[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: How is the match at the Japan National Stadium?
A, first of all, we would like many people to make teru teru bozu dolls to ensure it doesn't rain tomorrow. Not just for us, but because we heard the stadium is mostly covered, we hope to avoid rain for the sake of those coming to the match. We also hope more people will come to the stadium. We have heard that many highly entertaining events are prepared, so we hope everyone enjoys them. We want everyone to fully enjoy the match at this wonderful stadium together.
Q: There is a possibility of accommodating more than 40,000 people (depending on the weather).
A, I definitely hope that many people will come. If more people come and we have a good match, I believe the charm of Tokyo will be conveyed to even more people in the heart of Tokyo.
Q: What is your impression of Gamba Osaka?
A. After the coaching change, it feels like Gamba Osaka is steering towards placing more importance on combination play this season. Like us, teams that started the season with a new coach are currently in a growth phase. Especially when changing the playing style, this is even more true. From the start of this season, we can see gradual progress in a positive direction. In that sense, this upcoming match should be an exciting one. Both teams will likely showcase their weapons and distinctive characteristics clearly in their play. Soccer is a sport where the number of goals counts, so whether goals are scored or not can greatly influence the flow of the match. Recently, shots have been hitting the crossbar or posts, so I hope the posts shift by a few centimeters and the ball goes into the goal.
Q: Who is the player that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has particularly high expectations for?
A, player with jersey number 12. These are the fans and supporters.
Q: How is player Kajiura doing?
A, due to a knee injury sustained in the recent match, I will be out of action for about two weeks. It's really disappointing as I was playing well. Being young, I believe I will recover quickly and return.Regarding player Morishige, we need to conduct a thorough examination to see if he can make it in time for the match. On the other hand, the recovery of Leandro and Kashif BANGNAGANDE from their injuries is good news for the team.
Q: I believe you evaluate player Yoshifumi Katsu, but what aspects do you think are good?
A, first of all, the point is that he is young. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of his technique. His participation in attacks is also attractive. I would like to see a bit more of his defensive performance and expect there are areas for improvement. He is very young and has great potential for growth, so I want to keep a close eye on his play. However, since he has been out of action for a long time, he will gradually need to regain his match fitness.
Q: What will you do if player Morishige is absent?
It's okay because Henrique is here in A.
Q: Tokyo has a good winning percentage in matches at the Japan National Stadium, but does Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA pay attention to numbers and data?
A, past numbers are not given much importance. However, I think they are worth paying attention to. If there is a tendency to win, I hope it continues.
Q: Do you have any superstitions or rituals?
A, I believe that by working hard, I can attract good luck. There seems to be a flow where being diligent in work leads to greater fortune.
[Player Interview]
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: The J-League is returning to the National Stadium for the first time in 8 years. Do you have any memories of it?
A, I only have memories (laughs). I admired Higashi Fukuoka after watching the snowy Final Round between Higashi Fukuoka High School and Teikyo High School at the National High School Soccer Championship, and from there I dreamed of going to Higashi Fukuoka. Our generation lost in the first round to Ichiritsu Funabashi High School in our third year of high school, so we couldn’t make it to the Japan National Stadium, which left us with regret and emotional scars. The first time I stood on the stage of Japan National Stadium was during the Malaysia match with the U-23 Japan national team under Coach Sorimachi. At that time, I was still affiliated with Meiji University, but I was called up for the first time and played representing the national team. I scored a goal in that match, and that was the moment when the wound I had carried for a long time, about three to four years, was healed.There is that much of a story, and the first time I stepped onto the pitch at Japan National Stadium, I was trembling. There was pressure in representing the country, and that brought a sense of tension, but I still remember the joy and the trembling sensation of being able to stand there.
Q: The first title was also won at the Japan National Stadium, right?
A, that's right. From there, the image of the Japan National Stadium is very positive. He scored in his debut match for the U-23 Japan national team and also scored in the Belgium match for the senior Japan national team. He won the Nabisco Cup (now Levain Cup), leaving a very good impression.
Q, when it comes to Japan National Stadium, Sota HIRAYAMA is the image of the National man, but will Yuto NAGATOMO become the new National man at the new Japan National Stadium?
A, aiming to be the new National man. First, I want to give everything to help the team win. It would be great if I can score goals or provide assists.
Q: There is a possibility of over 40,000 spectators attending, but won't you be causing a commotion as the festival man?
A, it gets really noisy. The more attention we get, the more energy wells up from the bottom of my heart, and I would be happy if we exceed 40,000 people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were no national team matches either, so after experiencing more than two years of truly lonely and painful times, returning to the Japan National Stadium and being able to perform in front of over 40,000 fans and supporters is something that makes me happy as a soccer player.
Q, I believe you have seen the Japan National Stadium in videos, but how do you feel about the excitement of stepping in and playing there, and the anticipation that it might give you new energy?
Ah, the power or energy that comes from that land is somewhat different. Regarding the Japan National Stadium, the moment you step on it, you can really feel the energy coming up from the ground beneath your feet.
Q: It is said to be auspicious, as you have scored in the Japan national team's match against Belgium, and now you will be playing at the new Japan National Stadium for the match against Brazil. How do you feel about this in terms of your mindset for the game?
A, first of all, as a side back, I want to defend solidly. I want to keep the number of goals conceded to zero. Not only in the Brazil match but also in tomorrow's game, I believe I have to show that I won't lose to the opponent in front of me, especially in one-on-one situations. If I can't demonstrate that, I don't think it will lead to the World Cup. There are plenty of players in the J.League who are better than me. However, I don't want to lose in terms of defense and one-on-one battles, so first, I want to focus on my fundamentals and firmly show my own play.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: You have played in 8 league matches. How do you feel about your performance so far in your first year as a professional?
A, I have positively taken the fact that I have become accustomed to J1 League soccer with each match and have been able to play the way I want. However, there are still parts that I am not satisfied with myself, and younger players are active overseas. Personally, I feel a greater sense of urgency than satisfaction, so for now, I want to spend the season learning from the seniors in Tokyo and growing further.
Q: What are you consciously trying to absorb from your senior teammates?
A has the mindset to learn from everyone, but during training, he especially pays close attention to the positioning of Yojiro TAKAHAGI and Keigo HIGASHI, who play the same position. Also, he is good friends with Shuto ABE in private life, and since they understand each other's play well, he hopes to deepen their coordination even further going forward.
Q: This match is at the Japan National Stadium. For Matsuki, this is the place where he won the National High School Soccer Championship in January this year, but is there anything special he is particularly aware of?
A, not at all. It remains a league match, and our determination to fight to win does not change for any game. We have drawn three consecutive league matches, so I believe it is most important to secure a solid win here and add 3 points.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for this match with the fans and supporters.
A, I want to share the victory together with the fans and supporters who come to the stadium. We have been able to train well so far and are approaching the match with a good mentality, so I will do my best to connect that to a winning result. Personally, I am aiming for plays that directly lead to goals, visible results such as goals and assists, so I hope you will definitely look forward to that.
