After 5 seasons, Masato MORISHIGE, who put on the armband, was trying to lead the team as captain amidst the team's transformation. The longest-serving player spoke in an unadorned manner, expressing the contents of the sense of accomplishment he gained this season in words. What stood alongside that was the real change in Tokyo.
First hurdle overcome
Q, First of all, thank you for your hard work this season. How do you think the team has grown in this eventful year?
A, Before the season started, I believe all the players were eager and approached the new style of soccer with a fresh mindset. In fact, I think many players wanted to play this kind of soccer. Of course, as we played more matches, there were times when we painfully realized the gap between our ideals and reality. At times, I think there was confusion and hesitation. Also, depending on whether or not they had playing opportunities, each player might have had different feelings. Despite those experiences, we kept moving forward. Understanding that it would take time, as captain, I decided to keep believing and, above all, not to doubt. Depending on the match results, doubts would arise. Even at such times, I was conscious of the team continuing to work together in one direction. As we approached the end of the season, we gradually gained confidence to play matches, and I also felt we were somehow starting to take shape. Throughout the year, we overcame various challenges but also faced new ones. Still, because we didn’t leave things to chance and managed things ourselves, we were able to positively overcome those new hurdles together. In that sense, a good cycle was born, and I feel we successfully overcame the first hurdle we anticipated before the season started.
Q, I think there were difficult times, but how did you overcome them?
A, We decided to start this season by working together with the coach's proposed style of soccer as the best approach. Although there were various feelings during the season, we had to trust the coach and keep in step with each other, or else we would fall into suspicion and doubt at some point. More than the technical aspects, I think the biggest thing was that we were able to align ourselves there.
Q, as the captain for the first time in five seasons, it was one of the themes to see how I could behave when the team was not doing well.
A, When experienced players start complaining, the younger players are influenced, for better or worse. First, the seniors must show a solid attitude to alleviate the younger players' anxieties and demonstrate that what they are doing is not wrong. Now, I feel we are gradually becoming the group I envision. There are various challenges, but it’s not like they are unmanageable. We have been discussing and clearing each issue one by one regarding the style of soccer we want to play. Every day, we can practice purely and enjoyably, but there is also a sense of rigor. I think Yuto NAGATOMO’s influence is significant here, and we also had players like Keigo HIGASHI who understand what needs to be done. Players like Ryoma WATANABE and Koki TSUKAGAWA have responded well to us veterans. Seeing that, the younger players and we ourselves feel we must behave similarly. I believe the team as a whole has done well in maintaining a pure attitude toward soccer, taking action first, and working toward the same goal.
Two people who supported the team
Q, The scene of running with Nagatomo player after the end of practice has become familiar.
A, I have been pulled along by Yuto. Even when I think I’ve gotten older, there’s someone right next to me who is one year older and aiming for the World Cup with the Japan national team (laughs). He really makes me feel that I still have a long way to go. People around me say I’m doing well at 35, but I’m like, 'No, no, we have someone even more amazing here.' Having that person by my side was personally very significant.
Q, Nagatomo has always acted for the team at every club he has been in. With him, he should have been a support for the team.
A, It was incredibly significant. I also started this season determined not to criticize the coach or make negative remarks no matter what happened. I knew it would take time, and I expected there would definitely be moments when frustrations might erupt, which would be problematic. But at just the right moment, Yuto, who has the greatest influence, would say, 'We're becoming a good team.' Everyone listens to Yuto’s words, so I was extremely grateful, and it also made things easier for me as captain.
Q, Player Higashi was a player who created his own place while struggling.
A, Keigo never complained or showed behavior that negatively affected the team. Even when he couldn't play in matches, he was the one who worked the hardest quietly, and he always showed that kind of attitude. This is not limited to this year; you can clearly see it when looking at Keigo over the years. Regardless of his position, he is a player who can focus on what he needs to do. Keigo's presence was also significant for this team.
Q, It was also a feature of this season that the circle of communication expanded through players who have such experience.
A, In the style of soccer we are currently working on, there are many things that cannot be resolved without talking. Detailed adjustments are also necessary, and we have to be particular about the details, such as the relationship between the receiver and the passer, and even which foot to pass to. Because it is something that cannot be built without discussing a wide range of aspects, opportunities to talk naturally increased. Also, because we found enjoyment in what we were doing, the players were able to engage in proactive discussions among themselves. While continuing to do some things here, we realized that other areas needed to be pursued more thoroughly. Having experienced success beyond that, I think the discussions became even more active with a desire to do more.
2023 Season Goes Beyond Fulfillment
Q, I think one of the characteristics of this season is that while there were unstable battles throughout the season, there were also no consecutive bad games, in other words.
A, Having a solid foundation up until now was also a big factor. It wasn’t just about doing new things, but also about the strengths we’ve had so far. Especially in defense, maintaining high intensity, approaching matches with strong motivation, and not losing in one-on-one situations. When those aspects faded, we often ended up losing games. If we focused only on offense, we would lose our grounding. We wouldn’t know what to do and would end up slipping into a losing streak. However, the team still retains the successful experiences from before. The strengths we’ve had so far and the strengths of what we are currently working on—because we have both, I think we were able to fight while finely adjusting the balance. Over a long season, there were matches where we didn’t necessarily play well but still managed to pick up points. From there, we also made efforts to extend even the good periods of play. Through such matches, we were able to gain hints and build on them. The causes of defeat in each match were also clear, so I think we established a flow where we wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.
Q, Is it now enjoyable to fill in the vast margins because what coach Albert is asking for is very simple?
A, yes. But perhaps it’s precisely because it will never be complete that I find it enjoyable. Whether in practice or in matches, there are always new discoveries. It’s been a while since I’ve felt this much fun playing soccer.
Q, how do you feel about the challenges for the upcoming season?
A, it really comes down to scoring goals. I think the accuracy there is the most important. Because this is the kind of soccer we play, in the end, quality and individual creativity become necessary.
Q, if the team can share their scoring patterns and ways to break down the opponent's defense, it could become even better.
A, I think that is a stage a little further ahead. To some extent, we have already been able to build up from the back, connect the ball through the midfield, and carry it up to the front of the goal. Toward the end of the season, I think the impression was that we stumbled when trying to score against teams that were sitting back. While maintaining possession, I believe that if we pattern and discuss situations like which space opens up in certain cases, we can make progress. Moving forward, when such challenges arise, it would be great if we can overcome them together again.
Q, So, what kind of team do you want to make Tokyo into?
A, I believe we are gradually becoming a team that makes people want to come to the stadium to watch. That’s why we want to continue playing soccer that is fun to watch and exciting. Soccer is the sport that gets the most thrilling when goals are scored. If we keep showing everyone our efforts to take on that challenge and can play even more attacking soccer, I think we will become an even more attractive team.
Q, Finally, please give a message to all the fans and supporters who have supported us throughout this year.
A, I think this season often required a lot of patience. Next year, we want to repay that patience with results. We ourselves are looking forward to that, and we believe we can play soccer that will be even more enjoyable for the fans watching, so we hope you look forward to it. Thank you for your support throughout the year.
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
