Q: How do you perceive your personal progress during the preseason?
A. Until now, I have been playing the style of football under former coach Kenta HASEGAWA, but starting this season, it has changed to the style of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA. Tactically, it has changed drastically, and the plays I need to execute have also changed significantly. There were various trial and error processes, but during the camp, I kept trying, and within that, there were not only successes but also errors. However, I corrected them myself and refined my play. Personally, I need to improve even more, but I think I have been able to prepare very well.
Q: How do you feel about the team's preparation?
During the camp, there were many practice matches, and I feel that through trial and error, we are getting significantly better with each game we play.
Q: It seems that the competition has intensified since returning to Kodaira. What are your thoughts on this?
A, this is the essence of football, so it should be intense. While we are teammates, it is a world of fierce competition, so I think it's natural for it to be intense.
Q: What impression do you have of Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's soccer?
Of course, people are running more and working hard, but you always say, "Stand in the right position and first move the ball to make the opponent run." Once that happens, naturally, quicker decisions and one-touch plays increase. While that involves skill, the ability to think and execute quickly is highly demanded, and I believe we need to focus more on that.
Q: What is required of a sideback player?
A, it feels like I should open up when it's time to do so. It depends on the situation, but there are times when I receive the ball by opening up, and there are also times when I can effectively utilize the outside players by narrowing down. By taking a slightly lower position, I can create passing lanes for the center backs and the goalkeeper, and there isn't really a fixed pattern for that; it's a part where I have to continuously make judgments based on the situation. It's a very difficult aspect, but I feel like my thoughts are gradually becoming clearer now, so I believe that reducing mistakes in that area and executing accurately will lead to good plays.
Q: Finally, please tell us your thoughts on this season.
A, I am not thinking much about injuries anymore. At the point where I start talking about injuries, it becomes an excuse. Since I have a new knee, I want to forget about the injuries in a good way, and since every year is a year of competition, I want to focus on the quality right in front of me.
