Believing that the repeated struggle with injuries will lead to a bright future.
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 OGASHIWA, who joined Tokyo with high expectations as a new point getter. He underwent physical transformation from the pre-season camp to improve his injury-prone body, but was unable to play throughout the season due to repeated injuries despite showing impressive plays in the games he participated in. Although he felt a certain sense of accomplishment when he was on the pitch, he is not satisfied with his low "operating rate". However, for the sake of the team and the future, what was the first year of this man who continued to lead by example?
As the days go by, my sighs become deeper. Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA reflects on those moments of anguish.
"Personally, I am not satisfied and it was a disappointing season. I had expectations for myself and there were people around me who expected me as well. I couldn't live up to those expectations and I am filled with regret. I feel inadequate and the biggest issue is the game time, where I have not been able to overcome my injury. It's understandable to be disappointed."
After several years of longing since his time at Meiji University, he finally answered the call of love and joined the blue and red team this season with high expectations.
At my former team Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, I struggled with injuries since turning pro and had limited seasons where I could play to my full potential. That's why at my new team, I had to endure training on my own to improve my physical condition, even before the season started. I patiently faced my own body and in the 9th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League against FC Machida Zelvia, I scored my first goal since transferring. I had high hopes from there, but unfortunately, I had to leave the game due to injury and once again had to leave the field.
"I think I showed a good play when I played, and there were some things I wish I had more time for. Players who cannot play in the game will be evaluated lower than any player who is playing. I have to reflect on the fact that I am not even on the starting line."
I've thrown up like that many times. However, I had learned how to deal with injuries in the past few years. Kogashiwa said, "It's something you should never get used to..." and took one step at a time towards his return. During that time, he continued to say, "I want to bring a new wind to this team."
Their efforts were shown in the 29th round match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. After coming onto the pitch in the 26th minute of the second half, they lit a fire under the team with a goal after 8 minutes, their first in about 4 months. Although they ultimately lost 2-3 and remained winless in 6 matches, this burst of energy served as a catalyst to lift the team up.
"I had many opportunities to watch the team from the bench or outside. While watching the game at the stadium or on DAZN, I was able to clearly see what was missing from this team and how I could contribute when I entered the game. I was able to show that in the game against Hiroshima and it resulted in a goal, so I think I was able to turn the switch on. That was good, but if we can play like that throughout the year, we can take the team to the next level. I would be happy if people think that is the kind of play that Kogashiwa wants to do. If we can play like that throughout the year, that would be great."
He continued to return and leave. If Kobashi was there... if he could chase the ball more freely without the burden of being injury-prone... there were many moments like that throughout the season. It must have been the most frustrating for him. He would say bright words to himself, "At least..."
"I hope I can be a catalyst or a guidepost for something. We are all struggling together. I want to lead the attacking unit of this team when I join."
To rise tomorrow, we have shortened today──. In the land led by the struggling Kashiwa, surely the blue and red hope is waiting.
Text by Koji Baba (Freelance Writer)
