On the second day of the camp, we had a welcome ceremony with the officials from Kunigami Village, and we would like to share the details of that event.
After receiving encouraging words from the mayor of Kunigami Village, the team was represented by coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, who gave a greeting, and we received gifts from all the stakeholders.
The morning practice started after everyone finished the commemorative photo shoot.
Today marks the start of the two-a-day practice.
The players engaged in hard training, including circuit training, sprints, possession drills, and physical exercises, as well as ball-related activities, all at a high intensity.
In the afternoon, we worked on tactical drills, and training has begun to instill the style demanded by Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA into the team more than last season.
The camp has just begun. From now on, even more intense training will continue.
The players carefully stretched before practice to avoid injuries and also properly took care of themselves after practice.
Tomorrow, we will continue to form the team with two training sessions.
On the second day of camp, we conducted an interview with the newly joined Kei KOIZUMI.
Q: You participated in the announcement of the new structure, but did you feel a renewed sense of coming to Tokyo?
I met with the coaches, players, and staff of A Tokyo, wore the uniform, and felt both the excitement that it's finally starting and a sense of freshness.
Q: How was it to practice for the first time in front of fans and supporters at Kodaira Ground on the start date?
As it is the start day, I believe the fans and supporters in Tokyo were really looking forward to it, and they have high expectations for the team moving forward. The players will do their best to meet those expectations. By creating something beyond those expectations, I think the excitement will grow even more, so we players want to aim for that.
Q: The camp has started, but are there any players who have become friendly within the team?
A, having players of the same age is a big help, and I am grateful for their support. I am shy and not the type to start conversations easily, but since transferring here, I can't afford to be like that. I will be 28 years old this year, and since Tokyo has many young players, I think I will take on a mid-level role. I plan to actively talk with various players, not just about football. However, both much older and younger players have welcomed me warmly, and we are only filled with gratitude. I hope the team can come together as one.
Q: It's only the second day of camp, but how is your physical condition?
A, it has just begun, and both my personal physical condition and the team's tactics are still in the stage of building the foundation for this season's competition. We have practice matches coming up, and I want to make sure not to waste a single day.
Q: There were many scenes where we saw Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA talking right away.
A, the coach talked to us about positions and what is expected, and he also holds meetings separately for new players apart from those who experienced last season, which is very helpful.
Q: How do you perceive the style of football that the coach is seeking? I believe there were also tactical drills today.
A, I was able to grasp that the soccer we have been continuing since last season was built through this kind of practice. Since I came from another team, of course there are difficult things, but I am determined to get used to it as soon as possible, and when I don't understand something, I feel I have to ask or think about it on my own and keep moving forward.
Q: What kind of camp do you want to create?
A, my personal goal is to avoid injuries. This is my 10th professional season, and I deeply feel that injuries are the worst, so first and foremost, that is my goal. I want to keep the importance of that in mind, absorb Tokyo's style of football, and most importantly, spend good time with my teammates. Since the camp mostly involves two training sessions a day, I hope to give 100% effort to each training menu.
