1/17 Training
On the 6th day of the Okinawa Itoman camp, adjustments were made at Nishizaki Athletic Stadium in preparation for the practice match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima the following day.
On this day, most of the time was spent practicing build-up play and set pieces, with a menu arranged just like the day before an actual official match. In the build-up training using mannequins, head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI gave instructions on how to move the ball, such as "speeding up on the signal of a vertical pass," and presented ideas for attacks using the half lane. They repeatedly practiced shapes that approach the goal in this way.
Furthermore, the team reviewed set plays for both offense and defense to conclude the overall practice for the day.
FOCUS ON - Today's Highlight -
Today's 'FOCUS ON' selected this two-shot taken by the official photographer. In fact, this two-shot is the first time since Kento HASHIMOTO happened to meet Kento HASHIMOTO at a Brazilian restaurant he accidentally entered during his university days and had his photo taken.
When player Kento said, "I told you from the moment we decided to play together," player Kento quickly retorted, "You forgot, didn't you? I said it though (bitter laugh)."
After the shoot, player Kento smiled and said, "Your dream came true." Behind the scenes, there was a heartwarming exchange between the two "Kentos" from different sides.
CAMP VOICE vol.4 Takahiro KO
Q: This season, it seems that communication among players has increased.
A, I think we are able to coordinate various aspects, including teamwork, while communicating with the newly joined players.
Q: A lot of time is being spent on build-up play. There was also a presentation of a new positioning.
A, we have just started working on it and are still in the initial stages, so it’s hard to say much at this point. However, the coach has that kind of approach and demands it as well. In the 2025 season, even when a plan was presented, there were many matches where we chose to overturn the situation based on the opponent’s play intensity and game development. I don’t think that was wrong, but for the 2026 season, I believe it will be necessary to differentiate the use of such plans. First, I want to encourage challenging ourselves in how we move the ball.
Q: Among the suggestions given, everyone on the pitch must have the same vision.
A, it will definitely be necessary. I believe this team has the ability for everyone to fully carry out the instructions given. Additionally, the ability to adapt flexibly depending on the opponent's approach is absolutely essential, so I want to further enhance our flexibility to change decisions while observing the opponent.
Q. What personal goals do you want to set?
A, I believe this season is one where we must win. While constantly asking myself what I can do to achieve victory, I want to communicate more with those around me and live each day with a strong commitment to winning. Last season, there were more opportunities to push forward, but this season, depending on the system and positioning, I might have to take on more defensive roles to some extent. Including that, I feel from training that I need to be more conscious of balancing and managing risks by working backward from the goal of winning. I want to focus on building the foundation of the team.
Q: As more players have come to understand Coach Matsuhashi's style of soccer, I think more players have agreed with what Takahashi has been saying and his voice. It seems that embedding the coach's soccer philosophy and deepening understanding will also become smoother.
A, I definitely think that is the case. The timing of when the ball comes in and when to spread out has been improving. We just have to keep making eye contact constantly. I want to build a team with players like Sei MUROYA and others who can lead the way.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
