Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI
Q, we have reached the starting day. What thoughts did you put into your first greeting?
A, I was able to receive a big round of applause from the fans and supporters, so I wanted to convey that "we will continue to do our best until the end". For the sake of all the people who support us, we talked about "what is our true success" in today's meeting. I strongly feel that it is not about our own success, but the sparkle in the eyes of the people around us who support us. It is natural for us to want to succeed and for the club to improve, but I think the true success lies in that place. I feel that they are very important people, so I have a strong desire to fight for them.
Q, is there a theme for the camp starting tomorrow?
A, It is important to touch the ball firmly and build a strong body in the way I have been doing so far, but I always include tactical elements that I am looking for. Rather than a theme, I am thinking about building up such things and also considering new things, so I would like to gradually bring them out.
Q: Will you be doing high-intensity training during the first half of the camp?
A, I think it will be a little more expensive. We will continue to do it firmly so that we can do it sustainably. As for intensity, we have a purpose with the physical coach. For example, there are always targets for things like running distance, number of sprints, acceleration and deceleration in training and physical training. I think it is important to do it in line with such things. In that process, we will observe the players and make decisions based on their actual fatigue and injuries. It is important to communicate with all parties involved and proceed while taking into account the situation, as we do not expect everything to go according to plan.
<Seiji KIMURA>
Q, this is my first return from a one-season loan.
At Sagan Tosu, my new team, I was able to play in games throughout the season and gained a lot of experience by participating in the Asian Cup and the Paralympics as a member of the U-23 Japan national team. I also feel that I have grown, including mentally. I want to show a different side of myself in Tokyo.
Q, Will it be a long-awaited reunion with Teppei OKA?
A, it's been a while. We met privately at the end of last year, but playing on the same pitch as teammates is the first time since I was with FC Tokyo U-18. I'm looking forward to playing together, but I also want to have a good competition as players in the same position and rivals. I want us to push each other to grow. I don't want to lose.
Q, Please tell us your goals and enthusiasm for this season again.
A, This will be my second return from a temporary transfer, and I will fight through this season thinking it's my last chance. I want to leave a solid result in Tokyo and show my gratitude for nurturing me through my play.
<Takahiro KO>
Q, it was the first day of training for new coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI.
A, various players have returned and Marcelo RYAN has joined, and we were able to have a good atmosphere from today's practice. From the meeting, we felt the determination to do our best. It was a "Riki-like" meeting after a long time, and the words resonated with our hearts, which I think was also conveyed to everyone. In the image of Albirex Niigata's football, we talked about not only keeping the ball moving, but also coming to Tokyo with the goal of winning. He was someone who always talked about what we needed to do to win since our time in Niigata, so I felt that aspect hasn't changed. It also made me realize once again that my goal here at this club is to win.
Q, I think there are also expectations for me to share my experiences from my time in Niigata with those around me.
A, yes. But I try not to think too much about it. I am who I am, and I also have competition within myself. First of all, I want to express myself firmly. In order for the team to win and go in a good direction, I think communication and talking are very important. We have been doing this since last season, and I think we should increase the quantity and quality of communication even more to strengthen the team's cohesion and connection.
Q, How do you want to fight this season?
A, Looking back on last season, there were some difficult situations at first, and I have many memories of my own thoughts. Playing in Tokyo for a year, I have the feeling of "I have to do more." There were some good things last season, but I also had some regrets, so this season I want to take responsibility and raise the standards in order to win something. As Riki-san often says, the only way to grow is through training, and I think the intensity and quality of training will be required from now on. It's up to each player to raise their level of awareness. Camp is supposed to be tough, so I hope we can do our best in camp starting tomorrow.
