<Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach>
Q, please review the Okinawa camp as it comes to an end.
A, we conducted the first phase of the preseason here. Usually, we organize the preseason over five weeks, but this time, since the off-season was longer, we organized it over six weeks. Preparing for the preseason in the same place can be tiring, so to change the mood, the plan is to start in Okinawa, return to Tokyo once, and then proceed to Miyazaki, changing locations as we prepare. The first theme in Okinawa, the initial phase, was to improve physical condition. However, our players, as excellent professionals, prepared well for the preseason, so they were able to start in good condition. Tactically, it was a two-week period of remarkable growth. First, thanks to the accumulation from last season, we were able to start smoothly. Additionally, the new players fit well with our style. The players promoted from U-18 had been continuously participating in top team training since last season, so they clearly understood what we expect. Also, the two who joined after graduating from university understood what we do and joined accordingly, which I believe was another factor that helped things proceed smoothly.
Q. I think last season was somewhat of a season to instill the rules. So far this season, it seems like efforts are being made to go beyond those rules.
A, "evolving" is the appropriate expression. There are players who have played soccer with the ball as the main focus, which is the style we aim for, and on the other hand, there are players who have not. I believe that continuing to evolve together with them is the direction we aim for this season. Also, some players went through tough times toward the end of the 2021 season. It is difficult to turn things around from there, but I believe they have accomplished it. Indeed, toward the end of the 2021 season, the team faced difficult situations, and I hope they can be reborn with a new style and a more attacking approach. Thanks to the cooperation of new players who joined last season, we were able to start in a good direction. So this season, by adding a new concept, I want it to be a season where the team and each player aim to evolve further. In last season's Premier League, there was a need to complete the team as quickly as possible. On the other hand, the preseason has become a very difficult situation for me as the coach. This is because the competition for positions within the team is intense, making player selection difficult. That is a wonderful situation for the team.
Q. It seems possible to form two teams of the same level.
A, that is exactly right. In addition to being able to form almost two evenly matched teams, young players are also breaking into the lineup. Ideally, this happens every season, with multiple young players—four or five high-level players who make the competition for positions even tougher—joining the team, continuously revitalizing it. Repeating this cycle is the ideal flow.
Q. The training that was repeated from the beginning of the camp has now reached a point where very good form continues.
A. I believe the reason the menu was well-formed is because of the accumulation over the entire last season. Without that, I don't think it would have been possible. We have only spent two weeks since the start. The phase of seeking that kind of play has just begun. Moving forward, we want to continue aiming for more difficult and higher-level challenges, and over the course of several months, strive for more refined and complete play.
Q, I feel that "pocket" was a keyword that came up during this camp.
A, the important thing is for the team to mature along with the ball. It depends on whether each player can confidently demonstrate mature play in tighter spaces. When you commit more players in tight spaces to engage the opponent, the opposing players have to slide, which means other effective spaces open up. To deliver the ball effectively into those good spaces, it is first necessary to engage the opponent at the right distance. We want to continue doing that thoroughly, and I believe this is an element we can only work on thanks to the accumulation from last season. Of course, we also want to refine the speed of switching between offense and defense, and improve our quick approach to the goal. We aim to play with the ball as the main focus. Along with that, we are practicing hard to build a more complete team.
Q. What do you want to instill in the team for the remaining 4 weeks?
A, this time after returning to Tokyo, we plan to go back to having one training session in the morning as usual during the season. After that, we have arranged three consecutive practice matches in a tight schedule, where we aim to play with a high level of intensity, focusing on competitive play that closely resembles official matches.
Q. It feels like the intensity has stepped up even in Okinawa.
A, the better the play, the more intense it tends to appear. What is important in the preseason is to progress preparation step by step and minimize injuries as much as possible. Since the season is long, good preparation is necessary to continue competing in good condition throughout the season. However, if you demand too much, some teams and players may lose condition in the latter half of the season. We do not want that to happen, so we want to prepare to continue competing in good condition throughout the season. I believe in an approach that focuses not on the season as a whole, but on accumulating weekly milestones.
