<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q. You scored from a set piece, but this season you want to aim for goals from set pieces as well, right?
A, I believe that set plays can be a key point in both offense and defense depending on the match. Regarding offense, it is important to show our style through results, and since set plays can determine the outcome in closely contested games, we must all be committed to defending firmly as a team.
Q. It seems like this year you are trying to improve by focusing on the finer details.
A, I think this is an area that can be changed by the awareness of the players regardless of tactics, so reducing unnecessary goals conceded and simple mistakes is a very important point in aiming higher. I believe we can be conscious of this from the training camp, and even against opponents like today, it is important to maintain a high level of awareness to avoid conceding goals.
Q: Was it as expected that you could push forward and score?
A, of course, even if the categories are different, when you play a match it becomes a challenging game, so in that sense, everyone was able to play well. The goals were good, but especially in defense, the pressing and intensity become more difficult as the opponent's level rises, so that is an area we are committed to working on. There were also some very good parts today, and we want to continue those.
Q: I think we didn't let the opponent play freely while pressing from the front.
A, as a collective awareness, we aim to play high press and football in the opponent's territory. Conversely, this involves intensity, and there are points that can be improved through communication among the players on the field. Therefore, to be able to express today's style of football against any opponent, as the opponent's level rises, there will be times when we need to defend because they are skilled, but we want to build this as our foundation.
Q. I think you are an irreplaceable presence as an anchor, but what responsibilities and things must you add to the team?
A, I want to defend over a wider area, and depending on the opponent's formation like today, mismatches can occur. From my position, I think it's okay to apply pressure forward. Not only staying in front of the two center backs, but also when pressing from the front line, I want to be bold. In attack, not only side change passes but also increasing passes behind the defense and wedge passes will add variety to our offense, so I hope to improve further in that area.
Q: Today, you received the ball relatively low on the field and I don't think you faced much pressure, but in official matches, it is expected that the opponents will apply significant pressure on player Higashi. How do you plan to handle such situations?
A, I think in the J1 League, more teams will try to mark the anchor player closely. Even in the latter half of last season, when I couldn't face forward or advance during matches, the inside half would drop back or we had to increase our variations. The way we defend also changes depending on the opponent, so I believe it's important both to establish our own style and to play while observing the opponent.
Q. What do you want to pursue during the Miyazaki camp?
A, Since there are many matches, it is easiest to adjust together while gaining practical experience, and we also change formations between the first and second halves, so there are better options and various possibilities, which I think is very interesting. The five-substitution rule is also intriguing, so how to make use of that depends on the coach, but in terms of increasing options, I want to create a situation that troubles the coach so much that good soccer can be played no matter which players come on. Otherwise, I think winning the league title this season will be difficult, so I want to make it that kind of camp.
Q. I think there is good competition with about two teams' worth of lineup. How do you feel about the team being able to compete well?
A, without competition, there is no stimulation, and there is also the tension that arises from fighting for a position. I believe players who climb up by competing are strong, so without competition for positions, the team will not become stronger. For myself as well, there is the tension of fighting match by match to maintain my position throughout the full season. I think everyone has that feeling.
Q: How do you feel about scoring goals in practice matches?
Aiming to be an offensive team, that is the fundamental premise we must follow, and I think there will be more matches where we have to break through against teams that sit back. We need to improve our sense and feeling for the game.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q. You scored in today's practice match; how did you feel about your performance?
A, I think my condition is still at 60 to 70 percent. However, since I have been able to score, I believe the results are good. I hope to create more opportunities to take shots.
Q. Has your teamwork with teammates deepened through the Okinawa camp?
A, we are discussing and refining things like breaking down the defense during the match. On the sides, I think the positioning relationship with the fullbacks and inside halves is important, so I gave instructions on positioning while playing, and I believe we are coordinating well.
Q. Are you fitting in well with the team?
A, I would say I'm already used to it, or perhaps you can tell just by watching the practice. I'm doing quite well.
Q. Is it true that Nagatomo is really energizing the team?
A, well. Nagatomo's remarks are interesting, so I add a word or two to tease him, and sometimes others tease as well. It's a good atmosphere and it's fun.
Q, We will start the Miyazaki camp from tomorrow.
A. Since the schedule is arranged assuming consecutive matches, we are adjusting accordingly. We also expect the climate in Miyazaki to be cold, so with the season opener coming up soon, we want to be careful to avoid injuries. From a soccer perspective, I think we need to score more goals and dominate the matches, so in Miyazaki, we aim to play high-quality soccer.
Q, We were also thoroughly examining the pocket part during the Okinawa camp.
A, I think it would be better if anyone could freely get into the pocket, and in a 2-on-1 situation, I hope to easily use players who make inner or overlapping runs.
Q. Are you getting into opening mode?
A, today as well, and since going to Miyazaki, we need to raise our gear one or two levels with each match because the season opener will come quickly. I want to improve my precision and my condition even more.
Q. Are you approaching the maximum state in terms of instantaneous strength?
A, not yet. I am gradually feeling better, so I hope to get more involved in the finer details of breaking down the defense, especially in deciding whether to cut inside or go vertical at the end. Honestly, one goal is not enough for me, so I want to be more aggressive.
Q. From here, will you keep building up and complete it step by step?
A, I think it's a good thing that we've come this far in just 2 or 3 weeks since starting. My condition is gradually improving, and after playing for 45 minutes, I felt that it was long. From now on, there will be matches with longer playing times, including 90-minute games, so I believe it will be important to see how well I can perform at a high level during those times.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q. The opponent applied tough defense on you, was it okay?
A, there is pain, but I think it can't be helped since the opponent is also preparing for the opening match through this practice game.
Q. It seemed like you quickly got back up and continued playing even after tough defense.
A, players who do not fall are valued. I think it is also necessary to play in a way that avoids clearly dangerous tackles. Additionally, falling down to calm the team is also a skill for soccer players. It is best not to fall, but I believe that such ways of taking a defensive posture are also important.
Q, you said you wanted to be involved in scoring as an inside half. In today's match, you played a role in scoring, so please review the game.
A, today I had two assists, but including the scene where I took a shot with my right foot, there were more opportunities to shoot, so I want to improve on that. I also feel that individual skill improvement is necessary to make the team stronger.
Q. Do you think it is natural that participating in the attack from the inside half becomes a threat to the opponent?
A, of course, this is an evaluation for the opening match, and since the inside half is a position that requires that kind of play, I want to continue doing it going forward.
Q. I think the team has been able to maintain possession of the ball, but how would you rate the current level of completion?
There is no completion yet, and there are still parts that are not finished. However, with the addition of new players, we held practice matches following the camp and achieved good results. Since there will be matches during the Miyazaki camp as well, I think we need to improve the quality in front of the goal, the battles for the ball, and the transitions even more.
Q: It has been mentioned that the overall quality in front of the goal is an issue for the team. What are your thoughts on this, and how is your relationship with the other players?
A, there are parts where I am also allowed to play freely. Including myself, when the inside half players enter the area in front of the goal, we can use the forward players as decoys. Conversely, there are times when we become the decoys and the forward players come alive. I want to increase that kind of coordination.
Q. Do you have specific numerical goals for goals and assists?
A, I have not established it. I hope to contribute to the team as much as possible.
Q. Have you had any training that showed results in muscle training?
A, I started doing pull-ups and as my condition improved, I have been doing more of them. The movement of my whole body has become just as I want it to be.
Q. Are you also increasing the number of pull-ups?
A, last season I was only able to do it once or twice, but now I can do it quite a lot, and my physical condition has improved from there.
Q. The play where you assisted from the left side, did it go as you imagined?
A, when I received the ball from the side back, I started the shooting motion, but an opponent came into the shooting lane, and since there was no support from my teammates, I imagined getting past the opponent and played accordingly, which led to a good opportunity to score a goal.
Q: If scenes like that increase, I thought the goals would also accumulate. How do you feel about that?
A, I believe that when individuals can show their differences, the team will also become stronger, so I want to continue growing more.
Q. How is the level of completion?
A, although the level of completion is still far from perfect, the players are communicating well with each other, and I think everyone is making a good impression, so I hope we can all work together to maintain good condition.
Q. I think the movements to support and move teammates have increased compared to last season.
A, I have started to play with more composure and can see what is happening around me. Not only myself but also my interactions with other players have improved, so I want to further improve my condition as we approach the match. Since I am becoming more aware, I think I will have the ball more often, but I want to make sure I don't lose possession.
<Player Kumada>
Q: You mentioned that scoring more goals is necessary to secure a starting position at the season opener. You scored today and delivered results; how do you feel about that?
A, It wasn't a flashy goal, but I think it was good to score the first point with my strong left foot. The speed and course of the shot were good, but the situation was an ordinary goal.
Q. I think you actively entered the goal area without fear of contact with the opponent. Is there anything you are consciously focusing on?
A, especially for young players, I think such play is what the coach demands. Since my physical strength is also a feature, I want to show a hungry fighting spirit.
Q. I think physical play is something that opposing defenders dislike as well.
A, I still don't know if I can compete at a higher level, so at the Miyazaki camp, I will have the opportunity to play against stronger opponents. I believe what I need now is to gain experience by playing in matches, so I want to experience as much as possible.
Q. You have been playing with Diego TABA for a month now, and I think he is valued not only for scoring but also for defending from the front line, which is why he is appearing in matches. What are your thoughts, Kumada?
A, Personally, I am not very good at defense, and it has often been pointed out as an area for improvement. However, tactically, I believe forwards must defend properly to be able to play, so while being mindful of defense, I want to focus on playing in a way that leads to scoring goals.
Q. The system changed during the match as well, how did you feel about it?
A, I am not particularly conscious of the formation, but I believe that no matter the formation, it is required to defend solidly and achieve results in attack, so I think the most important thing is to do what I am supposed to do.
