FC Tokyo kicked off preparations at Kodaira Ground under clear skies for the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, a special tournament held for half a year during the season transition period.
Since the opening was earlier than usual, Tokyo also launched the new team about a week earlier and spent a month preparing for the opening on February 7.
Except for Masataka KOBAYASHI and Ryunosuke SATO, who are participating in the activities of the U-23 Japan national team, and Yasuki KIMOTO, who is in poor condition, all players, including new signings and those returning from loan, have gathered in Kodaira. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, in the pre-practice meeting, said, "I want each of you to take responsibility for the goals you envision and sincerely engage in your daily efforts." He emphasized the importance of each player having a clear image of their goals in preparation for the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Centennial Project League.
Today's training, marking the start of the season, focused on activities to improve physical condition using the ball, including mini-games, designed to wake up the players' bodies after the off-season. Even though it was the first day, they took their time to apply physical load while maintaining a bright atmosphere during practice, firmly taking the first step toward February 7.
In the afternoon, newly joined players, President Shigeya Kawagishi, General Manager Mitsushiro OBARA, and Manager Rikizo MATSUHASHI attended a press conference announcing the new team structure for the media. Newly added to the team, Hayate TANAKA, Hayato INAMURA, Kento HASHIMOTO, and Fuki YAMADA expressed their determination to meet the club's expectations and their commitment to winning titles. YAMADA also left a strong message revealing his individuality by stating his goal: "I want to achieve double-digit numbers in both goals and assists as an individual."
The four players promoted from FC Tokyo U-18 showed signs of nervousness in their expressions during the opening greetings at the unfamiliar press conference. However, when asked about their goals for this season, they expressed their determination to enter the tough professional world in their own words, saying, "I want to climb up from the bottom" and "I want to score double-digit goals." By the time of the group photo session, their tension had eased, and they responded with smiles to the photographers' requests, taking their first step as professionals.
The team will continue training at Kodaira Ground until January 10th, then start their camp in Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture from January 12th, enhancing team unity and refining tactical details in preparation for the season opener.
<Hayato Inamura Player>
Q, once again, I put on the blue and red training wear.
A, I did not play in many matches during my academy days, so I was really happy to be greeted with a "welcome back" after today's practice, but for me, it feels like I have joined a new team.
Q. What kind of words did you receive from Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI?
A said they have high expectations for me as a player. Considering my own situation from last season, they told me, "You are still a player who can do much more," and those words ignited a fire in me. I have also watched Tokyo's matches so far, and the image of the kind of play I want to make when I join the team has grown stronger. I am also happy to be able to fight alongside Coach Matsuhashi again.
Q. How do you feel about becoming teammates with Masato MORISHIGE, with whom you took a photo when you were young?
A, it is very moving. After all, he is a player who symbolizes Tokyo, and I myself started playing as a center back in high school. The first player I remembered, or rather, the player I wanted to become like, was Morishige. I never thought I would be able to play on the same team in this way, but I am very excited. We play the same position, and he is someone I have to surpass. I think many players have challenged Morishige so far, but first, I want to approach it with the mindset of taking that position for myself.
Q. How do you want to make the most of Inamura's own strengths?
In the build-up phase, having a left-footed player like me allows for smooth play development, and I believe my strengths will be utilized in the style of football that Coach Matsuhashi aims for. Defensively, by being mindful of the high line, I feel we will concede fewer goals than last season. I also want to be involved in the quick attacks after regaining possession, leveraging the strengths of the forward players.
