1/21 Training
On the 10th day of the Okinawa Kunigami Camp, training with physical elements was also conducted. Before the first off day of the camp, the morning was spent sweating through high-intensity one-on-one practice. In the afternoon, the day was wrapped up with a hard day of building up and game-style training.
As he instilled a focus on each play, coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI urged his players to "not only use their voices, but also their quality to energize the team." To bring out breathtaking plays and moments that elicit admiration, he stimulates the players' decision-making and creativity. In response to his words, even when exhausted, they were trying to come up with ideas with their minds in full gear.
Masato MORISHIGE joined the team's full practice from this day. In the build-up practice, he responded to the coach's voice saying, "Let's not just hold on, let's attack. Let's always be aggressive," and showed plays typical of Masato MORISHIGE, carrying the ball from the final line and taking the opponent's reverse. After refreshing tomorrow's day off, he will lead the team in the second half of the camp, which will resume from the 23rd, towards the opening.
FOCUS ON
Official photographer's selection of camp photo project "FOCUS ON". On the 10th day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp, this one shot of Masato MORISHIGE, who joined the team's full practice from this day, was selected. This season marks the 20th year as a professional. He has spent more than half of his life as a professional soccer player. He is usually calm, but once he steps onto the pitch, he burns with fighting spirit. His freshly picked ambition is no less than that of Yuto NAGATOMO. His words are filled with freshness, saying "I want to continue to shine this year as well." There is no end to his stoic days. The experienced defender, who is only 10 games away from playing 500 games in the J1 league, is still going strong this season.
CAMP VOICE vol.9 Baek INHWAN
Baek INHWAN, who returned from a loan transfer to Zweigen Kanazawa this season, is spending his days learning. He aims to further improve by following the example of his respected seniors, such as running on the pitch with Yuto NAGATOMO after practice. Baek, who is fighting without an interpreter, said, "I want to use my strengths in crossing and overlapping" and vowed to make a strong appeal in the second half of the camp.
Q, this is also the halfway point of the camp.
A, I came to play for a J1 league team for the first time and felt that everyone's tempo and speed were fast. However, I have gotten used to it, so I think it will be okay.
Q, On the 18th, I also participated in a practice match against Meio University. How well do you think you played?
A, I think it was about half because it was a 30-minute game. I may not have been able to show much yet.
Q, Do you think the tempo of Japanese soccer is different from the K League, and have you gotten used to it?
A, yes, I'm getting used to it. I think there are more players with faster tempo and higher technique than in the K League.
Q, do you feel a sense of accomplishment when holding the ball as a side back?
A, it's still difficult. But if you can overcome it, I think you can grow as a player.
Q, What do you want to appeal during the remaining camp?
A, I also want to assist with my specialty, crosses, and actively overlap to appeal more aggressively.
Q, Do you have any specific areas you are focusing on during practice matches?
A, I definitely want to assist. I want to eliminate mistakes in defense and play well without mistakes in attack.
Q: Do you have any seniors that you are close with and rely on?
A, (looking at Tsubasa TERAYAMA who was next to me) I'm here (laughs). Everyone is really nice to me and they are all great seniors.
Q, It is also a great learning experience to be able to train with players who have participated in four consecutive World Cups like Yuto NAGATOMO.
A, I want to learn a lot of soccer from Yuto NAGATOMO. I want to learn everything, including mental aspects, from Nagatomo-san.
Q, there is still half of the camp left, so please do your best.
Yes, thank you very much.
Text by Kyohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
