has their own unique characteristics, and to become a strong team, we need a deep roster that allows for rotation. Since we have a large number of players on the team, if each player can express their individual strengths, I believe a synergistic effect will be created, allowing the team to grow with many options. I want to continue expressing my own strengths without forgetting them.
