Takahiro KO, who commands the midfield as the conductor of the blue and red, and Motoki NAGAKURA, a versatile striker whose presence is growing stronger. Both indispensable to Tokyo’s center line, they once played together at Albirex Niigata and were coached by Rikizo MATSUHASHI. This time, we delve into the on-pitch “connection” shown by number 8, who reads the flow of the game and controls it, and number 26, who acts as a target up front while demonstrating clever decision-making and excellent coordination. These two players, who are at the heart of Rikizo Tokyo, talked about the current state of the team and its future potential.
──When I watch you two, your play isn’t very conventional, and Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also demands play that doesn’t fit into a fixed mold, right?
Takahiro KO That’s exactly right. The coach says, "Just decide based on what you see from the opponent." He provides the minimum guidelines on how to approach the opponent, but I think Coach MATSUHASHI also believes that "it’s more interesting if you make your own decisions and choices once you’re on the pitch." I have continued playing that way since my time at Albirex Niigata, and I think it’s a part of my growth. When that kind of soccer clicks, you can constantly dominate both in attack and defense. For example, in the 2022 season when we won the J2 League, we controlled the game against any opponent, could guide them defensively, and were in a position to score through possession, counterattacks, or set pieces, so I think everyone understood each other well.
Motoki NAGAKURA I have always considered my tactical maneuvering to be one of my strengths, so I think that aspect is well brought out in Riki-san’s (Coach Matsuhashi’s) style of soccer.
Ko Tokyo is a team full of strong individual talents, but they don’t always connect well. Since last season, we’ve often used the word “connection,” and since Motoki joined this team, he’s been exactly where I want him to be. We share a similar sense in decisions and plays, like how he chooses from certain options in a given situation, easily receives the ball, turns there, and carries it forward. Because of that, the two of us can move the ball several meters together or break through tight situations, which really helps me a lot. But what surprised me was how many goals Motoki scored — I didn’t realize he had that much finishing ability. That was a very pleasant surprise and truly astonishing.
Nagakura I myself am not doing anything particularly difficult, but there are moments where we can break through by linking up with my teammates. I think I was able to fit well into the team.
── Tokyo has gone through a very tough time this season. With injured players returning from here on, how do you think the soccer will change?
Taka I think the matches against Kashiwa Reysol (Sec. 23), Urawa Reds (Sec. 24), and Kashima Antlers (Sec. 25) before I left were games where everyone was able to play with a sense of confidence. There were wins and losses, but in the Kashima match, we created chances and were able to control the game ourselves, so I want to continue that feeling and refine the decisive moments.
Nagakura The style of soccer I played in Niigata is different from Tokyo's, and if we can successfully blend Tokyo's strengths with Riki-san's style of soccer, I believe we can reach even higher levels. From here on, I want to focus more on that kind of effort.
──As Takahashi just mentioned, the more players who can play with the same perspective, the more the connections will expand. What do you think is necessary for that?
Nagakura I believe the only way is to repeatedly practice from training. It’s difficult to draw the same picture on the spot without preparation, so how much you can build relationships with your teammates during practice is crucial. It’s also important to clear up any doubts during daily training, and to observe and learn how you and your opponents play. In other words, I try to think about what kind of play each person should make and then play accordingly.
Taka That's right. To play soccer where you hold the initiative with the ball, you really have to keep going without wavering. But, as Miki just said, Tokyo has its own strengths. It's important to skillfully blend those together. The vertical speed is a traditional characteristic, so the key points are discerning that and differentiating when to control it. If we deepen our shared awareness in those judgment areas, I think we can launch attacks that scare the opponent, whether in slow or fast breaks. I believe I am in the position to control that. We just have to coordinate through training while talking with various players.
──Coach Matsuhashi also said, "Don't think, act on instinct." How can you eliminate hesitation?
Taka Each person’s role is clear, so first, everyone must have the will to receive the ball properly. By doing so, the number of options will always increase. Tokyo must show even more willingness to receive the ball. That’s why it’s such a waste when build-up passes get intercepted by the opponent and lead to conceding goals. Of course, it’s not just that; we also want to overturn the opponent’s press. I think it just comes down to watching the opponent and having the courage to act.
Nagakura The ball won’t circulate unless you create good spacing and relationships, right? It’s not that there’s hesitation, but if that spacing improves, as Yan-kun (Takao) said, the options increase. If you can play in that kind of state, I think it creates mental composure, and the accumulation of such things leads to the elimination of hesitation.
──Now, there are only 10 league matches left this season. What kind of play do you want to show both individually and as a team?
Taka Right now, I just want to play matches. I've been out for the last few games, so I want to get back on the pitch and play, especially since there aren’t many games left. We have to move up at least one spot. I have a very strong desire to win every upcoming match. Above all, I want to win.
Nagakura In the league, we are aiming for a higher position, and in the Emperor's Cup, we are aiming for the championship. Personally, my playing area is well defined, so I want to focus on how much I can contribute within such a team. I want to be particular about how much I can break through and make plays that lead to goals. Above all, I think it is important to improve my condition in practice and prepare so that I can perform what I am currently able to do as usual.
──Finally, please share your thoughts and hopes for the rest of the season.
Nagakura First, I will do my best to continue playing until the end without getting injured and to make even one play that leads to victory.
Taka I want to keep accumulating victories so that we can celebrate with our fans and supporters, and on the pitch, we will play with the utmost fighting spirit that we can muster. There is still a possibility of winning the title in the Emperor's Cup, so I really want to focus on that and be able to celebrate in the end.
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
