[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: I think you told the players to increase their pace during halftime of the Shonan match. What did that statement mean?
A. Positional play requires each player to take up the right position. Even if you have a good position, if the play speed is slow, it becomes difficult to effectively unsettle the opponent and break down their defensive shape. In plays that are not positional play, for example, the speed at which a player moves to lose their marker might be more important. However, for our system to function well, play speed is indispensable. In that sense, we emphasize the concept and communicate it to the players. I believe play speed is strongly related to the speed of decision-making. Appropriate decisions must be made before receiving the ball. I think it is too late if you look around and make decisions after receiving the ball.
Q: I think you have been able to gain an advantage in matches by taking control against strong opponents, but moving forward, is it important to increase the pace of play while maintaining possession of the ball?
A, the moment of winning the ball and the speed of switching between offense and defense are also important, and even in slow attacks, it is crucial to maintain proper positioning. When breaking through the opponent's defensive block, the speed of play is essential. If the passing speed can be increased, the opponent's defensive block will shift. This enables the construction of more effective attacks, but it takes time to instill this within the team. I believe it will improve with repeated practice and matches.
Q: It seems that Yokohama often circulates the ball with three players, including the goalkeeper and center backs.
Many teams have been building up play with three players from the back line, including the goalkeeper and two center backs, for quite some time, so I don't think this is something new. By involving the goalkeeper and circulating the ball among the three players on the back line, a field player can take a higher position, increasing the possibility of creating a numerical advantage in the midfield and forward areas. On the other hand, the fact that the goalkeeper actively participates in the build-up also carries the risk that any mistake could lead to a decisive goal against. I think it is a very effective option, but it involves various risks. Last season at Niigata, in many cases, the build-up was done with three players including the goalkeeper. I believe there are times when it works well and times when it does not.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q: So far, we have achieved 5th place in the league and 2nd place in the cup group. Is the team able to confidently work on the new style of football?
A, achieving results is the minimum requirement. I feel that we are still far from the style we aim for. We want to increase the moments when we control the game and play intentionally.
Q: The members and opponents change with each match, and there may be times when things don't go well. What are the current challenges?
A. While we intentionally move the ball and progress the game, I believe our passing accuracy, decision-making ability, and play speed still need improvement. It is important to have options and solutions for how we respond to the opponent, for example, having strategies for each attacking pattern, and I think accumulating experience is necessary.
Q: In April, we have a packed schedule with seven consecutive matches, but I want to take advantage of having games back-to-back to enhance the team's maturity.
A, from April 2nd, we will have three consecutive league matches against strong teams, and first of all, I want to see how well we can compete against them. I expect some challenges to arise, but I want to use those lessons in the next matches and grow as a team, finishing April stronger.
Q: It has been said that there will be challenges in the three consecutive matches, but I think this is a good opponent to test the sense of achievement we are starting to grasp.
A, by playing matches against various opponents, I believe our weaknesses and strengths will become apparent. Until now, we have managed somehow with individual abilities, but this will be a competition that requires the team's overall completeness. I think we need to improve our level of completeness.
Q: During halftime of the Shonan match, I believe Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA told you to increase the pace of play. What specifically does the pace of play indicate for you, and how was it implemented on the pitch?
In the match against Shonan, we were in a situation where we could maintain possession of the ball. If we become satisfied with that and focus only on holding the ball, the game will not progress forward. Since this is a new style aimed at scoring goals, the opposing defense is not afraid at all unless we increase the passing speed while maintaining possession. In that sense, we had to quickly move the ball to the opposite side and exploit the opponent's weaknesses by shaking the ball left and right. However, I think the coach made comments at halftime because we were just satisfied with holding the ball at the back.
Q: Since you often pair with Kimoto as center backs, and both of you have high technical skills with your feet, it seems that the receiving side is actively showing themselves. Do you feel that the team's condition has improved from the first camp to now?
Player Kimoto originally has excellent foot skills, and from watching previous matches, he can deliver vertical passes to the midfield and forward lines. If this can be done from both center backs, the opponent will have difficulty focusing their defense. By having variations in how to act when starting from the center back and facing forward in the midfield, I believe the opponent will become confused.
Q: What do you focus on while playing as a center-back? What is necessary to move the ball smoothly?
A, the players at the back feel that they must build up the play by anticipating one or two steps ahead. By coming up with ideas, coordinating intentions with midfield and side players, and communicating with each other to make adjustments one by one, I believe the ball can be moved smoothly and automatically. Although there are many moments of hesitation now, I want to improve through mistakes and experience.
