Q: The entire schedule of the Kunigami camp has concluded. How do you feel about it?
A, I am satisfied because I felt the players' eagerness to absorb the new tactical concept. When making any change, you have to believe in that change and reform. In fact, I sensed the players' intention to believe, so in that sense, the first 10 days were meaningful. Up to this point, we have been focusing on training to improve physical condition, and it is progressing as planned. Of course, the players are accumulating fatigue, but it is as expected, so I am not worried. When fatigue builds up, they cannot reach top speed, but that is also anticipated.
As I have mentioned many times since the first day, building something new is not an easy journey. Acknowledging that, we are taking it one day at a time. To grow into a greater club in a few years, we must now endure hardships and lay the foundation for a new era. Even in today's (January 26) practical training session, there were difficult moments. I believe there will be more challenging times ahead. However, I think this is necessary to achieve something significant.
Q: Since the start of training, this has been a period to improve physical condition, but Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's training menu is mostly conducted with the ball, isn't it?
A, we are training using the ball, and I believe it is clear that the players are being pushed physically. I think that the physical condition required in modern football can only be achieved through training with the ball. At high-level clubs in Europe, regardless of playing style, it is common to train in a comprehensive manner, both physically and tactically. We are also conducting training linked to the playing style I envision starting from this period. What I seek is high-intensity, dense training. To get used to this training, a 3 to 4 week preseason is necessary. By the time the season opens, the players should be accustomed to this training and their bodies adapted.
Q: We hear players saying, 'Practice is fun' and 'My head is tired.' What do you keep in mind regarding the practice menu?
A, what I expect is smart soccer, a group of intelligent players, so it is natural for the brain to get tired during training. Since we are working on new tactical concepts, the players probably feel mentally exhausted. Also, I think there is an aspect that they are not yet used to playing while using their brains. But they should get used to it soon. For now, I want them to really tire their brains out (laughs).
Q: During the practical training on the 22nd, the players were emphasized on three points: "maintaining possession of the ball," "taking the correct position," and "immediately trying to regain possession after losing it." Please tell us about the achievements and challenges regarding these points.
A, I felt that the players were conscious of these three points while playing. However, it is also true that we lost possession of the ball many times during today's practical training. If we maintain possession for a longer time as expected, even if we lose the ball, we can quickly switch and regain it. But when the number of times we lose the ball is high, as it was today, the players get tired. It becomes difficult to switch quickly when tired. The road ahead is long, but it is certain that the team has definitely grown over these past few days.
Q: Was the reason for losing the ball often due to fatigue? Or was it a technical issue, or a problem with positioning?
A, it was not a technical issue. Rather than a positioning problem, I think each player held onto the ball too much, which allowed the opponent to trap us. When each player's number of touches increases and the tempo slows down, it becomes easier for the opponent to defend and trap us. The passing tempo in the defensive line centered around the center backs was slow today. To speed up the play tempo, it is necessary to continue training in positional play.
Today, there were moments when each player was late to get into the proper position or tried to take the ball without good coordination, which led to breakthroughs by the opponent. However, since the preseason has only been going on for 10 days, this is understandable. That said, we cannot just wait to improve our level of completion; once the season starts, we must accumulate points. Alongside putting energy into securing victory in every match, we want to raise the overall team's level of completion of this playing style.
Q. So, what would you like to focus on during the Itoman camp?
A, next we want to focus on defensive training as well. While working on improving our offense, we will also concentrate on how to regain possession of the ball. I have come to understand each player's individuality quite well, so heading into the opening match, I want to explore the best defensive approach that will lead to a strong start. Additionally, play speed is a crucial point in our style. Since it can only be improved through daily effort, we will continue working on it during the Itoman camp.
Q: I heard that you are having individual conversations with the players during this camp. What kind of discussions have you had?
I like talking individually with players, and I think it is very important, so I make an effort to take that time.
Q, the content is...
A, that's precisely why it's a secret, and we are discussing it individually (laughs)
Q: Masato MORISHIGE has been selected as captain, and Diego OLIVEIRA as vice-captain. What is the reason for this?
A, I judged that both of them have the personality suitable for leaders. I expect them to contribute to uniting the team as my right-hand men, and I have conveyed this to them as well. I want them to always ensure a good atmosphere both on the pitch and in the locker room. The season is long, so there will be times when problems arise within the team. At such times, I also expect them to bring the team together and resolve issues quickly.
text by Atsushi Iio
