Believing that the difficult battle with repeated injuries will lead to a bright future
Every person and player has a story. '2024 PLAYER’S REVIEW' introduces all the blue and red warriors who fought through the 2024 season, one by one. What thoughts did they carry as they went through the season? Confidence, a sense of achievement, challenges, joy, regret... Reflecting on this season's battles through the words of each player.
Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA, who joined Tokyo with high expectations as a new point getter, underwent physical transformation during the pre-season camp to improve his injury-prone physique. However, despite showing impressive plays in the matches he participated in, he struggled with repeated injuries and was unable to stand on the pitch throughout the season. Although he felt a certain level of achievement when he was on the pitch, he himself could not accept the low "operational rate." Nevertheless, what was the first year of this man, who continued to lead for the team and the future, like?
Sighs deepen with each passing day. Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA reflects on such time of anguish.
"Personally, I can't say I'm satisfied, and it was a season that I couldn't accept. I had expectations for myself, and there were people around me who had expectations as well. I'm just disappointed that I couldn't meet those expectations. I feel full of regret, and the main issue is the match time; I haven't been able to overcome the challenges (of injuries), so it's only natural to feel disappointed."
After several years of love calls since my time at Meiji University, I have finally joined the team this season, carrying great expectations as I don the blue and red.
At my former club, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, I repeatedly suffered injuries since turning professional, and there were only a limited number of seasons where I could compete satisfactorily. That’s why, in my new environment, I was forced to endure and train separately from the team before the season started to improve my physical condition. I faced my body with patience, and in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 9 match against FC Machida Zelvia, I scored my first goal after the transfer. I had the determination to say, 'Now, it starts from here,' but I ended up leaving the field due to injury again, distancing myself from the competition.
I think I was able to show good play when I participated, and I felt that if I had a little more time, I could have done better. Players who are not on the field are evaluated lower than any player who is playing. We need to reflect on the fact that we are not even at the starting line.
There have been many times I have spat that out. However, I have learned how to deal with injuries over the past few years. Kogashi prefaced by saying, "It's something I absolutely must not get used to..." and took the process towards recovery step by step. During that time, he continued to say, "I want to bring a new breeze to this team."
The results were evident in the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Sec. 29. After coming onto the pitch in the 26th minute of the second half, trailing by three goals, he ignited the team with a goal, his first in about four months, just eight minutes later. Although they ultimately lost 2-3, extending their winless streak to six matches, this gust of wind created an opportunity for the team to ride a wave of momentum.
"I had many opportunities to watch the team from the bench and outside. While watching the matches at the stadium or on DAZN, I became clear about what the team was lacking and how I would play if I were to join. I was able to show that in the match against Hiroshima, which reflected in the score, and I think I was able to switch on. I believe that was good, but if we can play like that throughout the year, we can elevate the team to another level. I would be happy if you think that is the kind of play that Kogashi wants to do. It would be great if we could maintain that kind of play throughout the year."
After that, he repeatedly returned and withdrew. If only Kogashi were here... If he could chase the ball more freely without the burden of his injury-prone physique... there were many moments like that throughout the season. The most frustrating person must be him. "At least," he tells himself, spitting out bright words as if to reassure himself.
"I hope to be a trigger or a guide for something. Everyone is struggling together. I want to come in and lead the attack of this team."
To rise up tomorrow, I have shrunk today──. In the place where the suffering Kogashi leads, surely the blue and red hope awaits.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
