TOKYOism

Please share your thoughts for this year, which is the third year for each of you, as we approach the start of the 2022 season.

Nakamura Player
From this season, Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has become the new coach and the team's style of play has changed since last season. I want to be involved in many games and also contribute to scoring. In addition, I want to make this season a season that focuses on numbers, including assists.

Player Konno
Since I couldn't play in the games due to injury last season, I want to continue fighting throughout this season without getting injured. In doing so, I want everyone to understand Coach Albert's soccer style and make it permeate through the team, showing good soccer to the fans and supporters.

Player Abe
I think all three of us will have a competitive season, so I want everyone to achieve good results. Personally, last season I was only able to make one assist, so I want to leave visible results in terms of goals and assists and become a key player for the team this season.


How do you feel about the team's situation leading up to the start of the 2022 season?

Player ABE
There are parts where I can feel the response in each position, which is significantly different from last season in terms of what is demanded of me and what I demand of others. There are still areas where I have room for improvement, and I think various challenges will arise once the season actually starts. I especially think that the full-back position is difficult.

Player Nakamura
Depending on the opponent's formation, my position and timing will change, so the challenges I face each time are different, and I'm not sure how much I should express myself (laughs). From now on, while gradually expressing myself, I want to deepen my understanding of tactics.

Kazuya KONNO
The side half player, Kazuya KONNO, has a clear role and has been understanding how to switch to defense as the games progress. On the other hand, I think there are still some challenges in terms of improving the overall completion of the team.


- What are you being asked by the coach?

Player ABE
The midfield is a position where physical fitness is quite important and is also demanded by the coach. I want to make the most of my strengths. At the same time, it is difficult to determine the positioning when participating in ball possession, but if I don't do it, the ball won't circulate, so I think I am expected to show my face and receive passes as much as possible.

Player Nakamura
Choosing a side back is a difficult decision, isn't it? If there are simple and difficult options, you are required to choose the less risky and simpler option. From there, I hope to figure out how to get involved in the attack and demonstrate my strengths throughout the game.

Kazuya KONNO
For attacking players, dribbling skills, defensive pressure, and making runs behind the defense are particularly important. There is a clear message that is common to all players, so I want to improve myself in that aspect as an individual.


- Do you have anything you are conscious of as a graduate of the same year?

Player ABE
I think all three of them are approaching soccer with a high level of consciousness. They come early before training to stretch and prepare, which reminds me that I have to do the same, but it's not because we are in the same year (lol).
During college, I and Kon-chan (Kazuya KONNO) participated in the same camp and received offers at the same time, so we had a conversation like "Let's work hard together." But Hota suddenly decided, right?

Nakamura player
Did he sign the contract before the practice match and participate in the practice match without attending any practice sessions? I guess Shuuto didn't know either.

Player ABE
It was a time when I was practicing in Kodaira for a while, so even though we were from the same university, I found out for the first time when Hota came to practice in Kodaira (laughs).


How excited are you for the start of the 2022 season?

Player ABE
I want to show the new FC Tokyo that we have been working on every day, as it attracts attention with the opening match of the 2022 season being the Tama River Clasico. Of course, our goal is to earn 3 points, so we want to start with a victory.

Nakamura player
I just want to do 100% of what I can do in each position, so whether I'm playing in the game or not, I want to fight for the team and contribute to victory.

Kazuya KONNO
I want to fulfill my role 100% and contribute to the team's victory, and since we have a consecutive 5-game match from the weekend to Wednesday, I want to fight together as a team.



Discussion Date: February 16, 2022