<Albert PUIG ORTONEDA>
Q, the first practice match has ended. Please share your honest thoughts.
A, I never consider what we did today as just a practice match. For me, it is training itself. Training includes competing among ourselves like in a scrimmage, as well as playing against other teams. I want everyone to fully understand that. Including today, the fourth match will be a practice match against Kyoto SANGA, and I consider that to be the first true practice match. The first three practice matches before that are part of the training process as the preseason begins and training accumulates.
Q, what did you want to confirm in today's practice in a game format?
A, I have also conveyed this to the players, and there were three key points we focused on. These are linked to what we have been training for: first, maintaining possession of the ball; second, each player and the entire team taking appropriate positioning; and third, the intense transition between offense and defense after losing the ball. I am very satisfied with what the players demonstrated today. This is because I could strongly feel that everyone has the eagerness to learn the new playing style. From the first day of preseason training until today, the players' attitude toward learning during every session has been excellent, and that is what I am most satisfied with. In addition, while emphasizing the importance of the team atmosphere, I am also pleased that a good atmosphere has been created.
Q Was there an intention behind the order of the players who appeared in the first, second, and third rounds?
A, of course, we formed three teams after considering various factors, but there is no special meaning behind that. Through this preseason, I myself need to understand the characteristics of each player, and the players also need to express their own traits. In that sense, today's team formation does not have any special significance. There is still plenty of time left.
Q Is there anything you would like to improve regarding the emphasized "position" for tomorrow's practical training session?
A, in a broad sense, I think the entire team was able to maintain their positions and positional balance, and in that regard, it was very encouraging to see the players' eagerness to learn and their willingness to absorb. However, it is natural that we must delve much deeper into the finer details. Nevertheless, I am very satisfied with this as a starting point.
Q, it was characteristic that you were giving loud instructions on how to apply pressure from the wings.
A, just as I said at the beginning, today was part of practical training, so we asked the players to work on tactical improvements there. Therefore, I will refrain from commenting on the finer details. Of course, what I am asking for is not to defend by dropping the defensive block, but to defend as high up the pitch as possible.
<Keita YAMASHITA>
Q: You scored the first goal, but how did you feel during the 20 minutes today?
A, this was the first time this season that we played in a match format, so I focused on getting to know my teammates, letting them know my strengths, and being mindful of scoring since it was a game. There were opportunities to score the second and third goals, and I am not satisfied with just one goal; I need to make sure to finish when the chance arises and take as many opportunities as possible. However, I think it was a good game.
Q: Did you have any requests from Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA?
A, we are currently at the stage of integrating it throughout the team, so there are still few individual contributions, but it is strongly emphasized that we are looking for someone to finish in the final box. There are important aspects to positional play, but it is said that positional play is done to score goals, and I believe I am the one responsible for that final part, so it is crucial to finish, and I really intend to focus on that.
Q: When the pressure continues, the space in front of the goal diminishes. What are your thoughts on scoring in such tight spaces?
A, I have of course seen the play, but I am also experiencing the characteristics of other players by actually playing together and feeling the intuitive aspects firsthand. Additionally, I am making sure to communicate well with foreign players outside of the game as well. I am actively trying to make my strengths understood not just on the pitch, so I believe it is important to build trust in the limited time we have before the season starts.
Q: I heard that you were inspired by Mr. Sato Toshito's attitude of demanding things from those around him.
A, that part has changed a lot. I thought I was doing it until then, but by demanding more, I can be better understood, and better combinations can emerge. I realized in a short period that what becomes visible changes, so I want to keep demanding more and deepen it.
<Shuto ABE>
Q: How was your first training session in a match format?
A, it was a short time of 20 minutes, but there were many things to think about, and since I shared a position with Leandro, I talked with Leandro after it was over and then went to ask the coach as well. I was able to create a scene where I went into the goal area and took a shot, so I think it felt good.
Q: Did you adjust your position to balance with the other players?
A, that's right. Leandro can deliver decisive passes, so I positioned myself to support Leandro and ensure he can face forward in good condition. I was also aware of making sure Leandro could move freely and face forward. There were moments when the opposing midfielder could mark both me and Leandro alone, so I think we need to communicate more and align with the coach on that.
Q: As we connect the ball from the back, many players are receiving it in the half-space, and I feel that the essence of positional play is starting to emerge.
A, while I have the desire to drop back and touch the ball, if I do that it becomes meaningless, so I was advised to be patient and trust my teammates to move forward.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: This was your first practice match in a real game format. What was your aim in approaching it?
A, first of all, I focused on expressing the team's concept that we have been practicing, and personally, since it was my first time playing with the same team, I tried to play in a way that lets my teammates understand my strengths and brings out the best in them.
Q: How do you feel about it?
A, today we had a long time in possession of the ball, and it became clear which parts we were able to execute from our practice and which parts need improvement. We want to continue playing with high awareness starting from our training.
Q: How is your condition?
A, we are doing intense training using the ball, and I feel that my condition is steadily improving. I think it is important to have practice matches even when the body is tired, so I will continue to work hard to gradually reach top condition.
