7/23 Training Report
On the 10th day of the Hokkaido Shiraoi camp, the players split into two groups in the morning: the recovery group indoors and the training group on the field. The recovery group exercised in the gym inside the lodging, while the training group conducted high-intensity training on the practice field.
In the afternoon, a full team practice was held at Shiraoi Sakuragaoka Park Athletic Stadium, where the players worked through a menu of passing & control and gradually widening the width on a half-court while repeatedly building up and pressing in 11-on-11 drills. The session ended with shooting practice from crosses.
Only two days remain in the first summer camp. Kento HASHIMOTO, who was slightly delayed due to an injury sustained in the latter part of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, said, "My condition is steadily improving, so I want to firmly focus on the league opener." The competition for starting positions at the opening has also intensified across all positions.
CAMP VOICE vol.10 Hayato Inamura Player
Q. How was the period of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Concept League, which you joined on a loan basis, for you, Inamura?
A. It started with regaining my match rhythm, but I felt it took longer than I expected. However, I believe it was a half-season in which I was able to gradually recover and grow on top of that.
Q. Your frustration during the playoff match against Cerezo Osaka left a strong impression.
A. The group league standings were decided, and I had a strong desire to move up even one spot. Also, since it was Keigo (Higashi)'s last game, my feelings toward that were the strongest.
Q. How has playing in the blue and red uniform changed compared to your time with FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa?
A, As I played more matches, I developed strong feelings for this team. My desire to seriously win the league also grew stronger. When I was with the U-15 team, I wasn't able to participate in many matches, so I had various complicated feelings, but I realized that this is a club I truly love.
Q. This time, the club welcomed you through a full transfer.
A, I have made a full transfer at this timing, but I have the desire to win the league with this club, grow myself, and someday challenge Europe once again. In the process of that challenge, my top goal is to join the Japan national team. For that reason as well, I want to deliver results with this club.
Q. What kind of play do you want to show this season?
A, I want to play as a central member of this team, and I am approaching this camp with that mindset. Not only in my play but also in other areas, I want to carry out my role with the awareness of being a key player for the team.
Q. What kind of presence is a key player for the team?
A, First and foremost, as a player, it is important to keep playing in matches, achieve results, and be recognized by the surrounding players. While keeping that in mind, I also pay attention to various players off the pitch and act as a link between the staff and players. I am currently working on these aspects and want to continue doing so.
Q. Your jersey number has changed to 4.
A, It is the number I wore when I won the national championship in university, and it is also the number I wore in high school, so I have a strong attachment to it. Speaking of number 4 at this club, it is also the number that Tsuyoshi WATANABE wore. The other day, I had the opportunity to have a meal together, and I was inspired by various stories I heard, which strengthened my desire to catch up.
CAMP VOICE vol.11 Kento HASHIMOTO Player
Q. The Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League finished in 4th place overall.
A. There was a chance to win the championship, so I was left with a very frustrating feeling. However, it was a period that made me realize there are still many things I need to thoroughly pursue.
Q. What are the areas that need to be thoroughly pursued?
A, I think it really comes down to the finer details. Whether it's winning individual duels, throwing your body in to block at the last moment, or not losing in one-on-one situations. I have come to realize once again that Kashima Antlers and Vissel Kobe are thorough in these aspects.
Q. You were somewhat delayed due to injury, but what kind of mindset do you want to have going into this new season?
A, I was a bit delayed in getting started, but first I want to get back into good condition and contribute solidly to the team without injury. Personally, I also feel unsatisfied with my numbers in terms of goals and assists. It’s not just me; midfield players need to be more involved in scoring. I want to consciously work on that.
Q. While there is also an aim to increase goals from cross balls, do you think plays where you rush in from the third line will also be effective?
A, I was able to play with awareness even in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, but despite having chances, I couldn't fully demonstrate my ability to finish scoring. Since I believe that is my strength, I feel the frustration of not being able to contribute. I need to sharpen myself even more starting from practice.
Q, It seems that you are working on defense by repeating each step carefully.
A, I believe our defense has become more precise and stronger. Our team’s strengths include attacking through high pressing and counterattacking after forming a defensive block, but by improving the transition from defense to offense and increasing precision, I think we can also boost our scoring ability. I want us to work with a shared understanding as a team.
Q, With the departure of players who had been with the team for many years, I think you will become an even more prominent leader for the team.
A, I always feel that I need to demonstrate my abilities even more and take the lead in guiding the team. I want to work hard to contribute to the team’s goals.
FOCUS ON – Photo of the Day –
'FOCUS ON' selects one photo taken by the official photographer.
On the 10th day of camp, we selected a scene where Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI and Sei MUROYA were talking on the pitch before practice.
Muroya, who served as captain in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, says, "Everyone on the team has a sense of captaincy, and we are able to train in a positive atmosphere."
Even in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, we often see moments during and after practice where players review each play and situation, confirming with each other across positions.
Although the team finished 4th overall, the small successes accumulated in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League had also taken root within the team in these ways.
