Q: The opening is just a week away.
A, coming back from Okinawa, Tokyo is cold (lol).
The soccer we are aiming for is indeed difficult, but I think we are gradually understanding it better and getting closer to the style of soccer the coach intends.
Q: Have you started to share the image of the football style that the entire team aims for?
A, while playing on the pitch, there are parts where we think it would be better to do things differently, and as we play while thinking for ourselves, there are also new players who have joined, so I believe our combination is deepening.
Q: In the previous style, even in scenes where you were speeding up, is it possible that you would slow down due to voices from around you?
A, last season, I often sent the ball forward regardless of the situation, but now I differentiate based on the circumstances. When we can attack quickly, we do so, and when we need to connect carefully to avoid losing the ball, we do that. I believe the judgment to make this distinction is important. I don't force going forward, but I make sure not to miss chances when we can attack. If we can score with a single pass behind the defensive line, that's great, but there is no opponent who will easily allow that. That's why we want to control the ball, create rhythm, draw the opponent forward, and then play clever soccer with passes behind them.
Q: How does the team unify its awareness in the differentiation of roles?
A, I think it is about calling out and raising awareness among all members. As we play more matches, I believe we will develop a common understanding of the right timing to go and when not to, so the level of completion, or rather the accuracy of judgment, will improve.
Q: The opening match opponent is Kawasaki Frontale. Is there anything you are particularly aware of?
A, they are last season's champion team, and since we will face them at some point, it might be good to have an early match. They have new players coming in, and some players have transferred out, so I don't think their level of completion is perfect. We respect them, but without fear, we want to first express the style of football we aim for.
