July 24 Training Report
On the 11th day of the Hokkaido Shiraoi Camp, training was held behind closed doors.
On this day, the players warmed up and got their bodies moving with passing drills, then spent time on shooting practice from free passes and reviewing set plays.
Tomorrow is the final day of the summer camp held for the first time on the northern land. The new players have fit well into the team, and there have been increasing moments in practical training where they show good coordination with the existing players.
After concluding the camp and returning to Tokyo, an international friendly match against Borussia Dortmund, a world-renowned club belonging to Germany's Bundesliga, is scheduled for August 1 at MUFG Stadium. As the opening match of the 2026/27 season against FC Machida Zelvia approaches, anticipation is growing.
CAMP VOICE vol.12 Hayate TANAKA Player
Q: The camp is almost over.
A: As a team, I think we gained a lot of confidence from the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Concept League. I feel like we have been able to brush that up and make it even better.
Q: In defense, you have also been working on systematically refining the details.
A: I think one of the themes has been preparing our defense on the premise that we hold the ball more and control the game. I believe we were able to demonstrate that in the practice matches. However, throughout the season, there will inevitably be periods when the opponent dominates. Even in such matches, we must be able to earn points. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also mentioned that there may be times when we have to give up the ball, contrary to what we want to do. We need to become a team that can pick up points even in difficult matches. I believe this will be important after the season opener as well.
Q: Personally, you have kept a clean sheet in the training matches during this camp.
A: Of course, it’s important to put up the numbers, but I want to continue with a strong mindset on both the results and the content.
Q: From here, how do you want to make an impression during the preseason period leading up to the opening match?
A: I have no intention of spending time like in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League. I believe it’s about expressing myself properly both in each day’s training and on the official match pitch.
CAMP VOICE vol.13 Motoki NAGAKURA Player
Q: The camp is almost over, but please look back on it.
A: I view positively that I was able to return from injury and participate in all the training. Now, I just need to improve my condition heading into the opening match.
Q: This season, with Nikolai Valis joining, there is new competition.
A, Such competition occurs every season without fail, so first, I want to compete firmly within the team to overcome that competition.
Q, Do you have any goals set for this season?
A, My goal is to play in every match throughout the season.
Q: This season, the team has set the goal of winning the league. How do you feel about your prospects?
A: It is still the preparation period, so there are things we don’t know yet. However, with just two weeks left until the start, we want to prepare as a team to make sure we are fully ready during this time.
Q: During this camp, a lot of time was devoted to training on breaking down the sides and crossing the ball.
A: When the attack stalls, various variations become necessary. I think we have been training those aspects, so I want to be able to put them into practice during matches as well.
Q: Have you been training defense thoroughly through repetition?
A: Winning the ball in defense and counterattacking is one of our strengths, so we want to make sure our defense is solid to launch those counters effectively.
Q: In the practice match against Nagoya Grampus, there were moments when you successfully rotated with your teammates to avoid the opponent's man-to-man style defense.
A, For example, player Varis can receive the ball at his feet and also break through behind the defense, so I was conscious of not overlapping positions there. I also played while considering that the distance between us should not become too far. Although it was our first match together, I think it was good that we were able to play well while interacting with players like Shion Honma, Keito Sato, and other different players.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm heading into the opening match.
A: I want to get my condition in top shape to be able to play in the opening game, and in addition, I want to contribute to the team winning the league championship.
FOCUS ON – Photo of the Day –
'FOCUS ON' selects one photo taken by the official photographer.
On the 11th day of camp, we selected Masato MORISHIGE, the oldest and most veteran member of the team.
The seasoned defender, who has appeared in a total of 513 J1 League matches, will turn 40 next May, but as he heads into the opening of his 21st professional season, he passionately declared this.
"I will show the greatest Masato MORISHIGE ever."
