1/24 Training
The final day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp included set-piece practice at Kaigin Field Kunigami. In the afternoon, the team moved to the secondary training camp, and starting from the 25th, they will begin the Okinawa Itoman camp.
After the practice on this day, following the conclusion of the first training camp, Yuto NAGATOMO and Masato MORISHIGE shouted, "We're not done yet!" Next to them, Teruhito NAKAGAWA calmly interjected, "It feels like the camp is already over, but we still have more than a week left." The two older players, putting on a brave face, sighed and could only manage a wry smile, saying, "That's true."
As we have seen an increase in menus designed for official matches, we are finally entering the second camp. From here, we will incorporate actual combat as we prepare for the opening, repeating trial and error to refine the team.
FOCUS ON
The official photographer's selected camp photo project "FOCUS ON." On the final day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp, a shot capturing Koki TSUKAGAWA running with splashes was selected. During this camp, head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI conveyed the importance of taking initiative. In that context, without anyone telling him to do so, TSUKAGAWA took the initiative to think and act both on and off the pitch. I have seen him multiple times during the first camp cleaning up the grass that fell beside the air shoe cleaner that everyone uses. TSUKAGAWA struggled with injuries last season, but he successfully completed all the activities of the first camp. Starting from the 25th, he will begin the Okinawa Itoman camp with the team.
CAMP VOICE vol.11 Takahiro KO
Takahiro KO, who knows well about Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the coach from his time at Albirex Niigata, feels nostalgic but is also tightening his resolve as he sees a new side of the commander. As he enters his second season, he expressed his desire to "exhibit an even more overwhelming presence" and shared his reflections on the first training camp and his enthusiasm for the second training camp.
Q: The Okinawa Kunigami camp has reached its final day, but what kind of first camp has it been?
A new team has been formed with a new coach. Everyone is training with a fresh mindset and in a good atmosphere. I believe we are having a very good camp.
Q: Coach Matsuhashi has emphasized the importance of mindset while demonstrating a commitment to each individual play. In recent days, there has been an increase in training sessions that allow for a clearer overall picture.
A, reflecting on Coach Matsuhashi's training so far, I felt a sense of nostalgia. The messages conveyed to the players were things I had heard before. There were moments that resonated with me again, and discussions about "who I am" and "acting on instinct" were also things that made sense during my time at Albirex Niigata. Personally, I want to express myself even more. Even during practice, I believe all the players are sensing this and each is working on it individually. I think these aspects contribute to enhancing the quality of training.
Q: Indeed, it is evident that each player is trying to take initiative in their efforts.
A, I definitely think that is there. I feel that the quality of training has improved through warm-ups and practice of passing & control. There is also a sense that each training session is connected. Since we were able to work on individual conditioning and intensity during the first camp, I hope we can deepen our shared vision as a team from here on.
Q: Coach Matsuhashi also mentioned that he is trying to take on a new challenge.
A, I think Albirex Niigata is trying to take on challenges they have never faced before. They mentioned, "Considering the strengths of Tokyo players, it’s good to have such new challenges." I believe that winning the ball high up the pitch and executing quick counter-attacks and fast-paced attacks are the strengths of Tokyo. I felt this myself while playing in Tokyo last season. Regardless of our position or situation, we want to be aggressive, so we also want to actively take on challenges.
Q: There is a saying that stagnation is regression, but perhaps Coach Matsuhashi is also trying to surpass his current self.
A, that may indeed be the case. I have heard Coach Matsuhashi use that phrase during his time in Niigata. I believe there is an intention to improve and reach greater heights. We just need to respond to that properly.
Q: What are you thinking about in order to surpass your current self?
I want to project an overwhelming presence. I joined the team last season and participated in many matches, but I want to achieve better personal statistics. I want to become a player that people think, "The team is winning because of Yan. He is indispensable." However, there are very strong competitors, so if I can project that presence, I believe a new world will open up for me. I want to raise my own standards and become a player who can do more in both offense and defense.
Q: The second camp is starting. What kind of time do you want to have?
I think we will start sharing the team's image and increase practice in game formats, so I want to align as a whole. While focusing on that, I also want to improve game stamina and intensity.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
