1/24 Training
The final day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp included set-piece practice at Kaigin Field Kunigami. In the afternoon, the team moved to the secondary training camp, and starting from the 25th, they will begin the Okinawa Itoman camp.
After the practice on this day, following the conclusion of the first training camp, Yuto NAGATOMO and Masato MORISHIGE shouted, "We're not done yet!" Next to them, Teruhito NAKAGAWA calmly interjected, "It feels like the camp is already over, but we still have more than a week left." The two older players, putting on a brave face, sighed and could only manage a wry smile, saying, "That's true."
As we have seen an increase in menus designed for official matches, we are finally entering the second camp. From here, we will incorporate actual combat as we prepare for the opening, repeating trial and error to refine the team.
FOCUS ON
The official photographer's selected camp photo project "FOCUS ON." On the final day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp, a shot capturing Koki TSUKAGAWA running with splashes was selected. During this camp, head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI conveyed the importance of taking initiative. In that context, without anyone telling him to do so, TSUKAGAWA took the initiative to think and act both on and off the pitch. I have seen him multiple times during the first camp cleaning up the grass that fell beside the air shoe cleaner that everyone uses. TSUKAGAWA struggled with injuries last season, but he successfully completed all the activities of the first camp. Starting from the 25th, he will begin the Okinawa Itoman camp with the team.
CAMP VOICE vol.11 Takahiro KO
Takahiro KO, who knows well about Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the coach from his time at Albirex Niigata, feels nostalgic but is also tightening his resolve as he sees a new side of the commander. As he enters his second season, he expressed his desire to "exhibit an even more overwhelming presence" and shared his reflections on the first training camp and his enthusiasm for the second training camp.
Q: The Okinawa Kunigami camp has reached its final day, but what kind of first camp has it been?
A, with a new coach in place, the new team has been formed. Everyone is training with a fresh mindset and a positive atmosphere. I believe we are having a very good camp.
Q: Coach Matsuhashi has emphasized the importance of mindset while demonstrating a commitment to each individual play. In recent days, there has been an increase in training sessions that allow for a clearer overall picture.
A, having done Coach Matsuhashi's training up to this point, I personally felt a sense of nostalgia. The stories he conveyed to the players were things I had heard before. There were moments that resonated with me again, and the talks about "who you are" and "acting on instinct" were also convincing stories from my time at Albirex Niigata. Personally, I want to express myself more and more. Even during practice, I believe every player senses these things and approaches them individually. I think this also leads to improving the quality of the training.
Q: Indeed, it is evident that each player is trying to take initiative in their efforts.
A, I believe that is definitely there. I also feel that the quality of training has improved, including warm-ups and passing & control drills. There is a sense that each training session is connected. We were able to work on improving individual condition and intensity during the first camp, so from here, I hope we can deepen our shared image to compete as a team.
Q: Coach Matsuhashi also mentioned that he is trying to take on a new challenge.
A, I think Albirex Niigata is trying to take on challenges they have never attempted before. They said, "Considering the strengths of Tokyo's players, it's good to have such new challenges." I believe Tokyo's strengths lie in winning the ball high up the pitch and launching short counters and fast-paced attacks from there. This is something I personally felt while playing for Tokyo last season. No matter the position or situation, we want to play offensively, so we also want to actively take on challenges.
Q: There is a saying that stagnation is regression, but perhaps Coach Matsuhashi is also trying to surpass his current self.
A, that may indeed be the case. I have heard Coach Matsuhashi use that phrase during his time in Niigata as well. I believe there is an intention to improve and reach higher levels. We just need to respond firmly to that.
Q: What are you thinking about in order to surpass your current self?
A, I want to show an overwhelming presence. I joined from last season and played in many matches, but I want to achieve better individual statistics. I want to become a player who is thought of as "The team wins because Yang is here. He is indispensable." However, there are very excellent competitors, so if I can show such a presence, I believe a new world will open up for me. While raising my own hurdles, I want to become a player who can do more in both offense and defense.
Q: The second camp is starting. What kind of time do you want to have?
A. I think there will be more practice in match formats, starting with sharing the team's image, so I want to coordinate as a whole. While focusing on that, I also want to improve game stamina and intensity.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
