Using regret as a springboard, we have started
a new initiative that connects to the future
Every person and player has a story. '2024 PLAYER’S REVIEW' introduces all the blue and red warriors who fought through the 2024 season, one by one. What thoughts did they carry as they went through the season? Confidence, a sense of achievement, challenges, joy, regret... Reflecting on this season's battles through the words of each player.
In April of this year, Hotaka NAKAMURA made his comeback from a major injury after about one season. However, he was injured again in that match and was unable to shine on the pitch throughout the season, leading to difficult and frustrating days. What were his thoughts for the 2024 season, and what steady efforts did he begin for the future?
Hotaka NAKAMURA updates and accumulates each day, saying, "More than yesterday's self." Steady progress blooms for the sake of someday. After the team practice ends, he takes off his spikes and runs barefoot on the grass. He has continued this without fail.
Last season in April, he ruptured his right Achilles tendon. This season, aiming for a complete comeback from a serious injury, he returned to the starting lineup for the first time in about a season in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 6 match against Urawa Reds in April, but suffered a hamstring strain in his left thigh during that match, forcing him to leave the field again. After that, when he returned to the pitch, he started barefoot running as part of his physical conditioning.
I suffered a muscle strain just when things were about to start. I will face the essence of my body from scratch and first build a body that can perform without injury. This is the first step I am taking.
Step by step, steadily. That's how I connect each day with care. I don't expect results to come immediately. Still, I have lived each day believing that 'continuation' is strength.
"I don't think results will come immediately. Whether it's next season or the season after that. I don't know how many years my remaining football life will last, but I'm focusing on that and continuing to work for someday."
Although I made my comeback in the match against Sagan Tosu in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 17 on May 31, it has been a season where I couldn't fully establish myself in the starting lineup. I have felt frustrated not even being able to make it to the bench. Maintaining my fluctuating mind and body has been more difficult than I imagined.
"I don't want the people watching this to understand my feelings. I just want to be able to think that I've grown a little from my current self when it's all over."
He realizes, saying, "I am not strong after all." Therefore, he says, "I understand that I am prone to ups and downs." He has overcome many injuries and has changed the way he faces himself in a positive way. He has not bottled up his frustrations, but has released them along with long breaths.
"I have been trying to improve even just a little compared to yesterday. That is my motivation. I don't know how many more years I can play soccer, but I kick the ball with the thought that I am growing, even if it's just one step."
It became the "most difficult season" after turning professional.
"It's not possible to suddenly go from zero to 80 or 100 percent all at once. You have to gradually get there, starting from 20, 30, 40... Of course, I want to give 100 percent, but this year has been one where my mind and body haven't been able to keep up. By accepting that, it has led me to think about how to take one step at a time and how to work steadily. It's frustrating, but this is my current situation. However, it's not over, and I don't want it to be over. I have come to realize once again that I am in a difficult world. How I can make the most of this season for the rest of my football life is up to me. I don't know how I will change in a year or two."
One day, raising the sails high, gathering the wind to advance steadily on the pitch──. "One day... again, one day" I will cherish the present and live on.
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
