TOKYOism

Masato MORISHIGE, who finished his 14th season in Tokyo with a top 10 ranking for the first time in 6 seasons, concluded, "I only feel a sense of crisis." Having spent half of his life as a professional football player, he can see the end of his career approaching. The longest-serving player on the team even says, "I don't care what people say or think." In his summary of the 2023 season as captain of the blue and red team, his words were filled with a desperate cry. Within them, a strong determination to win was evident.

What we aimed for and what kind of soccer we played was not clear.

Q: First, please share your honest thoughts on looking back at this season.
A, it was a tough season. That's my honest impression right now.

Q, I think we had a good time during the pre-season camp, but after that, we had a series of unstable battles. What was your impression of the start?
We had a good feeling, including during the camp. The overall atmosphere of the team was good, and with it being the second season under coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, we were looking forward to the opening game with the thought of "this season, we can do it." We were able to achieve victory against Urawa Reds, but we dropped points in the following games against Kashiwa Reysol and Kyoto Sanga F.C. We thought we could gain momentum after beating Urawa, but there were some stumbling blocks. As expected, a good start is important, and not being able to win there was a big setback. In the first three games, our record of 1 win, 1 loss, and 1 draw showed our true strength for this season.

Q, after that, we continued to lose during Golden Week and faced Kawasaki Frontale in the Tama River Clasico at the Japan National Stadium.
A, Winning against Kawasaki was a result that was typical of Tokyo in a sense. When it's like a festival and everyone's motivation is high, we can win. In special games like the opening game and at the National Stadium, we are able to come together and achieve results. Winning against Kawasaki there definitely gave us confidence. However, when we looked at the content, it wasn't because our football had been refined and reached a high level of completion. It was more of an impression that we won with a sense of crisis and motivation, and it didn't feel like we had matured as a team and earned points through our football.

Q, Unable to win the Tama River Clasico, the team experienced 3 losses and a coaching change. What were your thoughts, player Morishige?
During the 1 and a half seasons, we gradually became afraid of taking risks and could only make safe decisions when trying to connect the ball. For example, just passing the ball around the perimeter made it easier for the opponent to defend. We didn't have any breakthrough strategies and ended up relying too much on individual efforts. We had ideas like using the center or simply kicking the ball, but it became disorganized and we couldn't come to a unified decision on what to do, resulting in poor performance. I don't think our team had a clear goal or style of play.

Quality and ideas are needed to score points

Q, After welcoming coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI in the first half of the season, we gradually showed signs of growth. During that time, what was going well and where did you feel uneasy?
After the change of coach, in the first game, Head Coach Takayoshi Amma made it clear what needed to be done. We were able to review the essential parts of soccer that we were lacking. As a result, we were able to defeat Kyoto in the group stage of the Levain Cup. After that, Coach Peter Cklamovski took over and continued to focus on attacking soccer and intense training. While seeking to utilize that intensity in our play, it was important to accumulate points first. In the first half of the second half, our goal was to play solid soccer and secure wins. We worked with a focus on the basics and keeping the essence of the game in mind.

Q: The team seemed to be on an upward trend, accumulating points, but they have not won in 4 games since the Yokohama F.Marinos match in the J1 League Sec. 24. Where do you feel the factor lies in not being able to secure a close game against top teams?
A, One reason may be that there is no opening strategy. Until then, we were able to overwhelm our opponents with a high line, high press, and play intensity, but against opponents at a higher level or those who defend by dropping back, we need one or two different ideas and attacking methods from a different angle. We didn't have enough tricks up our sleeves, and I think that difference has affected us losing points.

Q, I think it was also a problem that we have been dealing with since the 2022 season.
A, In the second half, we have been focusing on overwhelming the opponent by switching intensity and offense and defense. Even though we are trying to be aggressive, we still have a limited number of attacking options and patterns. We are aiming for an attacking style of soccer, but I believe we are currently struggling to reach our full potential. We need players who have the quality and ideas to score from there.

Q: This season, Diego OLIVEIRA has made a comeback and scored 15 goals. However, there was a significant gap in the number of goals compared to the next player.
A, As a team, we are aiming to take control of certain areas and have a common understanding of where to send the ball when the opponent comes in a certain way. It's important to increase the reproducibility and create more chances. We need to work on that more, but ideas are essential for our attack. I hope someone will step up and lead our attack with those ideas.

Young players are just noisy enough.

Q, In order to do that, I think team maturity is essential. It is not just improvisation or mere whim, but I believe that without confidence, it is impossible to make use of ideas as a team.
A, there may be some aspects that the players themselves need to think about a little more. Overall, there are players who tend to be too passive and have their own opinions on how things should be done. It is important for each player to share their thoughts and opinions from their respective positions and work together to create something good. Yuto NAGATOMO and I, who are in the final line, are communicating what we see from the back. However, there is an impression that the communication ends with a one-way conversation of "Oh, I see, I have to do that.".

Q, Is this the part of the problem that Tokyo has been facing?
A, instead, for example, there may be a phenomenon that looks like this when viewed from behind. However, the defense may say that, but from the attacking side or midfield, it should be impossible, or there should be another opinion. If you don't convey that, you can't rub it together forever. When playing as a team, communication is essential. There are definitely many things that you think are absolutely necessary to shine and play better. Instead of keeping it silent, there are new discoveries and deeper understanding by exchanging opinions with each other.

If you only do what you are told in silence, you will not become a team. You have to speak up. Of course, each player has their own character. Even without saying it, players who can execute will demand it from the beginning, like Kuryu MATSUKI. They are naturally able to move those around them in a way that is easy for them to do. If you are not afraid of being misunderstood, or avoiding conflicting opinions, the conversation will not move forward. From there, the next step of aligning and unifying our intentions will begin.

Q, During the season, there were more instances of communicating and giving advice to mid-level and young players.
A, It's just right for young players to be noisy. If they don't pull the team, the team won't be energetic. I think it's strange that we keep playing in the game forever. Tokyo has many serious players, for better or for worse. There have never been any sharp players, and I think they are too quiet.

Q, As player Morishige, who used to play silently when he was young, started to share ideas, it means that even if it takes time, we won't be able to achieve continuous strength in the future if there are no players who speak up.
A, for example, Nagatomo is a respected presence. However, respect and being careful during the game are different. We need to demand more in order to improve. If it ends up making things worse and we can't play well, soccer is not fun. If we can demand things from those around us and they can lead the attack, then there is no problem at all. Without that, nothing will be created through reactions. It's our job to find a balance, so young players can do whatever they want. They can cause trouble for the team, play the way they want, challenge themselves, make mistakes, and even go too far. Otherwise, it becomes difficult in reverse.

Q: Both Morishige and Nagatomo were young players, and they seemed to play on the pitch however they wanted. I remember even if they argued with their seniors, they continued to play without hesitation, and the veterans would just smile wryly and cover for them.
A, that's why it's unimaginable. Without saying anything, it's not fun to play, right? In the current situation, I'm sure you're thinking, "If you do this, it'll be good," or "If you pass me the ball, it'll be good." We have to demand things like, "Why aren't you moving forward?" or "Move forward and pass it to me." Of course, we can't win if everyone does whatever they want, but if, for example, Matsuki starts doing it, the people around him will resonate and create an atmosphere of wanting to support that kind of play. By demanding each and every thing, we can create good soccer.

Want to win in Tokyo

Q: Unfortunately, Mori Shige's consecutive goals came to an end this season, but we were able to end the season with a win against Shonan Bellmare in the final match.
A, I don't care at all about records and I don't receive anything (laughs). We were able to end with a win, but we need to calmly reflect on this season and analyze it properly. I only have a sense of crisis for the next season. To be honest, I didn't get much of a feeling from this season. I can't imagine a bright future if things continue like this. Each season is a competition and I know that if one gear clicks, the team will do well. I want to keep struggling with a sense of crisis.

Q: What changes should this team make for the upcoming season?
It is important for the team to be led by the core players in the midfield. In doing so, it is necessary for everyone to come up with ideas and work together in small details and situations, as we have adopted an attacking style as our playing style. With this style, we have no choice but to continue with determination and aim for victory, no matter what the result may be.

Q, I think that after throwing harsh words in the final home game, I will also receive a harsh gaze from myself.
A, I said it with that determination, and I said it as a way to put pressure on myself. Now, as a team, we need to have a greater sense of crisis. Each and every one of us needs to take responsibility and think of ourselves as key players in Tokyo and step onto the pitch. I don't care what anyone says to me personally. I'm waiting for more young players to come out and resonate with me. If anyone wants to criticize someone, they can criticize me for saying, "I want them to do it the way I think." That's why I want the young players to step up and become the center of the team without fear.
I want to win in Tokyo.

Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)