Q: please review the first half of the league.
A, we started working on a new system from this season, and in the league opener against Yokohama FC, we grabbed a victory and got off to a good start. However, in the following 4 to 5 matches, we were unable to accumulate wins, facing the challenge of "the content is not bad, but we can't score." Our forwards and other attacking players failed to finish scoring chances, resulting in matches where we dropped points. It left us feeling very frustrated and regretful. As the league progressed, being distant from victory gradually spread a negative atmosphere, which showed in our matches. The negative factors born from not being able to win seemed to be reflected in the results of the first half of the league.
Q. If you were to name the match that was the key point in the first half of the league, which match would it be?
A. From the opening through Sec. 4 to Sec. 5, despite playing good matches, we continued to have games where we couldn’t earn points or ended up losing. In Sec. 5 against Shonan Bellmare, we controlled the match but couldn’t score, resulting in a goalless draw. In the match just before that, Sec. 4 against Kashima Antlers, we created many decisive chances until the middle of the game, but conceded two goals from set-piece situations. These two matches stand out to me personally as key points and impressions. Even with good performances, the lack of positive results seemed to bring the players down.
Q. To summarize the first half of the league, would you say that "patience" and "mental resilience" are the areas with the most challenges?
A, that's right. It is no exaggeration to say that soccer is a mental sport. Of course, to approach the match with good tension, everyone creates a positive atmosphere before entering the pitch, but there have been times when we couldn't maintain a good state after conceding goals, mistakes, or errors during the game. It is important to solve the issues from the lost matches, but above all, the fact that we couldn't achieve consecutive wins had a major impact. Victory amplifies our strengths even more. I believe that the continued losses caused our strengths and momentum to gradually diminish. Also, easy mistakes directly leading to goals were noticeable. The first half of the season ended up having ups and downs in good and bad times.
Q. Please tell us your evaluation of Nakagawa's performance in the first half of the season when focusing on him individually.
A, in the first half of the league, I mainly played in the shadow position and also took on the role of the lone striker. While experiencing both the appeal and difficulty of this position, there were periods when I couldn't maintain top condition, and honestly, my performance was inconsistent. There were moments when I struggled with whether to be involved in midfield possession or to leave it to the players behind me and instead focus on looking for chances up front and increasing my involvement in the attacking third. I deeply feel that this indecision was reflected in the team's results. Although it's a matter of 'what if,' there were times I thought it might have been better to fully commit to one approach, and this is where I especially felt the 'difficulty' I mentioned earlier.
Q. There was about a two-week interval. From Nakagawa's perspective, what challenges is the team working on, and how do you feel the team is trying to change?
A, I may not have much to say strongly, but first of all, we have been able to work in a good atmosphere during daily training, and I think the tactical adjustments are also progressing. We want to raise this even further, and the match against Cerezo Osaka on June 14 will definitely be a turning point. It is an important game. We must get off to a good start for the second half of the league and accumulate points. Above all, we want to focus on victory and earning 3 points. We want to show a fighting spirit as if our lives depend on it. If we can string together consecutive wins that we couldn't achieve in the first half of the league, we can definitely aim higher. By winning consecutively, we want to change the scenery we see.
Above all, the warm support from our fans and supporters gives us courage. It is truly encouraging. We want to raise each other up once again with everyone who loves Tokyo and fight together through the second half of the league.
Q. In the previous match against Kyoto Sanga F.C., I believe the passionate feelings of the fans and supporters were conveyed through their cheering until the very end. How do you plan to respond to that support?
A, even after the match ended and we went to greet the fans, they kept cheering us on loudly and encouraging us. We can only be grateful for that feeling. Speaking of the previous match, despite traveling all the way to Kyoto and delivering passionate support for over 90 minutes, the result ended as it did. There was also a feeling of frustration recalling the similarly disappointing performance in last season's away match against Kyoto. For all the fans and supporters who came to Kyoto and everyone supporting Tokyo, we are wholeheartedly determined to deliver a victory. Honestly, I think "winning is difficult." That’s why we will give our all to play and respond to the cheers.
The feelings of joy, anger, sadness, and happiness experienced throughout the match are shared by both the players and the fans and supporters. Despite the tough world we compete in, and the results against Kyoto that could have justifiably drawn boos, you still delivered your cheers. I believe each player felt something that resonated with them. To bring smiles to our fans and supporters, we want to unite even more in the second half of the league and pull victory closer. Also, as a whole club, we aim to increase positive moments one or two at a time and share many moments of smiles together.
