Q, please review the Kashiwa game.
A, during the attack, I played while being conscious of picking up second balls near Diego, but in the first half, I couldn't get involved with the ball well. In the second half, we were able to increase the time playing soccer in the opponent's court, but I think not being able to score is an issue.
Q. I believe you are aiming to play a more attacking style of football than last season, but has what is required changed?
A. I believe that compared to last season, there is a greater demand for forward momentum and intensity in play. It is important to play while considering the balance of positions, but personally, I thought that in the previous match, pushing into the opponent's territory was better than circulating the ball at the back. In the match against Kashiwa as well, I focused on playing by pressing forward in the opponent's half. Moving forward, I hope to adapt well depending on the flow of the game and who is on the field.
Q: You started on the bench in the opening match and played as a starting member in the match against Kashiwa. What do you want to focus on in the match against Kyoto?
Also, with Matsuki away on national team duties and Abe injured, I believe whether I can seize this opportunity or not is up to me. I think the players who focus on results and can lead the team to victory are the ones who get to take the pitch, and I want to play with the awareness of playing for the team.
Q: Do you want to be involved in scoring?
A, I think the score is the most visible result. If you continue to produce results, those around you will see you as a player who can deliver results, and you can become a threat to the opponent. I want to be strongly committed to that.
Q: After scoring two goals last season, I seized the opportunity to be in the starting lineup.
A, I think being able to score as an inside half is very attractive. It is also a great plus for the team, and even if it is not a starting appearance but a substitute appearance, the opponent will recognize it as an unpleasant presence, and I want to give that impression.
Q: Did the team have a pattern prepared for the scoring scene?
A, Nakamura made a good throw, and we were able to break away when the opponent became a ball watcher. Watanabe skillfully disrupted the defense, allowing the ball to reach Adailton, who scored. I want to thank Nakamura.
Q: What is the secret to being able to showcase your good plays instantly?
A, I think it's important how much you think about connecting to the goal. I am always watching Diego TABA and thinking about how to directly lead to a goal.
Q: I think Tsukagawa has a strong heading ability.
A, this is also one of my strengths. During my time in J2, I was able to score goals with headers. For a player with a physique like mine to make runs from the second line, I think opponents find it the most troublesome. I am always aiming for that, and since it is one of my strengths, I want to keep targeting it consistently.
Q: The Levain Cup is starting soon, and the number of matches is increasing.
A, I am a player who focuses on the match in front of me. I can't think about what comes before or after, so I want to deliver results firmly in the match at hand and fight for the team.
Q: After the match, the coach mentioned that all the players who returned to the locker room looked regretful.
In the final moments when we were down a player, considering the balance, normally we would have pulled back, but everyone was pushing forward to score. When you are one player short, there is a tendency to become defensive. However, this season, we are aiming for the championship, and we have the players capable of making that happen. In that sense, the fact that everyone unified with the attitude to go for goals even when one player down is a very positive aspect. The mentality to score and win even with 10 players is important. Things are moving in a very good direction, and the competition within the team has become fiercer than last season. Everyone's hunger is heading in a very positive direction.
