As it was Saturday, many people came to watch the practice yesterday. And today, it is a cloudy day with occasional heavy rain since morning. Despite this, more people visited than yesterday, creating a good sense of tension for the team.
The morning was a short but highly concentrated and intense training session. The main menu consisted of ball possession on the sides and finishing from side attacks. We also had the option to change the sides significantly and tried combinations with multiple units, making it a content focused on practical play.
As scenes of finishing not coming together continue, not only coach Albert but also the players are mercilessly scolded. It is clear that they are training with a focus on the combination leading to finishing and the accuracy of finishing, while maintaining a style of valuing the ball.
As I mentioned in yesterday's report, today's afternoon training was also open to the public, and many fans and supporters came to watch, just like in the morning.
Afternoon illuminated by orange sunlight, game format menu on half court. Divided into multiple teams, we completed games in full power in a few minutes.
In a smaller area with higher speed and intensity than a regular game, if there is even a slight opening, it can lead to a turnover and result in a goal. However, with a highly skilled combination, it is possible to score even in a tight area.
Based on the foundation of last season, where we held onto the ball, we have added an awareness of connecting to the goal and a systematic approach, resulting in gritty goals from high pressing and also multiple players working together to create scoring opportunities.
Tokyo, which is steadily improving as a team. The training is the last day. On the final day of the 24th, we will play against a J1 team for the first time this season and test what we have built up during the camp.
On the 13th day of camp, an interview was conducted with player Keigo HIGASHI.
Congratulations on the birth of your second child, Q.
A, thank you very much.
Q, How did you feel about the team's condition even though you joined the camp halfway through?
A, I would say it follows the flow from last season, and since this is the second year under Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's system, our goals are fairly clear. We've also become accustomed to the training menu in a positive way, so I think everyone is approaching the task with a positive attitude, aiming to raise the quality in that area.
Q, What are the characteristics of the new players and how do you plan to utilize them?
A, Each player has their own characteristics, and I want to understand and make better use of them. Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Kei KOIZUMI are experienced players, so I think they will adapt quickly. I hope we can effectively utilize everyone and further update the team.
Q, How do you feel about the importance of East player's anchor since last season through practice matches at this point?
A, Personally, I feel my body is moving very well, and I have done good training even during the off-season, so I sense that is showing in a positive way. As a team, we still need to level up, so I think it is important to adjust while communicating with each other through practices and practice matches.
Q, How are you adjusting during the camp, are you gradually increasing the pace to match the opening game?
A, I believe that practice is always an opportunity to showcase oneself, and good practice leads to good matches. So, I don't focus on aligning with any specific point; each day is extremely important. Therefore, I don't think about it too much and just give my all every day.
Q, it seems like you are working on the finishing part a lot during practice.
A, There have been times when we pushed forward, but we need to continue practicing the precision of the final quality, and I hope to build up the combination from practice. I think that’s why we are focusing on it a lot.
Q, I felt that we were able to smoothly possess the ball during practice matches and training.
A, We are particular about who takes the open space and how we move inside after gaining possession, so we need to improve that further. Since this is the decisive part, I believe it is necessary to increase the number of repetitions and enhance the quality.
Q, I think you are familiar with the football that Coach Albert is looking for, but have you ever been approached or asked for something by the coach during this season?
A, not particularly. I believe they trust me, and the effort I put into daily practice doesn’t lie. Last season, I struggled to get game time in the first half, but since I started playing in the anchor position, I think I have earned their trust. I want to continue giving back to the team even more through that.
Q, What goals do you have for this season?
A, my goal is simply to enjoy it. Of course, the team aims to win the championship and such, but first, I believe that when each individual plays for themselves, it ultimately benefits the team. So, it’s important for everyone to maintain a high level of awareness and play toward their own goals. As I get older, the time I can play in peak condition is becoming shorter, so I want to fully appreciate this and enjoy not only practice but also the matches.
