1/16 Training
16th day of the 5th day of the Okinawa Kunigami Camp. From this day, training in actual game format has also begun, and the blueprint of soccer that coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI aims for, such as build-up and defense confirmation, has begun to be drawn on the pitch.
During the build-up practice, the coach always reminds us to "pass not just the ball, but also time". This instills in us the awareness to redo the build-up at the backline multiple times in order to deliver passes to players in a more positive and better state.
Accuracy and skill must be improved, but the phrase "the goal is to move the ball by moving the opponent" should be engraved in the players' minds. Coach Matsubashi's voice saying "everyone can do it. We can go further" echoed on the Kunigami pitch.
FOCUS ON
Official photographer's selection of camp photo project "FOCUS ON". On the 5th day of camp, we selected Yuto NAGATOMO's running on the beach, aiming for his 5th World Cup as the oldest member of the team. The menu, devised by Guilherme, the "Carioca" conditioning director from Rio de Janeiro who is familiar with training on the beach, is super hard. Nevertheless, the iron man, NAGATOMO, overcame it with powerful footwork and raised a roar to the sky and sea of the southern country.
CAMP VOICE vol.5 Tokiwata Kouta Player
Newly joined from Meiji University, Kouta Tokiwa is aiming to start in the opening game and is having a fulfilling camp. He breaks down the words and training menu of the coach and coach in his own way, and his tasks are also organized. During practice, the rookie from a university observes the play of the surrounding players and says, "I'll steal everything I can steal." On the 5th day of camp, we talked to Tokiwa, who is spending stimulating days.
Q, how has the camp been so far with the start of the practical training menu?
A, it is fulfilling. Each training menu may seem complicated at first glance, but I think it is asking for the essence. There are many menus that make the most of what is being said without thinking too hard, so that's interesting.
Q, there was also a call from Coach Matsubashi to have initiative and ideas.
A, I will work on what the coach told me, but the coach also said that it's not enough. In that regard, I think it's about how to combine my own ideas and strengths. The framework is already presented, but I think it's okay to play freely as long as I don't deviate too much from it. I am conscious of not losing my strengths and playing.
Q, I also participated in the camp as a trainee last season. Is there any difference from back then?
A, Last season, I was a trainee, so I was conscious of appealing, but I think I was seen as a customer. This season, I am officially joining the team and my goal is to start in the opening lineup, so I cannot have the mindset of a customer. I am approaching this with the intention of leading this team. Even in game-style menus, I am using my voice to unify the entire team and taking a strong approach with the determination to be at the center.
Q, training matches will also begin. If you show your presence there, I think the people around you will change more and more.
A, there is also a sense of accomplishment that I am gradually being recognized even in practice. I have started to hear from those around me that I can play well in the top team. However, I must not be satisfied with just being able to do it, and I must push through from there. Even in training matches, I must aim not just to be "good enough" but to be "the best" and "the strongest" in terms of taking the ball, which is my specialty. I want to aim for the top as my weapon to fight as a professional.
Q, here we have Kento HASHIMOTO as well as many other skilled hunters who can serve as a reference.
A, (Hashimoto player) has a way of kicking that is like foreign players, so it's interesting to watch and it's helpful. I stick to the basic defensive principles, so it's interesting when I take the ball away in situations where I'm supposed to "stick my foot out". Kei Koizumi also has a different style of taking the ball, so I want to use it as a reference.
Q, if you can steal such plays, you can expect further growth.
A, since everyone is really high level, I'm watching with the intention of stealing everything, so every day is stimulating.
Q, Coach Matsubashi seems to be looking at all players equally and thoroughly.
A, I think the coach is looking at us equally. However, being watched means that they are also seeing everything we do wrong or when we slack off. It's a constant pressure, but it's also an honor to be watched. In any case, giving our all for the team should lead to good evaluations. Instead of just worrying about the coach's opinion, I believe it's important to give our best.
Text by Kyohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
