Q: Please tell us your impression of Kawasaki Frontale, who you will be facing tomorrow.
A, Kawasaki Frontale is a team that has been playing with the same play style for many years and gives a strong impression of completeness. On the other hand, Tokyo is a team that has completely changed their play style since last season and is undergoing a transformation. For tomorrow's match, our focus is on sticking to our play style and fighting to win. The completeness of the team is higher for Kawasaki, but it is important for each player to prove their quality on the pitch in order to close that gap. It will be a difficult match, as it is our first game at the stadium of the team that has won the league consecutively, but we are determined to achieve a good result by focusing on victory. The players of Tokyo also have high quality and have had a great pre-season for the past month, creating a new play style. I believe we can have a great battle tomorrow.
Q, What is the "Classico" for the coach for tomorrow's Tama River Classico?
A, there are various classics in the world, and each classic has a strong determination to win. That's why I try to fight naturally. By understanding it as a special match and treating it as one game, I can calmly fight.
Q, You mentioned that you want to show your own style while being committed to winning, but I think it's difficult to balance both. Will you focus on erasing Kawasaki's strengths or sticking to your own style?
A, I always believe that I am the most important. I think that if we can express our playing style, our chances of winning will increase. However, football matches involve various elements. For example, when and how the first goal is scored, and which team it goes to. Luck plays a role, and the direction of loose balls can also affect the flow of the game. That is the nature of football. If we focus too much on trying to eliminate the opponent's strengths, we may end up losing our own strengths. Right now, we are in a stage of growth with our new playing style. In that sense, we are focusing on how this team will grow along with our playing style. At this point, it is impossible for us to fully express our playing style, as it is not yet 100% complete. Especially during matches, various events can occur, so we need to make adjustments and make every effort to express our playing style. I believe that the team's playing style and completeness will improve as we play more official matches, as we have only just begun.
Q, Is the starting lineup for tomorrow already decided as of the day before?
A, of course, when it comes to coaches, it's about predicting the opponent's team members and coming up with a strategy. Everyone does it, but I also pay attention to a few key players. However, rather than focusing on the opponent's team, I am more focused on the state of our own players and whether they can give their all. For example, every opponent knows how Manchester City plays, but they still struggle to contain their strengths for 90 minutes. What I'm trying to say is that it's difficult to neutralize the strengths of a well-rounded team. I believe that if we can express our own play at a high level, we have a high chance of winning the game. In that sense, I am focused on my own team.
Q, I think it will be your first season as a coach in the top league category. You said you were calm, but do you feel excited?
A, first of all, I am calm because I am 53 years old. I have accumulated various experiences in my life. In that sense, I am not nervous for tomorrow's game. However, I am excited. I started coaching at the age of 16, and since then I have always approached each game with passion, and this time is no different. What I always keep in mind is that it is just a soccer game. There are many things more important in life than a soccer game. In that sense, I want to approach tomorrow's game calmly without exaggerating its importance.
