Q, How many players returned after the Avispa Fukuoka match, and how much did the options expand?
A, Fortunately, most of the players have returned and only 3 or 4 players are still unable to play. Next week, everyone will be back. However, for tomorrow's game, we are able to select a good team. Of course, our physical condition is not yet 100%, but as shown in the Fukuoka game, I believe we can still fight well even if our condition is not at 100%.
Q, there was talk of a 20% completion rate at the opening game. What aspects are you currently focusing on?
A, I commented that the completion level was 20% after the opening game, but let me explain a little more about that. When the completion level reaches 100%, please think of it as having the ability to win the AFC Champions League, at a level of 100%. Based on that, I think it can be said that the season will be a success if the completion level reaches 60% by the end of this season. And if we can raise the completion level from 60% to 80% in the second season, I think we will be growing smoothly. The reason why we are able to rapidly increase the team's completion level this season is because the individual quality of the players is high, and many of them have a mentality to win. Furthermore, the players have the motivation to learn a new playing style, which is a factor that accelerates the improvement of the team's completion level.
We have been preparing for about 5 weeks for the opening match against Kawasaki Frontale, and I think there were many new concepts for them. After the opening match, two more weeks have passed, but unfortunately there were also infection situations, so we have focused on recovering physical condition and reviewing the concepts we learned in the preseason rather than adding new concepts. The results of the first two matches were not what we wanted, but we were able to surpass the opponent in other numerical aspects. However, we must calmly accept the reality that we have not been able to win the match because we lost in terms of goals.
If we had lost the game and had not been able to create many decisive chances, it would have been a big problem, but that was not the case. In the Fukuoka game, there were multiple shots that hit the post and we were able to create many decisive chances. There were also multiple situations where the opponent cleared the ball right on the goal line. Of course, our goal is to win the game, but even if we can't, it is positive that our efforts to create many decisive chances are reflected in the numbers. To further improve the team's completeness, it is important to work on new concepts. It is important to deepen mutual understanding within the team and increase maturity so that we can play more automatically. However, the season has just begun. It is natural to make big mistakes at this time and for them to affect the game results.
Q, Even though there were restrictions on player selection, Diego OLIVEIRA was used in the opening game and Keita YAMASHITA was used in the Fukuoka game. What are the key points in selecting players for that position?
A, both are high-quality players. Throughout the season, there is no doubt that both will make a significant contribution to the team. Choosing between the two of them is not just about the position, but rather, it will be based on my sense of the players' performance that week, rather than considering the opponent team's characteristics.
Q, what tasks does the coach expect from their position?
A, the first thing is to continue making movements that disrupt the balance of the opponent's defense. It is a job that requires scoring goals, but we also expect movements that bring depth to the attack and movements between the lines. In other words, we are asking for everything from the center forward. In this day and age, I think it's only natural.
Q, Do you have any points to be aware of for tomorrow's opponent, Cerezo Osaka, who has many players with experience in the Japan national team?
A, of course, we recognize that there are many high-quality players. It is natural for them to make good plays if we give them room. And I think that this team values combination plays. We also value combination plays, but we want to demand more aggressive plays than the opposing team. We also have multiple high-quality veteran players. In addition, there are several young players who make bold plays, so we want to continue giving them opportunities. In that sense, I hope tomorrow's match will be an attractive one for everyone. We want to create more decisive chances than the opposing team and score more goals to win.
Q, there is an impression that young players are actively used.
A, (Matsuki) Kuryu was used as a starter in the Kawasaki game, but he was chosen as a starter because I felt he was suitable for it without considering the effects of the new coronavirus infection. It is noteworthy that young players are given opportunities, but age becomes important off the pitch. Off the pitch, you must respect your superiors. However, age does not matter the moment you step onto the pitch, and I also make player selections without worrying about age. In that process, there will be opportunities for veteran players, and the same can be said for young players. I want to make good choices while maintaining that balance. If young players playing in Japan want to grow even more, I hope they will gather at FC Tokyo.
