Q: How many players have returned after the Avispa Fukuoka match, and how much have the options expanded?
A, fortunately, most players have returned, and only about 3 or 4 are still unable to play. By next week, everyone will be back. However, for tomorrow's match, we are in a position to select a good lineup. Of course, the physical condition is not back to 100%, but as shown in the match against Fukuoka, I believe we can still fight effectively even if we are not at 100% condition.
Q: There was a mention that the completion level was at 20% during the opening match. What aspects are you focusing on now?
A commented that the team's completeness was at 20% after the opening match, but let me explain that in a bit more detail. When we reach 100% completeness, please think of it as having the capability to win the AFC Champions League. With that in mind, if we reach 60% completeness by the end of this season, I believe we can consider it a significant success. Furthermore, if in the second season we can raise that 60% completeness to 80%, I think we can say we are growing steadily. The reason we are able to rapidly increase the team's completeness this season is due to the high quality of individual players and the fact that many of them possess a competitive mentality. Additionally, the players' willingness to learn a new playing style is also a factor that accelerates the improvement of the team's completeness.
We have been preparing for about five weeks for the opening match against Kawasaki Frontale, and I think there were many new concepts for them. Two weeks have passed since the opening match, but unfortunately, due to the infection situation and other factors, we have focused more on recovering physical condition and reviewing the concepts learned during the preseason rather than adding new concepts. The results of the last two matches were not what we hoped for, but in other statistical areas, we were able to outperform our opponents. However, we must calmly acknowledge the reality that we have not won the matches because we lost in terms of goals.
I think it is a big problem if we lose a match and are unable to create many decisive chances, but in reality, that was not the case. In the match against Fukuoka, there were several shots that hit the post, and we were able to create many decisive chances. There were also several situations where the opponent cleared the ball right on the goal line. Of course, we aim to win matches, but even if we couldn't win, the fact that we continued to aim for goals and created many decisive chances is something to view positively in the numbers. To further enhance the team's completeness, it is important to work on new concepts. Deepening mutual understanding within the team and increasing our maturity to play more automatically is essential. However, the season has just begun. It is natural to make significant mistakes during this period, and those can affect match results.
Q: Although there were restrictions on player selection, Diego OLIVEIRA was used in the opening match, and Keita YAMASHITA was used in the match against Fukuoka. What are the key points when selecting players for that position?
A, both are high-quality players. Throughout the season, there is no doubt that both will greatly contribute to the team. The choice of which of the two to select applies to any position, but I believe it will be based more on my feeling after watching the players' performances that week rather than considering the characteristics of the opposing team.
Q: What tasks does the coach require for their position?
A, first of all, it is important to continue movements that disrupt the opponent's defensive balance. While scoring goals is the primary job required, movements behind the defense are also necessary to add depth to the attack, as well as movements between the lines. In other words, we expect everything from the center forward. I believe this is a given in today's era.
Q: Tomorrow's opponent, Cerezo Osaka, has many players with experience in the Japan national team. Are there any points you are paying attention to?
A, of course, I recognize that there are many high-quality players. If we give them space, it is natural that they will play well. I believe it is a team that values combination play. We also emphasize combination play, but we want to demand more aggressive play than the opposing team. We have several high-quality veteran players as well. In addition, there are several young players who are making bold plays, so I want to continue giving them opportunities. In that sense, I hope tomorrow's match will be attractive 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 utilized.
A, in the match against Kawasaki, I used Kuryu MATSUKI in the starting lineup without considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at all, as I felt he was deserving of a starting position. While there is a focus on giving young players opportunities, I believe age is important outside the pitch. Outside the pitch, we must respect our seniors. However, the moment we step onto the pitch, age does not matter, and I also select players without worrying about age. Within that, there may be opportunities for veteran players, and the same can be said for young players. I want to make good choices while maintaining a good balance. If young players who are playing in Japan want to grow further, I hope they will gather at FC Tokyo.
