The striker has sought an intensity that drives him mad──. This season, Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA, who has donned the blue and red, first stepped onto the professional stage as a specially designated player during the 2020 season amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he felt a certain emptiness due to the absence of the cheers that should have been there.
Perhaps because that was the starting point, he says, "The hotter the environment, the more my tension rises. The closer the cheers and the distance to the fans and supporters, the more I can concentrate." For a man who utters such words that stir the hearts of fans and supporters, the last match against Verdy should have been the perfect stage.
However, it will remain in memory as a bitter experience. It was a match where he boldly stepped in for his first start after the transfer, but he said, "I could hardly do anything." He left the pitch in the 16th minute of the second half, biting his lip. The team managed to equalize with two goals from Keita ENDO, but only frustration remained for player Kogashi.
Furthermore, the bad trend continued. In the following match against FC Machida Zelvia, I got injured. I ended up being away from the lineup for more than three months. During that time, the team has been forced to fight in an unstable manner.
"There was a frustration in not being able to meet the expectations of many people while not being able to stand on the pitch. When the team wins, it creates anxiety about other players performing well, and when the team loses, it leads to a sense of urgency to return quickly. There were those difficulties."
Joined this season with high expectations as a new source of goals, but has been unable to deliver due to injury, leading to long sighs. Nevertheless, "I can't change the fact that I got injured, so I've been focusing on rehabilitation, thinking about how to maximize my strength when I return," and has been looking only forward.
In that way, there are feelings that player Kogashi has nurtured towards his return.
"I want to incorporate my weapon of breaking behind the opponent's final line into Tokyo's style. I want to bring a new breeze to a team that is stuck, and I want to create Tokyo's style by utilizing my strengths."
After the league break, in Sec. 25 of the J1 League against Gamba Osaka, he made his comeback and also came on as a substitute in the subsequent Tamagawa Classico against Kawasaki Frontale, where he quickly found himself in scoring positions. In the 38th minute of the second half, he received a through pass from Ryotaro ARAKI but lost control of the ball and was dispossessed. A minute later, Endo ran into the space he opened up and took a shot, but it was thwarted by a great save from the opposing goalkeeper. Furthermore, in the 42nd minute, he dove to meet a cross from the right side by Endo, but was unable to direct it on target. His first goal since returning is definitely getting closer.
"I properly apologized to Taro. However, the passes come out like that, and I was able to find that space myself. In the scene where Keita-kun took a one-touch shot, I attracted the opponent and sent a message that I wanted someone to come in, and Taro and Keita-kun understood and coordinated well. I also feel that I am gradually fitting into the team. It would be great if I could turn this into goals, and I want to increase that number even more. My style is still not established, so I want to communicate more and more and be able to lead this team better."
And now the time has come to repay the debt from the first half of the season. With the second goal of the season that has been on hold, I shine my eyes and say, "It would feel the best to score here."
"In the match against Verdy, we will aim for that. If I score and we win, the team will gain momentum. I will score and win. I need to score here and definitely repay the debt. I want to be conscious of that when I step onto the pitch."
In addition, he announced his marriage before the match against Tokyo V. If he can celebrate here, it will be the best new beginning. The striker, seeking an intense battle, intends to unleash the energy he has built up. After being freed from the rough celebrations of his teammates, he will finish with a kiss on his left ring finger, raising it high in celebration.
"Being able to announce our marriage has made me feel an even greater sense of responsibility. I have always believed that playing for someone is the greatest strength. Until now, I have played for the fans, supporters, and the team. Now, playing for my wife has been added to that. I believe that will be a great source of strength. When I score, I want to make sure I celebrate and not forget that. I think it would be amazing to score in front of my wife in this crucial match."
I came to Tokyo seeking an overwhelming passion. Next, I will aim to pierce the hearts of the blue and red singers with my own feet. When a gust of wind sweeps through in front of the opponent's goal and refreshingly shakes the goal net, Ajinomoto Stadium will surely be swept into a frenzy of excitement.
Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA will make Tokyo's summer exceptionally hot.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
