The "Blue-Red Report" conveying FC Tokyo's "now" starts today. We will deliver the daily lives of players and staff chasing the ball at Kodaira Ground and the stadium to all fans and supporters.
FOCUS ON - This Week's Highlight
A heartwarming sight was at Kodaira Ground.
"Have I also become an adult?"
The person in question, Koki TSUKAGAWA, laughed as he said that. It was after the practice match against the Kanto University Selection on February 16 (Sunday). A photo captured the scene of Koki gently teaching Baek INHWAN how to move by arranging magnets on a whiteboard, as he struggled in an unfamiliar position.
"I used to be like that too, and if I can convey what I don't understand, I wanted to talk to Baek. Soccer is a team sport, and I'm not a player who can do something alone; I believe I'm a player who thrives on the connections between people. Thinking that way, I hesitated a bit, but I decided to convey it to Baek."
Tsukagawa answered each of Beck's questions, asking, "Is there anything else you don't understand?" and the impromptu soccer lecture lasted nearly 20 minutes.
"It's not just about Baek. If we want to play modern football, each individual has to think and play. We need to understand where the numerical advantage is and how to draw the opponent out. I believe it revolves around the opponent, so if we can't share that vision with the whole team, we won't be able to connect. The timing of the pass is only a moment. To deliver it directly before the opponent closes in, we need to create that connection. I've turned 30, and I want to do what I can."
It was a moment when I caught a glimpse of Tsukakawa's kindness and what he values as a player.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
"We asked the players about their thoughts on XX"
The project "Ask the Players: Questions from 2025 SOCIO OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP" where we pose questions gathered from our members to the players.
This time's "What Caught Our Attention" features Kosuke SHIRAI, who scored the winning goal in the Final Round against Yokohama FC, in a direct interview with intriguing questions.
*Some of the questions we received may have been edited for clarity. Thank you for your understanding.
Q: I saw that you eat a lot before the match. Can you tell us specifically what kind of menu you have and what you focus on in your meals? (Handle name: Harunpa)
A: I usually focus on nutritional balance in my meals. The most important thing I pay attention to is the amount of protein. As an athlete, I make sure to consume enough to prevent my muscles from getting thin. By eating a large amount before the match, I aim to store energy to run through the game. On the day before the match and the day before that, I also consume a lot for carbohydrate replenishment.
Q: Please tell us about your pre-match routine. (Handle name: Miiko)
A: I shout just before the kickoff. Actually, I shout alone, so if you don't mind, please pay attention (laughs). Also, I never skip stretching before bed. I do stretching as part of my daily routine, not just before matches.
Q: Were you fast on your feet since you were young? If you have any tips on how you got faster, such as what kind of training you did, please let us know. (Handle name: Ricchan)
A: I think I was fast on my feet since I was young, but I didn't do any particular training. However, after becoming a professional soccer player and facing injuries, as well as frequently cramping, I changed my running style. By changing my running style, I have experienced fewer injuries and I believe I have significantly improved. If I had learned how to run when I was in elementary school, I might have been even faster than I am now.
