Q, please review the first half of the league.
A, we started working on a new system from this season, and in the league opener against Yokohama FC, we grabbed a victory and got off to a good start. However, in the following 4 to 5 matches, we were unable to accumulate wins and faced the challenge of "the content is not bad, but we can't score." Our forwards and other attacking players failed to finish scoring chances, resulting in matches where we dropped points. It left us feeling very frustrated and regretful. As the league progressed, being distant from victory gradually spread a negative atmosphere, which showed in the matches. The negative factors born from not being able to win seemed to be reflected in the results of the first half of the league.
Q. If you were to pick a match that was a key point in the first half of the league, which match would it be?
A. From the opening through about 4 to 5 matches, despite playing good games, we continued to have matches where we couldn't earn points and ended up losing. In Sec. 5 against Shonan Bellmare, we controlled the game but couldn't score, resulting in a goalless draw. In the match just before that, Sec. 4 against Kashima Antlers, we created many decisive chances until the middle of the game, but conceded 2 goals from set-piece situations. These two matches stand out to me personally as key points and memorable games. Even with good performances, the lack of results seemed to bring the players down.
Q. To summarize the first half of the league, is it correct to say that "patience" and "how to maintain mental strength" are the main challenges?
A, that's right. It is no exaggeration to say that soccer is a mental sport. Of course, to approach the match with good tension, everyone creates a good atmosphere before entering the pitch, but there have been times when we couldn't maintain a good state after conceding goals, mistakes, or errors during the game. It is important to solve the issues from the lost matches, but above all, the inability to achieve consecutive wins had a significant impact. Victory amplifies our strengths even more. I believe that the continued losses and the gradual shrinking of our strengths and momentum were also factors. Additionally, easy mistakes directly leading to goals were noticeable. The first half of the season ended up having ups and downs in both good and bad times.
Q. Please tell us your evaluation of Nakagawa's individual performance in the first half of the season.
A, in the first half of the league, I mainly played in the shadow position and also served as the lone forward. While feeling both the interesting and difficult aspects of this position, there were periods when I couldn't maintain top condition, and honestly, my performance was inconsistent. There were moments when I struggled with whether to be involved in midfield possession or to leave it to the players below midfield and instead watch for chances upfront, increasing my involvement in the attacking third. I deeply feel that this indecision was reflected in the team's results. Although it’s a matter of 'what if,' there were times I thought it might have been better to fully commit to one approach, and this is where I especially felt the 'difficulty' I mentioned earlier.
Q. There was about a two-week interval. From Nakagawa's perspective, what kind of challenges is the team working on, and how do you feel the team is trying to change?
A, I may not have much to say strongly, but first of all, we have been able to work in a good atmosphere during daily training, and I think the tactical adjustments are also progressing. I want to further improve from here, and the match against Cerezo Osaka on June 14 will definitely be a turning point. It is an important game. We must start well for the second half of the league and accumulate points. Above all, we want to focus on victory and earning 3 points. We want to show a fighting spirit as if our lives depend on it. If we can achieve consecutive wins that we couldn't in the first half of the league, we can definitely aim higher. By winning consecutively, we want to change the scenery we see.
And above all, the warm support from all the fans and supporters gives us courage. It is truly reassuring. We want to raise each other up once again with everyone who loves Tokyo and fight through the second half of the league together.
Q. In the previous match against Kyoto SANGA F.C., I believe the passionate feelings of the fans and supporters were conveyed through their cheering until the very end. How do you plan to respond to that support?
A, even after the match ended and we went to greet the fans, they kept cheering us on loudly. We can only be grateful for that feeling. Speaking of the previous match, despite coming all the way to Kyoto and delivering passionate support for over 90 minutes, the result ended up like that. There was also a feeling of frustration, similar to the disappointing performance in last season's away match against Kyoto. For all the fans and supporters who came to the Kyoto match and everyone supporting Tokyo, we are wholeheartedly determined to deliver a victory. Honestly, I think "winning is difficult." That’s why we will give our all to play and respond to the cheers.
The feelings of joy, anger, sadness, and happiness experienced throughout the match are shared by both the players and the fans and supporters. Despite the tough world we fight in, and the results against Kyoto that could have justifiably led to boos, you still delivered your cheers. I believe each player felt something that resonated with them. To bring smiles to our fans and supporters, we want to unite even more in the second half of the league and pull victory closer. And as a whole club, we want to increase positive elements, even if just one or two, and share many moments of smiles together.
