1/20 Training
On the 9th day of the Okinawa Kunigami Camp, the team held a second practice. In the morning, a relaxation game was incorporated to loosen up the players' bodies, and their smiles were noticeable. In the afternoon, they sweated through mini-games focusing on passing and control, as well as breaking through in front of the goal.
In passing and control, the distance of passing has been shortened compared to before, and when mistakes occur, traffic jams occur immediately. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI says, "Doing it accurately is the fastest," and demands more accurate technique and judgment. Gradually, mistakes have decreased and there have been many scenes where the ball connects smoothly.
In addition, Yuto NAGATOMO joined the team's full practice from this day. He had been doing a separate menu until now and must have been itching to join. With the return of the "festival man" that Japan is proud of, the pitch was filled with loud voices. Masato MORISHIGE is also scheduled to join from tomorrow, and the energetic veterans will liven up the camp from here.
FOCUS ON
Official photographer's selection of camp photo project "FOCUS ON". On the 9th day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp, we selected a one-shot photo of the traditional group photo shoot during the camp. During the shoot, the light shone from the top of a small hill next to the practice ground, illuminating the players and staff. Welcoming coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, a new season begins. How will the team, which has been without a title for 4 seasons, be reborn? The camp is also halfway through tomorrow. The fulfilling camp continues, with the start of breaking down in front of the goal.
CAMP VOICE vol.8 Henrique TREVISAN
Enrique Trevizan's birthday party, which has become a tradition at the Okinawa Kunigami Camp this season, was held and surrounded by a celebratory mood. Diego Oliveira retired at the end of last season. In his fourth season, he said he wants to "lead the team" as a new leader of Brazilian players. I told "Happy birthday this year" to "Enrique's Aniki" and heard his enthusiasm.
Q, Happy birthday.
A, thank you very much. As another year passes, a new season begins. I am very happy to be able to belong to Tokyo and celebrate my birthday at the Okinawa camp.
Q, it has become an annual tradition, hasn't it?
A, I may not have celebrated my birthday with my family for about 15 years now. It's inevitable when you play soccer. However, even this season, I am very happy to be able to celebrate my birthday with my teammates.
Q, what kind of season do you want?
A, of course, I want to have a good season and a good year. I want to contribute to the team at all times and play in every game. I want to make sure we can achieve our goals.
Q, we have welcomed a new coach and are also working on a new style of soccer.
A, since we are still in the early stages, we don't know much yet, but I think it's a very good football. The coach is also bringing in new tactics for us and for the team. I believe it will have a very positive effect. Everyone, including myself, is full of motivation for the new season. In the midst of that, I want to learn many things and make the team even better.
Q, there are more menus that require full rotation of the head during training.
A, yes. As I said, thinking speed is also required. We need to think quickly and use our heads, so I think it is expected that the speed at which all players, including myself, think will increase and improve our play.
Q, Diego OLIVEIRA will retire and take on the role of bringing in Brazilian players from this season.
A, yes. Diego TABA retired and left the team, so I am the oldest and this is my fourth season with Tokyo. Among the Brazilian players, I am the most senior and know the team the best. We also have new players joining this season, so I want to share my experience with them. I hope that the Brazilian players and Japanese players can come together and contribute to the team. When I joined in my first year, everyone helped me, so now it's my turn to support them.
Q: We are looking forward to "Henrique's big brother".
A, (laughs). Yeah, that's right. I'll do my best to do everything I can and lead the team like Diego Taba.
Text by Kyohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
