1/29Training
On the 5th day of the Okinawa Itoman Camp, we sweated at the Itoman Nishizaki Athletics Stadium in the morning and did strength training at the training gym in the afternoon.
18th day since the first camp. As the players become more fatigued, there were some scenes of consecutive passing mistakes in the rare game-style training during this camp.
At the end of the morning's full practice, a circle was formed and head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI demanded precision and timing in passing from the players at its center. He also mentioned that "time is necessary" to synchronize timing.
The camp is almost over and there is fatigue, but the commander positioned it as a "crucial moment" and said that when mistakes continue, it is necessary to make strict demands on each other.
FOCUS ON
Official photographer's selected camp photo project "FOCUS ON". On the 5th day of the Okinawa-Itoman camp, they chose a two-shot of childhood friends Mitsuru SATO and Teppei OKA, who will now wear blue and red. They were teammates at Buddy SC Setagaya in elementary school, reunited at Meiji University. And now, they have come full circle and will once again wear the same uniform in Tokyo. They will surely support each other as Buddies in blue and red from now on.
CAMP VOICE vol.15 Sato Keiin Player
On the first day of joining, player Keiichiro Sato adjusted separately. After practice, he not only caught up with players from Meiji University and those he fought with in the national team, but also stood out for having conversations with many players. With his natural communication skills, he quickly blended in with the team. In addition, an online press conference was also held, and he responded with a smile to each question from the media.
Q, please tell us about the decision to transfer to Tokyo.
A, originally, I had six more months left on my contract with SV Werder Bremen. I had the feeling of wanting to finish it there, but after the winter break and the start of the season, I received an offer from Tokyo and after considering which would be the better choice for my career, I decided to come to Tokyo.
Q, What words moved your heart?
I heard about the passion when I received the offer from the club, and that the club's goal is to win the J1 League. As it is my hometown club in Tokyo, a strong desire to achieve the league championship has emerged.
Q: Many players from Meiji University, including Yuto Nagatomo, are currently on the team.
Among my seniors, classmates, and juniors at Meiji University, Nagatomo is a particularly experienced player, so I haven't been able to have deep conversations with him, but I want to absorb various things from here and incorporate them into myself.
Q: Please tell us about the impression of Tokyo fans and supporters.
A, when I was in Germany, I often saw the words "Tokyo is passionate" on SNS. This applies to both the players and the fans and supporters who seem to be pushing the players forward. I have also seen footage of passionate support in the stadium. I feel that the stadium is a source of strength for us.
Q: How do you look back on your various experiences during your year and a half living in Germany?
A, I think the challenge in Germany was personally tough because I played in a difficult environment, so I had a long period of struggle. I think I grew as a player by competing with taller players, physically strong players, and speedy players in that environment. In addition, I think my mindset and technique have also improved, so I want to contribute something good to this team.
Q: Have you ever hit a wall?
A, I have also hit a wall before. I think that I have overcome it and become who I am today. I want to use that pain as fuel and make a splash in Tokyo.
Text by Kyohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
