Seiji KIMURA and Kashif BANGNAGANDE. After many years as "allies" since U-15 Fukagawa, they will once again don the same uniform in Tokyo this season. After being promoted to the top team and growing through several loan spells, KIMURA became a key player for the U-23 Japan national team during the Paris Olympic generation last season, returning to the red and blue after gaining experience in the world. On the other hand, BANGNAGANDE honed his skills in Tokyo and made his debut for the A national team in March 2023. Although he could not participate in the main tournament of the Paris Olympics due to injury, he has evolved into a standout presence on the pitch. The two, who have walked different paths, will reunite in the 2025 season after each has evolved. What will both players think anew? In the second part, they discussed the upcoming season's soccer, each other's play, and their jersey numbers.
──With the new coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, how do you think soccer in Tokyo will change?
Seiji KIMURA Did you see Yoshifumi from outside (the practice)? At first, I thought I wanted to connect the ball, but…
Kashif BANGNAGANDE Hmm... But I think what I'm focused on is scoring goals and the team's victory.
Kimura said that he wanted to align the team's characteristics with what the coach wants to do, so I thought we would settle into a style that utilizes the traditional vertical speed. However, it seems that what Mr. Rikuzou wants is different; he wants to hold onto the ball if possible and keep moving it until the opponent is exhausted, even if it means starting over multiple times. He even said during practice matches to "make the opponent a mannequin." I thought he was the type who is particular about not losing the ball and maintaining possession, but he hasn't said not to attack quickly vertically, and he mentioned that if we can do that, it's the best option. He might originally want to connect the play, but he won't erase the strengths of this team. Given the current quality of Tokyo's players, I believe they can properly follow what the coach demands. We will use the goalkeeper to restart as many times as needed, and I think we will play a style of soccer that connects from the back more than before.
Kashifu If you can hold the ball like that, I think the positioning of the full-backs will become much more detailed. There may be times when they take on the role of pinning down opponents, and in attack, the full-back on the opposite side of the cross that comes in is also required to move into the goal area. As long as the risk management at the back is handled, I believe the full-back on the opposite side can actively enter the area like that.
Kimura Last season, he scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists in that form.
Yoshifumi That's right.
──So, how do we want to shine in soccer?
Kimura I think it's a style that doesn't differ much from the possession image cultivated at Sagan Tosu last season. When holding the ball and moving it slowly, there are coaches who urge to "pass quickly!" to create tempo in the attack, but that's not the case with Mr. Rikuzou. He is a coach who understands the tactics of drawing in the opponent while holding the ball. He also mentioned that if a long-distance pass can be completed, that's the best option. I feel that it is quite close to the image and ideal I have. If we can firmly execute the build-up that we were able to establish last season, I believe we can be a great asset.
Yoshifumi The movements required of a side back are likely to increase, and since the coach demands aggressive attacking, I believe I can make better use of my strengths. There seems to be a lot to learn, so I think my range of play will also expand, and I am really looking forward to that from now on.
──Kashifu is itching to play, and it's evident to those around him.
Yoshifumi That's right.
Kimura But, there's no need to rush. If the return gets delayed again because of this, it would really be a waste.
Kashifu I think this is probably the most emotionally turbulent time. Just as my return is getting closer, a new team has started, and while watching the practice matches, I've been constantly thinking, "I want to play soon." Even while running on the pitch during rehabilitation, I get really curious when I see the players huddled together listening to the coach. I felt the same way last season, but I've come to want to return even faster. Especially during camp, that feeling has been growing stronger.
──Last season, among the three clubs based in Tokyo, we ended up at the bottom of the league standings. Additionally, not being able to secure a single win is truly disappointing.
Kimura "When you think of 'Tokyo', there should have been an image of FC Tokyo, so both teams are definitely rivals that must not lose to each other."
Kashifu I truly believe that winning against them is the best proof. After all, the players from the academy must have that feeling stronger than anyone else, and since there are many players who grew up in blue and red this season, we want to raise our morale and face the battle against them.
──Last season, they finished 7th in the league. There may be fans and supporters who have both expectations and anxieties for this season, which they are approaching with a new structure.
Kimura I believe that if the new team, half of whose players are from the academy, wins, it will naturally prove the strength of the academy. Even if not everyone can participate in the matches, I think the team reflects the strength of all the players who are part of it, and that will be reflected in the rankings. This is because the intensity and quality of regular practice serve as a barometer of the team's strength. Considering this, I think it is a great opportunity to showcase the strength of the academy graduates.
Kashifu From an objective standpoint, it's amazing that players from the academy want to return even after going through university. That's why, if there are fans and supporters who are feeling anxious, we must prove ourselves with results and performance. No matter what I say here, it won't mean anything unless we deliver results, and conversely, I believe that if we achieve results, our credibility will increase. This season, there are particularly many players from the academy, so as Seiji said, the results of the top team will inevitably lead to an evaluation of the academy. Therefore, continuing to deliver results is the most important thing, and for the fans and supporters in Tokyo, as well as for the younger players in the academy, I want to focus on proving ourselves through results. I want the whole team to show the kind of fight we had in the 2019 season when we were competing for the championship.
──Starting this season, Kafumi Yoshifu will wear the number 6 jersey. What does Kimura think about this?
Kimura I think it's good. (Kosuke) OTA and Ryoya-kun (Ryoya OGAWA, currently with Sint-Truidense VV) have different styles, but since this is a number that has been worn by legendary left backs, I believe it is the most suitable number for Yoshifumi. If Yoshifumi can surpass the two seniors here with his play, the value of number 6 will increase even more, so I hope to work hard together with that expectation.
Kashifu Last season was challenging both in football and in my personal life. Every season is a competition, but I believe this season will be particularly crucial. I was considering changing my jersey number to put pressure on myself and to change my mindset. At that moment, the club also suggested, "Why not change it?" so I thought it was a good timing and decided to take on the number 6.
Kimura When you put it that way, it makes it seem like I don't want to put pressure on myself and that number 47 is a safe choice (laughs).
Yoshifumi No, no, no, no... that's not it, that's not it (sweat). But, Seiji also had a good number available...
Kimura The club also asked me, "What number do you want?" but without thinking, I just answered, "47 is fine," and that was decided (laughs). I guess I should have thought about it a bit more (wry smile).
──Finally, please make a promise to the fans and supporters that you will uphold this one thing as you fight through this season.
Kimura Of course, winning is the most important thing, but I want everyone on the team to play passionately so that even if we draw or lose, people can think, "It was a good match," "It was interesting," or "It was exciting soccer," and that it leads to the next opportunity.
Kashifu I want to play in a way that allows all the fans and supporters who came to the stadium to go home saying, "That was fun." I want to be a team that people can wholeheartedly support, and I promise to show that kind of play in any situation.
For the first part, please see here
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
