Q: The opening is just a few days away.
A, it felt like it passed in the blink of an eye. Since the camp started, it feels like we came this far in an instant, and I don't think I'll truly realize it until the season begins, but right now, I don't feel nervous at all, and I have a strong determination to give it my all.
Q: Last season, did you gain significant experience by participating in a number of matches?
A, that's right. I think it was significant that I was able to consistently participate in matches last season and gain various experiences.
Q: Given the many things you've learned from experience, is it easier to visualize your play?
A, I also played in last season's match against Urawa, so I have a certain image of it.
Q: When I ask any player, they say they feel quite confident. I hear that they have mainly focused on the offensive part, but from the perspective of a defensive player, how do you feel about the current confidence?
A, watching from behind or actually participating in the attack myself, I feel that compared to last season, we are able to advance the attack more advantageously and often maintain control. Instead of reacting to the opponent's movements, we have a good sense of being able to play the style we aim for.
Q: Does this mean that the team's tactics have penetrated to some extent and that they have gained confidence?
A, that's right. As a team, we share a common understanding, and I think what we have built up since last season is starting to take shape as confidence that "we can do it." I feel growth both personally and as a team when I play.
Q: Your positioning during attacks is higher than last season, isn't it?
A: Last season, I was not often the starting point for attacks from the sides, so the coach mentioned that by becoming that, we could increase our scoring. I have been consciously playing with that in mind since the camp. Also, I think it is gradually taking shape. Since I am good at attacking, I consider defending as a given, and I am able to participate more in the attack than last season, which I find very enjoyable.
Q. However, I believe we should not increase the number of goals conceded. Since we are on the defensive line, it is necessary to play with balance in mind.
A, It goes without saying that conceding zero goals is ideal, but rather than being overly focused on defense and pulling back, I believe if we play soccer aggressively while maintaining control, we can avoid conceding goals. To reduce goals conceded, of course improving the quality of defense is important, but I also think it is necessary to enhance the quality of attack and ball possession.
Q: I hear the words 'league championship' from every player, but what are your thoughts on this season?
It's not that we are not aiming to win the league, but it is really important to fight each match in front of us as if it were the Final Round, and the coach has told us the same. I have been playing with that mindset since the training camp, so if each player can win their one-on-one battles and those critical moments, I believe great results will naturally follow. First, we are only focused on winning the opening match and getting off to a good start.
Q: Have you been feeling the most fulfilled so far, and are you calm in a good way?
A, I don't have much composure. I feel a bit impatient, but most of my concerns are positive. Since returning last season, I've been involved in matches up until now, so in that sense, I think this is the most fulfilling time for me.
Q: I have seen you struggle deeply when you are troubled, so I thought that the phrase 'positive worries' is a really good expression.
A, you could say it's a positive concern, or rather, I've come to be able to see things in a positive way. Just having a mentally strong player like Yuto NAGATOMO around me has made my own way of thinking more positive. Until now, I used to focus too much on the bad things and became increasingly negative, but now I feel that I have a very positive mindset.
Q: Rather than consulting, is it a feeling of being naturally pulled along just by being in the same space and practicing together?
A, it naturally draws you in, and I truly feel that this person is amazing.
Q: The opening match will be the first time in a while that we have 100% capacity and cheering is allowed in all seats. What are your thoughts on this?
A, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, in my first year as a professional, I was on the bench for an away match against Shimizu and felt the atmosphere. However, I did not play in that match, and since it will be my first time playing in a match with fans filling the entire stadium, I am looking forward to seeing how it will be if I get to play. I have never even been on the bench for the opening match at Ajinomoto Stadium, so I am excited.
Q: Does the opening match feel different when you often enter as a key player from the start?
A, until now, many of the camps have been irregular due to injuries or the Levain Cup Final Round, so this is the first time I have been firmly involved in the starting lineup competition from the beginning. In that sense, I think the camp felt like it passed in an instant. Compared to before, I feel a stronger determination for the opening match.
Q: I feel that there has been an increase in plays where we connect and break through while interacting with midfield players.
A, I have been playing more often in the forward position, and during camp and practice, I have been repeatedly trying and making errors. It is not perfect yet, but I am gradually getting a feel for it.
Q: What is your relationship with player Morishige like?
A, as you can see, he is a truly great player. When he clearly makes a move, he is noticed, and rather than trying to play according to Morishige, if I make a move, he notices it. If we create various options, he will choose the best one, so I focus on running with trust.
Q: I think I am growing by absorbing various things.
Since joining the top team, under former coach Masaru HASEGAWA's style, the side backs were repeatedly involved actively in attack and defense. However, since Albert PUIG ORTONEDA became the coach, everything has changed 180 degrees, and I am now playing a style of football I had never done before. The side backs think and move inside, stretch wide, or swap positions with the defensive midfielders. Since I hadn't played with that level of thinking before, I initially felt uncomfortable, but on the other hand, I believe that if I can absorb this style of football, I can greatly expand my potential. Since last season, little by little, compared to before meeting coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, I think the range of my play has broadened.
Q: When I interviewed Keigo HIGASHI, I asked about the characteristics of each player. He mentioned that although he has a gentle personality, if he can change his demeanor once he steps onto the pitch, he might become the best full-back in the world.
A, I don't feel that there is that much kindness on the pitch, but I also think it would be better if I could be more aggressive, and since everyone tells me that, I want to be conscious of breaking through that barrier this year.
Q: What are your goals for this season?
A, it is clear, but I will keep it to myself.
