1/22 Training
On the 11th day of the Okinawa Itoman camp, the team worked up a sweat with two training sessions in the morning and afternoon. In the morning, a closed full-team practice was held at Nishizaki Athletic Stadium, and in the afternoon, training was conducted in separate groups.
The morning practice mainly focused on defensive training. During the cross defense training, which is one of the challenges carried over from last season, the principles were reaffirmed. In the subsequent game-like practice, which also served to review build-up play, players communicated with each other and adjusted their positioning.
And in the afternoon of this day as well, each player worked on a menu tailored to them, concluding the training on the 22nd.
CAMP VOICE vol.5 Alexander SCHOLZ
Q. In the 2026 season, we started together with the team from the launch.
A, I feel that being able to start together with everyone is an advantage. Since there are new players joining, I think there are things we need to challenge just like in the 2025 season. I believe that taking time like this during the camp to build up the team is a good thing for making the team better.
Q, New player Hayato Inamura said he wants to learn a lot from player Scholz.
A, I think he is a player whose playing style is similar to mine. I believe he is a player who likes to play with the ball in the same way, is left-handed, can dribble and pass, and can also switch sides. Maybe I have more to learn from Masato MORISHIGE than he does from me (laughs).
Q. I think we are having good competition this season as well.
A, each player has their own characteristics and qualities, and I think it is a good thing for Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI to be able to choose players from different qualities. The important thing is that everyone can maintain a high level, and so far in training, everyone has been able to play fresh without any injuries. I believe they are able to support each other.
Q. How do you feel about the buildup process, to which you have devoted so much time so far?
A, this is a difficult question to answer clearly. I believe that increasing possession was a plan the club has been aiming for since last season. However, I also think it is necessary to change that approach when things are not going well in matches. Last season, we repeated similar mistakes and conceded many avoidable goals. For example, in the practice match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, we tried to keep possession but it didn’t go well, and we couldn’t find a different way. However, I think the vertical attacking mindset is a characteristic of Tokyo, so I hope we can maintain that without losing it.
Q. What areas do you want to focus on during the remaining time until the league starts?
A, if each player can be conscious of maintaining their best condition, I believe there will be no excuses. The coaching staff has done a really good job managing the training load during the camp. This has given each player the opportunity to build their body. Personally, I want to push my physical level as close to the limit as possible. At the same time, if the quality comes together, a good rhythm will be created as a team, and I believe the chances of winning the league opening match will increase.
Q. The team aims to win the championship.
A, as I mentioned in a previous interview, out of the 20 teams, how many are aiming for the championship? It's not just about those words, but the performance and actions behind them that matter. I want to support this team myself and see how far we can go.
FOCUS ON - Today's Highlight -
'FOCUS ON' selects photos taken by the official photographer on the day. Today, we have chosen a shot capturing Masato MORISHIGE, who is taking on his 21st professional season.
Without looking back on the path we have walked, our attitude of facing the present remains unchanged this season. We warmly welcome the challenges from the eager juniors and say with a smile.
"I'm even more fired up than that."
The man who was always a challenger continues to leave a trail of hope in the distant, distant fading "Morige Line."
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
