Q, only one week left until the opening.
A, it's cold in Tokyo after returning from Okinawa (lol). The football I'm aiming for is still difficult, but I think I'm gradually understanding it, or rather, getting closer to the football the coach intends.
Q, Has the team as a whole started to share the image of the soccer they aim for?
A, while playing on the pitch, there are parts that we think would be better to do, and while playing, we also have new players coming in, so I think our combination is deepening as we think about it ourselves.
Q, Is it possible that even in scenes where you have sped up in the past, you may slow down due to voices from those around you?
A, Last season, we often sent the ball forward regardless of the situation, but now we use it depending on the situation. When we can attack quickly, we attack quickly, and when we need to securely connect the ball, we do so. I think it is important to make the decision to use it. We don't force ourselves to go forward, but we don't miss the chance when we can attack. If we can score with a pass behind the defense line, that's fine, but there is no opponent who will let us do it easily, so that's why we want to play soccer by controlling the ball, creating a rhythm, and pulling the opponent forward before passing behind them.
Q, How do you unify the team's consciousness in terms of usage?
A, I think it's about encouraging and raising awareness for everyone. As we continue to play games, I think there will be a common understanding of when we can and cannot go, so the level of completion or accuracy of judgment will increase.
Q, our opening opponent is Kawasaki F. Is there anything you are conscious of?
A, as the last season's champion, it would be good to play against them early on since we will eventually face each other. They also have new players joining and some players have transferred, so I don't think their team is perfect yet. We respect them, but we want to express our own style of soccer without fear and aim for it first.
