For yourself, for the teamThe professionalism shown by "Dama-san"
GK 1 Tsuyoshi KODAMA
People, players, and stories. Introducing the 2024 PLAYER'S REVIEW, featuring all the blue and red warriors who fought through the 2024 season. What were their thoughts and feelings during the season? Confidence, progress, challenges, joy, and regret... Each player will reflect on their battles this season in their own words.
Tsuyoshi KODAMA, who has had a strong professional attitude and has had a positive impact on the team. He has gained playing opportunities in cup matches and achieved results, but also experienced bitter feelings in league matches. Nevertheless, he has always looked forward and fought for the team, and this is what the 2024 season holds for "Dama-san".
J League YBC Levain Cup match against Y.S.C.C. Yokohama and Emperor's Cup match against V-Varen Nagasaki. Kodama has played a key role in getting off to a good start in cup matches, which Tokyo has struggled with in the past, but has also had a difficult role to play in matches where he cannot contribute to a victory.
The Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 13 match against Kashiwa Reysol on June 11th saw Go HATANO receive a red card in the first half's additional time, leading to a successful comeback of 3-1. Despite scrambling to defend with one less player, goalkeeper Kodama managed to keep the goal. However, in the second half, they were unable to maintain their lead and ended up with a draw after conceding 2 goals, sparking criticism.
"I was heavily criticized. It made me quite depressed. Of course, I have things I want to say too, but... it was tough being constantly criticized."
Kodama endured. He takes responsibility for the conceded goal. He understands that there is no room for excuses. He can only regain trust through his performance and actions on the pitch.
"We have to show it through our play. We switched quickly and did it. Even when we can't play well in training, we get down, but there's nothing we can do about it. We have to accept it and move on."
While showing good plays as an individual, he also encourages those around him and cares for his teammates. Such a "Dama-san" attitude is not often seen by others, but traces of his personality can be found on SNS and the internet. In a practice match against the Singapore national team held in Kodaira in October, more than 100 spectators witnessed his strong coaching that encouraged the team's playmaker, Ryunosuke SATO.
"I have a strong desire to contribute to the team on the pitch. That feeling has not changed even now. However, I have not changed my stance of giving my all for the team and for the team's victory, no matter what position I am in. I have approached this season with the mindset of doing everything I can in the position I am in."
In the position of the only goalkeeper, it is not uncommon to maintain good form but not be able to play in official matches. In that sense, not getting injured is also one of the reliable factors.
"I think it's also one of my strengths to not miss a day of training and not have any absences. If I were to become ill, I wouldn't be able to calculate as a player."
I will discipline myself, exercise self-control, and not live a life that will ruin my condition. Kodama, who has overcome difficult situations in his soccer career with ups and downs, can be said to embody a professional soccer player.
"You have to have confidence that you can make a good play whenever your turn comes." Number 1, who speaks like this, continues to show quick movements in daily practices in Kodaira.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
