On the 7th day of camp, practice was held amidst occasional heavy rain.
Takuya AOKI and Kanta DOI have joined the team, and it won't be long until all players registered for the 2023 season are together.
A week has passed since arriving at the Okinawa camp, and the new players have blended into the team, with many scenes of smiling communication observed during practice.
In the morning practice, we conducted running drills and passing work, followed by a positional game. There is a noticeable improvement in the smoothness of ball movement compared to last season, and we are able to move the ball quickly with fewer touches.
Despite the rain, many spectators visited the stands.
From noon, Seiji KIMURA and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA held a group interview.
It is scheduled to be posted in the FANZONE.
The afternoon practice starts with physical conditioning training.
After practicing finishing, we are using half the court and conducting possession drills, changing the number of players in different areas such as the sides and in front of the goal, to deepen our understanding of the style of football that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA demands.
On the 7th day of camp, we conducted an interview with the newly joined Shuhei TOKUMOTO.
Q: I believe many media outlets, including those from the local Okinawa, have been coming since the start of the camp. How has that been?
A, it is a happy thing, and I want to express myself in a way that can quickly meet those expectations on the pitch.
Q: Have you ever visited Kunigami Village?
A, this is my first time at this ground, and I had only been to Motobu Town, just south of Kunigami, so it has been about 12 years since I last visited Kunigami itself.
Q: What were your thoughts before joining Tokyo?
In Tokyo, there is an absolute side back for the Japan national team, so the image of Tokyo has always been associated with side backs since my time in Ryukyu. I believe that if I listen carefully to the coach and staff, I can get closer to that presence, so I want to move forward without fear.
Q: I feel that communication with the players is quite good, and I think it's one of Tokumoto's characteristics. Is there anything you are consciously aware of?
A, I am not consciously aware of it, but I value listening to others more than speaking myself when communicating. I am always smiling, and I believe that helps me fit smoothly into the team.
Q: Is there anything you ask the coach or the staff, or something you are consciously aware of?
A, I have not yet fully understood the tactical aspects, so I actively ask questions whenever something comes up.
Q: What is being asked of player Tokumoto by the coach and the team?
During practice, we are given very detailed instructions about positioning and such, so we are told to firmly adhere to that while also bringing out our own strengths.
Q: How is your physical condition?
A, it’s nicely intense. I think it’s a good kind of tiredness.
Q: Have you been able to improve your condition? Are you making adjustments while thinking about something?
A, I am now fully committed to the menu prepared by the team, training my body to remember it and be able to move.
Q: Have you come to understand the style of football that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is seeking?
A, well, gradually, I have come to understand.
Q: Yesterday's practice match was our first real game.
A, I think we were able to grasp the unique characteristics of each individual, so it turned out to be a very good match.
Q: What kind of things did you imagine when entering the match?
A, I was especially conscious of positioning, and although it was tough, I made sure to run forward without forgetting, so it went well.
Q: Did you find any issues throughout the match?
There were many opportunities to show my face to the ball holder, so I want to work harder from now on to improve that aspect and run more.
Q: There will be more practical formats in the future.
A, while communicating during the match, I want everyone to understand the characteristics of my play. In this camp, I want to express myself, and I will work on this in the remaining practice matches.
Q: What are you aiming for through this camp?
A, I want to reach about 90 percent of my condition during the Okinawa camp, and I hope to communicate with everyone and boost the team's spirit.
Q: Please tell us your goals for this season.
A, we are the champions. Before focusing on my own goals and assists, I want to prioritize the team's victory and dedicate myself to the upcoming matches and training.
