Q: After returning from the Okinawa camp to Kodaira, has the understanding of tactics progressed?
A, it's not just the tactics, but I think the mindset has changed significantly. I believe the entire team is able to share a common awareness.
Q: Is consciousness about valuing your position and the ball?
A, It is most important to carefully maintain possession of the ball, and I believe we share this common understanding.
Q: Has the team's overall approach changed, and does it feel like everyone has been feeling their way forward?
A, to be honest, in my previous team last season, we played with tactics similar to Tokyo's, so like everyone else, I sometimes felt confused by the new tactics and sensed a gap between what I had been conscious of until now and what is currently required. However, through the one-month camp, I believe I have been able to adjust my mindset accordingly.
Q: The requirements for the defense change from waiting for the opponent to play to pushing the ball forward while holding it.
A, I think both have their good points and bad points.
When holding the ball and playing offensively, it often leads to dangerous one-on-one situations on the counterattack. However, by taking on these challenges, it leads to growth, and I want to view it positively.
Q: As the initial period of building a team, what kind of risk management do you think you will implement as a center-back, considering the possibility of mistakes?
A, I believe mistakes will inevitably occur. However, what the coach often says is to eliminate major mistakes. Mistakes by the center back directly lead to conceding goals and become a factor in not winning. As a professional, it's not just about the content of play but also about being committed to winning. So, while I think there will be mistakes as a center back, I want to eliminate major mistakes and those that directly lead to conceding goals.
Q: As a center-back, you have a position where you can see the entire field. Do you consciously think about coaching corrections when playing positional play?
A, since I have the ball for a long time, I call out positions to my teammates to make it easier for myself to play and to pass the ball. I also call out to the players up front, but I think teammates also move freely, so I hope we can discuss and coordinate together.
Q: Is there a play that you, player Kimoto, would like the fans and supporters in Tokyo to see?
A, in the build-up phase, the time holding the ball is long, so it becomes the starting point of the attack, and I want you to watch the part where he has the ball. Of course, since he is a defender, I also want you to see his play where he uses his body in defense to prevent the opposing forwards from having freedom.
Q: In the opening match, Kawasaki Frontale has Leandro DAMIAO.
A, although we haven't played many matches against them, since they were last season's league top scorer, we want to keep the whole team focused on maintaining a clean sheet to prevent them from gaining momentum.
