TOKYOism

Masato MORISHIGE, who wore the armband for the first time in 5 seasons, was trying to lead the team in the midst of transformation as the captain. The longest-serving player expressed the contents of the sense of accomplishment he learned this season in simple words. What emerged there 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 opening, all players were eager to take on a new soccer with a fresh feeling. In fact, there were many players who wanted to play this soccer. Of course, as we played more games, there were times when we felt the gap between our ideals and reality. Sometimes we were confused and lost. Also, depending on whether we had the opportunity to play or not, we may have had different emotions. We have continued to move forward while gaining such experiences. I understood that it would take time, so as captain, I continued to believe and tried not to doubt. Depending on the game results, we may also be doubted. Even in such times, we have been conscious of the team continuing to move in one direction. As we approach the end of the season, we are gradually gaining confidence and are starting to be able to shape things. Throughout the year, we have overcome various things and faced new challenges. However, it was because we didn't leave it to chance and did our best that we were able to overcome these new walls positively together. In that sense, I feel that we were able to overcome the first wall that we had anticipated before the opening in a good cycle.

Q, I think there were difficult times, but how did you overcome them?
A, We started this season by deciding to work together to make the coach's proposed soccer the best way. There are various thoughts in the middle of the season, but if we don't trust the coach and align ourselves, we will fall into doubt somewhere. I think that aligning there was the biggest thing rather than technical things.

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.
When experienced players start complaining, it can have both positive and negative effects on younger players. First, by showing a strong attitude, the older players can alleviate the anxieties of the younger players and demonstrate that what they are doing is not wrong. Right now, I feel like we are becoming the team that we aspire to be. We have various challenges, but it doesn't feel like we can't handle them. We have been discussing and overcoming each challenge while playing the soccer that we want to play. We are able to train happily and strictly every day. I think Yuto Nagatomo has a big influence on that, and players like Keigo Higashi who know what they should do are also present. The younger players have responded well to us veterans, including Ryoma Watanabe and Koki Tsukagawa. Seeing that, both the younger players and ourselves have to behave in the same way. I think the team as a whole has been able to have a pure attitude towards soccer, take action first, and work towards 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 by Yuto-kun. Even if I think I'm getting old, there is someone one year older than me who is aiming for the World Cup with the Japan national team next to me (laughs). It still makes me think that I have a long way to go. People around me say that I'm doing well at 35, but I think "No, there are even more amazing people in my team." Having that person next to me was also personally 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's really big. I decided to start this season without criticizing the coach or making negative comments no matter what happens. I knew it would take time and I was prepared for moments when frustrations would arise. But then Yuto, who has the most influence, said at a random timing, "We're becoming a good team." Everyone listens to Yuto's words, so it was really appreciated and made it easier for me as captain.

Q, Player Higashi was a player who created his own place while struggling.
A, Keigo has never complained or shown any behavior that would negatively affect the team. Even when he couldn't play in the game, he always worked diligently and showed that kind of attitude. This is not just limited to this year, but it's been evident in Keigo's behavior up until now. He is a player who can focus on what needs to be done, regardless of his position. 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, There are many things that cannot be solved without talking in the soccer we are currently working on. Detailed adjustments are also necessary, and we must pay attention to details such as the relationship between the receiver and the sender, and which foot to pass to. Because it is something that cannot be created without discussing it in various ways, the opportunity to talk naturally increased. It was also because we were able to enjoy what we are doing now that we were able to have proactive discussions among the players. We have to continue doing this, but we also have to push ourselves further. I think that the discussions have become more active because we were able to experience success in the future.

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 base up until now was also important. Not only doing new things, but also having our strengths from before. Especially, defending with high intensity, approaching games with high motivation, and not losing in one-on-one situations. When those things started to fade, we lost many games. If we only focus on attacking, we won't have a place to fall back on. We won't know what to do and end up losing. However, the success we've had so far remains with this team. Our strengths from before and our current efforts. It's because we have those two things that we were able to fight while adjusting the balance. In a long season, there were games where we were able to pick up points even if we didn't play well. We also made efforts to extend good periods of time in those games. We were able to build on those games and gain hints. We were also able to avoid making the same mistakes twice because we were clear on the reasons for our losses in each game.

Q, Is it now enjoyable to fill in the vast margins because what coach Albert is asking for is very simple?
A, I see. But maybe it's because we know we'll never be perfect that we can enjoy it. Whether it's during practice or a game, there's always something new to discover. It's been a while since I've played soccer with this much joy.

Q, how do you feel about the challenges for the upcoming season?
A, the place to score after all. I think the accuracy is the most important. Because of this type of soccer, I think quality and individual ideas are necessary in the end.

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's a little further ahead. To some extent, we have been able to build up from the back and connect the ball through the midfield to bring it to the goal. Towards the end of the season, I think we stumbled when trying to score against a defensive opponent. I think if we discuss and patternize situations where spaces open up while holding the ball, we can do it. I hope we can all overcome these challenges together in the future.

Q, So, what kind of team do you want to make Tokyo into?
I think we are becoming a team that makes people want to go to the stadium. That's why I want to keep playing exciting and thrilling soccer. Soccer is the most exciting sport when it comes to scoring goals. By continuing to show our efforts together and playing more and more attacking soccer, I believe we can 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 has been a season where we have had to endure a lot. Next year, we want to answer with results for enduring this far. We are also looking forward to it, and I hope that we can play soccer that is more enjoyable for those who are watching next year, so please look forward to it. Thank you for your support for one year.

Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)