July 20 Training Report
On the 7th day of the Hokkaido Shiraoi Camp, training was held behind closed doors. On this day, a meeting was held before practice, and set plays and other confirmations were conducted on the pitch.
The next day, a training match against Nagoya Grampus, the second match of this camp, is scheduled to take place at Shiraoi Sakuragaoka Park Athletics Stadium. It promises to be a match with many highlights, including Nikolai Valis’ first game in his new environment after joining midway and the maturity of what the team has been working on.
CAMP VOICE vol.7 Teruhito NAKAGAWA Player
Q: After finishing the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Concept League, please tell us how you feel heading into the new season.
A: We were able to achieve good results in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Concept League, and I believe what we have been doing is not wrong. However, since the groups were divided into West and East and there were no away trips, I think there will be some difficulty in adjusting to that. Even so, if we don’t use that as an excuse and continue to play our own style of soccer, we can definitely reach the top ranks. I believe that continuing to take on that challenge is the closest way to winning the league.
Q. As a field player, you are the second oldest on the team. Do you want to lead the team?
A. No, I don't want to lead. It's not about leading or not leading; if everyone is individually highly motivated, a good training atmosphere will naturally develop. We have to become that kind of group. Without that, we can't get closer to winning the league. But I do feel that we are becoming that kind of group.
Q. What aspects do you sense in each individual's awareness?
A. I think it’s about quality. The way they approach practice, the accuracy of each pass, the positioning of their traps, and their positioning on the field — all of these have been improving. I believe everyone has started to enjoy playing more as well.
Q. As an individual, what do you want to focus on in this new season?
A. Since I have just recently returned from the injury I sustained last season, I think it’s important to gradually get this knee accustomed again. I want to put up good numbers throughout the season.
Q. I think there was some frustration regarding playing time and individual performance in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League.
A. My playing time was short, but I believe there were chances to score goals within that time. There were moments where I wish I had finished those chances. Of course, I’m not the only one who wants to start matches; everyone feels that way. Delivering results amid competition is what I value most. I want to further refine that aspect.
Q: Masato MORISHIGE is also fired up, but do you, Nakagawa, want to be just as passionate?
A: Rather than just being passionate, I believe that if you lose that feeling, it’s the end as a soccer player. You absolutely must have the mindset of never wanting to lose to the younger players; without that feeling, you can’t come this far. I make sure never to let that feeling fade.
Q, I hear this every season, but can FC Tokyo win the championship this season…
A, The championship. Nothing but the league title. That’s the goal. After that, I just need to score three goals. That will bring my total to 50 goals in the J1 League.
Q, You answer everything in advance (laughs).
A, That's mostly right. You know that, right? (laughs) How many seasons do you think I've played in Tokyo? (laughs) But I will definitely score more than 3 goals.
CAMP VOICE vol.8 Yuta SUGAWARA Player
Q. Having spent time at the camp, please tell us how you feel now.
A. I haven’t really felt a definite sense of accomplishment yet, so I want to demonstrate my strengths in tomorrow’s practice match.
Q. There was also a scene where you received advice from Masato MORISHIGE.
A, during practice, I received advice like, "It would help if you stood in this position when the center back has the ball." It might be a small thing, but since I didn't have much experience playing as a defensive midfielder, hearing such good advice made it easier for me to play.
Q. I think one of your original strengths is being able to face forward in tight spaces. How do you think the challenges you are taking on in your current position will benefit you going forward?
A. When playing in the center of the team, there are many opponents and teammates around, so the space is limited. In terms of how I can bring out my strengths in that environment, I believe I am being given a good position to do so. I want to build on that experience and develop myself to be effective in the J1 League.
Q. Having made your debut in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, what kind of season do you want to have?
A. I think there will be many matches not only in the league but also in cup competitions and the U-21 J League, so I want to participate in those and achieve some kind of result.
Q. How do you perceive the areas where you are effective and the challenges you face as a professional so far?
A. Although my debut match was for a short period, being able to show a bit of my strengths gave me confidence. Regarding defense, I participated in overseas expeditions with the Japan national team by age group and think I have grasped some key points. I want to further increase my knowledge of organized defending.
Q. Regarding communication, I don't think it's a weak point for me.
A. I actively ask midfielders like Kyota TOKIWA and Takahiro KO, and I am also able to have conversations with center-back Morishige, so I want to continue doing this as it is.
Q. How do you want to spend the second half of the camp?
A. There are still training matches left, so I want to play well to build momentum for the next step and connect it to my activities after the camp.
FOCUS ON – Photo of the Day –
'FOCUS ON' selects one photo taken by the official photographer.
On the seventh day of the camp, we selected this photo capturing the people of Shiraoi Town who helped maintain the training ground.
Starting with the warm welcome at New Chitose Airport, there have been many opportunities to experience the warmth of the people here in the nature-rich town of Shiraoi since the start of the camp.
In this northern land abundant with local specialties such as Shiraoi beef, as well as coastal products like Koshimizu cod roe and hairy crab, the team building for the new season has been progressing smoothly so far.
