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On the 7th day of the Okinawa Itoman camp, we practiced scoring goals from free passes at the Itoman Nishizaki Athletic Stadium and confirmed set plays. Considering the fatigue accumulated so far, we also allocated time for warm-ups using various types of balls.
At the beginning of the camp, when I told coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, "The practice is interesting," he laughed and said, "It's just that you're not used to it. On the contrary, if it becomes uninteresting, please let me know."
There have been hardly any identical training menus throughout this camp, and we have instilled different objectives in each session. As a result, the ability to think and make judgments in actual match situations and scenarios should have been cultivated.
At the same time, it felt like the daily practices were independent, yet there was also a sense of connection. I could clearly see the players' daily reactions and changes in response to the messages conveyed by the coach. How these things will connect after the season starts begins from here.
Through this camp, we have become a group that wants to "grow" and "change ourselves." However, Coach Matsuhashi says, "I try not to think that this is good enough on a daily basis. I am thinking about how to improve further from here." The blue-red team has no intention of stopping their progress, saying, "Not enough yet" and "More and more."
FOCUS ON
The official photographer selects camp photos in the project "FOCUS ON." On the 7th day of the Okinawa Itoman camp, a four-shot featuring Masato MORISHIGE, Yuto NAGATOMO, Keigo HIGASHI, and Teruhito NAKAGAWA was chosen. They are in their thirties, yet still energetic and fresh. Burning with freshly picked ambition, they continue to face soccer every day. Even as they pursue their own paths like seekers of truth, their goal is to achieve the league title in Tokyo for the first time. While they intend to share their story, it is well known that these four will lead the blue and red this season as well.
CAMP VOICE vol.17 Masato MORISHIGE
This season marks the 20th anniversary of Masato MORISHIGE's career as a professional player. With only 10 matches remaining until his 500th appearance in the J1 League, he has set 'Continued Gira Gira' and 'Mera Mera' as his personal goals for the season, continuing from last season. For the 2025 season, he plans to spread the raw flames around him without holding back. We asked the player wearing number 3, who is aiming for the first J1 League championship promised to the blue and red singers, about his current honest feelings.
Q: I joined the camp halfway through, but how is the progress so far?
A, since we are still in the introduction phase, I believe the team will grow through various trials and errors from here. When problems arise, if we can think about and create the style of football that Rikizo MATSUHASHI aims for, I think we can have an interesting style of play and become an interesting team. What comes next is important, and the current evaluation is not everything. To be honest, we still know very little, so how we proceed from here will be crucial.
Q: Coach Matsuhashi frequently communicated about the mindset and attitude towards soccer throughout the camp.
A, Coach Matsuhashi not only talked about the content of soccer but also touched on the attitude towards soccer and how we should behave as human beings before being soccer players during meetings. I think this is an important aspect since it is a team sport. It is not enough to just focus on soccer; I felt that these elements are also connected to the pitch, and the spirit of fighting through this season as a team was conveyed by Coach Matsuhashi. He communicates even the subtle nuances, making it easier for us to understand.
Q: There were not only bright atmospheres, but also moments where we demanded a lot from each other.
A. We should actively do what is necessary. It's not good for everyone to hold back, and there's no point in being overly considerate of each other. We need to make demands that match the higher level, and I believe it's not good for a group to shrink and conform to a lower standard. I want to be conscious of this and work towards it this season.
Q: Last season, you mentioned wanting to shine as a man. What goals do you have for this season?
A, we have to shine brightly. We must be the ones shining the brightest, and I believe that will have a positive impact on the team. Just because I am a veteran doesn't mean I think I can do it well; first and foremost, I want to pursue what I can bring to this team as an individual player. If the team can exert its strength as a collective, we will surely become stronger. I also think we need to consider breaking through as individual players first.
Q: If we can achieve the J1 League championship, which we have not been able to accomplish in the 20 years of being a professional, it will be the best season.
A, "I think every year, 'there's not much time left,' and I want to fully commit to soccer even more. However, the fact that results are not coming means that there is still much to improve. I have to push myself even harder. Last season was better than the season before, and I believe there is still more we can achieve this season compared to last. I want to demand that not just from myself but from the entire team as well. If we do that, I believe that spirit, that flame will definitely spread.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
