[Player Interview]
＜Teruhito NAKAGAWA＞
Q. You have continued to deliver results even during the camp, but what does scoring a goal mean to Teruhito NAKAGAWA?
A, Since I hadn't been moving my body during the off period, the feeling of the ball and other sensory aspects are skills I have developed so far, so I think being able to produce results means it was a very good start to the season.
Q. There may be some minor differences with Yokohama F.Marinos, but do you think there are areas where your past experience is applicable?
A, the basic aspect of building an attack while controlling the ball remains unchanged, so there are many things that are easier to do as an individual.
Q. Being able to take good positions at the right timing, which is a basic thing, means that you have grasped which positions in the team allow you to play well, right?
There are many strong attackers up front, so I think it would be good to create many opportunities to break through by combining with them and through relationships with the fullbacks and inside halves. The way I cut inside when breaking through on the left side is somewhat similar to what I did at Yokohama F.Marinos. For example, the instinct to target the ball that flows after being closed down in the near post position is something I have continued since last season. So, rather than focusing on my physical condition, I believe that having the awareness to use my instincts and get into the right positions is important now, and I think that is what leads to scoring goals.
Q. You will be working on improving the quality of your combination with other players. Is that process enjoyable for you?
The players have high abilities, and everyone is enjoying and working hard to express the football style of Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA. We are focusing our training on breaking down the final attacking third. Currently, we are operating on the premise that mistakes will happen, and we believe that without taking on challenges, there is no progress. The players are actively communicating with each other during practice while enjoying what they want to do. Considering all of this, the team is very fulfilled, and everyone is aiming to get through the camp without any major injuries. The overall team strength is improving, and I think the competition for positions is becoming very intense.
Q. Please summarize this year's camp and share your thoughts for the future.
A, I think we need to improve our scoring ability more. I feel that just one or two goals are not enough, so after returning to Tokyo and during the Miyazaki camp, we have time to work on the quality of the final pass and finishing. If we can steadily enhance these aspects, I believe this year will be exciting.
Q. What do you find appealing about Coach Albert's style of football?
Compared to Yokohama F.Marinos, there are parts where you don't have to attack with a sense of speed, so the aspect of maintaining possession while playing is different and interesting. Also, having powerful attackers who can break through individually is a strength and an interesting point. Personally, I think it would be great to establish Tokyo's style by showcasing my characteristics, such as using teammates to break free and quickly taking the space behind defenders.
Q. Unlike Yokohama F.Marinos, having time to think—does that affect your own play? Also, does it make things easier or harder for you?
A, there is no difficulty, and I think it is easy to play. Even in possession football, Tokyo and Marinos are completely different, with different systems, distances, and speeds, so Tokyo has its own strengths. By using time to draw the opponent in, then switching to the opposite side to create 1-on-1 or 2-on-1 situations, there are many parts that seem similar but are actually different, which I find interesting. Since transferring, I have felt the experience of playing with a different style.
Q. What surprised you the most after transferring?
A, what surprised me was how lively the atmosphere was, including the vocal warm-ups, and I really felt the great team spirit. I believe that this aspect also contributes to the quality of practice, so how long we can maintain this positive atmosphere will be important. This is the part where I felt a difference after transferring.
Q, At the new system announcement meeting, you mentioned that you transferred at the milestone age of 30. I imagine this is a time when you think a lot as a person and as a player. When asked about your ambitions for the 2023 season, what are they?
A, I decided to transfer to Tokyo to win the championship, so my ambition is solely to win. I am working while thinking about what I can do to make that victory a reality, and the clearest way is to deliver results. I believe that accumulating those points is what we need to do to get closer to the championship, and that is the mentality of a winner, so I want to express that. I am putting pressure on myself to do that, so my ambition is only to win.
Q. When thinking about winning the championship, I believe the team we absolutely have to defeat is Yokohama F.Marinos. How do you view facing Yokohama F.Marinos as a rival?
A, I am looking forward to it, but I also think about how unpleasant it must be for the opponent when we play against them. My time at Yokohama F. Marinos is in the past, and now that I am with a different team, I am training with Tokyo pride. I have a strong desire to definitely defeat them and to score goals. I am eager to play a match soon, whether it be at Nissan Stadium or Ajinomoto Stadium.
Q. I think it is not only when facing direct opponents but also an indicator that we need to approach that level of intensity. What do you think Nakagawa can bring to Tokyo?
A, Marinos has some weak points, so I think it would be good if I can skillfully exploit the space behind and the space left open by the advancing side halves. I don't think Tokyo is any less intense, and I feel that the intensity in tight spaces is even higher than Marinos. I believe it will be a very interesting match.
Q. If there are areas where you surpass others in intensity, what do you think is the key to winning the title? Also, where do you think Nakagawa's strengths can make a difference?
A, I believe my standout play in Tokyo is making runs behind the defense, so I think my strength lies in penetrating the final attacking third. While dribbling past one or two opponents, I want to create chances for players on the field like Diego TABA, Leandro, Adailton, and Ryoma WATANABE. We practice daily to develop situations and plays that bring out the best in other players, and once we synchronize, we have such a powerful attacking lineup that it becomes unstoppable. Scoring one goal is a given, but scoring two or three goals is the essential foundation needed to win the championship.
< Shuto ABE >
Q, You joined the camp late due to injury, but could you please tell us about your current condition?
A, when I got injured, I was told that full recovery would be one week before the opening match, but my recovery has been good, and I was able to join practice during the camp. I am now able to participate in tomorrow's practice match. Although I think it will be physically tough to play in tomorrow's practice match due to my condition, there is still time until the opening match, so I want to steadily improve my condition. Being able to return to the pitch early is thanks to the medical staff, so I want to play with gratitude.
Q: With new players joining, the depth of inside half players has increased. How do you plan to compete and succeed?
A, many players have joined, and there are many players who can play the inside half position, but I am confident that I can perform better than any other player. I believe that if I demonstrate my maximum ability, I will be able to participate in matches. Even as the number of players increases and competition becomes fierce, I have no negative feelings. I think that if I can show my strong points, I will be able to play, so I am enjoying the competition very much.
Q. While watching the practice match from outside, what do you think are the areas where you can create a difference compared to other players?
Each player has different characteristics. For example, Kei KOIZUMI is skilled in ball control and how he handles the ball at his feet, so I want to imitate Kei KOIZUMI's play and incorporate it into my own game.
Q: Now that you are turning 26 and entering the mid-career generation, how motivated are you to lead the team as a central figure more than ever before?
A, I have turned 26 years old and there are many younger players now. As the oldest player who came from the academy, I thought that such an era has finally arrived. I want to become a player who can be a role model both on and off the pitch. I also believe I have become someone who must be a central figure, so I want to play and act with determination.
