Departing from Kodaira Ground early in the morning, heading from Haneda Airport to Naha Airport. Tokyo is starting camp right away from the second day of activities.
After a two and a half hour bus ride from Naha City, the players moved to Kunigami Village. They were welcomed by many accommodation staff and entered the rooms where they will spend about two weeks.
Upon arrival, I quickly put on the new training gear and prepared for the afternoon practice.
The players are also approaching practice with good expressions.
Today, considering the fatigue from travel, we moved our bodies with a lighter menu.
Starting tomorrow, the full-scale second training sessions will begin. From here until the season opener, the entire team will work hard in training and come together as one group.
On the first day of camp, we conducted an interview with Yasuki KIMOTO.
Q: What did you focus on during the practice on the first day of camp?
Since there was travel, I focused on properly getting my body ready and being in good condition for practice starting tomorrow.
Q: How is the team's atmosphere?
A, there is really a good atmosphere continuing from last season, and I think everyone, including new players and young players, is able to train in the same direction.
Q: New players have joined the team, but are they blending in well?
A. Many of the players who have transferred in are of similar age, and they are experienced players, so I think they have been able to integrate smoothly into the team. There are also many young players within the team, but I believe they have blended in well.
Q: Who is at the center of the excitement?
A, honestly, there are no players from last season who were really energizing the team right now, and although there aren't many voices trying to hype things up, even without players who boost the atmosphere, we are working in a good environment.
Q: I changed my jersey number to 4 starting this season.
A, I did not ask to change my jersey number myself; it was the strengthening department that suggested the single-digit number 4. I believe they evaluated my performance throughout the season and allowed me to wear a single-digit jersey number. However, playing soccer is not about the number on your back, and it doesn't improve your skills, but wearing a single-digit number has made me feel a stronger sense of responsibility to the team. In that sense, I want to express that and lead the team throughout this year.
Q: It seems that the competition for center-backs is becoming intense.
There is no guaranteed position for anyone, and especially in the center-back position, there are many good players, including young ones. In that sense, if anyone can consistently maintain a good condition throughout the year whenever they play, it will naturally lead to individual growth and also contribute to the team's results. In a positive way, we all want to keep appealing ourselves so much that the coach is always unsure about who to put on the field. I also want to secure my position by showcasing my strengths and not losing out to others.
Q: I believe that the build-up play from Kimoto as a center-back is important for the style of football that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is seeking.
A, the style of soccer required is to firmly maintain possession of the ball from the back and handle it carefully. I have many opportunities to make passes, and I think there will be many such situations this season as well, continuing from last season. Since the opponents analyzed us and we struggled in some areas last year, no matter the situation, if we can connect the play properly, the forward players can play more comfortably, leading to better attacks. I want to steadily improve my level.
