July 24 Training Report
On the 11th day of the Hokkaido Shiraoi Camp, training was held behind closed doors.
On this day, we warmed up and got our bodies moving with passing drills, then spent time on shooting practice from free passes and reviewing set plays.
Tomorrow is the final day of the summer camp held for the first time on the northern land. The new players have been fitting in well with the team, and in practical training, there have been increasing moments showing good coordination with the existing players.
After concluding the camp and returning to Tokyo, an international friendly match against Borussia Dortmund, a world-renowned club belonging to Germany's Bundesliga, is scheduled for August 1 at MUFG Stadium. As the opening match of the 2026/27 season against FC Machida Zelvia approaches, anticipation is growing.
CAMP VOICE vol.12 Hayate TANAKA Player
Q: The camp is almost over.
A: As a team, I think we gained a lot of confidence from the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League. I feel that we have been able to brush that up and make it even better.
Q: In defense, we have also been working systematically to refine the details.
A: I think one of our themes is preparing our defense on the premise that we hold the ball and control the game more. I believe we were able to demonstrate that in the practice matches. However, throughout the season, there will inevitably be periods when the opponent dominates. Even in such matches, we must be able to earn points. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also mentioned that there may be times when we have to give up the ball, contrary to what we want to do. We aim to become a team that can pick up points even in difficult matches. I believe this will remain important after the season opener as well.
Q: Personally, I have kept a clean sheet in the training matches during this camp.
A, While it is important to produce results in terms of numbers, I want to continue with a strong mindset on both the content and the results.
Q: From here, how do you want to make an impression during the preseason period leading up to the opening match?
A: I have no intention of spending my time like in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League. I believe it’s simply about expressing myself properly both in each day’s training and on the official match pitch.
CAMP VOICE vol.13 Motoki NAGAKURA Player
Q, the camp is almost over, but please look back on it.
A: I view positively that I have returned from injury and have been able to participate in all the training sessions. Now, I just need to improve my condition heading into the season opener.
Q: This season, with the addition of player Nikolai Valis, there is also new competition.
A, such competition occurs every season without fail, so first of all, I want to compete firmly within the team to be able to win that competition.
Q: Do you have any goals for this season?
A, My goal is to play in every match throughout the season.
Q: This season, the team has set the goal of winning the league. How do you feel about your chances?
A, it is still the preparation period, so there are things we don't fully understand yet. However, with just two weeks left until it finally begins, we want to make sure the team prepares well to complete everything during this time.
Q: During this camp, a lot of time was devoted to training on breaking down from the sides and crossing the ball.
A, When the attack stagnates, various variations become necessary. I think we have been training those aspects, so I want to make sure we can put them into practice during matches as well.
Q: You have been thoroughly training defense through repetition.
A: Winning the ball in defense and launching a counterattack is one of our strengths, so we want to make sure our defense is solid in order to effectively execute those counters.
Q: In the practice match against Nagoya Grampus, there were moments when you successfully rotated with your teammates to avoid the opponent's almost man-to-man defense.
A, For example, player Varis can receive the ball at his feet and also break through behind the defense, so I was conscious of not overlapping positions there. I also played while considering that the distance between us should not become too far. Although it was our first match together, I think it was good that we were able to play well while interacting with players like Shion Honma, Keito Sato, and other different teammates.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming season opener.
A: I want to properly raise my condition so that I can play in the opening match, and in addition, I want to contribute to the team winning the league championship.
FOCUS ON – Photo of the Day –
'FOCUS ON' selects one photo taken by the official photographer.
On the 11th day of camp, we selected Masato MORISHIGE, the oldest and most veteran member of the team.
The seasoned defender, who has appeared in a total of 513 J1 League matches, will reach the milestone age of 40 next May, but with passion, he declared as he heads into the opening of his 21st professional season.
"I will show the greatest Masato MORISHIGE ever."
