Passion-driven Attacker Talks About Reflection and Challenges
To Become a Truly Strong Team
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.
Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who ran through the season with a passionate heart. He played multiple positions such as right wing, attacking midfielder, and striker, and continued to lead the team with aggressive and dedicated play. Throughout the year, his unwavering desire for victory on the pitch was impressive. There were also times when he shed tears on the pitch after a game due to frustration. He also had games where he showed strong determination and achieved results. What he has always emphasized is the collaboration with the supporters. Number 39 speaks again about what is necessary to become a truly strong team.
When asked for thoughts on this season, a short response was returned.
"It was a very disappointing season. That's all I can say."
After saying that, take a breath and continue a little longer this time.
"There is a feeling that it is similar to last season, but not quite. Last season, we couldn't win away games, and this season we couldn't win at home. We lost important games at home that we needed to win. To be honest, there were times when we felt pressure to win at home, but I think that was just a reflection of our own lack of strength."
Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who weaves words, conveyed a strong sense of regret.
As a result, we were unable to achieve significant changes for two consecutive years. Although we were in a position to aim for the top in the early spring, we ended up stagnating in the middle. As Nakagawa pointed out, "As a team and as a game, we have really good times, but when it's bad, it's really bad. It's the same as last season." The team had a season of ups and downs.
Where is the cause? While looking at himself and his team, number 39 repeated the words he had said many times before.
"Continuing to do what we set out to do will lead to results. I think it's important for the team to stay consistent. Even as an individual, I haven't been able to produce good numbers despite playing in many games, so I'm not satisfied at all. My performance has improved a bit since the (typhoon-affected) Hiroshima game (Matchday 29 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League), but I need to maintain that level throughout the season."
After spitting out the mixed feelings of regret and reflection, Nakagawa appealed to the fans and supporters because he is "serious".
"We are really grateful to them. We can feel their intense passion and desire to win, and I think that's only natural. However, in football, there are times when things don't go well. In those times, I want the fans and supporters to believe in us and stick with us, and not just judge us based on one game. It's important for not only the players, coaches, and staff, but also the fans and supporters to work together and create a sense of unity. If we can create even more unity, I believe Tokyo will become even better."
There is more to the opening words. "It was a season where we could have won the championship if we had accumulated points at home, so it's really frustrating." The time for "accumulation" is over. So, next season──. Teru's passion is still burning.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
