Q: What kind of preparations did you personally make for the opening match against Urawa?
A, I have not made any special preparations for the opening match. While on the bench, I watched the game thinking about what I could do if I entered the match partway through.
Q: The first half was dominated by Urawa. What do you think was the key to changing the flow of the match after coming on as a substitute?
A. When the ball entered the front line, we were not able to create players facing forward. In my mind, I was thinking about receiving the ball while closing the distance with the midfield. By the time I entered the game, the situation had changed, so I focused on winning the ball and suppressing the opponent's right-side attack.
Q: I think multiple players worked together in the second half, allowing for organized attacks.
A, I believe we must not only be able to coordinate well during good periods but also strive to do the same during bad periods. I think it is natural for us to perform well during our favorable times. Often, we fail to coordinate effectively when the opponent is in control, and there were moments in the second half, even in good situations, where we did not perform well. Personally, I don't think it was good, and I believe improvement is necessary.
Q: How do you feel about the upcoming match?
A, I want to consistently go for scoring throughout this season, and I am thinking about how to help the team win. No matter how I participate in the matches, I intend to improve so that I can perform well. Whether good or bad, playing in matches brings up what is necessary to overcome challenges, so of course, the team's victory is the most important, but I want to actively focus on what I need to do.
Q: What do you think about the competition for the starting lineup? Do you feel motivated within yourself?
A, there is stimulation, and although I was not unfocused during daily practice last season, I have a strong desire and feeling that I need to do more. Not being able to play did not greatly change my feelings, and I believe there are things I can do even if I am not on the field. I feel very fulfilled in various aspects right now, and it is working to elevate myself further.
Q: In the opening match, it seems that the team was unable to fully express what they wanted to, and they would like to improve from here on out. Is that correct?
In a closely contested match, how much we can control the ball and how much we can do what we want is very important in the league competition. I think every team experiences moments when they happen to score and gain their own pace. There were times when we were completely unable to do anything while the opponent was in control, so improvement is necessary. Although we were able to defend patiently, I believe there are better ways to lose the ball and to attack.
Q: Are there many mental elements involved? I think there are more things that the team is able to do in both offense and defense.
A, of course, it was the opening match, and both teams were playing with high intensity, but I think we need to reduce simple mistakes, including myself. Even reducing one or two mistakes can change the flow of the game, and I realized once again that we need to thoroughly address this.
Q: I believe there were feelings of frustration not being in the starting lineup, but did that have a positive effect?
A, last season, I never scored a goal after coming on as a substitute, so I have made it a challenge to score in any situation. I believe I have mentioned this before, but I really enjoy expressing the changes in myself in that regard.
Q: How did you feel at the moment the team's first goal was scored?
A, the second goal was almost an own goal as well. It was good because my name was displayed on the scoreboard, and I think I was also lucky.
Q: Considering the importance of continuity for both the team and yourself, what are your thoughts on the away match against Kashiwa?
A, I have a good image from last season. I believe that if we can play even better than that, we will be able to win.
Q: Was last season's away match against Kashiwa one of the best in terms of performance?
Although we conceded many goals, we were able to score a large number of goals, and the way we scored was also clean, so we have a good image.
Q: I think there were expectations for you to come on at the start of the second half and change the flow of the game.
A, I tried to be conscious of playing as much as possible involving the ball. What I thought was that during tough times, we needed at least one player to receive the ball in difficult positions. Even just standing there without the ball can change the situation, and I think we lacked that kind of movement. When surrounded by three or four opponents, just receiving the ball changes how the opposing defense operates, so I was watching the game hoping to create some kind of change.
Q: You mentioned that you want to cherish each day during the camp. How has your time been so far?
A: Last season, practice was enjoyable, and it continues to be so now. I have a clear understanding of what I can do and what I must do, and knowing exactly what needs to be done allows me to play soccer with great confidence and satisfaction. I don't have any unclear feelings, and I feel that what I need to do is very clear.
Q: Do you have a strong desire to lead the team more?
A, I still sometimes only think about myself, but I am gradually trying to change little by little as a person so that I can make choices in my play and actions while considering the team.
