1/24 Training
On the final day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp, set-piece practice was conducted at Kaigin Field Kunigami. In the afternoon, the team moved to the secondary training site, and starting from the 25th, they will begin the Okinawa Itoman camp.
After the first camp concluded, following practice on this day, Yuto NAGATOMO and Masato MORISHIGE shouted, "We're not done yet!" Next to them, Teruhito NAKAGAWA calmly interjected, "It feels like the camp is already over, but we still have more than a week left." The two older players, putting on a brave face, sighed and could only manage a wry smile, saying, "That's true."
As the menu has increased to better simulate official matches, we are finally entering the second camp. From here, we will incorporate practical training while repeating trial and error to refine the team as we head towards the opening.
FOCUS ON
The official photographer's selected camp photo project "FOCUS ON." On the final day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp, a shot capturing Koki TSUKAGAWA running with splashes of water was selected. During this camp, head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI has been conveying the importance of taking initiative. In that context, without being told by anyone, TSUKAGAWA has been thinking and taking action both on and off the pitch. I have seen him several times during the first camp actively cleaning up the grass that fell next to the air shoe cleaner used by everyone. TSUKAGAWA struggled with injuries last season, but he successfully completed all the sessions of the first camp. Starting from the 25th, he will begin the Okinawa Itoman camp with the team.
CAMP VOICE vol.11 Takahiro KO
Takahiro KO, who knows well about Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the coach from his time at Albirex Niigata, feels nostalgic but is also tightening his resolve as he sees a new side of the commander. As he heads into his second season, he expressed his desire to "show an even more overwhelming presence" and shared his reflections on the first camp and his enthusiasm for the second camp.
Q: The Okinawa Kunigami camp has reached its final day, but what kind of first camp has it been?
A new team has been formed with a new coach. Everyone is training with a fresh mindset and in a good atmosphere. I believe we are having a very good camp.
Q: Coach Matsuhashi has been emphasizing the importance of mindset while demonstrating a commitment to each individual play. In recent days, there has been an increase in training that allows us to see the overall picture.
A: Having gone through Coach Matsuhashi's training up to this point, I felt a sense of nostalgia. The messages conveyed to the players were things I had heard before. There were moments that resonated with me again, and discussions about "who I am" and "acting on instinct" were also things that made sense during my time at Albirex Niigata. Personally, I want to express myself even more. Even during practice, I believe all the players are sensing this and each is working on it individually. I think these aspects contribute to enhancing the quality of the training.
Q: Indeed, it is evident that each player is trying to take initiative in their efforts.
A, I definitely think that is there. I feel that the quality of training has improved through warm-ups and practice such as passing and control. There is also a sense that each training session is connected. Since we were able to work on individual conditioning and increasing intensity during the first camp, I hope we can deepen our shared vision as a team from here on.
Q: Coach Matsuhashi also mentioned that he is trying to take on a new challenge.
A, I think Albirex Niigata is trying to take on challenges that they have never attempted before. They mentioned, "Considering the strengths of Tokyo players, it would be good to have such new challenges." I believe that winning the ball high up the pitch and executing short counters and fast-paced attacks are the strengths of Tokyo. I felt this myself while playing in Tokyo last season. Regardless of our position or situation, we want to be aggressive, so we also want to actively take on challenges.
Q: There is a saying that stagnation is regression, but perhaps Coach Matsuhashi is also trying to surpass his current self.
A, that may indeed be the case. I have heard Coach Matsuhashi use that phrase during his time in Niigata. I believe there is an intention to improve and reach greater heights. We just need to respond to that properly.
Q: What are you thinking about in order to surpass your current self?
I want to project an overwhelming presence. I joined the team last season and participated in many matches, but I want to leave more personal achievements. I want to be a player who is thought of as "the team is winning because Yan is here. He is indispensable." However, there are very strong competitors, so if I can project that presence, I believe a new world will open up for me. I want to become a player who can do more in both offense and defense while raising my own standards.
Q: The second camp is starting. What kind of time do you want to have?
I think we will start sharing the team's image and increase practice in game formats, so I want to align as a whole. While focusing on that, I also want to improve game stamina and intensity.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
