1/24 Friendly Match vs Vissel Kobe
On the final day of the Okinawa Itoman camp, a closed practice match (45×4 periods) was held against Vissel Kobe at Nishizaki Athletic Stadium, ending with a total score of 2-1.
At 22 minutes into the first half, the team connected passes smoothly from the back line, and finally Marcelo RYAN shook the net. They succeeded in scoring first with a brilliant combination involving multiple players.
Then, at the 9th minute of the second half, Keita ENDO skillfully broke through behind Kobe's high line and scored an additional goal.
In the 18th minute of the fourth quarter, they conceded a goal due to a mistake in their own half, but after that, all players worked hard. They led Kobe in the total score and concluded the 13-day camp.
Post-Match Player Comments
<Marcelo RYAN>
Q. The last play was a defense reminiscent of Diego OLIVEIRA's active playing days.
A, I believe that everyone, including myself, was able to contribute to a good match. I think there were a few more chances to score, but overall, I believe we were able to proceed with a very good performance.
Q, please review the scoring scene.
A, the defensive midfielder was the starting point of the goal. We were able to successfully connect the ball that came from the right side to the goal.
Q. Once again, what kind of 13 days did you spend?
A, I believe we were able to build a very good relationship both on and off the pitch. The communication during the camp period also led to good coordination in our play. Since we had good matches in all three practice games, now that we have returned to Tokyo, we just need to prepare for the league opening.
<Divine OTANI>
Q. How was the 13-day Okinawa camp for you personally?
A, this camp made me realize once again the areas where I am not yet up to professional standards. I want to take positively the understanding that unless I work much harder, it will be tough to compete in the professional world.
Q. Regarding the practice match, I don't think it was all about regrets.
A, (In the practice match against Kobe) I always overthink and things don't go well, so today I played as I felt and it went in a good direction. I kept making mistakes during practice, so I realized once again that if I can play freely without overthinking, there are parts where I can be somewhat effective. From the next practice, I want to play without overthinking too much.
Q, Everyone promoted from the academy to the top team is aiming to be included in the league opening match squad.
A, I am of course aiming for it myself. I have not given up on starting in the lineup, not just being on the bench. I want to give my all for the next two weeks to achieve that.
<Rio OMORI>
Q. Please tell us your impressions after finishing the Okinawa camp.
A, it was a short camp, but I was able to understand quite well what the team intends, so I think it depends on how much I can adjust. In defense, I want to match the intensity and the basic aspects with a bit more speed, and when moving the ball, I want to take it a step further in terms of precision and timing in how I use those around me.
Q. There were also plays that led to good appeals.
Due to my position, I think it is difficult to drastically change my stance all of a sudden. I want to firmly do what I can do within myself, and I believe there are more things I can do. Since it is a short season, I am in a position where I have to produce results in a short period, so I want to keep reflecting properly and do my best.
<Player Kenta Tokiwa>
Q. Wasn't this camp a good opportunity to make a strong impression?
A, as I mentioned before the Okinawa camp started, I came here with the determination to treat each practice as seriously as an official match. I thought the only way was to overturn the hierarchy during the camp, so I believe today's practice match also led to a good start and good play. There were parts I was satisfied with.
Q. There were also plays involved in scoring.
A, it was something necessary for me to reach the next level within myself. Although it wasn't an assist, I was able to create the starting point just before that. This was something that didn't exist in the 2025 season, and I feel it is a part of my growth. Since it is also a positive element, I believe I can increase the number of times I do this, not just that one time. I have also been able to show the characteristic play of moving forward after taking the ball, so I think this is an improved aspect.
FOCUS ON - Today's Highlight -
"FOCUS ON" is a selection of one photo taken by the official photographer. On the final day of the camp, we selected a back shot of Sei MUROYA.
He continued to make his presence felt in the training and practice matches of this camp. The man who leads by example carried the team forward with each and every play.
In the 2026 season, Sei MUROYA will fight stronger and fiercer than anyone else. He will lead FC Tokyo to victory──. That is why he put on the blue and red jersey once again.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
