[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: We have a distant away game (Sapporo) this weekend, but I think we can adjust similarly to a home game with tomorrow's nearby away game (Shonan). How is the team's condition?
Yes, we have enough players. There is no problem as the team is composed of a large number of players. I believe the Levain Cup is an opportunity to give young players a chance, and I want to utilize those who have not had many opportunities to play in league matches to help them regain their game sense. With that in mind, I would like to select the players and prepare for tomorrow's match.
Q: You just played against Shonan two weeks ago and conceded one goal. What improvements are you making?
We have conveyed to the players that the Levain Cup is more about our own play than the league matches. We want to encourage the improvement of our playing style. There is a difference in pressure between the league matches and the Levain Cup. We want to view that environment positively and connect it to the team's growth. I believe that is more important than the opponent or past matches. Of course, we are analyzing Shonan's play in preparation for tomorrow's match, but both Shonan and we expect changes in the lineup compared to the match two weeks ago, so we can anticipate a new match. In that sense, I think the matches in the Levain Cup will unfold differently from the league matches.
Q, I believe you mentioned that the attacks from the central area have been growing recently, but I think breaking through from the middle is not easy and takes time. Is this a point to level up in the future?
I don't think there are many secrets. First, it's important to build up practice with a clear playing style. We focus on details every day, making adjustments and improvements. Additionally, it's crucial to persuade and convince the players. This can be encouraged through individual conversations, as well as meetings using video. Another factor is time. We have only been three months into starting this new style. In that sense, I don't believe a highly complete team can be formed in an instant. It will take months or even years. This season, we aim to accumulate points while being committed to winning, and to promote the growth of the team. Of course, there will be matches where we can fully express our playing style. On the other hand, there will also be matches that are far from that. Even considering the unstable flow, we aim to grow while steadily accumulating points by focusing on winning every match. This change has been very difficult since the beginning of the season, so I hope our fans and supporters will watch patiently.
Q: You mentioned using young players last time, and you used Hirakawa. Please tell us your evaluation. Also, what about the use of young players in this match?
A, in my mind, there are several players I am thinking of using in new positions tomorrow. I hope you can look forward to that again tomorrow. Of course, while being particular about the competition, I want to encourage the growth of players who have not been given much playing time and young players, while maintaining a balance between both as we approach tomorrow's match.
Q: What kind of play are you expecting from player Hirakawa?
A, Rei HIRAKAWA has good technical skills. However, playing the anchor position requires a balance in defense. The balance in defense is an area he needs to learn a bit more about. He is focused on his training and has been improving, so I believe we can expect further growth. I am looking forward to the growth and performance of not only him but also other players. I have a desire to try multiple players, and I want to utilize the Levain Cup to increase our options for player selection in the league matches.
[Player Interview]
<Go HATANO>
Q: The opponent is the same as the match two weeks ago, what do you want to be careful about?
A, we conceded one goal last time, but we have been able to correct that. In the match, we want to challenge crosses and respond in a way that prevents shots from being taken.
Q: I don't think the responsibility for conceding goals lies solely with the goalkeeper. Have you made adjustments to the way the organization operates?
Personally, I was caught off guard by the sudden speed, so I would like to make adjustments to be a step quicker.
Q: How do you assess the maturity of the defense while watching the league match from the pitch side?
I think we should improve raising the line when the opponent is facing backwards. I believe I can correct the details with my voice during the Shonan match, so while taking on leadership, I want to lead the team even though the members will change significantly.
Q: What do you usually set as your theme?
A, there is no particular theme, but since I will be playing in the match, I want to focus on helping the team win. I have been eager to play in matches recently, so I want to do my best to showcase my strengths and earn a high evaluation here. I want to play in a way that helps the team win.
Q: From Go HATANO's perspective, what do you think are the factors contributing to accumulating points?
By challenging ourselves with new things, discussing improvements together after the match, and making corrections in practice, I believe we are enhancing our performance for the next match and accumulating points. Tomorrow, the lineup will change, but I want to overwhelm our opponents while maintaining high expectations.
Q: With Coach Fujiwara's appointment, I believe there will be many stimulating experiences. What are your thoughts on this?
A, what is different from last season is not only the number of shots taken during practice, but also the variety of drills related to second and third actions. This season is more fulfilling in a different way compared to last season, and I want to showcase the results in matches. I want to play confidently with what I have prepared.
Q: I think Coach Fujiwara's bright character is similar to Player Go HATANO. Don't you think it can also uplift the team's spirit?
A, I think so. I am working with high motivation in a positive way. I believe we have built a good relationship.
Q: Are there any growth or changes in the technical aspects compared to last season?
A: I haven't been able to play much in the matches, so I don't feel much change, but the scene where I stopped a mid-range shot in the Levain Cup match against Júbilo Iwata was a moment where I overcame a challenge that I had been working on during practice by receiving a lot of shots. I think that was good, and I want to continue doing that.
Q: What do you think about the presence of Kuba (Jakub SLOWIK)?
A, when I was in my first year, there were players like Hayashi and Yu OKUBO who were rated higher than me, so I feel like I'm returning to my roots, experiencing the same feelings as back then. I'm playing with the mindset of reclaiming my position, so I want to keep leveling up without showing any weaknesses. Kuba is also playing at 100% in daily practice and is always preparing to play in matches, so I want to learn from that.
