[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: What is your impression of Kyoto's high-intensity soccer?
A, I expect tomorrow's match to be an exciting development for everyone. Based on last season's impressions, Kyoto seemed to come at us more aggressively at home, while in away matches, they played more defensively, conceding goals on counterattacks and losing. Therefore, I anticipate they will come at us more aggressively in tomorrow's match. High intensity is a characteristic of Kyoto. However, I believe we also possess the same strengths. We want to demonstrate an intensity equal to or greater than theirs and dominate the match.
Q: What do you feel were the gains from the two home matches?
A, of course there were some gains.I have communicated this to the players, but I trust my instincts when it comes to player selection. In that sense, I have a good impression of the players who have not had much playing time performing well in the recent Levain Cup. Considering that, it wouldn't be surprising if some players from that group make it into the lineup for tomorrow's match. Especially at the beginning of the season, the lineup tends to be fluid, and I believe it should be.
Q: I hope to create delicious dishes using various ingredients.
A, the season has just begun. There is still a long way to go. We expect the players to give their all on the pitch in every match as the team is in a growth phase, and we demand high-intensity play. Of course, mistakes will happen. Especially now, as we are in the initial stage of starting a new challenge. During such times, mistakes occur, but we want to continue to grow steadily without being discouraged.
Q: I think there were times in the matches against Hiroshima and Yamagata when the ball didn't move forward. Please let me know if there are any adjustments made in the buildup for tomorrow's match.
A, there was a clear difference between these two matches, and I believe there were differences in the plays shown by the players as well. In particular, during the match against Hiroshima, we struggled with build-up play against a team that pressed us with man-marking. On the other hand, in the match against Iwata, I felt that our awareness of moving forward, especially in the first half, was lacking, and that is an area we need to improve. As I always say, I believe this is also part of the team's growth process. The challenges we face during matches vary depending on the opponent's game plan, so I want to overcome each of those challenges and continue to grow. Additionally, whether we are in a leading situation or a tied situation also affects the flow of the game, so I want to control the match well while taking that into account. This week, the players have been able to accumulate good training. Therefore, I believe we are preparing for tomorrow's match with a good sense of readiness.
Q: I think Kyoto is a team that comes to press from the front. Considering that, what aspects can we utilize from the reflections on the Hiroshima match?
As we play more matches, the team grows, so I want to overcome the challenges from the Hiroshima match and prepare for tomorrow's game. In order to grow, we must encounter challenges that are difficult to overcome. Therefore, I believe that overcoming the challenges that arose in the Hiroshima match will lead to the team's growth. I trust the team. I would be happy if we can properly digest the challenges that have come up in recent matches and show our growth on the pitch tomorrow to all the fans and supporters.
[Player Interview]
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q: Your jersey number changed to 17 this season. Do you have any special feelings about it?
Well, I don't have any particular reason, but since it's my third year as a professional, I was thinking about changing my jersey number. I asked my parents and friends among the available numbers and decided on number 17.
Q: Do you want to create an image of player Kono for number 17 in Tokyo?
I want to perform in a way that creates a strong image.
Q: I think you have successfully entered this season after overcoming a major injury last season. What are your thoughts on this? Please share your enthusiasm for your third year as a professional.
A. This season's primary goal is to play without injuries. To achieve that, I am taking care of myself more than ever. My condition is not at 100%, but I believe the key to maintaining a good state is care, so I want to continue that. Since this is my third year, being able to perform well in matches will be crucial, so I want to cherish each day.
Q: I think the accuracy of your left foot kick has improved. How does it feel?
A, the feeling is not bad, but I think I can raise it another one or two levels, so I want to pursue that. My condition is fairly good, so if I continue to work on my body’s sharpness and ball touch through self-training, I believe I can reach 100 percent.
Q: It seems that you were able to move on after last season's goal. Did it have a significant impact on your mindset as well?
A turning point for me was that I hadn't been able to score as a professional. I didn't get to play last season or the season before, but I was confident that if given the chance, I could deliver results. This season, I've had more opportunities to play, and although I've only scored one goal so far, I feel that I can score more. I believe I can contribute to the team beyond just scoring, and I want to prioritize continuing to play in matches.
Q: It seems like you have a good feel for shooting.
When I have the ball in a good position, I can visualize shooting at the goal. I believe that having no hesitation is a factor that allows me to strike with a good feeling.
Q, do you feel that you are able to showcase your strengths well?
A, dribbling is my weapon, so if I lose there, I think it loses its meaning to be utilized. I have confidence in my dribbling and I have pride that I absolutely do not want to lose. I am conscious of that and play with it in every match.
Q: In the match against Hiroshima, there were times when the ball didn't reach the front line. As a side player, what were you focusing on while playing?
A, in the match against Hiroshima, we faced a three-back team for the first time this season, so we envisioned movements into space as a team, assuming a four-back setup. However, it was quite difficult to find space, and while we tried to improve during the match by communicating, it didn't go well. Through practice after the match, we were able to discuss how to play against a three-back opponent within the team, so I believe we will be able to respond better when we face a team with the same system next time.
Q: I think Kyoto will apply pressure from the front line, but what points can we utilize from our reflections on previous matches?
In the last match, as a team, we became anxious about defending from the front and ended up playing a lot of long balls. I believe that if we play without fearing the opponent's defense and trust our own skills, while considering the distance between players, we can break through the opponent's defense.
Q: We are aiming for a third consecutive win.
As the coach mentioned, this will be an important match to gain momentum since we have consecutive games. There are few teams in other leagues that are on winning streaks, and if we can achieve three consecutive wins, it will be a chance to rise in the rankings, so I believe tomorrow's match is crucial.
Q: It seems that the collaboration with Adailton is going well, what do you think?
A always keeps an eye on the opposite side, and the coach has also instructed us to be aware of it. When Adailton has the ball, I am always prepared for the ball to come from the opposite side.
Q: What is your impression of Kyoto?
A, the image is to come aggressively from the front. Peter UTAKA is the most dangerous player at the front, so I want to play with the awareness of defending from the front to prevent the opponent from making good passes.
Q: What are the joys and interesting aspects of playing on the side?
A, you are required to receive the ball along the sideline and create chances through dribbling and runs behind. It is a style of football that allows you to showcase your characteristics, so I am enjoying playing.
Q: What kind of play is being requested by the coach?
The coach has said that he wants us to play with our own ideas in attack. When we have the ball, we value our creativity.
