TOKYOism

Masato MORISHIGE, who finished his 14th season in Tokyo with a top 10 ranking for the first time in 6 seasons, concluded, "I only feel a sense of crisis." Having spent half of his life as a professional football player and with the end of his career in sight, the longest-serving player on the team even says, "I don't care what people say or think." In his summary of the 2023 season as captain of the blue and red team, his words were filled with a desperate cry. Within them, a strong determination to win was evident.

It was not clear what we were aiming for and what kind of soccer we were playing.

Q, first of all, please tell us your honest thoughts on this season.
A, it was a tough season. That's my honest impression right now.

Q, I think we had a good time during the pre-season camp, but afterwards we had a bit of an unstable battle. What was your impression of the start?
We had a good feeling, including the camp. The overall atmosphere of the team was good, and with Albert Puig Ortoneda in his second season as coach, we were looking forward to the opening game with the thought of "this season, we can do it." We were able to win against Urawa Reds, but we dropped points in the following games against Kashiwa Reysol and Kyoto Sanga F.C. We thought we could gain momentum after beating Urawa, but there were some stumbling blocks. As expected, a good start is important, and not being able to win there was a big setback. In the first three games, our record of 1 win, 1 loss, and 1 draw showed our strength and what we can do this season.

Q, after that, we continued to lose during Golden Week and faced Kawasaki Frontale in the Tama River Clasico at the Japan National Stadium.
A, Winning against Kawasaki was a result that was typical of Tokyo in a way. It's like a festival, and when everyone's motivation is high, we can win. In special games like the opening game and at the National Stadium, we are able to come together and achieve results. Winning against Kawasaki there definitely gave us confidence. However, when we looked at the content, it wasn't because our football had been refined and reached a high level of completion. It was more of an impression that we won with a sense of crisis and motivation, and it didn't feel like we had matured as a team and earned points through our football.

Q, Unable to win the Tama River Clasico, the team experienced 3 losses and a coaching change. What were your thoughts, player Morishige?
During the 1 and a half seasons, we gradually became afraid of taking risks and could only make safe decisions when trying to connect the ball. For example, just passing the ball around the perimeter made it easier for the opponent to defend. We didn't have any breakthrough strategies and ended up relying on individual efforts. We had ideas like using the center or simply kicking the ball, but it became disorganized and we couldn't come to a unified decision on what to do, resulting in poor performance. I don't think our team had a clear goal or style of play.

Quality and ideas are needed to score

Q, in the beginning of the second half with coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, there were signs of gradual growth. What was working well during that time and where did you feel uneasy?
After the coach change, in the first game, Head Coach Takayoshi Amma made it clear what we needed to do. We were able to review the essential parts of soccer that we were lacking. As a result, we were able to defeat Kyoto in the group stage of the Levain Cup. After that, Coach Klomovski took over and continued to focus on attacking soccer and intense training. While seeking to utilize that intensity in our play, it was important to first accumulate points. In the first half of the second half, our goal was to play solid soccer and focus on the basics. Overall, we worked with a focus on the essence of the game.

Q: The team seemed to be on an upward trend, accumulating points, but they have not won in 4 games since the Yokohama F.Marinos match in the J1 League Sec. 24. Where do you feel the factor lies in not being able to secure a close game against top teams?
One reason may be that there is no opening strategy. Until then, we were able to overwhelm our opponents with a high line, high press, and play intensity, but against opponents at a higher level or those who defend by dropping back, we need one or two different ideas and attacking methods from a different angle. We didn't have enough tricks up our sleeves, and I think that difference has affected us losing points.

Q, I think it was also a problem that we have been dealing with since the 2022 season.
A, In the second half, we focused on switching intensity and offense and defense, and first of all, we spent time overwhelming the opponent. Even though we are trying to be aggressive, I still have the impression that there are few attacking methods and patterns. We are aiming for an attacking style of soccer, but I think we are still struggling. I believe we need players with quality and ideas to score from there.

Q, This season, Diego OLIVEIRA has made a comeback and scored 15 goals. However, there was a big gap in the number of goals compared to the next player.
A, I think there is a common understanding of which area to go for as a team's goal, or where to send the ball if the opponent comes this way. It is also important to increase the reproducibility and create more chances. We need to work on that more, but ideas are essential for attacking. I hope someone will come up with such ideas and lead the attack.

Young players being noisy is just right

Q, I think team maturity is essential for that. I believe that without confidence, ideas cannot be utilized by the team, not just improvisation or mere whim.
A, the players themselves may need to think a little more for themselves. Overall, there are players who are too passive and have their own opinions on how things should be done. It is important for each player to share their thoughts from their position and work together to create something good. Yuto NAGATOMO and I, who are in the back line, are communicating what we see from behind. However, there is an impression that the communication ends with a one-way conversation of "Oh, I see, that's what we need to do.".

Q, is this the part of the problem that Tokyo has been facing?
A, instead, let's say there is a phenomenon that looks like this when viewed from behind. However, while the defense may say that, the attacking side or midfield may have a different opinion. If they don't communicate that to each other, they will never be able to come to an agreement. When playing as a team, communication is essential. In order to shine and play better, there are definitely many things that you must think about. Instead of keeping it to yourself, by sharing opinions, you can make new discoveries and deepen understanding.

If you only do what you are told in silence, you will not become a team. You have to speak up. Of course, each player has their own character. Even without saying it, players who can execute will demand it from the beginning, like Kuryu MATSUKI. They are naturally able to move those around them in a way that suits them. If you are not afraid of being misunderstood, or avoiding conflicting opinions, the conversation will not move forward. From there, the next step of aligning and unifying our intentions will begin.

Q, During the season, there were more instances of communicating and giving advice to mid-level and young players.
A, It's just right for young players to be noisy. If they don't pull the team, the team won't be energetic. I think it's strange that we are still playing in the game. Tokyo has many serious players, for better or for worse. There have never been any sharp players, and I think they are too quiet.

Q, As player Morishige, who used to play silently when he was young, started to share ideas, it means that even if it takes time, we won't be able to achieve continuous strength in the future if there are no players who speak up.
A, for example, Nagatomo is a respected presence. However, there is a difference between respect and being careful during a game. We need to demand more in order to improve. If it ends up making things worse and we can't play well, soccer is not fun. If we can demand things from those around us and they can lead the attack, then there is no problem at all. Without that, nothing will be created through reactions. It's our job to find a balance, so young players can do whatever they want. They can cause trouble for the team, play the way they want, challenge themselves, make mistakes, and even go too far. Otherwise, it becomes difficult in the opposite way.

Q: In their younger days, both Morishige and Nagatomo seemed to play on the pitch however they pleased. I remember the veterans having to cover for them while they continued to argue with each other.
A, that's why I can't think of it. Isn't it not fun to play without saying anything? I'm sure you're thinking, "I wish I could do this in this situation," or "I wish you would pass me the ball." We have to demand each other to not move forward or to move forward and pass it here. Of course, we can't win if everyone does whatever they want, but for example, if Matsuki starts doing it, the people around him will resonate and create an atmosphere of wanting to support him if he wants to play like this. Good soccer can be created by demanding each and every one of them.

Want to win in Tokyo

Q: Unfortunately, Morishige's consecutive goals came to an end this season, but we were able to finish with a win against Shonan Bellmare in the final match.
A, I don't really care about records and I don't get anything (laughs). We were able to end with a win, but we need to calmly reflect on this season and analyze it properly. I only have a sense of crisis for the next season. To be honest, I don't feel like I gained much from this season. If we continue like this, I can't imagine a bright future waiting for us. Each season is a competition and I know that if one gear clicks, the team will do well. I want to keep struggling with a sense of crisis.

Q: What changes should this team make for the upcoming season?
It is important for the team to be led by the core players in the center. In doing so, it is necessary for everyone to come up with ideas and work together in detail and in situations, as we have adopted an aggressive style as our playing style. With this style, we have no choice but to continue with determination and aim for victory, no matter what the result may be.

Q, I think that after throwing harsh words in the final home game, I will also receive a harsh gaze from myself.
A, I said it with that determination, and I said it as a way to put pressure on myself. Now, as a team, we need to have more sense of crisis. Each and every one of us needs to take responsibility and think of ourselves as key players in Tokyo and stand on the pitch. I don't care what anyone says to me personally. I'm waiting for more young players to come out and resonate with me. If you want to criticize someone, criticize me for saying "I want you to do it the way I think." That's why I want young players to be fearless and become the center of the team.
I want to win in Tokyo.

Text by Yohhei Baba (Freelance Writer)

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