<Albert PUIG ORTONEDA>
Q: How was the camp after it ended?
A, I think the players have positively embraced the change in play style, and we were able to demonstrate that again today. Building the foundation is not easy, but we have a good feeling that we have sufficiently started to establish it. From now on, steady efforts to improve the level of completion will be necessary.
Of course, mistakes will occur in difficult situations. Today there was a significant mistake that led to a goal, but I am not concerned about that at all. There were also mistakes in our attack. Even though we created many decisive chances in the first half, not being able to convert them can also be considered a mistake. It is important to avoid mistakes in both defense and attack. Mistakes that lead to goals are easily remembered, but we must not forget the mistake of not converting the decisive chances we had in the first half.
In any case, we are currently in the preseason. Over these three weeks, we have clearly demonstrated the direction we want to aim for. However, we are still at the stage where the groundwork has just begun.
Q: It seems that you are looking for simplicity when watching the practice.
A, we are precisely seeking simplicity, and I believe that playing simply is what makes soccer difficult. Generally, humans tend to overcomplicate things.
We are trying to build up play with the goalkeeper, but we are approaching things simply and asking the goalkeeper for simple play. If the goalkeeper can engage in the build-up simply, it may appear to the team as if we have completed a complex build-up, but I believe that is achieved by continuing to play simply.
In the finishing zone up front, each individual's imagination and creativity become important. There is very little a coach can do about finishing in front of the opponent's goal.
Q: It seems that you have been fighting with a somewhat fixed lineup, but is it important to play with the same members in order to build a solid foundation?
A, we certainly do not have much time left. Additionally, we need to understand each player's characteristics more deeply within this short period. The opening match is in two weeks. Naturally, we have somewhat finalized the members for these three weeks, but this is not set in stone. However, I believe this approach is appropriate to improve the team's completeness. Moving forward, I think we will gradually make adjustments and changes to the members.
I have high expectations for the growth and success of young players. I want to make good use of opportunities such as the Levain Cup to promote the success and development of young players.
Q: How does the coach perceive that player Nagatomo was unable to participate in the camp to build the base?
A, it is indeed a disadvantage that he is not at the camp, but he is a great player with wonderful experience and quality of play. Therefore, I believe he will adapt to the team's play in a short period. And just as he has contributed to the national team with the experience he has accumulated so far, he will also make a significant contribution to Tokyo.
There is no doubt that he is an important player for me, with a strong and clear personality, and experienced. He will contribute greatly to us. However, I must treat all players equally, just like him, and it is the coach's responsibility to ensure that the players who should shine do so.
However, the fact that there are still absent players like him, a great player, is in a way a significant Prifoods.S for us.
Additionally, I am looking forward to the growth and success of young players whose personalities I have yet to fully grasp. I believe there are diamonds in the rough in the development department as well. Although I have not yet seen them play, I am very excited about it.
It is very positive that there is competition for positions within the team.
The fact that there were no major injuries during the camp is also a significant positive factor for us. Thanks to the good work of many staff members, we were able to avoid serious injuries and get through the preseason.
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: What will be necessary to further improve the quality from here on?
A, I think the only way is to thoroughly understand what kind of phenomena are happening on the pitch during the match, and to repeatedly practice while being conscious of that.
Q, how do you feel about the penetration of new soccer?
A, without a doubt, I think we have been able to play more smoothly in the second match than the first, and even more smoothly in the third match than the second. Also, in today's game, we are carefully aligning our understanding of what the coach is asking for by reviewing the footage. By continuing this repetition, I believe everyone will be able to visualize the coach's intentions. Playing matches and analyzing them repeatedly is the easiest way for us to understand.
Q: I am playing multiple positions even during the camp.
A, I'm glad I started with a tough position (laughs). Dropping back is easier, but moving forward from the back is tough. The team's balance, how to move the ball, and things I found difficult in midfield became clearer when I played one position behind; I could see the whole field and somehow understood what to do. I felt that the perspective changes depending on the position, and that was very positive during these three weeks of camp.
Q: What points were emphasized during the camp regarding ball possession?
A, we value rhythm and tempo, so when we can move quickly, we do so, and if the opponents are not closing in, we carry the ball by dribbling. Through each match, we have come to understand that it's okay to face forward and turn or use dribbling, so we want to continue refining these decisions together.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: Recently, you have been used on both the left and right sides in matches. How do you feel about actually playing in those positions?
The scenery is different on the right side and the left side, and the plays I can perform are also different, but I will continue to work on improving the quality of my play through practice.
Q: How do you feel about your understanding of tactics?
A, there are times when I find it difficult, and there are also things I can think about as a plus alpha to what the coach is saying. I feel that I am quick to understand the coach's football, and from here, I hope to continue working on improving the skills and abilities to translate that into play and make improvements. Also, since the side back is a position that must defend, I want to work on that aspect as well.
Q. Originally, you played mostly in midfield, but recently you've been trying out as a full-back. Do you have any strengths or advantages that other players don't have?
A, probably, the number of times losing the ball is fewer than players who have only played as fullbacks, and I think the field of vision is wider. Including the aspect of tactical play with opponents, I think that is a strength.
Q: Currently, you are often playing as a full-back. Do you have a desire to compete in a more advanced position?
A, originally, I do not have the desire to play upfront. For better or worse, I am not very sure which position suits me best, so I do not have any preferences or dislikes for any position. I just give my all in the position assigned to me by Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA.
Q: I feel that you are quick to position yourself and have a high understanding of the coach's tactics. Is there anything you feel while playing?
A, I don't know about the other players, but for myself, I think it's because I don't overthink things and can organize the essence or fundamental aspects of soccer, which leads to playing without hesitation. I want to firmly fulfill my role.
