How much courage does that moment give to the players?
How much of a sense of mission must that moment instill in the players?
How much courage must that moment give the players?
Nishikawa, who had achieved consecutive league titles with Sanfrecce Hiroshima, was driven to Urawa Reds in 2014 by the belief that the intense scrutiny and pressure from fans and supporters would help him grow as a person.
"I wanted to start my career with Urawa Reds by winning the opening match, so I think we've gained momentum by beating Gamba Osaka. Before joining the team, I heard from Tomoaki Makino that Urawa Reds fans and supporters won't sing chants or make calls for you unless they acknowledge your play, so that actually motivated me. I wanted to become a player who could earn their recognition and have them create chants and calls for me as soon as possible."
He wanted to be recognized. That desire was evident in Nishikawa's play. Nishikawa, who contributed to the 1-0 victory in the opening match against Gamba OSAKA, kept a clean sheet in half of the Trial up to the 10th round, leading the team to victory.
May 3, 2014——.
It was the 11th round of the J1 League against FC Tokyo. As I stepped onto the pitch to warm up before Trial, I clearly heard that voice.
"The fans and supporters called out my name. It's an unforgettable day that I still remember even after nine years. I had heard it was a tough environment, so it felt like I had been acknowledged by the fans and supporters. More than anything, I was happy that they thought of me, called out my name, and created a chant for me. Thinking about the background behind it gives me goosebumps."
Two years later, on October 15th, he felt a sense of relief when he saved an opponent's shot in the J.League YBC Levain Cup final, which went to a penalty shootout, bringing the team its first title since he joined.
"I always thought that the reason I came to Urawa Reds was to win a title, so I'm happy that I was able to achieve that. Winning a title requires a lot of power and it's a battle against pressure, but I want to face that challenge head-on and aim for it, including this year."
In 2022, the club celebrated its 30th anniversary. During that time, many players who have worn the Urawa Reds emblem have shared their own stories, and the support of the fans and supporters is deeply etched in their hearts—a force and memory far greater than the fans and supporters themselves might imagine.
Therefore, Nishikawa says:
"The presence of our fans and supporters is incredibly important to us players, and they are undoubtedly a great source of encouragement. I especially know what genuine support from them means. That's why I believe that when we can once again recreate the atmosphere and support of the stadium, and when the day comes when we can play with that support behind us, we will truly become Urawa Reds we know and love."
The applause and passion from the fans and supporters instill a sense of purpose in the players and give them courage.
And in the near future, when we see the true form of Urawa Reds, the excitement emanating from the stadium will lead to great joy.
"030th Urawa Anniversary Week -ORIGINALS- Match of 3"
A three-game series against the "Original 10" clubs at home in Saitama Stadium.
Purchase tickets here
"Urawa Reds 30th Anniversary Book 1992-2022" is now on sale!
This book, based on their words and testimonies, looks back on the club's history and the path it has taken so far, while also exploring its promising future.
Click here for details
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