TOKYOism

-- Please share your thoughts as we head into the opening of the 2022 season, which marks the third year for each of you.

Player Nakamura
This season, with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA taking charge and a new system in place, the team's soccer style has changed from last season. I want to be more involved in the matches and contribute to scoring. On top of that, I want to focus on the numbers, including assists, and make this a season to remember.

Kono Player
Last season, I had a period where I couldn't play due to injury, so this season I want to continue fighting throughout the season without getting injured. In that process, I want everyone to understand Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's soccer style, integrate it into the team, and show good soccer to the fans and supporters.

Abe
I think it will be a competitive season for all three of us, so everyone wants results. Personally, I only managed one assist last season, so I want to leave visible results in terms of goals and assists and make this season one where I become a key player for the team.


-- How do you feel about the team's situation heading into the 2022 season opener?

Player Abe
There are aspects where I feel a sense of achievement in the differences in what is required from and to those around me in each position compared to last season, but there are still areas that need improvement, and I think various challenges will arise once the season actually starts. I believe the full-back position will be particularly difficult.

Nakamura
The positioning and timing change depending on the opponent's formation, so the challenges that arise each time are different, and I'm not sure how much I can express myself. (chuckles) From now on, I want to gradually express myself while enhancing my tactical understanding.

Kono Player
The role of a side half is clear, and as the matches progress, I have come to understand how to switch on the defense. On the other hand, in terms of improving the overall completeness of the team, I think there are still some challenges remaining.


-- What is expected of you by the coach?

Abe
The midfield is a position where physical activity is very important, and the coach expects a lot from us. Since it's also one of my strengths, I want to make the most of it. At the same time, the positioning for participating in ball possession is difficult, but if I don't do it, the ball won't circulate, so I think what is required is how much I can show my face to receive passes there.

Player Nakamura
As a side back, it's about making difficult choices, isn't it? When there are easy options and difficult options, we are expected to choose the easier option with less risk. From there, I hope to show how I can get involved in the attack and demonstrate my strengths throughout the matches to come.

Konno
For attacking players, dribbling initiation, defensive intensity, and making runs behind the defense are particularly required. There is a clear common message, so I want to enhance that as an individual.


-- Is there anything you are conscious of as a fellow university graduate from the same year?

Player Abe
I think all three of them are approaching soccer with a high level of awareness. They come the earliest before training to stretch and prepare, which makes me realize that I need to do the same, but it's not just because they are my peers (laughs).
When we were in college, Kazuya KONNO and I participated in the same camp and received offers at the same time, so we talked about "Let's do our best together," but Hodaka's decision was sudden, right?

Player Nakamura
I wonder if he signed the contract and participated in the practice match without attending any practice. Hito also didn't know, right?

Player Abe
Since I had been participating in practice in Kodaira for a while, I found out when Hodaka came to practice in Kodaira for the first time, even though we are from the same university (laughs).


――What are your thoughts on the enthusiasm for the start of the 2022 season?

Abe
The opening match of the 2022 season is the Tamagawa Classico, so I want to show a new FC Tokyo while attracting attention. Of course, the goal is to earn 3 points, so I want to achieve victory and make a good start.

Player Nakamura
I will do 100% of what I can do from my position, so regardless of whether I am on the field or not, I want to fight for the team and contribute to victory.

Kono Player
I want to fulfill my role 100% and contribute to the team's victory, and since we have five consecutive matches starting from this weekend to Wednesday, I want us to fight as one team.



Discussion Date: February 16, 2022