<Albert PUIG ORTONEDA>
Q: Today was the first training match of the season against a J1 club. Please share your honest impressions and feelings.
A, the results and number of goals in the preseason matches are not important. What matters is the content of the game. What did we feel there? I believe both the players and I felt the same thing: when we control the ball, we can firmly take the initiative in the match. However, it is also true that there were points that needed improvement. In the first 15 minutes of the first half, we rushed forward too much and lost control of the game. After that, as the team gradually regained composure and began to control the ball, we were able to demonstrate the difference in individual levels against the opposing players. I think that was today's takeaway. However, it is also true that there were many mistakes, so we must work on improving and correcting them. We have no choice but to take time and continue making daily efforts. It is important to convince the players. If the players firmly believe, then continuing daily efforts will not be difficult.
Q: Compared to the practice match on the 26th, I think the intensity of the high press was impressive, and there were opportunities to win the ball in high positions. What are your thoughts on that?
A, the result of the previous match was not important. However, we lost the ball many times in that game as well, and since the opponent was a team skilled at maintaining possession, there were periods when they controlled the game. We must convince the players and earn their trust. Along with that, it is important to consistently work hard every day to improve and correct our mistakes. We need to reduce errors. Sometimes, reducing mistakes can lead to winning matches without conceding goals. On the other hand, conceding goals from one or two mistakes can cause us to lose matches. Therefore, reducing mistakes is crucial. As I have said many times before, I believe we will definitely struggle during the first few months. However, we have a squad of high-quality players. In that sense, if we patiently continue our efforts, I am confident we will move in a positive direction.
Q: I believe that when forwards convert chances like today, it buys us time to realize what we want to achieve, even though it takes time.
A, we truly expect players with strong finishing ability up front to bring us calmness and confidence. However, without the awareness to change the club, we will end up repeating the same path. I think this season will be a difficult one. If the fans and supporters understand this, suffer together with us, and continue to endure for the success that will come in the future, I believe a major reform can be achieved. The club must also take risks. I believe this season is a time to recognize and endure the hardships for the club's brighter future. For the club to achieve stable success, we must build the foundation of the team over a long period of time. Otherwise, match results will be determined by the quality of players that season or the level of foreign players. Naturally, I expect a lot of criticism at the start of the season. But I’m fine because I don’t understand Japanese (laughs).
<Takuya UCHIDA>
Q: How was today's practice match?
A, I gradually came to understand what the coach was asking for, and I felt that we were able to achieve it little by little, so I think it was good.
Q: Is the feeling during practice different from the feeling during a match?
A, as expected, whether what we practice can be done on the pitch during the match, there are still some areas lacking. I think everyone feels the same, but within that, we play keeping in mind what the coach demands, so there are still parts where I haven't been able to show my own characteristics. From now on, I hope to respond to the coach's demands while also bringing out my own strengths.
Q: Are you currently more focused on adapting to the team's style?
A, well. There is also the aspect of responding to what the coach demands, and since it is a style of football that requires thoughtful play, I believe that as I get used to it, I will be able to express my own characteristics and style. First, I want to be able to meet the coach's demands.
Q: There are still a few practice matches left, but please tell us the issues you would like to work on.
If asked whether I am meeting the coach's demands 100%, I still think there is a long way to go. At the same time, I understand that I must focus on the numbers, so I want to be mindful of that moving forward.
Q: I think it's a tough time for your body, but how is your condition?
I feel that we are heading into the season. The opening is in a few weeks, and I want to refine things a little more.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, this was the first match of the season against a J1 club, please review the game.
A, I enjoyed playing today, and I finally feel like it has started. From here, I want to shift up a gear.
Q: The practice matches so far have been positioned as training in a game-like format. How much of the results from the trial and error corrections made up to this point can be seen?
A, last season's soccer has not disappeared in a good way, and in a bad way, there were still many counterattacks today, and we have to practice as a reflection that we haven't been able to score with the style of soccer we want to play. However, I think counterattacks are also one way to score goals. I hope we can successfully blend Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's soccer style, and if we can bring out our strengths in addition to what the coach says, I believe we can play even better soccer.
Q: You have been focusing on positioning in your training so far. What are the results?
A, I have come to understand to some extent the overall positioning while watching the positions of my teammates and where I should be. From now on, communication with my teammates becomes important. Since it is not just about my own position, the positions of the players in front and behind are determined according to their respective positions, so I believe it is essential for the entire team to improve their understanding of this.
Q: Were there any moments when the entire team was on the same page and positioned correctly?
A, even if it can be shared on the same side, it is meaningless if it cannot be shared on the opposite side, so this soccer is difficult even if 2 or 3 people understand it. Even if there is some feeling that things went well in each phase, it was only shared among those 2 or 3 people, so I felt that sharing with all 11 players is necessary to win more matches.
Q: The camp has reached its halfway point and we have two practice matches scheduled. Please tell us your goals for those matches.
A, I think I have a certain understanding of this soccer, so I want to focus on bringing out my strengths and improving my conditioning based on that.
