1/12 Training Report
On the first day of the Okinawa Kunigami Camp on the 12th, a welcome ceremony and first practice were held at the Kunigami Kaigin Field. At the welcome ceremony, goalkeeper Taishi Brandon Nozawa, who is from Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture, took the microphone and reflected on his childhood memories, saying the following words.
"I remembered when I was in elementary and middle school, there were many J-League clubs that came to Okinawa and I watched a lot of training and practice matches. I thought it would be great if I could have the time to give energy to the people of Kunigami Village as a professional soccer player."
And on the next day, after loosening up their bodies with running and step work, they prepared for the practice with ball feeling and passing & control. The new coach, Rikizo MATSUHASHI, who took command this season, has been emphasizing the importance of each player's "stopping and kicking" movements, making it a "full-on" camp from the first day.
CAMP VOICE vol.1 Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA
The newly appointed coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI led the new Tokyo team to start their Okinawa Kunigami camp. On the first day of the camp, Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA was chasing after the ball with a different, more fulfilled expression compared to the previous season.
Last season, which I joined with high expectations, was followed by a separate menu from the camp. After that, injuries continued throughout the year, and I had an unsatisfactory season.
"I wanted to bring a new wind to this team, and I had higher expectations for myself than anyone else."
That's why Kogashi's feelings for this season are strong. Immediately after finishing the first day of training at the Okinawa Kunigami Camp, I spoke to number 11, who is running on the road to revival.
Q, the start was different from last season's camp, where all menus were consumed from the first day.
A,If we can spend this camp well, I think we can fight throughout the season. It may sound a little negative, but I have never been able to get through past camps without taking a break (laughs). However, this time I believe we can get through it well and I want to show a different side than usual.
Q, I think you had a frustrating season in your first year. How has your mindset changed for this season?
A, Last season, I was unable to play in games as I wanted, so this season, I want to prepare my mind and body to start anew and be able to give 100% effort from the opening game.
Q, there was also practice using the ball from the first day.
A, it was a training with a little intensity while using the ball. I think there are still a lot of basic practices now, but I believe that by accumulating such training, we can also improve our skills. It was about the basics of stopping and kicking, and I think it was an area that this team had been neglecting a little. I also want to grow in that aspect, including myself.
Q, If the ball handling becomes smoother, there may be more scoring opportunities.
A, I think the number of ideas and drawers will increase as the accuracy of the basic parts improves. That's why I think we've been able to build up good training.
Q, Marcelo RYAN joined the team this off-season, and if Kogashiwa can stay injury-free and play on the pitch, it will be a big reinforcement for the team.
A, Diego Oliveira has retired and Taro (Ryotaro ARAKI) has also returned to Kashima Antlers, so some people may be worried. Therefore, I want to prove that I can fill the gap left by them by playing well. Last season, both my performance and the team's results were not satisfactory to the fans and supporters. We both ended up feeling unsatisfied, so this season, I want to show a performance that we can all get excited about together.
Q, It has been a year, but please make the words "I want to bring a new wind to this team" that I continued to say during last season come true.
A, yes. When I step onto the pitch, I want to show my strong play. Hian also has a strong presence and I want to deepen our connection during this camp.
Text by Kyohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
