Today marks the fourth day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp.
Tomorrow, on the 23rd, we have a practice match against FC Ryukyu, so we conducted training assuming a real match scenario.
In the attacking menu, each player is positioned according to their respective roles, confirming build-up from the final line and breakdowns in the vital area. While sharing priorities during the attack, we aimed for the goal.
In the half-court scrimmage, the players were mindful of the team's direction to be implemented in tomorrow's practice match. Instructions for positioning and switching defense were exchanged among the players.
In the afternoon, due to bad weather, the menu focused on recovery. Each player prepared their condition for tomorrow's practice match.
After practice, we conducted an interview with number 40, Riki HARAKAWA.
Q: There was a wonderful direct free kick in practice. How is your feel and condition?
A, I still have a long way to go, and I believe that practice and matches are different. Personally, I think my condition will gradually improve through the matches. Including tomorrow's match against FC Ryukyu, I want to steadily enhance my performance during the practice matches in the camp period.
Q: Tomorrow, we have our first practice match of the season against FC Ryukyu. What points do you want to focus on as you approach this match?
As a team, we have new players joining, so we are having meetings to unify what needs to be done. We need to focus on that in our play, and as individuals, I want to give 100 percent of my performance at this point to further improve my condition. I hope to play with attention to detail.
Q: The camp is still in the early stages, but how do you feel about the team's style of play and direction?
A, I feel that rather than making any major changes from last season, it is about refining and thoroughly developing what we have built up to this point. Just like in tomorrow's practice match, I want to demonstrate this through our play without wavering.
Q. Do you have any personal goals during the camp period?
First, it's important not to get injured. Also, not catching a cold (laughs). Every season, I tend to lose my condition during camp or partially miss out due to injuries, so I want to finish camp without any injuries this time.
Q: Once again, what kind of year do you want this season to be?
A. I joined the team midway through last season, and I felt the difficulty in adjusting how to play as a team and how to balance my personal characteristics. During the off-season, I reviewed my plays on video and was able to organize my thoughts. I believe that by improving further from here, I can contribute better plays to the team. I want to focus on the content and quality of my play.
Q: Players who are expected to be immediate assets have joined. How will they integrate?
Each of the players who joined has their own characteristics, and in order to become a strong team, we need a depth of players that allows for rotation. With a larger number of players on the roster, if each player can express their unique traits, I believe we can create a synergistic effect and grow into a team with many options. I want to express my own characteristics without forgetting them.
