【Player Comments】
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, today marks the end of the camp. Please review it again.
A, I think it has become clear what we need to do. Since we were able to firmly recognize our weaknesses and challenges, it is important to thoroughly address them throughout the season.
Q: In the match against Zweigen Kanazawa held on the 2nd, there seemed to be many words of reflection. Considering that point, is it correct to say that today we were able to overwhelm our opponent?
A, we have to win every match, and instead of looking for excuses, we must always aim for victory from the moment the whistle blows, regardless of the environment or our situation. In that regard, I recognize that we showed our weaknesses in the match against Kanazawa, so I believe we were able to apply that reflection today.
Q: Wasn't it a fulfilling camp, including the insights gained?
We were able to play many matches and work together on the issues that arose. Everyone was motivated and worked towards the direction the coach aimed for, and since we also sought to go beyond that, it was a good camp.
Q: With two weeks until the opening, what do you want to build up?
A, it means to work on ourselves more strictly.
<Hotaka NAKAMURA>
Q: How did you feel about the defense performance?
A, as a team, we had some time in the first 15 minutes where the opponent controlled the ball, but we were able to stay calm and defend well. Also, it was good that we were able to score in our own style. Certainly, I played with the mindset of strengthening our defense, but compared to the attacking power on the opposite side, my side was still not quite there, so I want to take this as valuable feedback back to Tokyo.
Q: Does this mean that the offensive part remains as a reflection for the future?
A, it means a good reflection. I have been gradually understanding the parts where I get involved in the build-up when I move inside, as well as when I stretch wide, but I couldn't fully commit on my side. I want to watch the footage and study it once again.
Q: Before being pushed back by the opponent, using the center-back calmly gave a good impression of the build-up.
A, I don't intend to do it perfectly, so I stand in the right position, tap the ball at the right timing, and move into space. By doing so, changing the opponent's focus and making playful passes open up the sides, so I believe the only way is to keep doing it and get a feel for it. The purpose of connecting is not just to connect for the sake of it, but to score goals, so the aim is to utilize the wings and create a thick, strong attack. I want to work on this while keeping that future vision in mind.
Q, please reflect on the entire camp.
A, the feeling is also improving, and since we have new players like Koizumi and Nakagawa, we have been able to firmly grasp their characteristics. We have also been able to communicate well in terms of relationships. After that, there are strong individuals, so it is about how much we can make use of that. I would like to review that by watching the footage as well.
Q: Considering today's match, has the team made progress this week?
A, we were pushed back during a difficult period, and although I had chances to score more goals myself, there were moments when we couldn't deliver the final blow. Personally, I reflect on the fact that when fresh players came in for the opponent around the middle of the second half, we were overwhelmed by their momentum and pressure. It is precisely at times like these that I want to confirm where the team should regroup and refocus.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: How is your condition?
A, I am very happy to be able to play without pain right now. The camp also ended today, and both personally and as a team, we have been shaping up well. I believe the Diego you all know will come back.
Q: Don't you feel that you can have a match like today against your opponents in the J1 League?
A, since the opponent is Hiroshima, they are a wonderful team. I think everyone understands that matches against them are always challenging. Even so, we are happy that we were able to play well. However, today was just a practice match and different from an official game. What we are currently focused on is having a good match against Urawa in the opening game.
Q: There are 2 weeks left until the opening. What do you want to build up?
A, after two weeks of intense training, we are in good condition and would like to continue preparing for the opening match.
Q: Do you feel that the team has developed a way to break through?
A, we have been steadily practicing and playing matches in good form, and I believe our combinations are gradually improving. In that process, I feel that the team's style gets better with each game we play.
Q: PEROTTI expressed gratitude for Diego TABA's support.
A, I also remember when I first came to Japan. I arrived at about the same age as him and was able to get accustomed to Japanese football with the help of many people, mainly Brazilians. PEROTTI is a very high-quality player, but I believe there are areas where I can support him, and I want to help him get accustomed to Japanese football as quickly as possible.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: How do you feel about today's match when reflecting on the team as a whole?
A, the intensity was very high throughout the 90 minutes, and I think the reason was that we communicated well from the back and were able to continue pressing from the front. I hope we can maintain this intensity throughout the season.
Q: There are two weeks until the opening.
A, the starting lineup has not been decided yet, and I want to make an impression during the remaining period.
Q: Last season, you participated in matches from your first year. Do you feel that in your second year, if you can showcase your play, you will be able to get involved in the matches?
A, I believe results are expected. Since I have confidence that I can do it, I want to continue working on it.
Q: As a team, the phrase "one more goal" has become a motto. How well has that message been embraced?
A, since last season, my awareness has greatly increased, and I play with the mindset of scoring many goals while finishing without conceding any. I want to contribute to that as well.
Q: Regarding the practice match against Zweigen Kanazawa on the 2nd, the entire team took it very seriously. Did today's match reflect that reflection?
A said today that we would definitely press from the front, and since Hiroshima plays man-to-man defense, we focused on maintaining a strong base for transitions to not be outmatched and aimed to connect that to scoring goals. We were able to start the first half well and managed to score a goal from there, so I think it was a good outcome.
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA mentioned that he wants to instill a winner's mentality in the team this season. How do you perceive the focus on winning?
A, there were similar discussions last season as well, but this season it feels like everyone is more consciously focused. After all, we don't want to lose, and I believe individual improvement is necessary to make Tokyo a better team. I want to contribute as well.
Q: Are your expectations for the team and for yourself increasing?
A, it's already rising (laughs).
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q, please review the game.
It was a one-on-one on the side, so I went straight vertically and finished towards the far post. Speed is my strength, so I used changes in pace and explosive power to create a difference in initial speed. From the moment I kicked, I could tell it was going in because the feel was so good, so it felt great.
Q: It took a while to join the first camp, but how was the effort in the second camp?
A, it was inevitable that my return was delayed, but it was frustrating. I was disappointed that I couldn't participate in the first practice match at the Miyazaki camp, and when I saw the lineup for today's game, I knew my playing time would be limited. I expected it to be shorter than anticipated, and it indeed was, but I felt I had no choice but to give it my all. I entered the match with a strong desire to make an impression. I personally feel that my scoring ability, which is my strength, is effective in this team, and I believe today was proof of that.
Q: I believe that achieving results will pave the way forward.
A, I have not achieved any results or numbers, so I started from zero with this team. In that regard, I believe I can only build up from here, and I have no anxiety—only excitement. As I accumulate experience, I think it will be reflected in my playing time and stats, so I am personally excited and confident.
Q: What kind of play do you want to show in the upcoming appeal opportunity?
In a team filled with top-level talent even in J1, my significance lies in my strengths, such as scoring ability and initial speed. There is no one quite like me, and I have a strong desire not to give up the spot that Kensuke NAGAI (currently with Nagoya Grampus) left open. I believe I have many points to appeal, not only by proving myself with results and numbers but also by contributing defensively and creating opportunities by breaking behind the defense. Still, I think numbers are the most important. I want to steadily build up from practice matches and demonstrate my significance.
Q: It seems that you appear more eager than other players due to the delay caused by your injury. This is likely to have a strong impact on your comeback.
A, I feel very determined inside, and since I am starting from the very bottom, I have the mindset to take the position for myself. I returned to actual matches on the last day of the Okinawa camp and also participated in a practice match in Kodaira, but my performance did not improve, which was very frustrating. Today is not different from usual, but I have that determination inside me, and I believe that led to today's match.
Q: During the camp, I think there are parts where everyone starts from a relatively flat state, including practice matches.
A, I was in a similar situation last season at SC Sagamihara, and I believe I am starting from the very bottom. Given my current ability, I thought it was natural to be left out. However, to turn around what I consider natural, I want to keep going without giving up. I'm a man who doesn't give up easily, so I want to produce solid results and be able to hear "Welcome back."
