<Akihiro HAYASHI>
Q: When was the last time you were in a real match?
A, it's been about two years since I was able to play without any discomfort.
Q: How was it actually participating?
A, I really think soccer is fun after all.
There is a significant difference between playing soccer by kicking the ball and playing soccer by connecting passes. There are things like where to place the ball and feelings that can only be experienced in actual matches, so it felt like a trial by fire, but we played while experimenting for 45 minutes. Various challenges emerged during the 45 minutes of play, and I realized there is still much to work on. I also felt that if we could achieve these things, we could perform even better.
For now, it was good to be able to play for 45 minutes, including both the good and bad parts.
Q: What changes have you experienced since returning to practice?
A, I was able to return to practice, but when I put stress on my knee, it would become stiff the next day. It has been a little over a month since returning to practice, and gradually the rebound has lessened, allowing me to naturally exert strength again. I can feel this myself, and the trainers and coaches who give me massages also say, "You're starting to get strength in your knee," so I think I am able to show it in various places.
I believe I have reached the stage where I can be used in matches and think about how to integrate my strengths into the team. During these 45 minutes, I reflected on and struggled with how I can contribute to this changed FC Tokyo with these characteristics.
Q: I was constantly calling out. I believe that is a characteristic of player Hayashi.
A, there were many areas of concern, and ideally, during the camp stage, there should have been discussions like deciding on positioning and eliminating negative aspects. However, since we couldn't participate in those discussions, we are now focusing our efforts there. As a team, I get the impression that both our offense and defense are still in an exploratory phase, but even so, I believe we have improved significantly compared to the start of the season. Although it hasn't yet translated into form or results, I think the players are feeling a sense of progress.
Q: How do you feel when you look back on the two years away from competitive play?
A, I had never been away from soccer for this long before, so it was uncertain whether I could return, and I once again felt the pain of not being able to play soccer. It made me realize once again how much I love soccer. Now that I have returned, I want to fully express those feelings.
Of course, I aim to secure the position of the main GK, but I also want to enjoy playing soccer with gratitude for being able to play. As a professional, it is taken for granted that you can perform, but for me, the past two years have been a time when I felt that it is not something to be taken for granted. I believe that being able to participate in this practice match is thanks to having a healthy body, and I truly realized how important the knees are.
Q: What were you confirming with Assistant GK Coach Yamashita before the match?
A, we are always discussing how close you are to being in perfect condition as a performance, and what percentage of your ideal you have reached. He has been watching my weaknesses for two years and continuously addressing them, so we talk about things like "power has come into this kind of movement" and "there is still stiffness in this area" in detail, not only for this match but also during practice. For now, I was able to participate in the match, and I want to continue with coaching, behavior, and speech that can help the team even more.
Q: Is there a difficulty in entering the team's process of trial and error?
A, ideally, I want to position myself at a good distance and in a good spot for passing, but since the goal is behind me, I have to consider the risk of increasing the chance of conceding a goal and position myself accordingly. However, I also don't want to lose the team's smoothness, so there is a difficulty in balancing risk and fluidity. Previously, I thought the goalkeeper's top priority was to avoid risk, but adding smoothness requires a more delicate positioning. In the past, I would trap the ball so I could immediately make a long kick, but now I place it at my feet first to create a situation where I can observe my teammates' movements. Such adjustments are necessary, and I feel change is needed.
Q: Today you played for 45 minutes, next is 90 minutes. What are your thoughts on what comes after that, Hayashi player?
As a player, I am always aiming to participate in matches during the season and help the team win. No matter what position I am in, I believe it is something I must do as a professional. Regarding my position, rather than trying to assert myself against players who are playing because I cannot get involved in matches, I want to do what I should be doing in practice and become someone who can have a positive impact on the team no matter what position I am in.
<Hotaka NAKAMURA>
Q: How did it feel to move today?
A, my body was also tired, and I still have a long way to go. The team's tactics and other aspects are progressing well, so I think I need to catch up quickly for the time I was away.
Q: Do you feel there are areas where you are lacking since returning to the team?
A, when we actually started practice, I felt that the positioning, passing exchanges, and tempo had become unified over the past month. If I don't take the correct position and match the timing, the team's balance will be disrupted and the flow will be stopped, so I need to work on this more myself.
Q: What do you feel are the team's challenges?
A, during practice we were able to communicate, and we talked about how the team tactics and ball movement are coming together. I personally need to be involved in that, so first of all, rather than focusing on the team, I want to make up for the one month I lost. The most important thing is that I myself need to catch up.
Q: How do you want to be involved as an individual in the remaining 10 matches?
I want to quickly get back into condition, return to the point of reconsidering what being myself means, and play in a way that is true to myself. Although I am just one member of the team, I believe it is more refreshing to bring out my strengths rather than feeling frustrated by not being able to do so, so I want to keep encouraging myself to pursue that.
Q: Do you want to run around vigorously?
A, I want to run, but today my body felt tired, so it might take a little time.
Q, does "not catching up" refer to the tactical aspect?
A, it's more about the body and condition rather than tactics. Today, I just couldn't run anymore, so I personally think I need to work on that. If I can't compete as an individual, tactics don't matter, so I will get back on track.
