7/17 Practice Match vs. Montedio Yamagata Player Comments
Takahiro KO
Q: After finishing the first practice match of the camp, please share your honest impressions.
A: As a team, we challenged ourselves with various new things we wanted to try, and there were parts where we were able to express them well. However, there are still many areas lacking, so I want to steadily build on this through the remaining training matches and training sessions during the camp period.
Q: There were also periods during which we were able to successfully express what we have been working on in this camp.
A: Defensively, there were many occasions where our high press caused the opponents to get caught, and when we couldn’t reach them, everyone dropped back to the middle zone, maintaining strong intensity and creating many good situations. In attack, when moving the ball, I think we were able to differentiate between playing it vertically and shaking things up. I considered “shaking things up” to be a key concept, so by using that well, we had relatively long periods of pressing forward, and I believe we were able to create good opportunities.
Q: It seemed that goals were hard to come by.
A: We had many chances in front of the goal, and many players were involved. However, it is important to finish those chances, so we want to focus on that even more moving forward.
Q: It seemed that Takahashi personally kept his voice up and skillfully controlled the team.
A: That is something I have been very conscious of since the start of this season. While thoroughly organizing the entire team both offensively and defensively, I also feel that my initial reactions are sharp. As we approach the start of this season, I intend to be thorough in the basics such as winning the ball and picking up loose balls, and I am feeling positive about that.
Hirokazu ISHIHARA
Q: Please share your thoughts after finishing the first training match of this camp.
A: I think I need to improve my condition a bit more, but for a first match, everyone moved well. The result might not have been that good, but I believe the things each player wanted to do and the shape the team aims for appeared in various parts. As a team, we managed to score a good goal and had a good match.
Q: I think everyone was conscious of what they worked on during this camp, but how did you feel on the pitch?
A: I think we entered the penalty area quite often. Regarding pressing, there were times when we pressed from the front, times when we stopped briefly to organize before pressing, and times when we dropped back—each player was able to do their part. I believe the quality and accuracy can still be improved. However, considering this was our first practice match, I think everyone was able to act with awareness, so I want to continue this going forward.
Q: It seemed like you were able to show your strengths during the time you were on the pitch.
A: I got pretty exhausted (laughs). I couldn’t fully demonstrate the quality in the final moments. That’s something I definitely want to improve. However, in terms of my strength, which is being proactive, I was able to make plays by aggressively moving forward and getting involved with the ball even when it was tough, so I want to increase those moments.
Q: What kind of play do you want to show in the remaining training matches?
A: I want to actively get involved up front and be proactive. Applying pressure in the forward line is the role of the fullbacks, and in this team, Sei MUROYA and Kento HASHIMOTO also do that. I believe it is expected to increase the number of players applying pressure, so I want to demonstrate that aspect as well.
SPECIAL CONTENTS
Yuhei TOKUNAGA, an alumnus who participated as a Match Quality Assessor at the rules seminar on July 16, observed the training match against Montedio Yamagata. We asked him for his candid impressions and which players he is focusing on ahead of the season opener.
Q: Please tell us your honest impressions after watching the match.
A: I thought they played really good soccer. They also played well in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, but I got the impression that their level of completion has increased heading into the new season. The lineup hasn’t changed drastically, so their teamwork has improved even more, and I think they were able to play a match that gives us a lot of hope for the season opener.
Q: Was there a player who left a strong impression on you?
A: It’s Kyota Tokiwa. I hadn’t really seen him play much before, but when I saw him for the first time last season, I thought, "This player is really good." Watching him throughout the season, I felt he is quite an excellent player.
Q. What aspects did you find appealing?
A. First of all, his thoughtfulness. On top of that, he doesn’t lose the ball and works hard on defense. He has high overall ability and, above all, is smart. I think he’s a player who truly understands soccer. Right now, he’s the player I’m most focused on across the entire league.
Q: Does Tokyo look promising for this season?
A: The team is highly polished, so I think there is reason to be hopeful. Thinking about new members joining here makes it interesting to watch, and I believe they can play exciting football. Plus, everyone runs and works hard, so I think it’s a very interesting team and I’m looking forward to it as well.
FOCUS ON – Photo of the Day –
'FOCUS ON' selects one photo taken by the official photographer.
On the fourth day of camp, we selected the moment when player Megumi Sato fiercely collided with an opposing player, sending up a spray.
On this day, the first training match of the camp against Montedio Yamagata was held. For Sato, it was also the unveiling match of the number 10 jersey inherited from Keigo HIGASHI. Throughout the match, Sato showed his characteristic desire to "aim to be the world's toughest number 10."
The new number 10, encouraged by Higashi to "create a number 10 that is true to Megumu," leads the blue and red team.
