1/13 Training
On the second day of the Okinawa Itoman Camp, the team sweated through two training sessions, morning and afternoon, focusing on game-style training at the Nishizaki Athletic Stadium.
First, the morning training focused on confirming the build-up play, with Rikizo MATSUHASHI instructing, "Don’t just pass and end when the ball gets congested." He encouraged the players by instilling awareness of repositioning, saying, "The scenery will change." They also confirmed that by carrying the ball out from the back line and being aware of nearby advantages, gaps would appear in the opponent’s formation. Furthermore, game-style drills were conducted to align the entire team’s awareness.
In the afternoon, the team continued with match-style training sessions, and the focus on the “Rikizo style” for this season was evident in every aspect of the practice. With the first official match of the season against Nagoya Grampus just two days away, the players’ enthusiasm surged dramatically.
CAMP VOICE vol.2 Marcelo RYAN
Q: You seem fully fired up this season.
A: Not really. I’m always fired up anyway (laughs).
Q. Your jersey number has been changed to number 9 again.
A. Number 9 is my favorite number. However, I also understand that wearing number 9 comes with a lot of responsibility. Bearing that responsibility, I want to score more goals for the team.
Q. What kind of player do you think an ace is, Marcelo RYAN?
A. Well... I think an ace is a player who scores more goals than anyone else and prioritizes Tokyo's victory above all else.
Q. From the 2026 season, you will transition to a full transfer. How do you want to contribute anew?
A. I want to build good relationships by cooperating with my teammates both on and off the pitch. Although I am a forward, I want to contribute not only offensively but also defensively. I want us all to fight together as an organized team.
Q, I got the impression that your defensive awareness has increased.
A, Of course, I think the Japanese players are more aggressive in pressing. However, I also have a strong desire to contribute by pressing from the front line and somehow winning the ball in advanced positions.
Q, It seems like you work just as hard defensively as the Japanese players.
A, It is important to demand things from each other on the pitch. Sometimes we exchange harsh words, but we want to value growing together as a team.
Q. As the ace of the Blue-Red, is there anything you can promise to the fans and supporters?
A. I believe my new football journey has begun here in Tokyo. Within that, I want to contribute to the team, score goals, achieve victories, and share lots of joy with the fans and supporters.
Q: There are no Brazilian players at the camp; don’t you feel lonely?
A: Of course I feel lonely, but the other members talk to me and are kind, so I’m okay.
Q: We are looking forward to many goals from you this season as well.
A: Thank you.
FOCUS ON - Today's Shot -
The official photographer on the second day of the camp chose this shot for 'FOCUS ON.' This season, four players promoted from FC Tokyo U-18 continue to make a strong impression with their lively play. On this day, which focused mainly on match-style training, Divine OTANI scored a headed shot utilizing his high physical ability. Kio TANAKA took a bold shot, and Yuta SUGAWARA actively got involved with the ball with his elusive movements. Kaede SUZUKI, who can play in any defensive position, demonstrated his versatility. Their expressions tell the story of their fulfillment.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
