[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, I think the members will change in the league and cup matches, but how did you incorporate the issues that came up in the Hiroshima match into your preparations?
A, I believe that just like in life, a team must continue to grow by playing games. However, since the opposing team changes, we must also understand that each game is a different story. The difficult situations that may occur in a game will vary depending on the characteristics of the opposing team's play. Of course, we are working on the challenges of the Hiroshima game as a team. However, if the characteristics of the opposing team change, the possible occurrences in the game will also change. We are preparing for tomorrow's opponent based on their characteristics.
Q, I think Iwata is a team that moves the ball, and their style is different from Hiroshima. I have an image that is closer to Tokyo.
A, I don't necessarily feel that it is close to our playing style. I think Hiroshima also aimed to play with the ball. And Iwata has a tendency to aim for fast play, even though the coach has changed. As I mentioned earlier, the preparation for the game changes depending on the opponent's characteristics, and it means that our game plan will change depending on the opponent's defensive method. I think that every club tends to use a lot of young players in the Levain Cup. In that sense, there is a possibility that the characteristics of the team expressed in the league will also come out in the Levain Cup, but there may be some differences.
Q, In the Levain Cup Fukuoka match on March 2nd, young players such as Yuta ARAI and Yuki KAJIURA showed lively plays. What do you expect from them?
A, The Levain Cup Fukuoka match the other day was a very difficult situation for player selection due to the influence of the new coronavirus infection. I also have a desire to give many opportunities to young players in the Levain Cup. However, in terms of returning to condition, several players who play as the core of the team need playing time. I would like to make good use of tomorrow's Levain Cup, including raising the condition. In any case, I would be happy if I could give more young players a chance in tomorrow's match. As you know, I am one of the coaches who expect the growth of young players. However, I also want to make use of giving playing opportunities to players who need to raise their condition due to the influence of the new coronavirus infection.
[Player Interview]
＜Keita YAMASHITA＞
Q, How do you feel about the response while challenging a new play style?
A, We are also fine-tuning the details in front of the opponent's goal during practice. After that, I think it would be good to continue increasing our success experiences in games.
Q, Is the image of the attack getting better day by day?
A, I am working on it from practice, but not only me, but also because I have few successful experiences in the game and it is still early days for cooperation with my teammates, I want to keep challenging and improving in that area.
Q, Is it your image that you want to shoot more and increase your chances, Mr. Yamashita?
A, I think that the more times I shoot, the more goal chances I will have, and my own rhythm will also come out. However, I cannot do it alone, so I want to increase communication with the players around me.
Q, what kind of battle do you think will be necessary for the Iwata match?
A, I think the opponent's members will also change, but there are still many players with quality. We can't let our guard down, and right now, rather than worrying about the opponent, I think it's important to focus on how we can embody the soccer we've been practicing. So, as a team, I want to try to do that.
<Hotaka NAKAMURA>
Q, 2 wins and 2 losses in 4 official matches since the start of the season. How do you feel looking back on the battles so far?
As Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA also mentioned, I think we have been doing well so far in challenging a new style. With each practice and game, I believe the quality of our football is gradually improving.
Q, What kind of response does player Nakamura himself have to the new style centered around positional play?
A, I am more of a type that uses physical strength and intensity in ball battles as my weapon, so I feel like I am studying new soccer from scratch. There are many things required of a fullback, and it is difficult, but I knew that from the beginning. However, I also feel a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment from it.
Q, Last season, you experienced a long-term absence of about six months due to injury from April. Do you have strong feelings for this season?
A, I think it depends on myself how I can make meaning when I was absent due to injury. During the period when I couldn't play soccer, I also had negative emotions, but I have been conscious of understanding and controlling myself objectively so as not to be swayed by emotions. I think it will be important from now on to apply such thinking to my life as a soccer player.
Q, please give your enthusiasm to the fans and supporters for the upcoming Iwata match.
A, The team's playing style has changed significantly compared to last season, but my goal of becoming a player who can lead Tokyo to victory has not changed at all. In order to achieve that, I need to continue to grow and demand more from myself, playing with more ambition and passion. I want to contribute more to the team and focus on results such as goals and assists. I will play with all my might to convey this attitude to the fans and supporters, so please fight with me!
Official Match Day Program is here!
