[Player Comments]
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q: What were you conscious of in the first match?
A, what I personally focused on was intensity. Even in practice matches, we were particular about winning, and there were team meetings where we talked not so much about aiming for the championship but about winning the upcoming match. Whether in team scrimmages, practice matches, or official games, you can't win unless you win in terms of intensity. If we can win there, I believe both offense and defense will naturally flow smoothly. Since many players have high individual abilities, I thought that rather than trying too much to fit the team, as long as we don't lose in intensity, we can enter the game well.
Q: The opponent is a local university student, but did you feel a sense of challenge, or were you focused on your own intensity regardless of that? What do you think?
A, regardless of the opponent. Whether today's opponent is a university team or a J1 team, if we don't lose in intensity, we can win. Naturally, there were times when I could play at my own rhythm both in attack and defense. There are many things that need to be corrected, but first of all, personally, I want to make sure I don't lose in that aspect.
Q: It may be a low priority since it has just started, but how smooth was the interchange of positions among the players?
A, I generally understand who is what type and what kind of play they like in that part. I want to adapt to make it easier for that person, and the surrounding players also adjust to make it easier for me. Also, since I came from Tosu, what I do hasn't changed much. I want to continue doing what I did in Tosu here in Tokyo as well.
Q, the similar style is alive.
A, that is significant. The formation is the same, and the style of play I used during my year at Tosu is similar to what I am doing in Tokyo, so even in the practice menu, there are many parts that haven't changed much despite the transfer.
Q: Is the speed of integration a result of experience?
Ah, well, at first I was shy too (laughs). It's quite difficult to be proactive from the start, but everyone welcomes the new players and talks to me. However, since I am one of the older members on this team, I have to make an effort to reach out as well. Even during practice, I try to talk if something comes up, and I consciously try to communicate more and more, even with the younger players.
Q: I was talking with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA yesterday or the day before. If it's not too much trouble, could you tell me what it was about?
Ah, it wasn't about soccer, just a silly story (laughs).
Q: Have there been any requests from the coach up to this point?
A, there is nothing in particular, but I understand what is being said in the team meetings and the style of soccer we want to play, so I think it’s good if I can actively contribute. Well, in any case, I just hope Tokyo wins.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: This was your first match of the season. What were you focused on as you entered the game?
A, it was a match where everyone was fatigued, but we approached the game by rebuilding the foundation we established last season, communicating a lot throughout the match.
Q, were you able to present it in a good way?
A, not everyone has been able to improve their condition, so we are still testing, but I think we were able to do what we intended in the attack.
Q: Yesterday, Nagatomo mentioned that he wants to focus on the strength in ball contests again. How do you feel about that?
A, what is required of an inside half is strength in one-on-one situations, as well as high intensity and work rate in all aspects, so I think that is something that needs to be improved both as a team and individually.
Q: I think there are aspects where you are a role model, especially for players in their first year as professionals this season. Many players mentioned Matsuki's name during the new system announcement press conference. What do you think about being a figure that others aspire to?
A, last season was my first year, and I was playing freely, but this season, with juniors joining the team, I need to set a good example. A healthy sense of urgency has arisen, so I hope to convey this positively to the younger players as well.
Q: A first-year player mentioned being grateful for being approached by Matsuki. Is there anything you are particularly aware of?
A, I am not consciously aware of it, but since I am still a young player, I want to communicate and have proper discussions outside of soccer as well, so that I can build good human relationships.
Q: It seems that you played with a high intensity today as well. How would you evaluate today's performance?
A, my goal for this season is to score goals and provide assists, so although I couldn't score today, I focused on being involved with the ball while pushing forward and aimed to be a key player connecting the team.
Q: There were many situations where I communicated with those around me. How do you feel about the unit with the surrounding players?
A, Since there are new players joining, and we need to be ready before the season starts to be prepared for the first match against Urawa Reds, I think we are having good competition with a positive image in mind.
Q: Last season's start was tentative, but I believe we have a foundation that has continued for a year this season. Still, is it necessary to finish preparations at a rapid pace for the opening?
A, we need to aim for a higher quality than last season, and since last season's ranking was not good either, we want to stay focused during this camp to achieve a better position.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q, please review the game.
A, my physical condition is still not fully improved, and since it was my first match, I was communicating with others about how to start moving and how to position myself. I think it was good that we managed to score one goal as a result. I hope to improve my condition even more from now on.
Q, we saw some impressive plays as expected.
Ah, no, not yet. Marinos had the Rome match and continued playing until November 28th, so my break was a bit shorter than others, and I took a complete rest. Because of that, there is a difference in condition compared to everyone else. It's still early. I hope to make a bigger difference in terms of quality from now on.
Q: There will be several practice matches coming up. What aspects does the team want to improve on?
First, the way we move the ball in the opponent's half and how we break through from there to score goals is said to be a challenge in the second year under Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's management. So, the key is how we exploit that. If I give advice and share ways to break down the defense, I believe we can play enjoyable football and score more goals. With six matches remaining, I want to focus on refining that aspect.
Q: You mentioned that you have few acquaintances among the players, but it seems like you have fully embraced your style during the camp so far.
On the first day, I was just quietly staying in Kodaira, Tokyo (laughs), but I was observing my surroundings. Once the camp started and we began playing soccer, everyone got along well, which made me realize how wonderful soccer is. I also think everyone accepted me. There are still some kids from the academy I haven't talked to yet, but I feel like I've mostly blended in well... I think (laughs).
Q: Do you feel the differences in what is required of a winger at Marinos and in Tokyo?
In today's match, Leandro on the opposite side often took a relatively central position, so I think that's the difference. There is an element of fluidity, or rather, the aim is to create movement, so we are also working while making use of the players' characteristics. The wide players are almost never fixed in one position; they are conscious of moving while watching their teammates' positioning to take up good positions.
Q. Do you feel that you were able to be conscious of that?
A, while doing things like getting quite inside or going to the opposite side, I was feeling my way around, wondering "How does it feel?"
Q: It seemed that the team was able to have a good rotation with fluidity.
A, during the attack, we are able to maintain a good feeling and good spacing, and if we can time our runs behind the defense better, I believe we can penetrate into the opponent's goal area. I hope we can improve more in that aspect. Both the way we commit players and the quality are good for a first match.
Q: Marinos has players who can attack from the front, creating a powerful presence that can aim for goals from anywhere. Do you want to implement such attacks in Tokyo as well?
Scoring goals and winning is the charm of soccer, and by doing so, the number of fans will increase, interest will grow, and if we win the championship, Tokyo will get more excited. If the teams in the capital Tokyo don't thrive, the soccer world won't thrive either, so we want to play an attacking and attractive style of soccer that scores goals.
Q: I think you have experience with transfers several times, but it seems like you are playing with a relaxed approach in a good way. Do you feel that your experiences, including adjustments, are coming into play?
A, honestly, my body wasn't moving well, but first I was checking the feeling of the match, or the touch on the ball. Also, I controlled myself to avoid pushing too hard and getting injured, and the opponent was a university student as well. I am in a situation where I am gradually improving my physical sensations and condition. I was able to play with a relaxed mindset.
Q: Did you have any conversations after Nagatomo joined the team?
A, we haven't had a deep conversation about that yet, but it seems like you're talking about me (laughs). From now on, I want to communicate more and learn the good points of Yuto-kun. He kind of teases me sometimes.
<Tsubasa TERAYAMA>
Q: How was it to participate in an official match as a professional for the first time?
I think it was good that many players who were starters last season were able to participate in the match. I was honestly happy, but based on today's performance, I felt it was tough. I want to absorb the skills of my senior, Keigo HIGASHI, and work towards becoming a central figure there.
Q: What do you mean by strict?
A, I felt that my speed and quality were inferior compared to other players, so I realized that if I don't improve in those areas, it's still a bit early for me to stand on the pitch.
Q: How was it playing as an anchor and inside half?
The requirements change depending on whether I play as an anchor or an inside half, so what needs to be done is clearly defined within the team. Whether as an anchor or an inside half, I played by sticking to what is expected and what I need to do in my position.
Q: What kind of play would you like to focus on more, is it the attacking aspect of entering the goal area, the amount of movement, or the defensive aspect?
As an anchor, I should have been more involved with the ball, and my teammates should have moved a bit more. We lacked continuous movements such as using teammates to receive and redirect the ball. Also, as I was advised by Watanabe, my positioning was not good, so I want to correct that.
Q: Do you communicate quite a bit with the players?
<div>A: There are many players who talk to me even during the match, and after the game, I go to listen to them myself. I think it will really become important from now on to understand what position and timing to get involved. If I don't communicate, my strengths won't be conveyed to my teammates yet, and I think everyone probably still doesn't understand what kind of play I make. So, in the sense of promoting myself, I want to actively initiate conversations and communicate.
Q: Looking back at the match, I noticed that your ability to maintain vision on the field is quite impressive. Do you have confidence in that aspect?
A. Side changes from the anchor position have improved compared to high school, starting from university level. Although the tempo was achievable at the university level, at the top level it can be slow, so I believe I personally lack that sense of speed. However, I want to maintain my strengths while being able to keep up with the speed.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA Player>
Q: It was your first actual match, and it was a game under Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's second year, where you understood soccer. How was it?
A, as expected, the team is now able to do more, and the coach himself says that the team is functioning better than in the first year, so I hope to improve my condition properly so that I don't fall behind.
Q: How is your current condition?
A, we are still not there yet, so from here we want to steadily improve and create a good condition, and we want to value each day's practice.
Q: What aspects of teamwork and collaboration with others did you achieve during the match?
A, I think we were able to play soccer by maintaining possession of the ball as we have done so far and taking control of the game. From here on, I hope we can improve the quality of our final passes and the finishing in front of the goal.
Q: What could you try in today's match?
A, in today's match, I focused on pressing from the front and maintaining high activity levels to improve my condition. I believe I was able to run both offensively and defensively, and moving forward, I think there are adjustments to be made in ball feeling and coordination with teammates, so I hope to work on those thoroughly.
Q: I think there will be various combinations of players in future matches, but what do you want to keep in mind while playing?
A, I want to play in good combination with anyone so that my partner is always thought to be Tsukagawa, and to bring out the best in the players I team up with.
<Adailton>
Q, I think your movement was good, but how is your condition?
A, I have been keeping my body active since I was in Brazil, and of course, I have continued to stay active after coming to Japan. I believe my condition is gradually improving, and as the season begins, I want to be in even better shape to face it.
Q: During the match, you received the ball from the side and boldly moved towards the goal. Were there any specific plays you were consciously trying to execute?
A, I think everyone understands that my style is the team's style since last season, so I want to make the most of my strengths. It's still just the beginning, and I believe both I and the team need to make adjustments and raise our level further.
Q: How was the collaboration in the front line during the match?
Not just the three of us, but I think everyone's connection is necessary. I believe everyone has come to understand the style of football the coach demands, but I feel we can deepen our teamwork even more.
Q: The practice matches will continue from now on, but please tell us your goals for the camp.
A, since this is the first practice match of the season, practice matches will continue from now on. I think we need to raise our level more during practice, but first, we have to focus on not getting injured. Within that, we need to prepare well until the opening, and in the end, I believe the coach will just select the members.
<Naoki KUMATA>
Q: How do you feel about the two goals?
It wasn't a flashy goal, but I was able to move decisively and calmly finish the one-on-one situation, and I was glad that I could score right in front of the goal. However, there were also a couple of other opportunities where I could have scored, so I want to focus on those areas and improve.
Q: There were also moments when it seemed like we could score the third point.
Ah, I got tense. I should have looked more at the goalkeeper and taken the shot better.
Q: It seemed that you appeared in decisive scenes multiple times, but did you feel a sense of connection with your teammates?
If I can score from a single chance, I believe that kind of trust will build up, and with that trust, better balls and more opportunities will come, so I want to score more goals.
Q: In your first year, you often feel a significant difference in strength. Do you feel that difference yourself?
A, we are not losing in terms of simple physical aspects. However, the lower body strength throughout a match is still far from sufficient. Personally, I have not been able to train my lower body muscles enough and am not yet fully prepared, so I want to focus on strengthening my lower body from now on.
Q: What are you currently focusing on in your position?
A, since it is the one-top position, I have to keep an eye on the surrounding players, check where the openings are, and reposition myself accordingly, so I have increased the number of times I look around.
Q: What do you want to ask of the players around you?
A, honestly, I want the surrounding players to increase their movements. I think it is necessary for the players around to start moving, for me to use the space created, or for the players around to use the space created by my movement.
Q: Do you want to make requests during the upcoming matches?
A, that's right. Especially in front of the goal, I try to position myself to score with a one-touch finish from crosses in any form. Since I am good at scoring from crosses, I want to make precise movements toward those opportunities.
Q: Has your goal for the starting lineup at the opening match remained unchanged over the past few days?
A, you are consistent. Since you are aiming for the starting lineup, being on the bench is not the goal, and coming on as a substitute is not the goal either, so your closest goal is to be in the starting lineup from the opening match.
Q: At first, I thought it was a big goal for a rookie, but through the interview, I realized that it is not a big goal at all and that you are truly aiming for it.
A, I scored in today's match as well, but the coach told me that I could have scored more and that I must score more, so I really want to seek a greater sense of the importance of each goal.
Q: Players who come up from the academy struggle with post play, but I think they are able to drop the ball well and use their bodies effectively in practice. How do you feel about that?
A, I can do one-touch drops in front of the goal, but when connecting from the back and the opponent comes from the front, and if I am free in front, there are still areas where I fall short in controlling the ball. So, I want to learn more about controlling the ball not only in front of the goal but also in the midfield.
Q. Do you want to continue focusing on scoring goals in actual matches going forward?
A, since I have to decide, whether it's any match or a scrimmage, it's difficult to be in the starting lineup without producing results, so first I want to focus on achieving my own results.
