Iniesta, Villa and Podolski line up at Vissel Kobe, infiltrating the first public practice in the United States

    
Players of Vissel Kobe having a meeting  J1 member Vissel Kobe is conducting a training tour from January 24th to February 5th, mainly in Orange County Great Park near Los Angeles.

Today, the first weekend in the United States, we held a public practice for local fans. More than 100 soccer fans packed into the practice field during the training session, which was held in fine weather.  

FCThere were many Barcelona and Spain uniforms, but there were also fans wearing Vissel Kobe uniforms. The fans cheered loudly every time a player entered the field, especially for Andrés Iniesta, David Villa and Lucas Podolski.
 
Iniesta prepares for training

 
Villa and Podolski are full of smiles during practice　

After performing a light physical training, the players were divided into two groups for offensive training. This practice assumed the situation in front of the goal, and the forwards and midfielders alternately passed the ball to each other to strengthen their cooperation from the right and left sides.  

Daisuke Nasu scoring a shot

Hotaru Yamaguchi receiving a pass　

The highlight, of course, is the combination work of Iniesta and Villa, former Spanish national team players. The fans who watched the practice were fascinated by the quick passing and the sharp shots of FW Villa.  


Combination of Iniesta and Villa　

Today's maximum temperature is 28 degrees. The players, who practiced relatively early, were dripping with sweat on their foreheads, and Podolski was seen sitting on the ball after the practice, but Iniesta headed off to the next practice with a cool expression.  


Podolski on the ball  

Iniesta moves to the next practice field with a cool face

After a light break, a game-style training with a small number of people, such as futsal, is carried out. Unlike the previous practice, the players will play offense and defense. There was also a scene where Iniesta and Poldoski were in the same group and competed with Villa.

Iniesta and Villa having a conversation on the pitch


Iniesta dribbling through the defense net

Villa, who is a new player, actively passed the ball in order to improve the cooperation with his new teammates.


 Villa passing the ball　

VISSEL KOBE is in the middle of making a new team.
At the press conference held on Friday 25 January, manager Juan Manuel Lillo commented, "It's going to be a very important pre-season and it's a valuable experience to be able to play against an MLS team." In addition, the US tour will be a great opportunity to test new formations and tactics.  

Press conference

And Japan isn't the only country paying attention to Vissel Kobe's trends. Spanish-language media also rushed to the press conference, and Vissel Kobe's US tour is widely known to local Latino fans. In fact, among today's visitors, there were many passionate Latino soccer fans.

 Daisuke Nasu interacting with fans after practice


Hotaru Yamaguchi responds to fans


Coach Lillo signing the ball　

Vissel Kobe is scheduled to play MLS (Major League Soccer) matches against Columbus Crew SC on January 28th, Los Angeles FC on January 31st, Toronto FC on February 2nd, and Orange County SC on February 5th. .  

2019Expectations are high for the team's breakthrough ahead of the season.  

(All dates are local time)
Interview/Photo by YOSHI SAWA
Coverage cooperation/Vissel Kobe