TOKYOism

We have to accept reality and
move forward together.

Regretful. Just regretful. In his second season with the blue and red, Kei KOIZUMI, entrusted with part of the captaincy, repeatedly expressed the same phrase while reflecting on the 2024 season. The players on the pitch must do more──. Considering the frustration of this season, how does the player wearing number 37, who has continued to lead the team with passionate play, perceive what is necessary for the blue and red to truly become strong?

Q: First, please share your thoughts on this season.
A, I believe it ended in a regrettable result, just like last season.

Q: You were unable to compete for the title or the championship. Is that what it comes down to?
A, that's really true. For two consecutive seasons, we have not been in contention for a spot in the AFC Champions League or for the J1 League championship before the final matchday, and we have not been able to play the kind of matches that fans and supporters want to see until the very end of the season, the matches we had envisioned. However, I believe that this is our current ability, so while it may be frustrating, I think we must accept this reality as a team.

Q, I believe that player Koizumi joined Tokyo last season and approached this season with the regret from last season in his heart. Is that feeling of "regret" the same as it was in the previous season?
A, last season was my first year after joining, so I was able to grasp the players and their characteristics at my own pace while trying to express my own style. This season, in my second year and as captain, I received advice from Mori-kun (Masato MORISHIGE) before the season started, saying that the mid-level players need to take more initiative. This season, we have three captains, and when Kuryu MATSUKI transferred overseas in the summer, I resolved to take charge myself, which has made my mindset completely different from last season. However, to be honest, I haven't changed anything in the end. That's the honest answer, and to put it more bluntly, I haven't gained anything personally for two consecutive years. In this world, results are everything. No matter how hard we try, if we don't produce results, we won't be evaluated. We live in the professional world, and I believe everyone must take this seriously as professional soccer players.

Q: Are you feeling a greater sense of responsibility compared to last season, regardless of the position of captain?
A, that's right. Especially this season, I was given that position, but I couldn't change anything. That will be the result for the 2024 season. I will say it many times, but no matter how hard you try, results are everything. Therefore, I need to do more, and I still lacked what it takes to achieve something. I perceive it as that, both as an individual and as a team.

Q, What is the "something missing"?
A, I think there are many things. Not big things, but many small ones. Even before I came, we have ended up in this kind of ranking every season. Everyone is not satisfied with that, but there must be a reason why things don’t change. First and foremost, it is the players who need to deliver results, so the players must do more, they have to work harder. However, I think it is tough to keep winning just by the players working hard, and the same goes for the coach and the staff on site. To put it another way, it is also difficult if only the club staff, including the president and the strengthening department, as well as partners and fans/supporters, are working hard. It is difficult to keep winning just by everyone doing their part. Therefore, everyone involved with Tokyo should think about how this team can become stronger, how we can win, and where the differences lie with the clubs that have won. These should not be someone else's problems but our own to face. It is not about blaming others or nitpicking; we need to think together. I believe everyone is aware of the current bad flow, so we need to communicate and take action.
I am still in my second year, but I believe there are many fans and supporters, as well as people who have been watching Tokyo for a long time. I want us all to use more and more energy to change Tokyo. Of course, everyone is doing their best, but what I want to emphasize from the perspective of a player, including myself, is that we players need to do more.

Q: What do you perceive as the biggest issue?
A, perhaps, if it were a visible problem, I think we would have won before I came. Tokyo has only won titles in cup competitions, but considering that trend, I think it’s difficult because we don’t know what the specific issue is. If we knew the answer, things would have changed long ago. Conversely, I believe everyone feels a sense of challenge, and new players are coming in with strong aspirations, so when we all come together and win the league title, I think we will understand that 'something.' I don’t know if it will be while I’m here or not, but it would be best if we could win the league title while I’m still with the team.

Q: There are many issues that are difficult to articulate.
A: It would be good if I had a clear answer within myself, but that is really difficult. I feel there are issues that can be changed quickly and those that cannot be changed immediately. This is more about the team than the individual. Therefore, it is frustrating that I couldn't change anything while being the captain this season. Since I decided to take on this role, I should have done more. To change this team, I definitely need to invest more energy. That was my lack of ability.

Q: What is that energy?
A, without taking away from the original character, there are times when you have to speak strongly. You must clearly say that something is wrong when it is wrong. Regardless of whether you are playing in the match or not, you need to be someone who can say that something is wrong when it is wrong. I really feel that I was lacking in that regard.

Q: How do you feel about the soccer aspects on the pitch?
A, even if you ask all the players, 'What is soccer in Tokyo?' I think you probably won't get the same answer back. The fact that there is a discrepancy at that point means that we couldn't find a form. That's one answer, right? However, as I have said many times, there are things that individual players can do. If one, two, or three players can carry the ball, break through, and defend, we can get closer to victory. First of all, I believe that my lack of that ability has led to our current ranking, and before discussing tactics, it is necessary to have the ability to defend alone and contribute to about 10 goals as a central midfielder or a fullback. For me as an individual player, this season has been frustrating, just like last season.

Q: Please tell us what you strongly hope for the upcoming season.
AI believe that a tough battle awaits us next season as well. The place we aim for is not something that can be easily obtained or reached. While there are players who have experienced winning the league, each player must do much more. To achieve the goals we envision, we must come together and discuss as a team. Simply put, we have to do it. That's all there is to it.

Text by Daisuke Suga（El Golasso）