<Albert PUIG ORTONEDA>
Q: It was a training match in the rain. How do you feel about the overall performance?
A, I think we expressed good soccer. However, due to the pitch conditions, it was difficult to perform the plays we were expecting. Still, even in such challenging circumstances,the ability to connect passes was a good training opportunity, I believe.Overall, I think today's practical training session was also a wonderful training experience.
Q: I think there are matches in the long season that take place in the rain, like today.
A,regardless of the pitch condition, we always want to express our playing style, but since this is a competitive world, I believe we must adapt well to the pitch conditions and climate at any given time and play accordingly.
Q: The match times were different yesterday and today, what was the intention behind that?
A,I would like to gradually increase playing time and improve intensity and conditioning throughout the overall preseason planning.
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q: How do you feel about the practical training sessions?
A, I started playing a new style of soccer, and during this week's practice, I was able to apply what we worked on several times in the match. Gradually, I am beginning to understand the style of soccer that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA wants to implement, and I believe the entire team is working with a shared awareness.
Q: Have you spoken individually with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA?
I talked with A about twice, and first of all, I was told to take on every one-on-one situation. Regarding defense, the plan was to cut off the outside and lure the opponent inside to try to win the ball there, so I want to be more conscious of that. As for dribbling, I took on every one-on-one in today's practice match, created several chances, and had some good opportunities, so I want to take on even more and connect that to goals and assists.
Q: I believe there will be more and more scenes where Konno will take the initiative.
A, It is really easy to play. There are many opportunities to stay near the sideline and receive the ball freely there, so when I receive it, I want to challenge without hesitation. If I can win one-on-one, the team's chances will also increase, so I want to focus on that.
Q, it seems that you are challenging yourself with new methods, and there are many exciting aspects.
A, practicing is fun, and although the level of perfection is not high yet, if it improves steadily from now on, it will become even more enjoyable. The players who are playing also have fun, and I think it is soccer that the spectators can enjoy as well. I want to raise the level of perfection as soon as possible. I believe it would be ideal to win while playing beautiful soccer, so I want to aim for that.
Q: Please tell us what aspects you would like fans and supporters to look forward to.
A. I believe my role is to securely connect from the back and use the ball that has been passed to me to challenge the opponent and create goals or assists, so I want everyone to look forward to that.
Q: Why did you change your jersey number to 17?
A, as the team undergoes significant changes, I also changed my jersey number, and while it's not exactly starting from zero, I wanted to start fresh. I was torn between 17 and 19, but after asking various people, I decided on 17. It's not so much a strong personal preference, but more influenced by the voices of my family and friends.
Q: I believe there are high expectations from fans and supporters.
A, I want to improve as much as possible during the camp and return to Tokyo, and since my goal is to play from the start and perform well in matches, I aim to secure a starting position for the opening game.
<Junya SUZUKI>
Q: It was tough conditions due to the rain, but how was today's training?
A, of course the pitch condition was not good, but there are such situations during the season. While we have been working on what Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has been trying to instill in the team during the camp, there were still parts we couldn't do because of the pitch's influence. It was a difficult match where we had to think about what we would do under such pitch conditions and how far we could achieve what the team is trying to do.
Q: Were there any issues you were considering when approaching the match?
Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has told me that he wants the fullbacks to actively challenge by moving inside, so I wanted to take on that challenge. I played with the intention of bringing out my strengths while considering the characteristics and relationships of the players in front of me and the defensive midfielder beside me.
Q: The competition for the full-back position is tough, but please tell us your enthusiasm.
A, the competition is intense, but I want to play with a strong determination to get on the field and help the team win. Throughout the season and the training camp, I expect various situations to arise, but no matter the circumstances, I want to prepare thoroughly and do my best to be involved in the matches.
