1/28Training
On the fourth day of the Okinawa-Itoman camp, we sweated through pass and control drills and half-court games in the morning, and did muscle training in the training gym in the afternoon.
A welcome ceremony was held at Itoman Nishizaki Athletics Stadium before the practice on this day, which marked the end of the off-season, and Itoman City Mayor Toma Maeshima visited to encourage the players.
In addition, it was announced that they have acquired player Keiichiro Sato from German club SV Werder Bremen (SV Werder Bremen II) on a full transfer. With this final piece of the season filled, they will now enter the final stage of preparations.
With only 4 days left in the Okinawa camp, various tryouts have been conducted to incorporate the tactics of newly appointed coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, who took over this season. The foundation for a new Tokyo is being built in this tropical land.
FOCUS ON
Official photographer's camp photo project "FOCUS ON" selected this one shot capturing Seiji KIMURA, who returned from a temporary transfer to Sagan Tosu on the 4th day of the Okinawa-Itoman camp. After a season of training, the changes in the man who returned were not small. In addition to his calm play and leadership on the pitch, his appearance has also changed significantly. He gained a sculpted body and his teammates were also fascinated by his bulging muscles. There is a sense of a breakthrough coming from KIMURA this season.
CAMP VOICE vol.14 Wataru GOTO
Wataru GOTO, who was promoted to the top team this season, has been selected for the U-20 Japan national team that will compete in the "AFC U-20 Asia Cup China 2025". If they can survive the tough Asian qualifiers, they will secure a spot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025. Before leaving the team in February, we asked the young goalkeeper about his enthusiasm for the U-20 Asia Cup and his thoughts on the camp so far.
Congratulations on being selected for the Japan national team for the U-20 World Cup qualifiers.
Thank you very much. In the activities of the U-19 Japan national team so far, I have not been able to get enough playing opportunities, so I want to firmly grasp the starting position.
Q, A tough battle awaits in Asia.
A, Personally, I have experienced it during my time with the U-17 Japan national team, so I have some idea, but I want to approach it as a completely different thing and have fun playing.
Q, We lost to Spain at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Indonesia 2023. I think the frustration we experienced in the world can only be resolved at a world tournament.
I still remember the second goal against Spain. Marc Guehi, who scored the goal, is also active in Chelsea and I definitely want to avenge that loss someday. When we were eliminated in the U-17 World Cup, I set a goal to get revenge on Spain in the U-20 World Cup. In order to achieve that, we must first win the Asian Cup.
Q: How do you look back on the camp so far?
A, at first I was able to work on the tasks while having fun. However, as others around me were able to do things and I couldn't, feelings of frustration and impatience started to arise. I want to catch up quickly and make up for what I lack as soon as possible.
Q, It seems that you were also working on extra practice after practice.
A, Shota YAMASHITA goalkeeper coach and Ryota INOUE assistant goalkeeper coach have been spending fulfilling time together, even in places where I have to do additional work.
Q: Where do you think the challenges lie?
A, almost everything is close. Regarding the ability to stop shots, I thought I could do it when I was with FC Tokyo U-18, but now there are also times when I can't demonstrate it because the conditions for preparation and judgment are not met. We need to be able to demonstrate it under any conditions. In terms of build-up, there are still many situations where we lose the ball or the passes are off target. I think there are many challenges both in attack and defense.
Q, you will leave the team in 3 days.
A, while aiming for the starting lineup, there are difficulties in leaving the team, but I was selected for the U-20 Japan national team, so now I have to contribute to the U-20 Japan national team to win the U-20 Asia Cup and qualify for the U-20 World Cup.
Text by Kyohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
