Departing from Kodaira Ground early in the morning, heading from Haneda Airport to Naha Airport. Tokyo is starting camp right away from the second day of activities.
After a two and a half hour bus ride from Naha City, the players moved to Kunigami Village. They were welcomed by many accommodation staff and entered the rooms where they will spend about two weeks.
Upon arrival, I quickly put on the new training gear and prepared for the afternoon practice.
The players are also approaching practice with good expressions.
Today, considering the fatigue from travel, we moved our bodies with a lighter menu.
Starting tomorrow, the full-scale second training sessions will begin. From here until the season opener, the entire team will work hard in training and come together as one group.
On the first day of camp, we conducted an interview with Yasuki KIMOTO.
Q: What did you focus on during the practice on the first day of camp?
Since there was travel, I focused on properly getting my body ready and being in good condition for practice starting tomorrow.
Q: How is the team's atmosphere?
A, there is really a good atmosphere continuing from last season, and I think everyone, including new players and young players, is able to train in the same direction.
Q: New players have joined the team, but are they blending in well?
A, many of the players who have transferred are of a similar age and are experienced players, so I think they have smoothly integrated into the team. There are also many young players within the team, but I believe they are blending in well.
Q: Who is at the center of the excitement?
A, to be honest, there are no players who were exciting us last season right now, and while there aren't strong voices to energize the atmosphere, we are still able to work in a good environment even without those exciting players.
Q: I changed my jersey number to 4 starting this season.
I didn't say that I wanted to change my jersey number myself; rather, the development department suggested that I take the single-digit number 4. I believe they evaluated my performance throughout the season and allowed me to wear a single-digit number. However, it's not about playing soccer with a jersey number, nor does it improve my skills, but I think wearing a single-digit number has strengthened my sense of responsibility towards the team. In that sense, I want to express that and lead this year.
Q: It seems that the competition for center-backs is becoming intense.
A, there are no guaranteed positions, and especially in the center-back role, there are many good players, including younger ones. In that sense, if anyone can maintain a good condition throughout the year, it will naturally lead to personal growth and contribute to the team's results. I want everyone to appeal and perform to the point where the coach is always wondering who to put on the field in a good way. I also want to win my position while showcasing my strengths so that I won't fall behind.
Q: I believe that the build-up play from Kimoto as a center-back is important for the style of football that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is seeking.
A, the required style of football is to securely maintain possession of the ball from the back and treat it with care. I often have opportunities to make passes, and I think there will be many such situations this season, just like last season. There were parts last year where we struggled due to being analyzed by the opponents, so if we can connect well regardless of the situation, the forwards will be able to play more easily, which I believe will lead to good attacks. Therefore, I want to steadily improve my level.
