[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: What is your impression of Kyoto's high-intensity soccer?
A expects tomorrow's match to be an exciting development for everyone. Based on last season's impression, Kyoto seemed to press more aggressively at home, while in away games, they played more defensively and ended up conceding goals on the counterattack and losing. Therefore, it is expected that they will come more aggressively in tomorrow's match. High intensity is a key characteristic of Kyoto. However, we believe we share the same strength. We want to demonstrate intensity equal to or greater than theirs and dominate the match.
Q: What do you feel were the gains from the two home matches?
A, of course there were some gains.I have communicated this to the players, but I trust my instincts when it comes to player selection. In that sense, I have a good impression of the players who have not had much playing time performing well in the recent Levain Cup. Considering that, it wouldn't be surprising if some players from that group make it into the lineup for tomorrow's match. Especially at the beginning of the season, the lineup tends to be fluid, and I believe it should be.
Q: I hope to create delicious dishes using various ingredients.
A, the season has just begun. There is still a long way to go. We ask the players to give their all on the pitch in every match as the team is in a growth phase, and to play with high intensity. Of course, mistakes happen. Especially now, at the initial stage of taking on new challenges. Mistakes occur during such times, but we want to keep growing steadily without being discouraged.
Q: I think there were times in the matches against Hiroshima and Yamagata when the ball didn't move forward. Please let me know if there are any adjustments made in the buildup for tomorrow's match.
A, there were clear differences between these two matches, so I think there were also differences in the plays shown by the players. Especially in the Hiroshima match, we struggled with build-up against a team that pressed with a man-marking style. On the other hand, in the Iwata match, we felt that our own issue was a lack of forward intent, particularly in the first half, and that is a challenge we need to improve. As I always say, I believe this is part of the team's growth process. The challenges we face during a match vary depending on the opponent's game plan, so we want to overcome each one and continue to grow. Additionally, whether we are leading or tied also affects the flow of the game, so taking that into account, we want to control the match in a good way. This week, the players have been able to accumulate good training, so I believe they are preparing for tomorrow's match with a good feeling.
Q: I think Kyoto is a team that comes to press from the front. Considering that, what aspects can we utilize from the reflections on the Hiroshima match?
A. As the team grows with each match, we want to overcome the challenges from the Hiroshima game and prepare for tomorrow's match. To grow, we must face difficult challenges. Therefore, overcoming the issues that arose in the Hiroshima match in tomorrow's game will lead to the team's growth. I trust the team. I hope we can thoroughly address the challenges that have come up in recent matches and show our improved form on the pitch tomorrow to our fans and supporters.
[Player Interview]
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q: Your jersey number changed to 17 this season. Do you have any special feelings about it?
A, there is nothing in particular, but since I am in my third year as a professional, I was thinking of changing my jersey number, and after asking my parents and friends among the available numbers, I decided on number 17.
Q: Do you want to create an image of player Kono for number 17 in Tokyo?
A, I want to perform in a way that creates a clear image.
Q: I think you have successfully entered this season after overcoming a major injury last season. What are your thoughts on this? Please share your enthusiasm for your third year as a professional.
A, my primary goal for this season is to play without injury. To achieve this, I am taking care of myself more diligently than ever before. Although my condition is not at 100 percent, I believe the secret to maintaining a good state is proper care. I want to continue this while also focusing on making an impact in matches, as this is my third year. I intend to value each day carefully.
Q: I think the accuracy of your left foot kick has improved. How does it feel?
A, the feeling is not bad, but I think I can raise it one or two more levels, so I want to pursue it thoroughly. My condition is fairly good, so if I continue to work on my body sharpness and ball touch sensation through self-training, I believe I will reach 100 percent.
Q: It seems that you were able to move on after last season's goal. Did it have a significant impact on your mindset as well?
As a professional, I hadn't been able to score goals, so this became a turning point for me. In the last season and the season before that, I couldn't participate in matches, but I was confident that if given the chance, I could deliver results. This season, my opportunities to play have increased, and although I have only scored one goal so far, I feel I can score more. I believe I can contribute to the team not only through scoring but in other ways as well, and I want to prioritize continuing to play in matches.
Q: It seems like you have a good feel for shooting.
A, when I have the ball in a good position, I imagine aiming for the goal and taking a shot. I believe the reason I can shoot with a good feeling is because I have no hesitation.
Q, do you feel that you are able to showcase your strengths well?
A, dribbling is a weapon, so if I lose there, I think it would make no sense for me to be selected. I am confident in my dribbling and have a pride that I absolutely do not want to lose. I am conscious of that and play with that mindset in every match.
Q: In the match against Hiroshima, there were times when the ball didn't reach the front line. As a side player, what were you focusing on while playing?
A. Since the match against Hiroshima was the first time this season facing a team with a three-back formation, we prepared as a team assuming a four-back formation and envisioned movements into spaces. However, it was quite difficult to find spaces, and although we tried to improve by communicating during the match, it did not go well. Through practice after the match, we were able to discuss within the team how to play against a three-back opponent, so I believe we will be able to respond when facing a team with the same system next time.
Q: I think Kyoto will apply pressure from the front line, but what points can we utilize from our reflections on previous matches?
A, as a team, we became anxious with our defense from the front line in the previous match, resulting in many long balls. I believe that if we play trusting our own skills without fearing the opponent's defense and consider the distance between players while playing, we can break down the opponent's defense.
Q: We are aiming for a third consecutive win.
As the coach also mentioned, since we have consecutive matches, this will be an important game to maintain momentum. Few teams have consecutive wins, so if we can achieve three wins in a row, it will be a chance to rise to the top ranks. Therefore, I believe tomorrow's match is very important.
Q: It seems that the collaboration with Adailton is going well, what do you think?
A is always watching the opposite side, and the coach has also told him to be aware of it. When Adailton has the ball, he is always ready on the opposite side to receive the ball at any time.
Q: What is your impression of Kyoto?
A, the image is of being aggressive from the front line. Peter UTAKA is the most dangerous player up front, so I want to play with the awareness to defend from the front line and prevent the opponent from making good passes.
Q: What are the joys and interesting aspects of playing on the side?
A, you are expected to stay wide on the sideline to receive the ball and create chances through dribbling and runs behind the defense. It's a style of soccer where I can showcase my strengths, so I enjoy playing.
Q: What kind of play is being requested by the coach?
A, the coach has told us to play with freedom and creativity in attack. When I have the ball, I value inspiration.
