1/23 Training
On the 12th day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp, the team confirmed their defense in each zone at Kaigin Field Kunigami and worked up a sweat with breakdowns in front of the goal.
The players gathered again on the practice field after taking a day off to recharge their spirits during this camp. While pursuing the level and precision built up through training so far, practice menus focused more on actual combat have also been added.
As the opening approaches, Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI has begun to tackle the "new challenge" he spoke about right after starting. Throughout this process, the coach has been constantly troubled with the desire to "bring out their best." During the camp, he must have communicated with many players and gathered various hints. Now, he has entered the phase of translating that into action on the pitch.
FOCUS ON
The official photographer's selected camp photo project "FOCUS ON." On the 12th day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp, the focus was on Masataka KOBAYASHI, who is in his second professional season. Shota YAMASHITA, the goalkeeper coach who took office this season, brought various balls to this camp, and on this day, training was conducted to attack a volleyball kicked from a close distance. Pay attention to KOBAYASHI's eyes as he dives into the ball, discarding his fear. He was filled with determination to not close his eyes until the end and to absolutely stop the ball.
CAMP VOICE vol.10 Teppei OKA
Teppei OKA played in 19 matches and scored 2 goals in his rookie year last season in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League. He has also expanded his versatility by being utilized as a left back. In his second professional season, where further progress is expected, he expressed, "I want to be a presence that leads the team to victory." To resonate his passionate cry throughout Japan, we asked him about his aspirations for this season.
Q, the second season of the professional league is starting.
A, the coach has changed, and at first, I was confused by the completely different approach compared to before. However, the coach communicated with us and gave advice on how we could improve. Now, it's easier to work this way, and I understand what the coach is saying. The whole team is responding well to the coach's proposals, so I think we are spending the camp in a good atmosphere.
Q: In your first year as a professional, you started to get involved in games on the rise, but are you aiming for a starting position this season?
A, I missed the starting lineup at the beginning of last season. Using that frustration as motivation, I was able to steadily build up my performance little by little, and gradually became involved in matches from the early part of the season. This season, I want to be a key player from the start, leading the team and helping us win. I am training with that mindset. Keita ENDO and many other players have expressed that "we must win the championship," and I feel that responsibility as I play.
Q: Seiji KIMURA has returned. How do you feel about competing for a regular position and being able to fight alongside your peers from the academy days?
A, I feel happy, but also tense and pressured as the tough competition is about to begin. I have a strong desire to play together in the match and help Tokyo win.
Q: Many players who have grown up in the academy are also enrolled this season.
Elementary school students enrolled in the school, as well as players in U-15 and U-18, have spent their academy days hoping to become admired figures when they turn professional. I believe there is meaning and value in academy graduates succeeding in the professional arena.
Q: Last season, there were many matches where you were used as a side back, and it seemed there were few opportunities to showcase your long feeds, which is one of your attractions. Is that something you want fans and supporters to know more about?
A, that's right. I feel that I couldn't fully express myself last season. Even though it's my strength, I wasn't able to show it completely. To let people know that I can play this way, I want to challenge myself in that area this season.
Q: The coach mentioned that he wants us to grow with a sense of autonomy.
A, while learning from the veteran Masato MORISHIGE, I want to show play this season with the responsibility to help the team win and lead them to the championship.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
