1/25 Training
The first day of the Okinawa-Itoman camp was conducted in private. The second camp started on this day, and coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI said, "I want to continue to bring out the preparations for the game and the challenges and good parts that come out of the game."
Furthermore, the coach expressed his expectation for players who can surprise and make an impact.
Not only the key players and new signings who are expected to perform well from last season, but also the players who returned to Tokyo without achieving the desired results during their training abroad are now motivated by this. Each player is showcasing their own strengths and abilities, and they are all performing well.
The emergence of players who overturn past rankings and achievements will further enhance competitiveness. If the second camp is filled with such surprises, we should be able to acquire a thick layer of players without relying on anyone in particular.
FOCUS ON
Official camp photo project "FOCUS ON" selected by the official cameraman. On the first day of the Okinawa-Itoman camp, interpreter Kazunori IINO and Ewerton GAUDINO player chose this one with a smile. Since 2000, he has supported both foreign players and staff as an interpreter. He also experienced the farewell with Diego OLIVEIRA, who retired at the end of last season. However, interpreter IINO said, "It's sad, but now I can see and talk to them on my cell phone no matter where they are in the world," and continues to face the players with a smile. Of course, the bond with the players who have colored the blue and red history will never change.
CAMP VOICE vol.12 Hisatoshi NISHIDO
Manager Rikizo MATSUHASHI said before the second camp, "I hope to see a player who will surprise us." Whether he knew it or not, Hisatoshi NISHIDO naturally said, "I want to surprise those around me." He has played for JEF United Chiba, Kagoshima United FC, and FC Gifu since his first year as a professional. However, he has not been able to perform as he hoped and in his third season, he expressed a sense of crisis. On the other hand, he is smiling more during this camp, as if he has let go of something. He is also showing bold plays without fear of making mistakes. We asked NISHIDO about the reason for this.
Q, the second camp has started.
A, I have been struggling with injuries for a long time, so it was a big deal for me to have a good practice without any injuries during the first training camp. In that process, I have also challenged myself in different positions and have been able to enjoy that environment. I personally feel like I am in a pressured situation. However, I have no negative feelings and I am approaching everything with a "bring it on" attitude. I believe that these emotions are working in a positive direction and looking back at the first training camp, I realized that mindset is really important. Soccer is a mental sport and I think expressing my feelings on the pitch is crucial for me to perform.
Q, I have shown good plays since practice. What do you think we should do to overturn the ranking from here?
A, this season is the first time I have been able to enjoy camp, or rather, the feeling of it. Until last season, I was always concerned about the performance of players in the same position, and negative emotions would come up. But here, there are wonderful players in the same position, and there is fierce competition. However, such situations exist in every club and team, and no matter where you are, you have to continue to win in competition. I thought I understood this all along, but now that I am pushed to the limit, I may truly understand it. With this mindset, I am able to enjoy even the intense competition now.
Q, Coach Matsubashi also talked about taking the lead and doing what he can for the team.
A, Coach Matsubashi's words have had a significant influence on my own thoughts. He creates an environment like that as a coach. I may be the only one who feels that way, and I think others may have different feelings. Also, I think the coach is looking for attacking players, and I myself am also good at attacking, so I can focus on just showing my strengths.
Q, There were also plays during the camp where players boldly faced forward and broke through the gap to surprise the opposing defender, in situations where it was okay to redo without pushing themselves too hard.
A, there is of course fatigue and tightness. However, my condition is the best in my third professional season. In my first professional season, I started with rehabilitation during camp, and last season I was playing while dealing with pain. I believe that I am in the best condition now, and it is leading to positive plays and confidence.
Q, even from the outside, every day seems fun.
A, I think the style is right. And I think there are not many restrictions there. Coach Matsubashi conveys the direction and way of thinking at the meeting, but there are no absolute rules like "you must do this" or "you must do this" in such situations, so for players like me, it is important to play with momentum in the flow. I think that having few restrictions allows us to approach things in a very positive way.
Q, What kind of days do you want to spend during the remaining camp?
A, what is always inside me is to not get injured. Because that is a concern, I want to prevent injuries with the help of the trainers. I am a player who returned without achieving results on a temporary transfer, but I want to fight from the bottom. Of course, everyone is aiming for the starting lineup, but I also want to aim for a spot and surprise those around me. I will strive for the starting lineup with that kind of effort.
Text by Kyohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
