On the second day of the camp, we were honored to have visitors from Kunigami Village and they held a welcoming ceremony for us. Here is a glimpse of the event.
After receiving words of encouragement from Kunigami Village Mayor Chinami Village, Coach Albert gave a greeting on behalf of the team and received gifts from everyone involved.
The morning practice started after the commemorative photo was taken with everyone.
Today is the start of the second division practice.
Circuit training, dash, possession and physical-based menus, as well as ball-based menus, were performed with intense training, and the players also worked on each menu with high intensity.
In the afternoon, the team started training to incorporate the style that Coach Albert is looking for, focusing on tactical exercises, aiming to further instill it in the team compared to last season.
The camp has just begun. From now on, even more intense training will continue.
Players carefully stretched before practice to prevent injuries, and also took care of themselves after practice.
We will continue to build the team with second division practice tomorrow.
On the second day of the camp, we interviewed new player Kei Koizumi.
Q, Did you feel the reality of coming to Tokyo again when you participated in the new system announcement?
A, I met with the Tokyo coach, players, and staff, wore the uniform, and felt both the excitement that it was finally starting and a fresh feeling.
Q, how was it to practice for the first time in front of fans and supporters at the Kodaigahara Ground on the starting day?
A, Since it was the starting day, I believe the fans and supporters of Tokyo were really looking forward to it and have high expectations for the team moving forward. As players, we just have to do our best to meet those expectations. By creating something beyond those expectations, I think the excitement will grow even more, and we players want to aim for that.
Q, Have any players bonded within the team since the start of camp?
A, Having players the same age is a big help, and they have been supporting me. I’m shy and not the type to easily start conversations, but since I transferred here, I can’t afford to be like that. I’m turning 28 this year, and since Tokyo has many young players, I think I’m in a mid-level position. I plan to actively reach out and talk not only about soccer but also with various players. Also, both much older and younger players have welcomed me, and we only feel grateful. I hope the team can come together as one.
Q, how is your physical condition on the second day of camp?
A, it has just begun, and both my personal physical condition and the team’s tactics are at the stage of building the foundation to compete this season. We also have practice matches coming up, so I want to make sure not to waste a single day.
Q, there were many scenes where I talked with coach Albert.
A, The coach has talked to me about my position and what he expects, and he also holds meetings separately for new players apart from those who experienced last season, which I really appreciate.
Q, How do you perceive the soccer that the coach is looking for? I think there was also a tactical menu today.
A, I was able to grasp that the style of soccer we have been continuing since last season was being developed through these kinds of practices. Since I came from a different team, of course there are difficult aspects, but I feel that I need to properly get used to it as soon as possible, and when I don’t understand something, I have to ask or think about it on my own and work through it.
Q, What kind of camp do you want to make?
A, My personal goal is to avoid injury. This is my 10th professional season, and I deeply feel that injuries are the worst thing, so first and foremost, that is my goal. I want to keep that importance in mind, absorb FC Tokyo's style of soccer, and most importantly, spend good time with my teammates. Since the camp mostly consists of two training sessions a day, I hope to be able to give 100% effort to each training menu.
