Q, do you feel that you have grown in these two matches?
A, in the previous match, we came back from 0-2, and not only the result but also the content showed significant growth. The team is improving and moving in a good direction, but as a defensive player, I am personally concerned because we have conceded multiple goals in the last few games.
Q: How do you want to improve on the goals conceded from crosses?
A, everyone understands that most of the goals conceded come from crosses, so we are working on practice while sharing opinions together. I think it is gradually improving, but in the previous match, when I was near the near post, the cross ball hit a teammate and changed its trajectory, which caused me to hesitate a bit in my decision. I should have cut off the course there, so I believe dealing with crosses remains a challenge both for the team and individually.
Q: I think the match (against Yokohama FM) had completely different developments in the first and second halves, but was it because we were able to make significant adjustments during the game?
A, in the first half, we were pushed back by the opponent's pressure from the front line, and the distance when we had the ball was also too far. In the match against Kashiwa, we played very well in the first half, and the opponent came at us strongly in the second half. This time, it was the opposite pattern, going into halftime down 0-2. Since it was a home game and we had no choice but to fight back, we showed strong determination. Not only tactically but also mentally, with the feeling that we could not afford to lose, we managed to equalize. We also created chances to take the lead, so in that sense, I think it was good.
Q: What do you want to focus on in preparation for the match against Gamba Osaka?
<div>A, we need to continue doing what we have been doing, and since we have been able to score on ball circulation and counters, I think it is important to keep up the attack. Defensively, I have a strong desire to keep a clean sheet in terms of results. Although the opponent is lower in the standings, I don't think they are a team that matches that position based on the quality of their players, so we must not be complacent. If we can secure 3 points firmly, I believe we can still reach the top ranks. We want to take each of these three consecutive matches seriously and fight hard.
Q: If we continue to win the remaining matches, I believe we can see a spot in the top three for the AFC Champions League. What are your goal-setting strategies?
A, I think if we keep winning, the ACL will come into view, but we must not lose sight of the foundation we have built so far and the style of football we will continue to play. While producing results consistently makes the ACL a realistic goal, I want to show matches that connect not only to this season but also to the next season.
Q: I believe there was a break before the match against Kashiwa. What kind of things were organized as a team during that time?
A, I talked with the players during the break after the Shimizu match, focusing on the sense of distance with the players and the positioning of support for the ball holder.
Q: Has it become easier to make passes from the build-up play starting from the center-back?
A, in the first half of the match against Kashiwa, the distance between players was good, and it was very easy to play while using short passes and long balls. However, in the match against Yokohama FM, the distance was off, and both short passes and long balls could not be kicked at the right timing, creating a vicious cycle that reminded me of the early part of this season. I believe that support and the distance between players are very important.
Q: How do you see Tsukagawa's presence from the perspective of a center-back?
Player A Tsukagawa has a high skill level, having played for Kawasaki Frontale, so passes that come back after touching the ball and the play development after passing are very helpful.
Q: Is there a fundamental attitude of focusing on attack and continuously moving towards the goal without fearing conceding goals?
It might be said that scoring more goals than A is considered a success, but for defenders, conceding more goals is something that is not entirely pleasing even if the team wins. I think there can be a slight difference in mindset between attacking players and defensive players. However, scoring a lot of goals is a good thing, and I believe the team is moving in a positive direction.
Q: If we maintain our ability to score while improving our defense, will we ultimately get closer to our goal?
A, I think the defense has become more challenging as we not only score goals but also have to deal with counters and crosses. By improving in these areas, I believe we will steadily become the team we aim to be.
Q: Are we able to improve our play by making our own judgments while observing the opponent's situation on the pitch?
A, although there are instructions from the coach, I believe that the players on the pitch making fine adjustments and thinking for themselves is also a part of what leads to the results.
Q: Is the soccer you are aiming for an image that mixes both maintaining possession of the ball and using counterattacks as a weapon?
A, after all, I think short counters are unpleasant for the opponent, and since counterattacks are also one of our characteristics, we can attack through counters as well as by circulating the ball. I believe our style of play is a mix of both. I think our goal moving forward is to bring both to a high level.
