Q: What kind of response did the team feel during the match against Kashima?
A, in the previous match against Kashima, we played the style of soccer we wanted and had a good game. With 5 matches remaining, the coach talked about playing each match as if it were the final, and the team was able to prepare really well for a week leading up to the Kashima match. Although Morishige was suspended due to accumulation of cards and couldn't play, Kimura stepped in, and since we had good practice, the team had a great atmosphere before the match and felt confident we could definitely win.
Q: I think we have been able to create more time to move the ball well in the last few matches.
A: As we play more matches, both the players and I feel that we are increasingly able to control the ball and dictate the flow of the game. I believe the team is improving significantly. When in possession, I no longer hesitate and have come to understand the movements of my teammates. I communicate and share with the other players, so they understand my movements. While early on we often got caught by the opponent's defense, recently I feel we have been able to circulate the ball more smoothly and increase the number of vertical passes.
Q: What are the differences between matches that are played well and those that are not?
A, As a team, when we can't play in coordination, it affects every position. If one position is out of sync, we can't control the ball ourselves, so I think matches that don't go well happen in those situations.
Q: I felt that the scenes of you roaring and making triumphant poses during the Kashima match were impressive and that your emotions were coming to the surface. What do you think?
A, that's right. Especially since I was playing together with Kimura in the Kashima match, I didn't want to concede any goals more than usual, and I wanted to win, so because of that, I was able to approach the game with very high motivation.
In the previous match against Kashima, I stood on the same pitch as my teammate Kimura.
It was one of my goals since turning professional. I’m glad I was able to achieve one goal by playing together, playing good soccer, and winning the match.
Q: What did you talk about before and after the match?
A said, "If we concede a goal from the left side, we'll be told we're no good, so let's make sure it doesn't happen and raise each other's evaluation." After the match, we felt a great sense of relief.
What are you learning from player Nagatomo?
A, I learn by observing defensive positioning and preparations off the pitch. Since they answer anything I ask, I ask a lot of questions, especially about how to handle crosses. There were scenes this season where we conceded goals due to poor cross defense. I asked Nagatomo in detail about where to position myself when the ball is on the opposite side, and based on that, I made adjustments.
Q: Is the presence of player Nagatomo significant?
A, I think I am really fortunate to be able to practice in the same position and environment as Japan's top players, so it is a truly great environment.
Q: I think there will be many opportunities to play in matches this season, but what do you feel is improving and what is necessary for future growth?
A, since turning professional, this season I have played in the most matches. I feel that steadily playing in games and addressing the issues that arise is the best way to grow. I am grateful to be able to play soccer in such an environment, and personally, I am continuously challenging myself and going through trial and error. I feel that I am improving through this process.
Q: What part do you feel has grown the most?
A, defense is the biggest area. At first, my positioning was completely off. Honestly, I didn't notice much during the game, but when I reviewed the match footage with the coaches afterward, I realized my positioning had improved compared to before. By making improvements with each game, I naturally started to take the correct positions, and I feel that I have grown a little.
Q: Do you feel that you need to grow more as a person?
A. Players like Nagatomo and Nakamura have qualities that I don't possess, and I often watch players in the same position during practice, but I still feel there are many areas where I am lacking, so I want to study more.
Q: What are the key points of the Shonan match?
A, in the previous match, we were defeated due to low intensity, so first of all, we must absolutely not lose there. On top of that, if we control the ball and finish decisively when it counts, I believe we can definitely win. I want to approach this with the mindset of playing the Final Round, just like in the Kashima match.
Q: Do you think the battles on the sides will be key?
I think Shonan is also focusing on one-on-one situations on the sides. If I can control that area, move into attack, and play well enough to prevent the opponent from attacking, I believe we can naturally play football to our advantage, so I want to keep challenging myself more and more.
As you continue to play in matches, has the joy of victory and the sense of responsibility increased?
A, I am happy when we win because I am playing in the match, and if we lose, I believe it is my responsibility as a member of the defensive line. I think this sense of responsibility has grown stronger compared to when I first started playing.
