To win seriously, enjoy the challenges──. Such a major theme has emerged.
This season, the team started activities on January 5th, spent about a week at Kodaira Ground, and then flew to a southern region. After completing a 13-day camp in Itoman, Okinawa, they returned to Tokyo, and Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI summarized, "We were able to strongly express what we are trying to work on."
The most notable aspect of the camp, aimed at clarifying the style of the coach in his second season in charge, was the significant amount of time dedicated to build-up training.
"When it comes to how to convey it, the situation keeps changing rapidly as the ball moves. If it's organized too much, it becomes too patterned. If the opponent analyzes that, the next move will be necessary, so I presented a few options."
We have been focusing on the way to move the ball, positioning, and the movement of the third player, making sure to align our gaze even at the outlet of the connection against the opponent's high press, presenting detailed intentions and aims in each practice. The coach said, "It seems like we are focusing on the build-up, but I actually think it's about what comes after that," and added the following.
"It is important to figure out how to approach the back of the opponent coming to take the ball and build a relationship. No matter how much you break away from behind, it won't lead to a goal. I believe it is about how well you can create a good combination after breaking away."
The time spent on build-up was ultimately a preliminary step to figuring out how to shake the goal net beyond that. On the other hand, training in situations with a numerical advantage in front of the goal still left some issues. Overcoming the challenge of "high expected goals but not resulting in goals" from last season has just begun.
"Even in advantageous situations, we can't score. We can't make good choices. Whether the ball holder moves the opponent or how to detach the opponent off the ball. I believe we need to communicate these fine details. For example, how to make the opponent's body orientation difficult is important not only in timing but also in the dribbling course and changes in speed. There are many moments when you can simply take the opponent's back just by timing, but we need to refine those aspects as well. We need to improve what we do when we reach that attacking third even more. I believe that unless we overcome this barrier, we won't become a top team."
This camp became a large group including trainees, but all players went through almost the same training menu. While sticking to the "Matsuhashi style," one of the features was that individual training menus tailored to each player were also created. During this time, practical training sessions were held almost every day, and the combinations changed daily according to performance. Over these 13 days, it was discovered that young players showed lively play to secure their regular positions, while veterans countered with their seasoned depth, not willing to be outdone.
"Not only did each player perform, but some players' expressions changed. It didn't feel like the usual atmosphere. When I talked with those players, their desire to win was strong, and their feelings toward each training session were reflected in their expressions. Regarding the change in positions, there was no sense of not understanding or being unable to do it. Since they are specialists, position is important, but you never know where things might roll. There might be discoveries to be made while enjoying that. After all, if you don't find it interesting, you won't notice what's right in front of you. Just like encounters between people, it's not by chance; you will definitely meet the people you are meant to meet. Without that mindset, it's hard to notice such opportunities. I believe the same applies to football—it is important to link things not to chance but to inevitability."
Mindset is essential for problem-solving. In this camp, principles for cross support and high pressing were also presented in detail. It is important not only to follow these detailed instructions for offense and defense but also to understand the background behind them. Naturally, difficulties and errors will arise. The key is whether you can even enjoy those challenges.
"Simply put, I want the players to enjoy playing more. To love soccer, have a bit more talent than others, and be able to make a living in this world. I think that rarely happens. If they don't take on challenges, nothing will be interesting. I believe they have had opportunities to hear words from past successful examples and great players, or to imitate them. Even at the team level, there may be precedents of teams that succeed. However, the important thing is that it's not just about those things."
With that, Coach Matsuhashi cited the Manchester Derby he watched on TV during this camp as an example. It was the first match after the change of manager, where Manchester United secured a 2-0 victory against their archrivals Manchester City. There might be an answer in United's response when they were pushed to the brink.
"United changed their manager, but the players remained the same. However, the football completely transformed. It wasn't because there were players who could do something special, but rather it was like a United that resembled City. I don't know why that mindset changed. There might be intricate tactics, but to me, it looked like the players who were expected to perform were challenging themselves and enjoying it. The change of manager was a significant event, but in that moment, what they were doing showed a change that made me believe it will be refined even more going forward. If talented players, who are a bit better than others and can survive in this world, stop enjoying football, I think that would be a waste. And I believe reason will follow from there."
After establishing a clear course of action, demands between players and staff are essential to move the team forward. It is not that there were few opportunities for discussion. However, Coach Matsuhashi said, "There could be more of such demands," and pointed this out.
"This is something that must be demanded even among the players. After the intense training in this schedule, each of them might have felt a sense of accomplishment. However, upon closer observation, the lack of accuracy was quite evident. If the final pass is not delivered properly with the required strength and speed, it will not lead to the final goal. We must accept the pointed-out issues and connect them to how we play going forward."
Attention to detail can be pursued even further. It is inevitable that phrases like "not yet" and "more and more" will increase among the players. The composed commander said, "That's normal."
And during the camp, the phrase unanimously voiced by players and staff was "championship." The 2025 season was one where many obstacles were overcome, but also a season filled with many frustrations. It is precisely because they have reflected deeply on this that they sincerely want to turn boos into cheers and tears into smiles.
"Building on victories brings confidence and motivation. Even in tough situations, we must have the strength to keep those qualities intact. Winning is a great help in uniting individuals and the organization as a whole. However, it's not just about winning at any cost. We aim to fully express our style and what we are trying to achieve while pursuing that goal. Although the outcome cannot be controlled, daily efforts are crucial for us to be worthy of victory. I believe we are living those days well, and connecting that to points is my most important job. Saying the content was good but we didn't win is no different from last season. I understand it's difficult. I think it's important to ride the wave with both victories and good performances."
Less than two weeks remain until the kickoff of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League. It depends on whether each individual can spend their days striving to win and become champions. Rikizo Tokyo will never take the easy way out and chooses to embrace challenges. Those 13 days conveyed that spirit.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
