Q: How is the team's preparation going for the season opener?
As the opening approaches, the team's atmosphere and condition are gradually improving. This season, we are playing a different style of football compared to last season, and everyone is focused and listening to the coach's instructions. We need to express ourselves on the pitch during the matches, but everyone is in a good mood, and motivation is rising as we head towards the opening.
Q: Has the awareness of the entire team been unified?
We have had several practice matches, but it is important to instill our tactical intentions and unify everyone's thoughts. I believe we are gradually coming together through practice and practice matches. I don't know how much we can show on the pitch in the opening match, but I want us to work together as one.
Q: When maintaining possession of the ball and calming it down during the match, and when quickly moving the ball forward to attack, unity of intention within the team is key.
It is important to have possession not just for the sake of possession, but to take goals. I believe everyone has a common understanding of that. On the other hand, if there is space behind the FW, we will aim for it, and I think everyone is able to play while not being overly fixated on possession.
Q: I believe that covering a wide area of the pitch is one of your strengths, but how do you balance that with positional play?
I need to play in a way that showcases my strengths while also executing the positional play that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA requires. I aim to focus on playing for the team rather than for myself, and while fulfilling the role expected of me by the team, I hope to also express my own characteristics.
Q: Towards the opening match against Kawasaki Frontale.
A, they are the opponents we couldn't beat last season, and since it's the Tamagawa Classico, we are really motivated. It's also the opening match for the entire J-League, so I want to maintain a high level of motivation while playing.
