July 14 Training
The Hokkaido Shiraoi Camp kicked off at the Shiraoi Sakuragaoka Park Athletic Stadium. On this first day, a welcome ceremony was held starting at 3 PM. Although the weather was unfortunately rainy, Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the coach, did not hold back his words of gratitude for the passionate encouragement from Shiraoi Town.
“Although the weather is unfortunate, thank you very much for such a warm welcome. As we hold our camp here, we are truly grateful for the many hours and the efforts of many people who have helped prepare this environment. We will do our best to have a good camp and training here, steadily building up so that we can report back with the result of winning as a way to repay everyone’s efforts. Although it is a short period, we hope to make this a good camp by connecting and interacting with everyone within the limited time. We will be in your care, so we kindly ask for your support. Thank you very much for today.”
Then, after the ceremony, the training menu was completed in the order of warm-up, passing & control, rondo, and running training, concluding the first day of training.
After practice, Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA, who was with Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo until the 2023 season, spoke to the local media, saying, "I hope to make good preparations for the season. Since I haven't been able to show much of myself in matches after the transfer, I want to show a lively appearance and demonstrate that I can perform well this season."
From the nature-rich northern land, the full-scale team building toward league domination has begun.
CAMP VOICE vol.1 Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI
Q: Unfortunately, it has turned out to be rainy, but the Hokkaido Shiraoi camp has started.
A: The environment may have been different from what we expected, but I think what matters is what we can do in the environment we are in now. We will set aside the heat for now and first focus on creating a good environment. Since the period is short, we want to avoid trying to do too many things and instead focus on one or two themes in attack and defense. Several practice matches are also scheduled, so we want to make sure these themes come through strongly in those games.
Q: Within what you can share, please tell us the themes for both offense and defense.
A. I believe we are a team with a strong focus on the center. Conversely, this means we play fully aware of the risks involved. It is expected that opponents will often try to prevent us from effectively using the center to break through. Considering where the goal is in soccer, I think it’s important to refine our attacks down the flanks so that they don’t become just a formality, but rather build attacks involving one or two players actively engaging. Defensively, assuming that we are pressing forward, the key is how we can win the ball back through high pressing. Since physical elements are also involved, we want to incorporate this into improving our conditioning. The theme will be to win the ball near the opponent’s goal and how effectively we can convert that into scoring opportunities. I want to work on this together with Coach Yu TOKISAKI as well.
Q: We want to make good use of the practice matches as well.
A: Since we don’t take long practice sessions, I want to focus on something specific rather than trying to do everything. Even after returning to Tokyo, there are two weeks until the season opener, so I want to effectively integrate the strengths we have built up so far.
FOCUS ON – Photo of the Day –
The first day of the summer camp, full of firsts due to the season transition, was also chilly. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI passionately spoke to the players in a huddle before practice.
"Let's always be committed to something and do it properly. I'll say it again, we must become a group with high awareness. It's not about the number of people. It's okay to be few. Let's proceed with a strong sense of awareness."
The passion of the coach, who stated, "As the manager, I myself must have a stronger determination than anyone else to absolutely 'win the championship'" in order to compete this season, was conveyed through the words he spoke on the northern land.
