Using regret as a springboard, we have started
a new initiative connecting to the future
Every person and player has a story. '2024 PLAYER’S REVIEW' introduces all the blue and red warriors who fought through the 2024 season, player by player. What thoughts did they carry as they went through the season? Confidence, a sense of achievement, challenges, joy, regret... Reflecting on this season's battles through the words of each individual.
In April of this year, Hotaka NAKAMURA made his comeback from a serious injury after about one season. However, he was injured again in that match and was unable to shine on the pitch throughout the season, leading to difficult and frustrating days. What are his thoughts for the 2024 season and the steady efforts he has begun for the future?
Hotaka NAKAMURA updates and accumulates each day, saying, "More than yesterday's self." Steady progress blooms for some day in the future. After the team practice ends, he takes off his spikes and runs barefoot on the grass. He has continued this without fail.
Last season in April, he ruptured his right Achilles tendon. This season, aiming for a complete comeback from a serious injury, he returned to the starting lineup for the first time in about a season during the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 6 match against Urawa Reds in April, but suffered a hamstring injury in his left thigh during that match and was sidelined again. After that, when he returned to the pitch, he started barefoot running as part of his physical conditioning.
"I suffered a muscle strain just when things were about to start. I am facing the essence of my body from scratch, and first, I need to build a body that can perform without injury. This is what I am doing as the first step."
Step by step, steadily. That's how I connect each day with care. I don't expect results to come immediately. Still, I believe that 'continuation' is strength, and I have lived each day with that belief.
"I don't think results will come immediately. Whether it's next season or the season after that. I don't know how many years are left in my football life, but I'm focusing on that and continuing to work for someday."
Although I made my return to action in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 17 match against Sagan Tosu on May 31, it has been a season where I couldn't fully establish myself in the starting lineup. I have felt frustrated not even being able to make it to the bench. Maintaining my fluctuating mind and body has been more difficult than I imagined.
"I don't want the people watching this to understand my feelings. I just want to feel that I've grown a little from who I am now by the time it's over."
He realizes that he is not strong. Therefore, he says, "I understand that I am prone to fluctuations." He has overcome many injuries and has changed the way he faces himself in a positive way. He has not bottled up his frustrations, but has released them along with long breaths.
"I have been trying to improve even just a little compared to yesterday. That is my motivation. I don't know how many more years I can play soccer, but I kick the ball with the thought that I am growing, even if it's just one step."
It became the "most difficult season" after turning professional.
"You can't suddenly go from zero to eighty or a hundred percent all at once. You have to gradually get there, starting from twenty, thirty, forty... Of course, I want to give a hundred percent, but this year has been one where my mind and body haven't been able to keep up. Accepting that has led me to think about how to take it step by step and how to work diligently. It's frustrating, but this is my current situation. However, it's not over, and I don't want it to be over. I have come to realize that I am in a difficult world once again. How I can utilize this season for the rest of my football life is up to me. I don't know how I will change in a year or two."
One day, raising the sails high, gathering the wind to advance steadily on the pitch──. "One day... again, one day" I will cherish the present and live on.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
