The striker has always sought an insane passion. Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA, who joined the blue and red this season, made his professional debut as a special designated player during the 2020 season in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, without the expected cheers, he felt a sense of dissatisfaction.
Perhaps because it was the starting point, he says, "The hotter the environment, the higher the tension. The closer the big cheers and the distance with the fans and supporters, the more I can concentrate." For such a man who speaks words that tickle the hearts of fans and supporters, the previous Tokyo Verdy match was supposed to be the perfect stage.
However, it will remain in memory as a bitter experience. It was the first start after the transfer and it was a game that I bravely entered, but "I could hardly do anything". He left the pitch with his lips bitten in the 16th minute of the second half. The team managed to equalize with two goals from Keita ENDO, but only regret remained for player Pim himself.
Furthermore, the bad streak continued. In the following match against FC Machida Zelvia, he suffered an injury. As a result, he had to be away from the front line for more than three months. During that time, the team was forced to play in an unstable manner.
"There was frustration in not being able to meet the expectations of many people and not being able to stand on the pitch. When the team won, there was pressure to perform well like other players, and when the team lost, there was pressure to return quickly. There were such difficulties."
Joined with high expectations as a new source of goals for this season, but was unable to respond due to injury and has been sighing for a long time. However, he has been thinking only about returning to full strength and has been doing rehabilitation, saying "I can't change the fact that I got injured."
There are feelings that Kashiwa player has nurtured towards his return.
"I have always wanted to incorporate my play of breaking through the opponent's final line with my own weapon into Tokyo's style. I want to bring a new energy to the team and utilize my strengths to create Tokyo's style."
After returning in the J1 League Sec. 25 match against Gamba Osaka, which marked the end of the league suspension, Ryotaro ARAKI also made a substitute appearance in the following Tama River Classico against Kawasaki Frontale and immediately showed his presence with scoring opportunities. In the 38th minute of the second half, he received a through pass from Thales and tried to control the ball, but it was taken away due to a mistake. Just one minute later, Endo had a chance to shoot as he ran into the space created by ARAKI, but it was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper. In the 42nd minute, Endo jumped to a cross from the right side and headed it, but he couldn't find the target. His first goal after returning is getting closer and closer.
"I apologized to Taro properly. But, passes like that come out and I was able to find that space myself. In the scene where Keita-kun took a one-touch shot, Taro and Keita-kun understood each other well and connected with a message for someone to come in and score. I also feel like I am gradually fitting into the team. It would be great if I could turn this into a goal, and I want to increase the number of times even more. We still haven't established our style, so I want to communicate more and lead this team even more."
And now, the time has come to repay the debt of the first half. With the second goal of the season within reach, we will keep our eyes on the prize and say, "It will feel the best if we score here."
"In the match against Verdy, we will aim for that. If I can score and win, the team will gain momentum. I want to score and win. I want to score here and definitely repay the debt. I want to be conscious of that and stand on the pitch."
In addition, Rene announced his marriage before the Tokyo V match. If he can celebrate here, it will be the best start. The striker, who is looking for a heated battle, intends to release the energy he has accumulated. From being freed from his teammates' rough congratulations, to finally kissing his left ring finger and raising it high in celebration, it's all set.
"Being able to announce our marriage like this has made me feel even more responsible. I have always believed that playing for someone else is the greatest strength. I have played for the fans, supporters, and the team up until now. Now, playing for my wife has been added to that. I'm sure it will be a great source of strength. If I score, I want to celebrate and not forget to do so. I think it would be the best feeling to score in front of my wife in this big game."
I came to Tokyo seeking an insane passion. Next, I will also strike the hearts of the blue and red singers with my feet. If a gust of wind blows fiercely in front of the opponent's goal and shakes the goal net refreshingly, Ajinomoto Stadium will surely be caught up in a vortex of excitement.
Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA will make Tokyo's summer even hotter.
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
