Balance of Philosophy and Flexibility
After about two weeks of training camp in Okinawa, the team continues final adjustments at Kodaira Ground. Coach Matsuhashi summarized the team's atmosphere by saying, "I think the condition is very good. However, we must never become complacent. If things are good at this stage, we need to surpass that even further." This reflects the team's situation from the start of the season until now.
The coach, who spoke during the Okinawa Itoman camp about wanting to "express more color," advocates for an 'attacking style of soccer' that maintains an aggressive stance in both offense and defense. It is a style of football where we take the initiative in the game, create the rhythm, and guide the opponent to break them down.
In that process, Coach Matsuhashi emphasizes the idea of "keeping the philosophy unchanged while being flexible with the methods." "It is good to value your beliefs, but if you emphasize them too much and close your heart, it becomes meaningless. Soccer never goes exactly as you expect, and above all, flexibility to adapt to any situation is what matters most."
While maintaining the "philosophy" of the ideals and style of play to aim for, there is also the flexibility to adapt methods according to the situation at hand. It is this balance that becomes the mindset necessary for Tokyo to achieve further evolution.
Accumulate days worthy of "championship"
Now, within the team, the word "championship" is naturally coming from the players' mouths. While Coach Matsuhashi senses this change in mindset, he added from his unique perspective, "Honestly, we may not be a 'team destined to win the championship' based on our past experience, and we should accept that as a fact. So, how can we aim for the championship? It is by 'spending each day worthy of winning the championship.'"
We direct our vector towards ourselves with standards befitting a champion. We are convinced that the accumulation of those "worthy days" is the only path leading to the so-called "unexplored" summit that Tokyo has never experienced before.
The opponent for the league opener is Kashima Antlers, last season's champions. They are the perfect opponent to demonstrate "worthy days" on the pitch. With the introduction of penalty shootouts and the new regulation of no draws in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, "we have no choice but to thoroughly prepare for the match and adapt to this unprecedented tournament format," he said. "We will just boldly put forth what we have been working on. I want the players to have confidence and courage, and I ask the fans and supporters to fully back us as we welcome the opening match at home."
Keep the philosophy unchanged, be flexible with the methods.
'Rikizo Tokyo,' which advocates a more aggressive style, will take a new step forward on February 7 at Ajinomoto Stadium.
