NEWS
NEWS
2026.4.22[TEAM]
PICKUP PLAYER MF44 Kanji OKUNUKI: "We aim to score points while maintaining team strength."
We've had a tough string of matches, but it's encouraging to be able to play at home again this week. With the support of so many fans and supporters as our strength, we want to keep moving forward, making adjustments and growing as we win. To be honest, we only have 2nd year of junior high school days between matches this week, so we didn't have much time to make adjustments (laughs), but we believe in the style of football we've been working on as a team and we just have to fight to the end.
In the previous match Fagiano Okayama, the whole team seemed a little sluggish at the start. After equalizing in the 26th minute, the team's gear shifted up, and ideally, we were able to maintain that pace in the second half and score a second goal. However, we conceded a goal due to our own mistake during a period when we were building good combinations. Although we won on penalties, the fact that we concede a goal at the end of many matches in the J1 J.LEAGUE 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE means that we still have room to improve on how we finish the 90 minutes.
Regarding the "start," I think it all comes down to what Jens (Visching's Head Coach) told us: "If scoring helps you shift into a higher gear, your body should be ready to move from the start. Sharpen your mind and shift into a higher gear from the beginning." As for the "finish," many might think it's about managing defensive risks, but from Jens's philosophy, I see it as a result of not being able to score the third and fourth goals. Even when we're leading, we should always be aiming for the next goal and be more conscious of putting the finishing touch on the game.
In particular, when we played Avispa Fukuoka away (March 21st, 8th Sec.), we took the lead twice but conceded a goal in added time in the second half, which led to a penalty shootout. Therefore, I think we need to be reminded of the issues that arose in the Okayama match. In addition, Fukuoka has a strong image of scoring from long throws and set pieces, so concentration in those areas will also be important. We aim to create a game where all players, including substitutes, can maintain team intensity throughout the 90 minutes and steadily add to our score.
Also, personally, I haven't scored a goal yet this season. I've been used in various positions such as left back, left winger, and right winger, and no matter where I play, I want to link the tasks I have in mind for each position with my own strengths and leave a tangible record of results. Thank you for your support.
Related news
-
26.4.30[TICKET]Notice Regarding Sold-Out Seats for the Meiji Yasuda J1 Centennial Vision 14th Sec. Vissel Kobe on Saturday, May 2nd [Updated Thursday, April 30th, 19:00] -
26.4.30[TEAM]Notice Regarding the Termination of Philip Max's Contract -
26.4.30[PARTNER]Announcement of "Showa Kako Booth" participation in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Centennial Vision Matchday 14th Sec. against Kobe on Saturday, May 2nd. -
26.4.30[INFORMATION]Regarding the opening of the first team's training sessions in May. -
26.4.30[PARTNER]Notice Regarding V-Point Limited "Umbrella Marker" Exchange for the Meiji Yasuda J1 Centennial Vision Matchday 16th Sec. against Hiroshima on May 10th (Sun)