July 23 Training Report
On the 10th day of the Hokkaido Shiraoi Camp, the morning was spent divided into an indoor recovery group and a training group on the field. The recovery group worked out in the gym inside the accommodation, while the training group conducted high-intensity training on the practice field.
In the afternoon, a full team practice was held at Shiraoi Sakuragaoka Park Athletic Stadium, where the players worked on passing & control and gradually expanded the width on a half-court while repeatedly performing build-up and pressing drills in 11 vs 11. The session ended with shooting practice from crosses.
Only two days remain in the first summer camp. Kento HASHIMOTO, who was slightly delayed due to an injury sustained in the final stages of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Concept League, said, "My condition is steadily improving, so I want to firmly focus on the league opener." The competition for starting positions at the opening has also intensified across all positions.
CAMP VOICE vol.10 Hayato INAMURA Player
Q. How was the period during the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, which you joined on a loan basis, for you, Inamura?
A. It started with regaining my match rhythm, but I felt it took longer than I expected. However, I believe it was a half-season in which I gradually recovered and was able to grow on top of that.
Q. Your frustration during the playoff match against Cerezo Osaka was quite memorable.
A. The group league standings were decided, and I had a strong desire to move up even one spot. Also, since it was Keigo (Higashi)'s last game, my feelings toward that were the strongest.
Q. Compared to your time at FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa, how has playing in the blue and red uniform changed for you?
A, As I played more matches, my strong feelings for this team grew. My desire to seriously win the league also became stronger. When I was with the U-15 team, I wasn't able to participate in many matches, so I had various complicated feelings, but I realized that this is a club I truly like.
Q. This time, the club welcomed you in the form of a full transfer.
A. It became a full transfer at this timing, but I have the desire to win the league with this club, grow myself, and someday challenge Europe once again. In the process of that challenge, my top goal is to join the Japan national team. For that reason as well, I want to deliver results with this club.
Q. What kind of play do you want to show this season?
A. I want to play as a central figure of this team, and I am approaching this camp with that mindset. Not only in my play but also in other aspects, I want to carry out my role with the awareness of being a key player for the team.
Q. What kind of presence does a key player have for the team?
A. First and foremost, as a player, it is important to keep playing in matches, achieve results, and be recognized by the surrounding players. While keeping that in mind, I also pay attention to various players off the pitch and act as a bridge between the staff and players. I am currently working on these aspects and want to continue doing so.
Q. Your jersey number has been changed to 4.
A. It’s the number I wore when I won the national championship in university, and also the number I wore in high school, so it holds special meaning for me. At this club, number 4 is also the number that Tsuyoshi WATANABE wore. The other day, I had the opportunity to have a meal with him, and hearing various stories was very inspiring. It strengthened my desire to catch up to him.
CAMP VOICE vol.11 Player Kento HASHIMOTO
Q. The Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League ended with an overall 4th place finish.
A. There was a chance to win the championship, so I was left with a very frustrating feeling. However, it was a period that made me realize there are still many things I need to thoroughly pursue.
Q. What are the areas you feel you need to thoroughly work on?
A. I think it’s really the small details. Things like one-on-one battles for the ball, throwing your body to block at the last moment, and not losing in one-on-one situations. I have come to realize once again that Kashima Antlers and Vissel Kobe are very thorough about these aspects.
Q. You were somewhat delayed due to injury, but what kind of mindset do you want to have going into this new season?
A. Although I was a bit delayed, first I want to get back into good condition and contribute solidly to the team without any injuries. Personally, I also feel unsatisfied with my numbers in terms of goals and assists. It’s not just me; midfield players need to be more involved in scoring. I want to consciously work on that.
Q. While there is an aim to increase goals from cross balls, I also think that making runs from the third line can be effective.
A. I was able to play with that awareness even in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, but despite having chances, I couldn’t fully demonstrate my ability to finish and score. Since I believe that is my strength, I feel frustrated that I couldn’t contribute. I need to sharpen myself even more starting from practice.
Q. It seems like you are working on defense by repeating each step carefully.
A. I believe the defense has become more precise and stronger. Our team’s strengths include attacking with high press and counterattacking after forming a defensive block, but by improving the transition from defense to offense and increasing precision, I think we can also enhance our scoring ability. I want us to work with a shared understanding as a team.
Q. Players who had been with the team for many years have left, so I think I need to become someone who leads the team even more.
A. I always feel that I need to demonstrate my abilities even more and that I must lead the team. I want to work hard to contribute to the team’s goals.
FOCUS ON – Photo of the Day –
'FOCUS ON' selects one photo taken by the official photographer.
On the 10th day of the camp, we selected a scene where head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI and Sei MUROYA were having a discussion on the pitch before practice.
Sei MUROYA, who served as captain in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, said, "Everyone on the team has a sense of captaincy, and we are able to train in a good atmosphere."
Even in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, we often see moments during and after practice where players check and confirm each play and event with each other across different positions.
Although the team finished in 4th place overall, the small successes accumulated in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League had also taken root within the team in these ways.
