[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: We have a distant away game (Sapporo) this weekend, but I think we can adjust similarly to a home game with tomorrow's nearby away game (Shonan). How is the team's condition?
A, the number of players is complete. The team is formed with a large number of players, so there is no problem. I also believe that the Levain Cup is an opportunity to give young players a chance, and I want to use it to help players who have not had many opportunities to play in league matches regain their game sense. Based on that, we will select the players and approach tomorrow's match.
Q: You just played against Shonan two weeks ago and conceded one goal. What improvements are you making?
We have also communicated this to the players, but we consider the Levain Cup to be even more important for our own style of play than the league matches. We want to encourage an upgrade in our playing style. The pressure in the league matches and the Levain Cup is different. We want to view that environment positively and use it to help the team grow. We believe that is more important than the opponent or past matches. Of course, we are practicing after analyzing Shonan's play for tomorrow, but since both Shonan and we are expected to change members from the match two weeks ago, we anticipate it will be a new game. In that sense, I think the Levain Cup matches will have developments different from the league matches.
Q, I believe you mentioned that the attacks from the central area have been growing recently, but I think breaking through from the middle is not easy and takes time. Is this a point to level up in the future?
A, I don't think there are that many secrets. First, it is important to accumulate practice along with a clear playing style. We focus on details daily, making corrections and improvements. In addition, it is crucial to persuade and convince the players. This can be encouraged through individual conversations as well as meetings using video. Another factor is time. It has only been three months since we started with the new style. In that sense, I don't think a highly polished team can be created instantly. It will take several months or even years. What we aim for this season is to accumulate points while focusing on winning, and to promote the growth of the team. Of course, there will be matches where our playing style is fully expressed. On the other hand, there will be matches far from that. Even considering the unstable flow, we aim to grow by firmly focusing on each match and accumulating points. Since this change is very difficult from the beginning of the season, we hope that fans and supporters will watch patiently.
Q: You mentioned using young players last time, and you used Hirakawa. Please tell us your evaluation. Also, what about the use of young players in this match?
A, in my mind, there are some players I am thinking of newly assigning to several positions tomorrow. I hope you will look forward to it again tomorrow. Of course, while focusing on winning, I want to encourage growth by giving playing time to players who have not had much time on the field and to young players, and approach tomorrow's match while maintaining a balance between both.
Q: What kind of play are you expecting from player Hirakawa?
A, Rei HIRAKAWA has good technical skills. However, playing the anchor position requires a good defensive balance. Defensive balance is an area he still needs to learn a bit more about. He has been focused in training and has been improving, so I believe we can expect further growth. Not only him, but I also look forward to the growth and success of other players. We want to try multiple players, and to increase options for player selection in the league matches, we want to make good use of the Levain Cup.
[Player Interview]
<Go HATANO>
Q: The opponent is the same as the match two weeks ago, what do you want to be careful about?
A, although one goal was conceded last time, that has been corrected. In the match, we want to challenge crosses and other plays to prevent shots on goal.
Q: I don't think the responsibility for conceding goals lies solely with the goalkeeper. Have you made adjustments to the way the organization operates?
A, personally, since the goal was scored with a momentary burst of speed, I want to make adjustments to act a step earlier.
Q: How do you assess the maturity of the defense while watching the league match from the pitch side?
A, I think it would be better to improve raising the line when the opponent is facing backward. I believe I can correct the finer points with my voice during the Shonan match, so while showing leadership, I want to lead the team even though the members will change significantly.
Q: What do you usually set as your theme?
A, there is no particular theme, but since I will be playing in the match, I want to be committed to helping the team win. Recently, I have been hungry for matches, so I want to do my best to fully demonstrate my strengths here and earn high praise. I want to play in a way that helps the team win.
Q: From Go HATANO's perspective, what do you think are the factors contributing to accumulating points?
A, I believe that by challenging new things, discussing points for improvement together after the match, and correcting them during practice, the level of completion for the next match improves, allowing us to accumulate points. The lineup will change tomorrow, but I want to overwhelm the opponent while maintaining high demands.
Q: With Coach Fujiwara's appointment, I believe there will be many stimulating experiences. What are your thoughts on this?
A, what is different from last season is not only the number of shots taken during practice, but also that there are many drills related to second and third actions, so it is fulfilling in a way different from last season, and I want to demonstrate the results in matches. I want to play with confidence in what we have prepared.
Q: I think Coach Fujiwara's bright character is similar to Player Go HATANO. Don't you think it can also uplift the team's spirit?
A, I think so. I am able to work with high motivation in a positive way. I believe we have built a good relationship.
Q: Are there any growth or changes in the technical aspects compared to last season?
A, I haven't played much in matches, so I haven't felt much change, but the scene where I stopped a middle-range shot in the Levain Cup match against Júbilo Iwata was a moment where I overcame a challenge I had been working on through lots of shooting practice, so I think that was good and I want to continue that.
Q: What do you think about the presence of Kuba (Jakub SLOWIK)?
A, When I was in my first year, there were players like Mr. Hayashi and Yu OKUBO who were rated higher than me, so I am returning to my original mindset, or rather, feeling the same way as I did back then. I am playing with the determination to take back my position once again, so I want to keep leveling up without showing any weaknesses. Kuba also plays at 100% during daily practice and is always ready to play in matches, so I want to learn from that.
