On the 7th day of camp, practice was held amidst occasional heavy rain.
Takuya AOKI and Kanta DOI have joined the team, and it won't be long until all players registered for the 2023 season are together.
A week has passed since arriving at the Okinawa camp, and the new players have blended into the team, with many scenes of smiling communication observed during practice.
In the morning practice, we conducted running drills and passing work, followed by a positional game. There is a noticeable improvement in the smoothness of ball movement compared to last season, and we are able to move the ball quickly with fewer touches.
Despite the rain, many spectators visited the stands.
From noon, Seiji KIMURA and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA held a press conference. It is scheduled to be published in FANZONE.
The afternoon practice starts with physical conditioning training.
After practicing finishing, we are using half the court and conducting possession drills, changing the number of players in different areas such as the sides and in front of the goal, to deepen our understanding of the style of football that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA demands.
On the 7th day of camp, we conducted an interview with the newly joined Shuhei TOKUMOTO.
Q: I believe many media outlets, including those from the local Okinawa, have been coming since the start of the camp. How has that been?
A, it is a delightful thing, and I want to express myself on the pitch to meet those expectations as soon as possible.
Q: Have you ever visited Kunigami Village?
A, this is my first time at this ground, and I have only been to Motobu Town, which is a little south of Kunigami, so it has been about 12 years since I was in Kunigami itself.
Q: What were your thoughts before joining Tokyo?
A, Tokyo has an absolute side back for the Japan national team, so the image of Tokyo being associated with side backs has been there since my time in Ryukyu. I believe that if I listen carefully to the coach and the staff, I can get closer to that presence, so I want to proceed without fear.
Q: I feel that communication with the players is quite good, and I think it's one of Tokumoto's characteristics. Is there anything you are consciously aware of?
I don't consciously think about it, but I value listening to others more than speaking myself when it comes to communication. I always have a smile, and I believe that contributes to my smooth integration into the team.
Q: Is there anything you ask the coach or the staff, or something you are consciously aware of?
A, I do not yet fully understand the tactical aspects, so I actively ask questions if there is anything.
Q: What is being asked of player Tokumoto by the coach and the team?
During practice, we are given very detailed instructions about positioning, so while adhering to that, I have been told to express my strengths.
Q: How is your physical condition?
A, it feels nicely tight. I think it's a good kind of fatigue.
Q: Have you been able to improve your condition? Are you making adjustments while thinking about something?
A, I am now fully committed to the menu provided by the team, training my body to remember it and to be able to move.
Q: Have you come to understand the style of football that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is seeking?
A, yes, I have gradually come to understand.
Q: Yesterday's practice match was our first real game.
I think I was able to grasp the characteristics that each individual possesses, so it became a very good match.
Q: What kind of things did you imagine when entering the match?
I thought it was good that I was able to run while being particularly aware of positioning, even though it was tough, and not forgetting to move forward.
Q: Did you find any issues throughout the match?
There were many opportunities to show my face to the ball holder, so I want to work harder on that part and be able to run more from now on.
Q: There will be more practical formats in the future.
During the matches, I want to communicate and help everyone understand the characteristics of my play. In this camp, I want to express myself and work on this in the remaining practice matches.
Q: What are you aiming for through this camp?
I want to create about 90 percent of our condition during the Okinawa camp, and I hope to communicate with everyone and boost the team.
Q: Please tell us your goals for this season.
A, we are the champions. Before my goals and assists, I want to prioritize the team's victory and focus on the upcoming matches and practices.
