<Seiji KIMURA>
Q: Yesterday was the first practice match since entering camp. How do you feel about it looking back?
A, it was just one week after coming to the camp when we had a match, and my body moved quite well. Also, having played under Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA last season, the quality was not that low. Since there were things carried over from last season, I think it was a good match considering it was the start of the camp.
Q: I think the competition for positions this season is really tough, but I felt that whoever plays has a high level when watching the practice matches. Please tell us about your enthusiasm for the competition for positions.
A. Since Kimoto and Morishige, who played in matches throughout last season, were definitely the mainstays, I think it is difficult to break into that lineup. Tokyo has the toughest competition for center back positions compared to any other J1 team. On the other hand, if you can win a spot there, it’s a great opportunity to rapidly increase your value, so I want to keep challenging myself to do so.
Q: I think Kimura's characteristic is speed, but is that what you are consciously focusing on to appeal?
A, physical ability is not something that can be actively displayed, especially in defense, but unless there are fast or strong players on the opposing team, it is hard for people to think that player is someone who can win with speed. However, even within that, if I can win when clashing with Adailton in terms of quick slides or physical strength, I believe it will lead to an appeal, so I want to handle it well.
Q: What personal goals have you set for this season?
A, to be involved in many matches in J1.
What are the challenges to secure a spot in the starting lineup?
A, speaking about defense, there are times when small adjustments to the defensive line or confidence in physical abilities can lead to neglecting anticipation. Last season, Akihiro HAYASHI told me that although I have physical abilities, it would be better to take positions that don't require using them, and since this is still an area I can improve, I want to work on it. Regarding offense, I believe it is essential to embody Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's style of football without mistakes, and I want to focus on that.
Q: Players Morishige, Kimoto, Henrique, and Renta HIGASHI all have comparable physical abilities and skills, making it difficult for any one of them to stand out. Is it important to focus on mastering the finer details one by one?
A, I think right now we are really being observed on how well we can reduce even the smallest mistakes.
Q: Regarding the discussion about predicting plays, you mentioned wanting to improve your ability to keep up with the opponent's speed through physical capabilities. Do you believe there is still room for growth within yourself?
A, after all, since I have relied on physical ability, that part might be slightly inferior compared to other players, but I believe I can improve it further.
Q: As you gain experience in play prediction, do you expect to surpass players like Morishige and Kimoto in terms of metrics?
A, in terms of defense, I believe my physical abilities are higher than both Morishige and Kimoto, so if my anticipation and positioning can reach the same level, I think I have an advantage. In terms of defense, I definitely think that is an area where I can surpass them.
Q: Do you feel the expectations from the club even amidst tough competition?
A, I don't really understand much, but as an academy graduate, I think it's important to play matches in Tokyo. I believe that if U-15 and U-18 players see academy graduates working hard, it will motivate them more. If I get to play in a match and they look up to me as a goal, I would be happy and want to do my best.
Q: Considering there were new players joining, I think we managed to play smoothly for our first practice match of the year. Do you feel confident about the current state of the team and the way the ball is being moved around?
A, it has only been a short time since the launch, but even considering it as a continuation from last season, I think it is going well.
Q: The Paris Olympics are one year away. What are your thoughts on how you want to play this season?
A, starting this year, the Olympic qualifiers will also begin, and the team building towards the Paris Olympics will progress rapidly. However, just because a player has been called up before does not guarantee they will be called up again. After all, only players who are playing in J1 matches or playing overseas will be called up, so first, I want to steadily continue to be involved in matches and get playing time here in Tokyo.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: Please share your thoughts on yesterday's practice match.
A, I think we were able to play calmly without any particular mistakes in yesterday's practice match.
Q: In the scene where you caught the high ball, there was a cheer from the audience, and I think it showcased your characteristics well. What do you think?
A, I personally feel that being able to catch high balls is something that should be done naturally, so I was able to perform that play with confidence. By catching the ball, the opponent's attack ends, so in that sense, I think it was a well-executed play.
Q: Last season, you spent time with Iwate Grulla Morioka and gained various experiences. You participated in matches, but what was the year like for you? In what areas do you feel you have grown?
A, challenging J2 throughout the year, the results were not something to be happy about, and the team ended up being relegated, but personally, it was a year I am very grateful for. Iwate Grulla Morioka gave me the opportunity to play in matches, so I wanted to repay them with victories, but that did not come true. I learned more than just results from the team. The club is made up of various elements, and I was able to represent and play in matches, truly learning what it means to fight as a team. In that sense, I think it was good to go to Iwate.
Q: Please tell us about your enthusiasm and feelings for choosing to return to Tokyo this time.
A, Tokyo raised me and made me a professional, so I have special feelings. Of course, I am very grateful for playing last season with Iwate Grulla Morioka, but I also have strong feelings for the club where I grew up. Now that I have returned, my strongest desire is to achieve something with the team. I may be a young player, but I don't see myself that way. From now on, I want to play with the determination to fight for the team.
Q: How much are you aware of the Paris Olympics?
A, I am not thinking about it right now; my strongest desire is to achieve something in Tokyo.
Q: In terms of competition for positions, I think Jakub SLOWIK is a very high barrier, but what do you think is necessary to play in the matches?
A, it is the coach who decides who plays in the match, and I don't really mind, but I believe that to get on the field, you have to bring out more than what you normally have.
Q: Did you feel that your individual performance improved while you were with Iwate Grulla Morioka?
When I was in J3, we got promoted, but for me, it felt more like I was helped by the whole team rather than having earned the promotion on my own. So, I entered the J2 challenge with lingering anxiety. As expected, there was a period when things didn’t go well, and when I reflected on myself, I realized I was hesitant and playing with anxiety on the pitch. I felt that impression was visible when I was on the field, so I thought I needed to change that mindset and was able to play with that in mind.
Q: I thought that because there were difficult times, there might be aspects in which you have changed.
A, that's right. Last season, although it was a different category, I went through struggles and hardships, and now I truly feel that it was an experience to be grateful for, a very valuable experience. For myself, being able to go through that will surely be beneficial for my future, but I also thought deeply about the meaning of being in a professional position. I strongly felt that such experiences could become an opportunity to give something to others.
Q: I felt that my movements have become much more agile compared to when I was in Tokyo before.
A, I originally played while thinking, but I also experienced that if I think too much, my play tends to become restrained. So, as a base, it's difficult to put into words, but there was a change in my mindset, which I believe is connected to my current play.
Q: I would like to hear about your ambition. I saw you running until the end of practice today, and I've seen that attitude since your first year as a professional. How do you feel about the changes in your ambition over time?
A, one is the desire to be prepared to give 100% effort in practice. Of course, ideally, I want to practice until I am fully satisfied, but there are times when I am not satisfied. However, even the final jog has the meaning of recovery for the next practice, and I have the desire to prepare myself 100% for the match. I believe that people who are not sincere about small things cannot be sincere about big things either. What I value in life is to be sincere starting from small things, so in that sense, I think my feelings toward each and every play in practice have changed significantly.
Q: With players Go HATANO and Hayashi leaving, and the seniors you have been following no longer here, do you feel that player Nozawa is also starting to develop a sense of needing to stand on his own here?
A, the seniors are great players, and I have been playing while watching their backs. At that time, I was in the fourth position and felt very comfortable being in that fourth spot. But when it came to actually playing in a match, I wondered if I could play confidently there. Last season's experience made me think about what it means for me to play in a match, and I came to understand it deeply. Although it was a different category, I returned with that understanding. So, I believe I have changed from who I was before. I feel it myself, and of course, Go HATANO's presence was amazing, but I also have a very strong desire to achieve something for Tokyo. I want to envision many big things just with that desire, so I am really looking forward to the future.
Q: I felt that my range has expanded while watching the practice and that I have been practicing a lot. In that sense, aren't you ready to play in the match?
A, I came back with that intention.
Q: You mentioned earlier that you are not considering the Paris Olympics, but among your peers, there is a good rival in Zion SUZUKI (Urawa Reds). How do you want to compete with him to elevate the J League?
A, I did not go on the last Spain expedition, but watching the highlights, I saw that the other goalkeeper players have also improved significantly, which was very inspiring. I think all the goalkeepers of the same generation are probably more motivated this season, so I want to work together to energize the J League.
