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, Speaking of the flow of last season, it's the second year under coach Albert, so there are clear things we want to do and we've become accustomed to the training menu in a good way, so we're all working positively to improve the quality there.
Q, What are the characteristics of the new players and how do you plan to utilize them?
A, I want to understand and make use of each of their characteristics more. Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Kei KOIZUMI are experienced players, so I think they will be able to fit in quickly. I hope we can all work together and update the team even more.
Q, How do you feel about the importance of East player's anchor since last season through practice matches at this point?
A, personally, my body is moving very well and I have been doing good training even during the off-season, so I have a feeling that it is coming out in a good form. As a team, we still need to continue to improve, so I think it is important to adjust while communicating with each other through practice and practice matches.
Q, How are you adjusting during the camp, are you gradually increasing the pace to match the opening game?
A, I always think that practice is a place to appeal, so if we have a good practice, a good game will be born. There is no specific place to fit in, and I think that each day is a very important world, so I am working hard every day without being conscious of it.
Q, it seems like you are working on the finishing part a lot during practice.
A, there is also a time when we push in, but we have to practice the accuracy of the final quality and build up the combination from practice. I think we are working hard for that.
Q, I felt that we were able to smoothly possess the ball during practice matches and training.
A, I think it's necessary to increase the number of times and improve the quality because I'm focusing on how to take the last available space and how to enter it afterwards, which is a crucial part of the game.
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, There is nothing in particular. I think I am trusted and I believe that my efforts in daily practice are not lies. Last season, I couldn't play in the first half of the season, but I think I am trusted since I can play in the position of anchor, so I want to do my best to contribute to the team.
Q, What goals do you have for this season?
A, The goal is to have fun. Of course, there are things like winning as a team, but I think it's important for each individual to do things for themselves in order to benefit the team. It's important for each person to have a high level of awareness and play towards their own goals. As I get older, I think the time I can play in perfect condition is decreasing, so I want to enjoy both practice and games by firmly grasping the opportunity.
