TOKYOism

Please share your thoughts for this year, which will be the third year for each of you, as we head towards the start of the 2022 season.

Nakamura Player
With the appointment of Albert PUIG ORTONEDA as the new coach this season, the team's soccer style has changed from last season. I want to be involved in many games and contribute to scoring. In addition, I want to make this season a season where I focus on numbers, including assists.

Player Konno
Last season, I couldn't play due to injuries, so this season I want to fight without getting injured and continue playing throughout the season. In the process, I want to understand Coach Albert's soccer style with everyone and make it permeate through the team, and show good soccer to the fans and supporters.

Player Abe
I think all three of us will have a competitive season, so I want everyone to get results, and I also want to have visible results like goals and assists since I only had one assist last season. I want to make this season the one where I become a key player for the team.


How do you feel about the team's situation leading up to the start of the 2022 season?

Player Abe
There are parts where I can feel the sense of accomplishment in each position, where the demands and requirements from last season are significantly different. However, there are still areas that need improvement, and I think there will be more challenges once the season starts. In particular, I think playing as a side back is difficult.

Player Nakamura
Because my position and timing change depending on the opponent's formation, the challenges I face each time are different, and it's difficult to know how much of myself I should show (laughs). From now on, I want to gradually show more of myself and improve my understanding of tactics.

Player Konno
The side half has a clear role and has come to understand how to switch to defense as the game progresses. On the other hand, I think there are still some challenges in terms of improving the overall completion of the team.


What are you being asked by the coach?

Player Abe
The midfield is a very important position in terms of physical activity, and it is also demanded by the coach. I want to make the most of my strengths. At the same time, it is difficult to find the right position to participate in ball possession, but if I don't do it, the ball won't circulate. So, I think I am being asked to show my face and receive as many passes as possible.

Player Nakamura
Is it difficult to make a choice as a side back? You are asked to choose the less risky option between an easy choice and a difficult choice. From there, I hope to figure out how to get involved in the attack and demonstrate my strengths throughout the game.

Player Konno
Players on the attack are particularly required to have a strong dribbling ability, defensive pressure, and ability to break through the defense. Since there is a clear message in common, I want to improve on that as an individual.


Do you have anything in mind that you are conscious of as a graduate of the same year?

Player Abe
I think all three of them are approaching soccer with a high level of consciousness. They are the kind of presence that makes me realize that I have to do the same, as they are the first ones to come and stretch and prepare before training. But it's not just because we are in the same year (laughs).
During college, myself and Kon-chan (Kazuya KONNO) participated in the same camp and received offers at the same time, so we talked about "let's work hard together", but Hota suddenly decided, right?

Player Nakamura
I wonder if he signed the contract before the practice match without participating in any practice. I guess Shuuto didn't know either.

Player Abe
It was during the time when I was practicing in Koda for a while, and even though we went to the same university, I only found out when Hota came to practice in Koda for the first time (laughs).


How do you feel about the enthusiasm towards the start of the 2022 season?

Player Abe
I want to show the new FC Tokyo while attracting attention because the opening game of the 2022 season is Tama River Clasico. Of course, our goal is to get 3 points, so we want to start with a victory.

Player Nakamura
I want to contribute to the team's victory by giving 100% in whatever role I am in, whether I am playing in the game or not.

Player Konno
I want to fulfill my role 100% and contribute to the team's victory, and since we have five consecutive games from the weekend to Wednesday, I want to fight together as a team.



Discussion Date: February 16, 2022