Takahiro KO, who commands the midfield as the red and blue conductor, and Motoki NAGAKURA, who is strengthening his presence as a versatile striker. Both players, indispensable to Tokyo's center line, once played together at Albirex Niigata and were coached by Rikizo MATSUHASHI. This time, we delve into the on-pitch “connection” shown by number 8, who controls the game while reading its flow, and number 26, who acts as a target up front and demonstrates clever decision-making for excellent teamwork. These two players, who are at the core of Rikizo Tokyo, discussed the current state of the team and its future potential.
── Watching the two of you, you play in a way that doesn't really fit the mold, and Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also seeks play that doesn't conform to the mold, right?
Takahiro KO Indeed, as you said, the coach's approach is "decide based on the opponent." He provides the minimum guidelines on how to deal with the opponent, but I think Coach Matsuhashi also believes that "it's more interesting if players make their own decisions and choices once they're on the pitch." I have continued playing that way since my time at Albirex Niigata, and I believe it is a part of my growth. When that style of soccer really clicks, we can maintain control both in attack and defense at all times. For example, in the 2022 season when we won the J2 League, we were able to dominate the game against any opponent, guide them defensively, and create scoring opportunities through possession, counterattacks, and set pieces. I think everyone understood each other perfectly.
Motoki NAGAKURA I originally had a knack for tactical play, so I think that aspect is well brought out in Riki-san's (Coach Matsuhashi's) soccer.
Taka Tokyo is a team with a collection of strong individuals, but they often struggle to connect well. Since last season, we've often used the word "connection," and since Motoki NAGAKURA joined this team, he is exactly where I want him to be. In certain situations, he makes decisions from specific options, easily receives the ball, turns, and carries it forward — we share a similar sense in these judgments and plays. Because of that, the two of us can advance a few meters together or break through situations, which has been a great help to me personally. But what surprised me was how many goals Motoki scored — I didn't realize he had such finishing ability. That was a very pleasant surprise and truly astonishing.
Nagakura I myself am not doing anything particularly difficult, but there are moments where we can break through with teamwork. I think I was able to fit well into the team as well.
── Tokyo has had a very tough time this season. With injured players returning from here, how do you think the soccer will change?
Taka Before I left, I think the games against Kashiwa Reysol (Sec. 23), Urawa Reds (Sec. 24), and Kashima Antlers (Sec. 25) were matches where everyone could play feeling confident. There were games we won and games we lost, but in the Kashima match, we created chances and were able to control the game ourselves, so I want to continue that feeling and refine the decisive moments.
Nagakura Originally, the soccer played in Niigata and the soccer in Tokyo are different, and if we can successfully blend the strengths of Tokyo soccer with Riki-san's style of soccer, I believe we can reach even higher levels. From here, I want to focus more on such efforts.
As player Taka mentioned earlier, the more players who can play on the same level, the wider the connections will become. What is necessary to achieve that?
Nagakura I believe the only way is to repeat and practice it over and over again. I think it's difficult to draw the same picture in a real game without practice, so it's important to build relationships with teammates as much as possible during practice. It's also important to clear up any doubts during daily practice, and to watch and learn how I and others play, or rather, to think about what kind of play each person should make, and I try to play with that in mind.
Taka That's right. To play soccer where you hold the ball and control the game, you really have to keep going without wavering. However, as Mikiki just said, Tokyo has its own strengths. It's important to skillfully blend those. The vertical speed is a traditional characteristic, so the key is to discern and differentiate when to use it and when to control it. If we deepen our shared understanding in those judgment areas, I think we can create attacks that scare the opponent, whether slow or fast breaks. I believe I am in the position to control that. We just have to align through training while communicating with various players.
── Coach Matsuhashi also said, "Don't think, act on instinct." How can one eliminate hesitation?
Taka Each individual clearly knows what they need to do, so first and foremost, everyone must have the will to receive the ball properly. By doing so, there will always be more options available. Tokyo must show a stronger willingness to receive the ball. Otherwise, unfortunate situations like losing possession due to a build-up pass getting intercepted by the opponent will occur. Of course, it’s not just about that; we also want to overturn the opponent’s press. For that, I think it’s just a matter of observing the opponent and acting with courage.
Nagakura The ball won't circulate unless we create a good sense of distance and relationship. It's not that there's any hesitation, but if that sense of distance improves, as Yan-kun (Takashi) said, the options increase. If we can play in that kind of state, I think it will bring peace of mind, and accumulating those things will lead to eliminating hesitation.
── Now, there are 10 league matches left this season. What kind of play do you want to show both as an individual and as a team?
Taka Right now, I just want to play matches. I've been out for the past few games, so I want to play on the pitch, and there are only a few matches left. We have to move up even just one spot. I have a very strong feeling that we must win all the upcoming matches. I just want to win, no matter what.
Nagakura Our goal in the league matches is to achieve a higher ranking, and in the Emperor's Cup, we aim to win the championship. Personally, since my playing area is well-defined, I want to see how much I can contribute within such a team. I want to focus on how much I can break through, and whether I can make plays that lead to goals. Above all, I believe it is important to improve my condition through practice and prepare so that I can perform what I am currently able to do as usual.
──Finally, please share your thoughts and hopes for the rest of the season.
Nagakura First, I will do my best to continue playing until the end without getting injured and to make at least one play that leads to victory.
High We want to keep winning so that we can celebrate with our fans and supporters, and we will play with the maximum fighting spirit we can show on the pitch. Since there is still a possibility of winning the Emperor's Cup title, we are truly committed to that and want to be able to celebrate in the end.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
