FC Tokyo's "Now" report starts today. We will deliver the daily lives of players and staff chasing balls at Kodaira Ground and the stadium to fans and supporters.
FOCUS ON ~This Week's Photo~
There was a heartwarming sight at the Kodaira Ground.
"I wonder if I've grown up too."
The person in question, Koki TSUKAGAWA, said so with a smile. It was after the practice match with the Kanto University Selection on February 16th (Sunday). Koki took a photo of the scene where he lined up magnets on a whiteboard and gently taught Baek INHWAN, who was struggling in an unfamiliar position, how to move.
"I used to be like that too, so I wanted to tell Pek if I could convey something I didn't understand. Soccer is a team sport, and I don't think I'm a player who can do something alone, but a player who is alive through connections with others. With that in mind, I hesitated a bit, but I decided to tell Pek."
Tsukagawa answered each of Pek's questions with "Is there anything else you don't understand?" and the impromptu soccer lesson continued for nearly 20 minutes.
"It's not just about Park. If you want to play football now, each and every one of us has to think and play. Where is the numerical advantage, how can we make the opponent come out? I think it's important to focus on the opponent, and if we can't share that, we can't connect. The timing of the pass is only a moment. In order to deliver it directly before the opponent closes the middle, we need to create connections. I'm also 30 years old and I want to do what I can."
It was a moment when I caught a glimpse of Tsukagawa's kindness and what he values as a player.
(Titles omitted in text)
Text by Yohhei Baba (Freelance Writer)
"What ○○ do you want to ask the players?"
"Ask the players what you want to know" project, where we ask questions from 2025SOCIO・OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP members to the players.
This time's "Player to Watch" features Kosuke SHIRAI, who scored the winning goal to lead the team to victory in the match against Yokohama FC. We asked him some pressing questions in a direct interview.
※Some of the questions we have received may have been edited for formatting purposes. Thank you for your understanding.
Q, I saw that you eat a lot before the game. Can you tell me specifically what kind of menu you have and what you are conscious of in your meals? (Handle name: Harunpa-san)
A, I usually focus on a balanced diet. The most important thing for me is the amount of protein. As an athlete, I make sure to consume enough protein to maintain my muscle mass. I also eat a lot before the game to store energy for running during the game. The day before and two days before the game, I also consume a lot of carbohydrates for replenishing energy.
Q, Please tell me your pre-game routine. (Handle name: Miko-san)
A. I shout right before kick-off. Actually, I'm shouting alone, so if you don't mind, please pay attention (laughs). Also, stretching before bed is essential. I do stretching as part of my daily routine, not just before games.
Q, Were you fast on your feet since you were young? If you have any secrets on how you became faster, please share them. (Handle name: Ricchan-san)
A, I think I was fast on my feet since I was young, but I didn't do any special training. However, after becoming a professional soccer player, I faced injuries and often had cramps in my legs, so I changed my running style. By changing my running style, I had fewer injuries and I think it improved significantly. If I had been taught how to run when I was in elementary school, I might have been even faster than I am now.
