The team took their first day off during this camp yesterday to recharge and is now entering the second half of the camp. After resting their bodies, they will have two training sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. While increasing the training volume to improve their condition, they will also accelerate the understanding of tactical aspects.
The morning start involved a menu to enhance agility after training with running and tubes, and during the positional game, the intensity was increased while fiercely contesting the ball in both offense and defense.
Finally, we conducted finishing work in front of the goal. We placed a dummy representing the opponent and confirmed the buildup from the defensive line to the front of the goal, ensuring that all players understood the pathway to finish.
After the morning practice, we conducted a press interview with players Kimoto and Watanabe.
It is also published in the FANZONE, so please take a look.
In the afternoon practice, after training to improve physical condition, we conducted passing drills in various forms.
In training to improve finishing in front of the goal, we practiced targeting behind the opponent's side while connecting the ball along the defensive line, and then scoring with a cross.
After practice, we could see players talking in detail with those in similar positions to ensure everyone has a common understanding.
Tomorrow will be the third training match at the Okinawa camp. It is a great opportunity to test the results we have built up in practice. We will face a J-League team for the first time this season.
After practice, the players, including Nagatomo, went outside the field and created a message of 'Bravo!!!' by mowing the grass. Thank you.
Player Nagatomo also had a surprised expression and the best smile. If you are at the venue, please try to find him among the grass outside the stadium.
On the 11th day of camp, we conducted an interview with Hotaka NAKAMURA.
Q: I often stay until the end after practice to train.
Since I have not had a year without injuries since turning professional, getting injured is the biggest factor that lowers my evaluation and affects my performance. Therefore, this season I really want to continue fighting for a year without injuries, and I believe it is something I must do to the best of my ability.
Q: If we can continue through the second camp and enter the season, it seems we can build a body that won't get injured.A: This season, I have been closely adjusting the off-season training methods with the trainers and have been focusing on strength training, so in that sense, I believe my physical condition is good and improving at this point. As practice matches continue, I hope to confirm this while also controlling the load.
Q: I think there was no hesitation in your play during the first practice match.
This season, the coach has asked me to be more offensive as a full-back, and personally, I want to get involved in scoring and assisting. In that sense, I'm aware of who will take the open spaces, and I play with that in mind. I think this is a great opportunity to confirm our shape and positioning, so right now, I want to focus on quantity over quality, getting it into my body, and repeating trial and error.
Q: There was a moment in today's practice where Kumada scored from a cross on the far side. How did it feel?
A, this season, I believe that I need to earn the trust that when I open up to the outside and enter the box, a good cross will definitely come in. To reach the next level, I think it's necessary to have my own style. If I can provide good balls, there are great players in the center, so I believe all the full-backs need to be aware of that and work together. If a good cross comes in, I think Kumada will score (laughs).
Q: What specific training did you do during the off-season?
A, I have been experiencing issues due to insufficient strength in the joints around my hips, which led to problems and a muscle strain last season. This has been a cause of my injuries, so this year, since I have time, I have been focusing on strengthening my muscles with a lot of training programs.
Q: Do young players joining the team provide motivation?
I have also quickly reached the age of 26 and am no longer considered young, so I feel a strong sense of crisis. I can't use my age as an excuse, so I have to take action myself. In that sense, it's important for me to play confidently and proactively, showing that attitude to the younger players. Additionally, there is a lot to learn from the younger players, as they have different ways of thinking and ideas that only youth can bring. Engaging in conversations with them is stimulating, and since I am also 26, I believe I need to bridge the gap between the older and younger players. Right now, my relationships with others are very enjoyable, and I hope to talk to and get to know more players.
Q: Who is an interesting player from your perspective?
There are many, including player Arai and player Terayama, and everyone is truly unique, with no two people the same, making interactions interesting. It's fun.
