Q: What did Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA say when you were appointed captain?
When asked, "We would like to ask you to be the captain, what do you think?", I answered, "It is 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 because we did it last time, but we see it now as an opportunity to take on a new challenge again.
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, considering Diego's behavior and contribution to the team, I think he is suitable as the captain. (Usually) groups are divided into Japanese players and foreign players, but to realize the soccer style the coach aims for, we must cooperate as one group, so in that sense, having Diego as the 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 about playing as a center back, but as a team, we focus on moving the ball with good tempo, finding space and moving it to the wider areas... rather than people moving around, we do a lot of training focused on delivering the ball firmly from person to person, so I enjoy 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 some similarities to what Popo-san and Shirofuku-san have done. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA tends to believe that it's better not to move too much, but to firmly take positions, and if the player in that position can properly deliver the ball to another player, then better attacks and better football can be achieved. Rather than people moving around for ball possession, it's about players standing where they should be and delivering the ball there, continuously aiming for the goal. I think this is a new discovery.
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