TOKYOism

We have to accept reality and
move forward together.

Regretful. Just regretful. In his second season with the blue and red, Kei KOIZUMI, entrusted with part of the captaincy, repeatedly expressed the same phrase while reflecting on the 2024 season. The players on the pitch must do more──. Considering the frustration of this season, how does the player wearing number 37, who has continued to lead the team with passionate play, perceive what is necessary for the blue and red to truly become strong?

Q: First, please share your thoughts on this season.
A, I believe it has resulted in a frustrating outcome, just like last season.

Q: You were unable to compete for the title or the championship. Is that what it comes down to?
A, that's really true. For two consecutive seasons, we have not been in the race for the AFC Champions League qualification or the J1 League championship before the final matchday, and we have not been able to play the kind of matches that fans and supporters want to see until the very end of the season, the matches we had envisioned. However, I believe that is our current ability, so while it may be frustrating, I think as a team we must accept that reality.

Q, I believe that player Koizumi joined Tokyo last season and approached this season with the regret from last season in his heart. Is that feeling of "regret" the same as the previous season?
A, last season was my first year after joining, so I was able to grasp the players and their characteristics at my own pace while trying to express my own style. This season, however, I am in my second year and have taken on the role of captain. Before the season started, I received advice from Mori-kun (Masato MORISHIGE) that "the mid-level players need to take more initiative." This season, we have three captains, and when Kuryu MATSUKI transferred overseas in the summer, I resolved to take charge myself, which has made my mindset completely different from last season. However, to be honest, I haven't been able to change anything. That is the honest answer, and to put it more bluntly, I haven't gained anything personally for two consecutive years. In this world, results are everything. No matter how hard we try, if we don't produce results, we won't be evaluated. We live in a professional world, and I believe everyone must take this seriously as professional soccer players.

Q: Are you feeling a greater sense of responsibility compared to last season, regardless of the position of captain?
A, that's right. Especially this season, I was entrusted with that position, but I couldn't change anything. That will be the result for the 2024 season. I will say it again, but no matter how hard you try, results are everything. Therefore, I need to do more, and it wasn't enough to achieve something. I see it that way both as an individual and as a team.

Q, What is the "something missing"?
A, I think there are many things. Not big things, but many small ones. Even before I came, we have been finishing in this kind of position every season. Everyone is not satisfied with that, but there must be a reason why things don't change. First and foremost, the players need to deliver results, so they must work harder. However, I think it's tough to keep winning if only the players are trying their best, and the same goes for the coach and the staff on the ground. To put it another way, it's also difficult if only the president and the club staff, including the strengthening department, partners, and fans/supporters are putting in the effort. It's hard to keep winning just by everyone doing their part. Therefore, everyone involved with Tokyo should face the question of how this team can become stronger, how we can win, and what the differences are compared to the clubs that have won. These should not be someone else's problems but should be approached as our own. It means we need to think together, rather than blaming others or nitpicking. I believe everyone is aware of the current bad trend, so we need to communicate, take action, and move forward.
I am still in my second year, but I think there are many people, starting with the fans and supporters, who have been watching Tokyo for a long time, so I want us all to use more and more energy to change Tokyo. Of course, everyone is doing their best, but what I want to emphasize from the perspective of a player, including myself, is that we players need to do more.

Q: What do you see as the biggest issue?
A, maybe, if it were a visible problem, I think we would have won before I came. Tokyo has only won titles in cup competitions, but considering that trend, I think it's difficult because we don't know what the specific problem is. If we knew the answer, things would have changed long ago. Conversely, I believe everyone feels a sense of challenge, and new players are coming in with strong aspirations, so when we all come together and win the league title, maybe then we will understand that 'something.' I don't know if it will be while I'm here or not, but it would be best if we could win the league title while I'm still with the team.

Q: There are many issues that are difficult to articulate, right?
A: It would be good if I had an answer that I could say is "this," but that is really difficult. I feel there are issues that can be changed quickly and those that cannot be changed right away. That is more about the team than the individual. So, it is frustrating that I couldn't change anything while being the captain this season. Since I decided to take on this role, I should have done more. To change this team, I definitely need to put in more energy. That was my lack of ability.

Q: What is that energy?
A, we must firmly state what needs to be said without removing our true nature. We must clearly say that something is unacceptable when it is. Regardless of whether we are on the field or not, we need to be the kind of person who can say that something is wrong. I really feel that I was lacking in that regard.

Q: How do you feel about the soccer aspects on the pitch?
A, even if I ask all the players, 'What is Tokyo soccer?' I think I probably won't get the same answer. The fact that there is a mismatch at that point means that we couldn't find a form. That's one answer, right? However, I will say it again, there are things that individual players can do. If one, two, or three players can carry the ball, break through, and defend, we can get closer to victory. First of all, I think this ranking is due to the fact that I lack that ability, and before discussing tactics, it is necessary to have the ability to defend individually and to contribute to about 10 goals as a central midfielder or a fullback. As an individual player, this season has been frustrating, just like last season.

Q: Please tell us what you are strongly thinking about for the next season.
AI believe that a tough battle awaits us next season as well. The place we are aiming for is not something that can be easily obtained or reached. There are players who have experienced winning the league, but each player must do much more. To achieve the goals we have envisioned, we must come together and discuss as a team. Simply put, we have to do it. That's all there is to it.

Text by Daisuke Suga（El Golasso）