1/20 Training
On the 9th day of the Okinawa National Camp, a double training session was held. In the morning, relaxation games were incorporated to loosen up the body, and the players' smiles were prominent. In the afternoon, they worked up a sweat with mini-games focused on passing & control and breaking down plays in front of the goal.
In passing and control, the distance for successful passes has been shortened compared to before, and when a mistake occurs, congestion happens immediately. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI said, "Doing it accurately is the fastest way," demanding more precise skills and judgment. Gradually, mistakes decreased, and there were many instances where the ball was connected with good tempo.
Also, from this day, Yuto NAGATOMO joined the team's full training. Until now, he had been on a separate program and must have been itching to get back. With the return of Japan's pride, the "festival man," loud cheers echoed on the pitch. Starting tomorrow, Masato MORISHIGE is also scheduled to join, and the energetic veterans will liven up the camp from here.
FOCUS ON
The official photographer's selected camp photo project "FOCUS ON." On the 9th day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp, a shot was selected during the traditional group photo session. During the shoot, light shone from the top of a small hill next to the practice field, illuminating the players and staff. With coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI on board, a new season begins. How will the team, which has gone four seasons without a title, transform? The camp will reach its halfway point tomorrow. The fulfilling camp continues, as they have also begun working on breaking down defenses in front of the goal.
CAMP VOICE vol.8 Henrique TREVISAN
This season, the traditional birthday party for Henrique TREVISAN was held at the Okinawa Kunigami camp, surrounded by a festive atmosphere. Last season, Diego OLIVEIRA announced his retirement from professional football. Now in his fourth season with the team, he expresses his desire to lead as the new Brazilian player. We conveyed our "Happy Birthday" wishes to the "big brother Henrique" and heard about his enthusiasm.
Q, Happy Birthday.
A, thank you. Another year has passed, and a new season begins. I am very happy to be part of Tokyo and to celebrate my birthday at the Okinawa camp.
Q, it has become a tradition every year, hasn't it?
A, it may have been about 15 years since I last celebrated a birthday with my family. It's something that can't be helped as long as I'm playing soccer. However, just like this season, I am very happy to be able to celebrate my birthday with my teammates.
Q: What kind of season do you want to have?
A, of course I want to have a good season and a good year. I want to contribute to the team at any time, and I think I want to participate in every match. I want to make sure we can achieve our goals.
Q, we have welcomed a new coach and are working on a new style of football.
A, we haven't been active for long, so we don't know everything yet, but I believe it's very good football. The coach is bringing in new tactics for us and the team. I believe that will have a very positive effect. Everyone, including myself, is full of motivation for the new season. In that process, I want to learn various things and make the team better.
Q: There has been an increase in training menus that require full mental engagement, hasn't there?
Yes, that's right. As I mentioned, thinking speed is also required. We have to think quickly and use our heads, so I believe all players, including myself, are expected to improve their thinking speed and enhance their performance.
Q, Diego OLIVEIRA will take on the role of leading Brazilian players starting this season after his retirement.
A, that's right. Diego TABA has retired and left the team, and I am the oldest now, entering my fourth season in Tokyo this year. Among the Brazilian players, I am the most senior and know the team the best. There are new players who joined this season, and since I have just a little more experience, I want to share that with them. I hope that we, the Brazilian players and the Japanese players, can come together to contribute to the team. When I joined in my first year, everyone helped me, so now I think it's my turn to support.
Q, I have high expectations for "Henrique's Aniki".
A, (laughs). That's right. I will do my best to do everything I can and lead like Diego TABA.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
