The camp has reached its 9th day, and the Okinawa Kunigami camp will conclude tomorrow. The relationships among the players have deepened through the camp, and a sense of unity can be felt from the atmosphere of the practice.
In today's training, we spent a lot of time confirming the quality of passes and the interactivity between players in both offense and defense.
The important build-up training aimed at the goal is one of the styles being developed by Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, along with the staff and players, during the camp period while making detailed confirmations. Movements such as dropping back towards the goal, breaking behind the opponent's defensive line, and receiving the ball are all being inputted into each player's body and mind on the pitch to ensure overall connectivity.
Of course, good defense leads to good offense, not just attacking. To win the ball in high positions, the defensive players control the forwards with precise coaching. There were many instances of hard work and transitions in both defense and offense, as well as strength in duels, reflecting the foundation that Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI has been demanding since last season.
After practice, we conducted an interview with number 8, Takahiro KO.
Q: The camp has reached its 9th day. As we continue with serious training, how do you perceive the team's impression once again?
As I had imagined even before joining Tokyo, the impression remains that the team is composed of players with high individual abilities. There are many outstanding players, and although it took a little time to get accustomed, there are many players who are easy to communicate with, and I myself make a conscious effort to communicate both on and off the pitch. I am able to spend fulfilling time here.
Q. Were there any moments of confusion due to the different tactics compared to Albirex Niigata?
A, of course there were, but the team and the coach are different, and the style of play expected from me is naturally different as well. I joined Tokyo with confidence in what I had built up so far, but there were many times when I couldn't adjust as I wanted. However, I believe that if I can't clearly meet the expectations here in Tokyo, I won't be able to elevate myself to a higher level. Every day, I enjoy playing while experimenting and learning, and since Tokyo has its own unique soccer style, I want to grow stronger and better while feeling my potential.
Q. Has the team's character become clear through communication on and off the pitch?
There are many veteran players and young players, but I felt there were few mid-career players. Since my position is a defensive midfielder, I try to keep an overall perspective.The young players started teasing me around the second day of camp (laughs).
Q. Finally, please tell us your enthusiasm for the opening match.
A, first of all, as a player who joined this season, I want to focus on getting used to Tokyo's team style and avoiding injuries. From here, practical training will continue, so while expressing my own style, I want to adjust well to the team's tactics. For the team's victory and for my own further growth, I want to make the remaining time of the camp a good experience.
