[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, What is your impression of Kyoto's intense soccer?
A, I expect tomorrow's match to be an attractive development for everyone. Based on last season's impression, (Kyoto) seemed to come more aggressively to press at home, and in away matches, they seemed to fight more defensively and ended up losing by conceding on the counter. So, I can expect them to come even more aggressively in tomorrow's match. High intensity is a characteristic of Kyoto. However, I also think we have the same strengths. We also want to dominate the match by showing equal or even greater intensity than them.
Q, Where do you feel the harvest was in the two home games?
A, of course there were gains.I am also telling the players, but in terms of player selection, I trust my own senses. In that sense, I have a good impression of the performance of players who have not been given much playing time in the recent Levain Cup. With that in mind, it would not be surprising if there were players from that squad who would be included in tomorrow's match. Especially at the beginning of the season, the squad is fluid and I believe it should be that way.
Q, I am looking forward to being able to make delicious dishes using various ingredients.
A, the season has just begun. The road ahead is still long. We expect our players to give their all on the pitch in every game as the team is still in a growth stage, and we demand high intensity play. Of course, mistakes will happen. Especially in the beginning stages of a new challenge. During these times, mistakes will happen, but we want to continue to grow without being discouraged.
Q, I think there were times when the ball didn't move forward during the Hiroshima and Iwata matches. Please let me know if there are any adjustments made in the build-up for tomorrow's game.
A, there were clear differences in these two matches, so I think there were also differences in the plays shown by the players. Especially in the Hiroshima match, there were parts where we struggled with the build-up against a team that came to press with a man-marking style. On the other hand, in the Iwata match, as our own challenge, I felt that our awareness of moving forward was particularly lacking in the first half, so I think that is an area that needs improvement. As I always say, I think this is also part of the process of the team's growth. The challenges we face in the game will vary depending on the opponent's game plan, so we want to overcome them one by one and continue to grow. In addition, whether we are in a leading situation or a tied situation also affects the flow of the game, so we want to control the game in a good way while taking that into consideration. The players have been able to train well this week. So, I think we are able to prepare for tomorrow's match with a good feeling.
Q, I think Kyoto is also a team that comes to press from the front. When considering that, what are the points where we can make use of the reflection of the Hiroshima game?
A, As the team grows with each game, I want to overcome the challenges of the Hiroshima game and prepare for tomorrow's match. In order to grow, we must face difficult challenges. Therefore, I believe that overcoming the challenges that arose in the Hiroshima game will lead to the team's growth in tomorrow's match. I trust the team. I would be happy if we could show our growth on the pitch tomorrow and show it to our fans and supporters by properly digesting the challenges that have emerged in recent games.
[Player Interview]
Kazuya KONNO
Q, your jersey number has changed to 17 this season. Do you have any special feelings about it?
A, I don't have any particular reason, but as I entered my third year as a professional, I thought about changing my jersey number and decided on number 17 after asking my parents and friends for their opinions.
Q, Do you want to create an image of player Konno as number 17 in Tokyo?
I want to make a name for myself with my performance.
Q, How do you feel about overcoming last season's major injury and entering this season smoothly? Please also tell us about your enthusiasm for your third year as a professional.
A, Our first goal this season is to play without any injuries. In order to do so, we are taking care and being more careful than ever before. Our condition is not 100%, but I believe that the key to maintaining a good state is taking care, so I want to continue to do so and make the most of my third year to be able to perform well in games. I want to cherish each day.
Q, how do you feel about the accuracy of your left foot kicks improving?
A, I don't think my senses are bad, but I want to push myself further and improve by 1 or 2 levels. My condition is decent, so I believe that if I continue to work on my body's sharpness and ball touch through self-practice, I can reach 100 percent.
Q, Did you feel a big impact on your mental state after scoring last season?
A, not being able to score as a professional was a turning point for me. In the past two seasons, I was unable to play in games, but I had confidence that I could produce results if given the opportunity. This season, I have had more chances to play in games and although I have only scored one goal, I feel like I can score more. I also believe that I can contribute to the team, and I want to continue playing in games.
Q, it seems like you have a good sense for shooting.
When I have the ball in a good position, I have the image of looking at the goal and taking a shot. I think the reason I can shoot with a good feeling is because I have no hesitation.
Q: Do you feel like you are able to fully showcase your strengths?
A, I think there is no point in being selected if you lose in dribbling because it is a weapon. I have confidence in my dribbling and I also have pride that I never want to lose. I am conscious of it and play every game.
Q, During the Hiroshima match, there were times when the ball didn't enter the front line. What were you conscious of as a side player during the game?
A, We were playing against a three-back team for the first time this season in the Hiroshima match, so we were imagining our movements towards space, anticipating a four-back. However, it was difficult to find space and we tried to improve while talking during the game, but it didn't work out well. Through practice after the game, we were able to discuss within the team how to play against a three-back opponent, so I think we will be able to respond when we play against the same system next time.
Q, I think Kyoto will come pressing hard from the front line, but where can we use the lessons learned from previous games?
A, In the previous match, as a team, we were too focused on defending from the front and ended up playing a lot of long balls. If we trust in our own skills and play without fear of the opponent's defense, and also consider the distance between players, I believe we can break through their defense.
Q, we are going for our third consecutive win.
As the coach also mentioned, since we have consecutive games, this will be an important match for us to gain momentum. There are few teams that have won consecutive games, so if we can win three in a row, we have a chance to rise to the top. Therefore, I think tomorrow's match is important.
Q, How is the cooperation with Adailton?
A, he always looks at the opposite side and the coach also tells him to be aware of it. When Adailton has the ball, I am always ready for the ball to come from the opposite side.
Q, what is your impression of Kyoto?
A, the image of coming aggressively from the front line. I want to play with the awareness of not letting the opponent make a good pass by defending from the front line because Peter UTAKA is the most dangerous player in the front line.
Q, What is the appeal and fun of playing on the side?
A, you are asked to receive the ball on the sideline and create chances through dribbling or running behind. It's a type of soccer where you can showcase your own strengths, so I can play with enjoyment.
Q, what kind of play is being demanded by the coach?
A, the coach has told us to play with freedom and come up with our own ideas on attack. When we have the ball, we value creativity.
