【Player Interview】
＜Kota TAWARATSUMIDA＞
Q. You scored in the final match of the Okinawa camp, making it three consecutive games with goals. How do you feel about that?
A, I believe I have been able to make an impression as an individual. However, there are mistakes, and I think there is still more I can do.
Q. I believe you had many opportunities to talk with the fullback players; what kind of conversations did you have?
A, when circulating the ball in our own half, if the wide players do not provide support, the team will struggle to keep possession. Therefore, we discussed the transition phase and the support during ball circulation.
Q. During the camp, you have been working on the final breaking down phase; what kind of response or feeling have you gotten from it?
A, since we did not train together last season, we have been communicating off the field as well, so I think we have a good relationship during matches.
Q. Throughout the entire camp, please tell us a little more about what you have done and the parts where you felt a sense of achievement.
A, his dribbling is a standout feature, and I believe that if he can get into his own style, he can compete even on the J1 stage. Therefore, if he can increase the number of times he gets into that style, I think the quality of him as a player will improve.
Q. There is also the Miyazaki camp before the opening, but what kind of preparations do you want to make?
A, there will be practice matches during the Miyazaki camp as well, so I want to continue to appeal by playing well there.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, Today marks the end of the first training camp. How do you look back on it?
A, I think it was a good training camp. We played practice matches and identified some issues, so I hope we can properly adjust and improve over the next month.
Q, In this camp, you have focused mainly on the final breaking down phase. How do you feel about the progress and the challenges?
A, I believe we can still do much more. We are trying many combinations of players, and I think we are at the stage of finding better ones among them. If the players who get to play can each bring out their strengths, that will become our advantage. I also hope that the younger players will show more of their abilities and energize the team.
Q. How do you view the effect of intensified competition when the starting lineup has not yet been decided?
A, Last season this was rare, but I think the team's strength lies in maintaining quality throughout the full 90 minutes, not only with the starters but also including players who come on as substitutes. The competition and battles within the team are also very positive for the team.
Q. There is also the Miyazaki camp, but what kind of progress do you want to make?
A, I mentioned last season as well that we need to adjust for the season and focus on competing, but in the end, it comes down to the delicate aspects, the commitment to winning, the battles for the ball, and the toughness needed to win. I want to switch to a season mode starting from the practice matches, focusing on these elements.
Q. What kind of year do you want to have personally?
A, I want to enjoy it. Today's match was fun, and since soccer is enjoyable, I want to be strict with myself while having fun.
<Yuta ARAI>
Q, please review the game.
A, I was conscious of scoring in every match, but I am disappointed that I couldn't score today. Since there is also the Miyazaki camp, I want to rest well after returning and be in good condition for the next camp.
Q. How did you feel about your performance when you played, and how was your combination with the other players?
A, I wanted to come in from the middle and make plays that change the flow more. I still think our communication is lacking, so I want to improve the quality of our combinations even more during the Miyazaki camp.
Q: It was a match against a J1 League team, but what were the things Arai was able to do and what were the things he couldn't do?
A, I still have a lot to improve, so I will do my best to catch up with everyone.
Throughout the Q camp, did you have any impressions, feelings, or discoveries?
A, I think I lack the strength to move forward during camp, so for now, I want to ask Yuto NAGATOMO and try to grow more myself.
Q. I believe this camp focused on the breakdown phase, but where do you want to demonstrate your strength within that?
I think it’s important to take the wide position and make moves, as well as to show our strengths during counterattacks.
Q. There is also the Miyazaki camp; what kind of preparations will you be making?
A, I want to express my own characteristics more, so although there is not much time, I will do my best to highlight and appeal my strengths.
Q. You seem to be getting closer to the key players; do you have any personal sense of progress?
A, I believe I have to deliver results. I want to become a player who can score even in a short amount of time.
Q. Which feeling is stronger, impatience or a sense of accomplishment?
A, the feeling of impatience is stronger. I still have a strong sense that there is much more to be done.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: Now that the approximately two-week camp has ended, please share your thoughts and impressions.
A, with new players joining, a new team has started, but we were able to practice at the same level as last season right away. Compared to last season's camp, we worked on one or two phases at a higher level during this camp, and it was good that we were able to score from the patterns we had been working on in the final practice match.
Q. Last season, the starting lineup was fairly settled by the end of the camp, but this season, with intense competition and uncertainty about who the starters will be, you spent 14 days in that situation. What kind of mindset did you have to make your appeal?
A, mentally, I enjoyed every day. Each fullback has a different style, and since everyone has something I don't, I watched their play during practice every day to see if there was anything I could learn and tried it out in matches. During this camp, especially since I'm not good at moving inside, I referenced and compared the movements of other players, stole their good points, and was able to gradually try them out in matches, which I think was good. The level is truly high, and because I believe anyone could play, my desire to earn a starting spot is strong. For that reason, I have been focused on results, and I want to continue to be result-oriented until the season opener and even after it begins.
Q. Compared to last season, the camp started with progress two phases ahead, and I think there were many practices focused on breaking down the defense in front of the opponent's goal. How do you feel about the results?
A, there were several scenes in today's match where we were able to show what we practiced, but there were also moments where we couldn't finish despite having many chances, so that remains a challenge. If we can correct that, I believe more goals will be scored, so I am looking forward to it.
Q. After returning to Tokyo, you will proceed to the second training camp. What would you like to focus on?
A, both as a team and as an individual, I believe we need to improve our finishing ability after breaking down the opponent's defense. I also feel it is necessary to raise my own evaluation. I missed a scoring opportunity today as well, so I want to be able to finish those chances.
Q. In today's two matches, the number of scenes where you seem likely to be involved in scoring in front of the goal has increased. Does this mean you are feeling quite confident?
A, I am feeling confident. In today's match as well, Nakamura's breakaways have created opportunities, so I hope to capitalize on them. After every game, Nakamura and I have thorough discussions like "that space will open up," so I believe that by increasing the number of side-back breakaways, chances will also increase, and I hope to work on that.
