The striker has always sought an insane level of passion. Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA, who joined the blue and red team this season, made his professional debut as a special designated player during the 2020 season in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he felt a sense of dissatisfaction without the expected cheers from the stands.
Perhaps because it was the starting point, he says, "The hotter the environment, the higher the tension. The closer the big cheers and the distance with the fans and supporters, the more I can concentrate." For a man who speaks such words that tickle the hearts of fans and supporters, the previous Tokyo Verdy match was supposed to be the perfect stage.
However, it will remain in memory as a bitter experience. It was the first start after the transfer and it was a game that I bravely entered, but "I could hardly do anything". He left the pitch with his lips bitten in the 16th minute of the second half. Although the team caught up with two goals from Keita ENDO, only regret remained for player Pim Kobayashi himself.
Furthermore, the bad streak continued. In the following match against FC Machida Zelvia, I got injured. As a result, I had to be away from the team for more than 3 months. During that time, the team was forced to play in an unstable manner.
"There was frustration in not being able to meet expectations while standing on the pitch, as many people had hoped. When the team won, there was pressure to perform well like other players, and when the team lost, there was pressure to quickly return. There were such difficulties."
He joined with high expectations as a new source of goals for this season, but he couldn't respond due to injury and has been sighing for a long time. However, he has been thinking only about returning and giving his maximum effort, saying "I can't change the fact that I got injured, so I have been doing rehabilitation to be able to perform at my best when I come back."
There are feelings that Kogashiwa player has nurtured towards his return.
"I have always wanted to incorporate my play of breaking through the opponent's last line of defense into Tokyo's style. I want to bring a new energy to the team and utilize my strengths to create Tokyo's style."
In the J1 League Sec. 25 match against Gamba Osaka, which marked the resumption of the league, Ryotaro ARAKI made a comeback and also made a substitute appearance in the following Tama River Clasico against Kawasaki Frontale, where he immediately showed his presence with scoring opportunities. In the 38th minute of the second half, he received a through pass from Thales, but lost control of the ball due to a mistake. Just one minute later, Endo made a run into the space created by ARAKI and took a shot, but it was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper. In the 42nd minute, Endo jumped to a cross from the right side and headed it, but couldn't find the target. His first goal after returning is getting closer and closer.
"I apologized to Tarou properly. But, he can still make passes like that, and I was able to find that space for myself. In the scene where Keita-kun took a one-touch shot, I was able to attract the opponent and Tarou and Keita-kun understood each other well and connected. I also feel like I am gradually fitting into the team. It would be great if I could turn this into a goal, and I want to increase the number of times even more. We still haven't established our style, so I want to communicate more and lead this team even more."
And now, the time has come to repay the debt from the first half. With the second goal of the season within reach, we will keep our eyes on the prize and say, "It will feel the best if we score here."
"In the match against Verdy, we will aim for that. If I can score and win, the team will gain momentum. I want to score and win. I want to score here and definitely repay the debt. I want to be conscious of that and stand on the pitch."
In addition, Rene announced his marriage before the Tokyo V match. If he can celebrate here, it will be the best start. The striker, who is looking for a heated battle, intends to release the energy he has been storing up. From being freed from his teammates' rough congratulations, to finally kissing his left ring finger and raising it high in celebration, it's all part of the set.
"Being able to announce my marriage like this has given me a stronger sense of responsibility. I have always believed that playing for someone else is the greatest strength. I have played for the fans, supporters, and the team up until now. Now, playing for my wife has been added to that. I'm sure it will be a great source of strength. If I score, I want to celebrate and not forget to do so. I think it would be the best feeling to score in front of my wife in this big game."
I came to Tokyo seeking an insane passion. Next, I will also strike the hearts of the blue and red singers with my feet. If a gust of wind blows fiercely in front of the opponent's goal and shakes the goal net refreshingly, Ajinomoto Stadium will surely be caught up in a vortex of excitement.
Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA will make Tokyo's summer even hotter.
Text by Yohhei Baba (Freelance Writer)
