1/24 Training
On the final day of the Okinawa Kunigami Camp, training was conducted at Kaigin Field Kunigami, including set piece practice. In the afternoon, the team moved to the secondary camp location and will start the Okinawa Itoman Camp from the 25th.
After finishing the first training camp, Yuto NAGATOMO and Masato MORISHIGE shouted, "We're not done yet. We won't end our careers yet." Next to them, Teruhito NAKAGAWA calmly commented, "It feels like the camp is already over, but we still have more than a week left." The two older players let out a sigh and could only laugh bitterly.
As more menus have been added with official games in mind, we are finally entering the second camp. From here on, we will incorporate actual battles and repeat trial and error to brush up the team for the opening.
FOCUS ON
Official cameraman's selection of camp photo project "FOCUS ON". On the final day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp, a photo of Koki TSUKAGAWA running with splashes was selected. During this camp, coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI has been encouraging players to take initiative. Among them, without being told by anyone, TSUKAGAWA has been thinking and acting on his own on and off the pitch. I have seen him take the lead in cleaning up the grass that fell next to the air shoe cleaner that everyone uses multiple times during the first camp. TSUKAGAWA suffered from injuries last season, but he successfully completed all the menus during the first camp. From the 25th, he will start the Okinawa Itoman camp with the team.
CAMP VOICE vol.11 Takahiro KO
Takahiro KO, who is familiar with Albirex Niigata's former coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, is said to be re-tightening the reins as he sees a new side of the commander while feeling nostalgic. We heard from the blue and red helmsman, who wants to show an even more overwhelming presence in his second season, about his thoughts on the first camp and his enthusiasm for the second camp.
Q: The final day of the Okinawa Kunigami Camp has also arrived, what kind of first camp was it?
A new team has been formed with a new coach. Everyone is training with a fresh mindset and in a positive atmosphere. I believe we are having a very successful camp.
Q, while explaining how to place your heart, coach Matsubashi has shown his dedication to each and every play. In the past few days, there have been more trainings that allow us to see the bigger picture.
A, I have been doing Coach Matsubashi's training so far, and I myself felt nostalgic. The story I told the players was something I had heard before. It also resonated with me again, and the story of "who I am" and "acting on instinct" also made sense during my time at Albirex Niigata. Personally, I want to express myself more and more. Even during practice, I think all the players feel that way and each individual is working on it. I think that leads to improving the quality of training.
Q, certainly, the appearance of each player trying to work with their own initiative is visible.
A, I definitely think it's there. I also feel that the quality of training has improved from warm-ups and passing & control exercises. There is also a sense that each training is connected. We were able to improve our individual condition and intensity during the first camp, so from here on, I hope we can deepen our shared image as a team and fight together.
Q, Coach Matsubashi also said he is trying a new challenge.
A, at Albirex Niigata, I think we are trying to challenge things that we have never done before. "When considering the strengths of Tokyo players, it's good to have such new challenges," he said. I think that the high pressure to win the ball and the short counterattacks and the fast-paced attacks are the strengths of Tokyo. That's something I felt when I played for Tokyo last season. We want to be aggressive in any position or situation, so we also want to actively challenge ourselves.
Q, there is also a word "regression" for stagnation, but perhaps coach Matsubashi himself is trying to surpass his current self.
A, that may be true. I have heard that word being used by Manager Matsubashi during his time in Niigata. I think there is a goal to improve and reach higher heights. We will just have to respond to that firmly.
Q: What is player Takashi thinking about in order to surpass his current self?
A, I want to show a overwhelming presence. I have played in many games since joining last season, but I also want to leave more numbers as an individual. I want to become a player who is thought to be "the team is winning because Yan is there. He is indispensable." However, there are some great competitors, so if I can show that kind of presence, I think there is a new world that will be seen within myself. I want to become a player who can do more things both on offense and defense while raising my own bar.
Q: The second training camp will begin. What time do you want to make it?
A, I would like to work together as a team to increase the sharing of our team's image and the number of practice games as well. While focusing on that, I also want to improve our game stamina and intensity.
Text by Kyohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
