Final Day of Camp 2/1
On the final day of the Okinawa Itoman camp, the team practiced behind closed doors and returned to Tokyo after completing the three-week schedule. For 21 days, the players actively engaged in training, stepping onto the pitch with a fresh mindset every day.
From here, we will return to Kodaira Ground and carefully build up our days again towards the opening match of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League on February 15 (Saturday).
It will be 2 weeks until the reborn Tokyo creates excitement.
FOCUS ON
The official photographer selects camp photos in the project "FOCUS ON." On the final day of camp, photos of coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, who took charge this season, were selected. After concluding three weeks of camp, the coach expressed words of encouragement to the players who actively participated. Although they spent a rich time together, Coach MATSUSHI shook his head and said, "Not yet." Together with all the players and staff, they will build upon these careful days and create a new blue and red from here. That first step was surely taken in the southern land.
CAMP VOICE vol.18 Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, Keita ENDO, Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q: How was the three-week camp?
A, I think I have been doing well so far and have been able to make a good impression.
Q: This is your third year as a professional this season. What differences have you felt compared to past camps?
A, last season and even in my first year as a professional, I had various experiences. Although my experiences are still limited, I believe that those experiences are gradually becoming useful.
Q: You mentioned that you struggled the most during the middle of last season, but it seems you have managed to overcome that.
A, we are still only practicing and playing practice matches, so I can't say much. I think we need to show results in official matches first.
Q: With the appointment of Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, there have been many changes. How do you, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, want to change yourself?
A. First of all, I believe it is important to play in a way that contributes to the team. I want to show plays that lead to results and create chances. From here, I want to return to Kodaira, practice diligently, and improve my individual skills along with the team.
Q: There are two weeks left until the league starts. What kind of preparations do you want to make from here on?
A, of course, I think the team is not perfect yet, but I want to work towards getting closer to that and improve our accuracy even a little.
<Keita ENDO>
Q, the camp has also come to an end.
A, I believe we have been able to improve our condition significantly. I also feel that as a team, we have started to consolidate what we want to achieve to some extent. However, I think there are still areas where we lack technical skills and make poor judgments, so I want to grow individually in those areas. I also want to make up for my own shortcomings, and I am glad that we were able to finish without any injuries.
Q: There are two weeks left until the league starts. What kind of preparations do you want to make from here on?
A. As an individual, I want to improve my condition and the quality of my play, and I would like everyone to discuss how we can improve as a team. Although the camp has ended, we still have two weeks until the opening match, so I want to face my body properly 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 the usual starting from here. I mentioned that I had never made it through the early part of the camp, but in my first year as a pro, I did make it through (laughs). At that time, there was a university tournament right before the start, and I think I was in the best condition with almost no breaks. Considering that, I think I can say that I properly made it through the camp for the first time. From here, I want to return to Kodaira and continue good preparations.
Q: You were showing good movement throughout the camp.
A. There were tough training sessions mixed in with the young members, but being able to experience that toughness is a blessing compared to rehabilitation and such. It was enjoyable while doing it, so I want to continue doing it properly while savoring this kind of happiness.
Q: There are two weeks left until the opening match. I believe the competition will become even more intense from here on.
A strong physical build that can withstand the intensity of the match is necessary from here on. Scoring opportunities is a challenge we are addressing as a team, so as a forward, I want to focus on working hard to increase my goal tally.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
