2/1 Final Day of Camp
The final day of the Okinawa-Itoman camp was held in private, and the team returned to Tokyo after completing the three-week schedule. It was a 21-day period where the players actively trained with a fresh mindset every day.
Return to the KODAIRA GRAND and continue to work diligently day by day towards the opening match of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League on February 15th (Sat).
Only 2 weeks left until the reborn Tokyo ignites the excitement.
FOCUS ON
Official photographer's camp photo project "FOCUS ON" selected by Rikizo MATSUHASHI, who took command from this season on the last day of the camp. After three weeks of camp, the commander praised the players who worked actively with words of appreciation. Although they spent a dense time, coach MATSUHASHI shook his head saying "still not enough". They will continue to build a new blue and red from here, stacking up careful days with all players and staff. They were able to take a step forward in the southern land for sure.
CAMP VOICE vol.18 Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, Keita ENDO, Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q: How was the 3-week camp?
A, for me, things have been going smoothly so far and I think I've been able to make a good impression.
Q: You are entering your third year as a professional this season. What differences have you noticed compared to past camps?
A, both last season and my first year as a pro, I was able to have various experiences. Although I still have limited experience, I believe that those experiences are gradually coming to life.
Q, I was talking about the most difficult time I had during last season, but it seems like I was able to overcome it.
A, we have only been practicing and playing practice matches, so it's hard to say anything yet. I think we need to produce results in official matches first.
Q: I think there have been many changes since coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI took office. How do you want to change as a player, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA?
A, first and foremost, I believe it is important to contribute to the team with my plays. And I want to show plays that lead to results and create chances. I will return to Kodaira and practice diligently, and I hope to improve both as an individual and as a team.
Q: Only 2 weeks left until the league starts. What kind of preparations do you want to make from here?
A, of course, I don't think the team is perfect yet, but I want to get closer to that and improve the accuracy even a little bit.
<Keita ENDO player>
Q, the camp has also come to an end.
A, I think the condition has been raised firmly. There is also a feeling that what the team wants to do has come together to some extent. However, I think there are still areas where there is a lack of skills and bad judgment, so I want to grow as an individual in those areas. I also want to make up for my own shortcomings, and it was good that I was able to finish without any injuries.
Q: Only 2 weeks left until the league starts. What kind of preparations do you want to make from here?
A, as an individual, I want to improve my condition and quality of play, and as a team, I want to discuss together what we can do. Even though the camp is over, there are still two weeks until the opening, so I want to face my body and prepare well.
<Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA>
Q, you made it through the entire camp schedule, didn't you?
A, I finally did it after a long time. I think it's different from usual, and I want to make this season different from usual. I talked about how I've never been able to get through the early stages of camp, but I managed to get through it in my first year as a pro (laughs). At that time, there was a university tournament until just before the start, so I think I was in the best condition. When I think about it, I think I was able to get through camp properly for the first time. I want to continue preparing well after returning to Kodaira from here.
Q, I was moving well through the camp.
There were tough trainings mixed in with young members, but being able to experience that toughness is a blessing compared to rehabilitation. Even though it was tough, I enjoyed it, so I want to continue doing it while savoring this happiness.
Q, only 2 weeks left until the opening. I think the competition will become even more intense from here on.
A, I think it is necessary to build a body that can withstand the intensity of the game. As a team, we are also working on seizing opportunities, so I want to focus on scoring goals as a forward and continue to work on it.
Text by Kyohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
