Training Report for July 19
On the 6th day of the Hokkaido Shiraoi Camp, the team held two training sessions at the Shiraoi Sakuragaoka Park Athletic Stadium. The morning focused on a menu specialized in the “sides,” while the afternoon centered on responding to cross balls, reviewing both offensive and defensive aspects.
In the morning, we worked up a sweat in training that also served to share the image of breaking down the sides. On the pitch, instructions were flying around for the team to target the spaces that open up as the ball moves outward.
That afternoon, we carefully reviewed the positioning for dealing with cross balls, the criteria for handing off marking duties, and the team's detailed agreements. During the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League period, there have been four goals conceded from cross balls.
Head Coach Yu TOKISAKI stated, "To win the championship, we have to reduce and eliminate even one goal." Through repeated meetings and training sessions, the team is gradually building a solid defense.
The Hokkaido Shiraoi camp has now reached its halfway point. Since the team is beginning to show steady progress, they will further deepen their identity during the remaining period.
CAMP VOICE vol.5 Fuki YAMADA Player
Q. We are now halfway through this camp.
A. It really feels like a camp, and I’m starting to feel a good kind of fatigue. The stimuli you can only experience at camp are coming in, so I think I’m having a lot of fun.
Q: I think you have had many opportunities to play as an attacking midfielder during this camp, a position you have been used in since the latter part of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League.
A: It’s just that I haven’t played much in that position since turning professional, but I played as an attacking midfielder throughout my academy days. I wasn’t very surprised when Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI told me to play there. I believe the place where I can shine the most in this team is not on the wing but as an attacking midfielder. Right now, I’m feeling confident, and I even scored a goal in a practice match. Being closer to the goal allows my strengths to come through even more.
Q. I think Yamada's unique timing is becoming a good way to build up the attack.
A. I believe I can show a kind of buildup, left-footed kicks, and timing and positioning to receive the ball that are different from Motoki NAGAKURA and Ryunosuke SATO. I think that becomes an accent in the attack and will increase new goal-scoring patterns.
Q. Marcelo RYAN mentioned that he has good chemistry with Yamada.
A. I value the sense of distance with RYAN. Whenever I receive the ball and face forward, he is always running, so there have been occasions where I was able to deliver a good through pass leading to a shot. I believe that by increasing the time we play well together, the number of goals will increase.
Q, In the practice match against Montedio Yamagata, a goal was scored from a side attack.
A, I think many people associate my strengths with my left-footed kicks and shots, but in the match against Yamagata, I entered the penalty area slightly after the timing when the cross ball was delivered from the side and scored. I wouldn’t say I can predict exactly when and where the ball will drop, but as the number of goals from crosses is increasing, I’m starting to think that maybe this is something I’m somewhat good at.
Even though I play as an attacking midfielder, I often find myself playing somewhat on the right side, so by creating shapes on the right side and switching the play to the opposite side, I believe many crossing opportunities arise from that side. While I understand that many people expect a left-footed strike, I want to continue building up plays that serve as the starting point for such situations and movements that connect crosses to goals.
CAMP VOICE vol.6 Marcelo RYAN Player
Q. It is the 6th day of the Hokkaido Shiraoi camp.
A. The environment is very good, and the climate is comfortable. I think we are able to have good training.
Q: The other day, the first practice match of the camp was also held.
A: It was the first training match since entering the camp, and we saw both positive aspects and areas that need improvement. Among them, including physical condition, I think there were many good things to take positively in terms of teamwork. However, there were also things that need to be improved, so it is necessary to properly correct those. Speaking only about the match result, we lost, so including that, I want to make things much better and adjust to work well with the others.
Q: I think you often play up front together with Fuki YAMADA during the camp. Do you feel a sense of connection, including in terms of coordination?
A: YAMADA is also a passer-type player, so he constantly watches my movements closely. I believe our coordination will continue to improve more and more from here on.
Q: I think a high level of pressing intensity is also required.
A: Of course, we were conscious of the practice match against Montedio Yamagata. Pressing instructions often came from the coaching staff, including head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI. In the practice match, there were several occasions where our pressing from the front line worked well and we were able to win the ball.
Q: Do you think attacks utilizing the flanks will increase from here on?
A: I do think training that utilizes the flanks has indeed increased as we try to add more options. And I feel that will become a strength. However, when it comes to matches, whether or not to use the flanks must be decided on a case-by-case basis. That also depends on the opponent. I believe we always need to watch the opponent and play accordingly.
Q: Please tell us your personal goals for this season.
A: I want to score as many goals as possible. Also, I want to contribute to the team not only in attack but also in defense.
FOCUS ON – Photo of the Day –
'FOCUS ON' selects one photo taken by the official photographer.
On the 6th day of camp, we selected a scene where Kashif BANGNAGANDE delivers a cross ball.
The training on this day featured a lineup of drills focused on side attacks, with many scenes of crossing the ball. The one who shone in that moment was the player wearing number 6 in blue and red.
This season, in a team aiming to increase goals through attacks utilizing the sides, player Kashifu has said, "If I can perform well, improvements will naturally follow."
True to his words, he delivered a pinpoint cross to the far side, assisting Kizuna Kominato's goal. As a result, admiration was heard not only from teammates and coaching staff but also from the stands.
