Masato MORISHIGE, who finished his 14th season in Tokyo with a double-digit ranking for the first time in six seasons, concluded with, "I only feel a sense of crisis." Having spent half of his life as a professional soccer player, the end of his career is also coming into view. The team's longest-serving player even says, "I don't care what anyone says or thinks." In his summary of the 2023 season, the captain in blue and red expressed words that resembled a painful cry. There lies a strong will to "win."
It was not clear what we aimed for and what kind of soccer we would play
Q, first of all, please share your honest thoughts looking back on this season.
A, it was a tough season. That is my honest impression right now.
Q. You seemed to have a good time during the pre-season camp, but since then, the matches have been somewhat unstable. What was your impression of the start?
Including the camp, we had a good sense of progress. The overall team atmosphere was positive, and with Albert PUIG ORTONEDA entering his second season as head coach, we approached the opening match with the mindset of "Alright, this is the season." We were able to secure a victory against Urawa Reds, but we dropped points in the following matches against Kashiwa Reysol and Kyoto SANGA F.C. I thought we would gain momentum after beating Urawa, but there was a bit of a stumble. A strong start is crucial, and not being able to secure wins early on was significant. After the first three matches, with a record of 1 win, 1 loss, and 1 draw, I believe this reflected our true ability and what to expect this season.
Q. From there, we entered Golden Week and continued a losing streak, leading up to the Tamagawa Clasico against Kawasaki Frontale at Japan National Stadium.
Winning against Kawasaki was, in a way, a result typical of Tokyo. It was like a festival; when everyone's motivation is high, we can win. In special games like the opening match or at the National Stadium, we unite our feelings and achieve results. Winning against Kawasaki there certainly boosted our confidence. However, when looking at the content, the reason for the victory was not that our soccer was refined and reached a high level of completion. Rather than a sense of accomplishment, it was the strength of feelings like a sense of crisis and motivation, a momentary determination, that led to the win. It did not feel like we earned points because our soccer had matured.
Q: You couldn't use the victory in the Tamagawa Clasico as a turning point, and after that, you had 1 draw and 3 losses before the coach was replaced. What were your thoughts during that time, Morishige?
A, the part of connecting the ball that we worked on over one and a half seasons gradually became limited to safe decisions out of fear of risk. For example, simply connecting the ball around the perimeter made it easier for the opponents to defend. There was no breakthrough from there, and it inevitably relied on individual efforts. Although ideas like using the center or sometimes simply kicking the ball were emerging, things gradually became inconsistent, and the team was not unified on what exactly to do, resulting in poor outcomes. I think it was unclear what we aimed for and what kind of football we wanted to play.
Quality and ideas are needed to score goals
Q. After welcoming head coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, the early part of the second half of the season showed signs of gradual upward growth. During that time, what was going well and where did you feel uncertainties?
A, after the decision to change the head coach, Head Coach Takayoshi AMMA clearly defined what needed to be done in the first match. I believe we were able to thoroughly review the fundamental aspects of soccer that we had not been able to execute properly. Because of that, we were able to win against Kyoto in the Levain Cup group stage. From there, with the change to Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, we adopted an attacking style of soccer and continued to engage in high-intensity training. While seeking to utilize that intensity in our play, it was important to accumulate points first. Rather than aiming for ideals, in the early part of the second half of the season, we aimed for soccer that could reliably win, working more faithfully to the basics and valuing the essence of the game.
Q. The team seemed to have gained momentum by accumulating points, but there has been a winless streak of 4 matches since Sec. 24 against Yokohama F.Marinos in the J1 League. What do you think were the reasons for not being able to secure close matches against the top teams?
One reason might be that there is no breakthrough strategy. Until then, we were able to overwhelm the opponent with high line and high press play intensity, but against a higher-level opponent or one that defends by pulling back, we need one or two different ideas and attacking approaches from different angles. We lacked options, and I believe that difference affected the loss of points.
Q, I think that has been an issue since the 2022 season.
A, in the second half of the season, we focused on overwhelming the opponent through intensity and quick transitions between offense and defense. Even when trying to play offensively, it felt like we still had few attacking methods and patterns. Although we advocate for attacking soccer, I believe we are currently struggling to improve ourselves. From there, players with the quality and ideas to score goals need to emerge even more.
Q. This season, Diego OLIVEIRA has regained his form and scored 15 goals. However, there was a significant gap in the number of goals compared to the next highest scorer.
A, I think we are starting to develop a common understanding, such as which areas the team aims to take and where to send the ball when the opponent approaches in a certain way. From there, it's about increasing the reproducibility and the number of opportunities we create. We need to work more on that, but ideas are essential for the attack. I hope someone with such ideas will emerge to lead the attack.
It's just right for young players to be noisy
Q, I believe that team maturity is essential for that. I think that without conviction, the team cannot make use of ideas, as it is not just improvisation or mere inspiration.
There may be parts where the players themselves need to think a little more. Overall, it seems too passive, and there are certain players who are consistently voicing their opinions on what they want to do. It is important to share observations from each position and align opinions to create something good. I, along with Yuto NAGATOMO, who is in the final line, communicate what we see from the back. However, there is an impression that the communication ends up being one-directional, with responses like, 'I see, we have to do that.'
Q, is this part of the issues that Tokyo has been facing?
A, that's not the case. For example, let's say there is a situation where it looks like this from behind. However, while the defense side says so, the offense or midfield might say that's impossible or have a different opinion. If that is not communicated, it will never be possible to reconcile the views. When playing as a team, communication is essential. To shine and to play better, there must be many things you absolutely believe in. Instead of keeping those silent, by sharing opinions with each other, new discoveries are made and understanding deepens.
If you only do what you are told quietly, you won't become a team. You have to speak up. Of course, each player has their own character. Even without saying it, players who can execute will demand it from the beginning, like Kuryu MATSUKI. They naturally move those around them to make things easier for themselves. To speak without fear of misunderstanding, if you avoid being disliked or avoid exchanging opinions, the conversation won't progress. I believe that only after that can we begin the next stage of alignment and unification of intentions.
Q. During the season, you were often seen telling mid-level and young players to speak up more and giving them advice.
A, it's just right for young players to be noisy. Unless they lead the team, the team won't get energized. I think it's strange that we keep playing in matches forever. For better or worse, Tokyo has many serious players. There have never been any sharp players since long ago, and I think they might be too quiet.
Q. When Morishige, who used to play silently in his youth, started thinking and exchanging ideas, it shows that even if it takes time, unless players begin to speak up, continuous strength in the future cannot be achieved.
For example, player Nagatomo is someone to be respected. However, respect and being overly cautious during the game to cover things up are different. To improve, you have to make demands. If as a result things get worse and you can't play well, football isn't fun. I think it's absolutely fine if you demand from those around you as you want to, and lead the attack. Without that, if everything is just reaction, nothing will come of it. Balancing things is our job, so young players are free to do as they please. It's okay to cause trouble for the team, play as you think, keep challenging, make mistakes, and unless you're overdoing it, I actually find it difficult otherwise.
Q. When Morishige and Nagatomo were young, they seemed to play on the pitch as they pleased. I remember the veterans having to clean up after them with a wry smile, even if it meant arguing with their seniors.
A, that's precisely why it's unthinkable. Playing without saying anything isn't fun, right? In moments like this, you must be thinking, "It would be better if you did this," or "It would be better if you passed me the ball." You definitely have those thoughts. You have to demand things from each other, like "Why aren't you facing forward?" or "Face forward and pass it here." Of course, if everyone does whatever they want, you can't win, but for example, if Matsuki starts doing that, others will resonate and respond, creating an atmosphere where if you want to play this way, we'll support you more. By demanding each thing, good soccer is built.
I want to win in Tokyo
Q: Unfortunately, Morishige's own consecutive goal streak ended this season, but we were able to finish with a win in the final match against Shonan Bellmare.
A, I don't care about records at all, and there's nothing to gain from them (laughs). We were able to finish with a win in the end, but we need to calmly reflect on this season and analyze it thoroughly. Looking ahead to next season, I only feel a sense of urgency. Honestly, I haven't gained much confidence from this season's outcome. At this rate, I can't imagine a bright future waiting for us. Each season is a challenge, and I know that if one cog fits, the team can do well. I want to keep struggling while maintaining a sense of urgency.
Q. How should this team change for the next season?
A, it is important for the team to be driven mainly by mid-level players. Within that, since we advocate an aggressive playing style, everyone must come up with ideas and build it up together in the finer details and situations. With that style, once we have decided with determination to aim for victory regardless of the outcome, we have no choice but to carry it out.
Q: Since you spoke harsh words at the final home game, I think you will also be under strict scrutiny yourself.
A, I said that with full determination, and I put it into words also to put pressure on myself. Now, as a team, we must have a greater sense of urgency. Each individual needs to take responsibility and stand on the pitch as a key player for Tokyo. I don't mind what is said about me. I am waiting for as many young players as possible to resonate with this. If anyone wants to criticize someone, they can criticize me for saying, "I want you to play the way you think." That is why I want the young players to become the core of the team without fear.
I want to win in Tokyo.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
