1/29Training
On the morning of the fifth day of the Okinawa Itoman camp, we worked up a sweat at the Itoman Nishizaki Athletic Stadium, and in the afternoon, we did strength training at the training gym.
This is the 18th day since the first camp. Amidst the players' growing fatigue, there were unusual moments during this camp where the timing was off in game-like training, resulting in consecutive passing errors.
At the end of the morning's full practice, a circle was formed, and in the center, coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI asked the players for precision and timing in their passes. He also mentioned that "time is needed" to synchronize timing.
With only a little time left in the camp and some fatigue, the coach positioned it as a "critical moment" and mentioned that it is necessary to have strict demands on each other when mistakes continue.
FOCUS ON
The official photographer selects camp photos in the project "FOCUS ON." On the fifth day of the Okinawa Itoman camp, a two-shot of Mitsuru SATO, who has newly donned the blue and red, and Teppei OKA, his childhood friend, was chosen. They became teammates at Buddy SC Setagaya in elementary school and reunited at Meiji University. And now, they have once again put on the same uniform in Tokyo. As buddies, they are sure to support each other in blue and red from now on.
CAMP VOICE vol.15 Player Kei Sato
On the first day of joining, player Sato Kei-in adjusted with a different menu. After practice, he not only rekindled old friendships with players from Meiji University and those he fought alongside in the youth national team, but he was also seen conversing with many other players. With his natural high communication skills, he quickly blended into the team. Furthermore, an online group interview was conducted, and he responded to each question from the reporters with a smile.
Q: Please tell us about the circumstances that led to your decision to transfer to Tokyo.
A, originally, I still had a contract with SV Werder Bremen for another six months. I had the feeling of wanting to see it through there, but after the milestone winter break ended and the season started, I received an offer from Tokyo. After considering which would be the better choice for my career, I decided to come to Tokyo.
Q: What words moved your heart?
A, when I received the offer from the club, I heard that the club aims to win the J1 League championship. Since it is a club from my hometown, Tokyo, I felt a strong desire to achieve the league championship at all costs.
Q: Many players, including Yuto NAGATOMO, are from Meiji University.
Among seniors, peers, and juniors from Meiji University, Nagatomo-san is a particularly experienced player, so although we haven't had deep conversations, I want to absorb various things from here and internalize them.
Q: Please tell us your impression of the fans and supporters in Tokyo.
A, when I was in Germany, I often saw the phrase "Tokyo is passionate" on social media. This applies to the players as well as the fans and supporters who seem to be backing the players. I have also seen footage of enthusiastic cheering at the stadium. I feel that they are a source of strength at the stadium.
Q: You must have had various experiences during your one and a half years living in Germany. How do you reflect on that now?
A, My challenge in Germany was personally in a tough environment, so I think there were many difficult times. I was in an environment where there were plenty of players taller than me, physically strong players, and fast players. I believe I grew by competing with those kinds of players in terms of physicality and my own strengths. In addition to that, I think my mindset and skills have also improved, so I want to contribute good things back to this team.
Q: Have you ever faced obstacles?
A, I have faced obstacles before. I believe I am who I am today because I overcame them. I want to use that hardship as fuel to thrive in Tokyo.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
