Q: What did Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA say when you were appointed captain?
A was asked, "I would like to ask you to be the captain, what do you think?" and replied, "It's an honor, so I will do it."
Q: How did your experience as a captain influence you?
As the captain of Tokyo, there is a great responsibility, and I believe the captain should be worthy of that. Until last year, Higashi fulfilled that responsibility and did a wonderful job. With both the team and the company entering a new phase, I am personally happy to become captain again and take on a new challenge. I also believe I must firmly uphold the responsibility that comes with it.
Q: How do you think about balancing the role of a representative player and being an individual player based on your past experiences?
A, it's not just because we did it last time, but I see it now as an opportunity to take on a new challenge.
Q: With Diego OLIVEIRA being appointed as the vice-captain, there are also talks of additional appointments in the future. What are your thoughts on this?
A, I believe that Diego is already a suitable choice for captain considering his behavior and contribution to the team. (Typically) the group is divided into Japanese players and foreign players, but in order to realize the style of football that the coach aims for, we must cooperate as one collective, so in that sense, having Diego as captain is reassuring.
Q: Is this your thought regarding the term "unity" mentioned by the coach?
As the captain, I want to effectively support each player so that they can demonstrate their abilities in their respective positions.
Q: It has been a few days since the camp started. Have there been any new discoveries?
A, first of all, we feel that being able to train with good tempo, a good atmosphere, and without stress is the best thing for us. It takes time to explain the finer details of practice, so I think you will understand if you come and watch. I feel that the technique must accompany the thoughtful approach for it to be complete. Of course, it will take time, but the training makes each of us, including myself, want to improve and level up, so it's enjoyable to do.
Q: How is Coach Albert's meeting?
A, we incorporate humor into our meetings, and to unify the team's intentions, we carefully align details while watching video footage during meetings. Also, the content of today's training is reviewed in advance during meetings, so we can practice with it in mind. The way we use videos and systems is cutting-edge, unlike anything we've done before.
Q: Is there anything the coach is asking of you as a center-back at this stage?
A, it's not specifically as a center-back, but as a team, we focus on moving the ball quickly, finding space, and spreading out... Rather than just moving people, we are conscious of delivering the ball firmly from person to person, so we enjoy training in that aspect as well.
Q: I think you were the type to lead by example when you were captain before, but now that you have more experience, what kind of image do you have of a captain?
A, at this stage, I don't have anything specific in mind, but while learning various things, I want to become a captain who talks more (laughs)
Q: I think there will be many instances where I will mediate between the coach and the players. I believe I can handle it well based on my experience, what do you think?
A, I don't intend to overreach, but we must firmly do what needs to be done. To improve the team's atmosphere and level, I think there will be many occasions where I stand between the coach and the players. There will inevitably be some gap between what the coach expects and what the players think, so even with small things, I want to create an atmosphere where everyone exchanges opinions and works together to make things better.
Q: Please tell us about the interesting aspects of soccer that have become clear at this point, as well as its difficulties.
A, after all, technical skills and decision-making speed are required, so if we don't improve in those areas, this style of soccer will not be perfected. Being able to do the basics properly is what leads to a high-level soccer. I can only look forward to it.
Q: Please tell us if there are any keywords that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has emphasized in the past few days.
A, aside from soccer, I feel that the coach values just as much the idea of achieving things together as a team and family, regardless of whether the players are Japanese or foreign nationals.
Q: Please tell us the difference between the football style of Mr. Popovic and Mr. Jofuku and the style that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA aims for.
There are similarities to when Popo and Jofuku came. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA tends to believe that it is not necessary to move too much; if players take their positions firmly and can deliver the ball from one player to another in those positions, it can lead to better attacks and better football. Rather than having people move for ball possession, I think the new discovery is that people should stand in the right places and deliver the ball there, continuously aiming for the goal.
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