[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, We have an away game (Sapporo) in a distant place this weekend, but I think we can adjust tomorrow at a nearby away game (Shonan) just like a home game. How is the team's condition?
A, the number of players is complete. There is no problem as the team is organized with a large number of people. And I think the Levain Cup is a chance for young players, and I also want to use it to give players who have not had the opportunity to play in the league a chance to regain their game sense. Based on that, I want to select players and prepare for tomorrow's game.
Q, We just played against Shonan two weeks ago and conceded one goal. What improvements are you making?
A, As we have also conveyed to the players, the Levain Cup is more important for our own play than the league. We also want to promote an improvement in our playing style. The pressure in the league and the Levain Cup is different. We want to use that environment to our advantage and contribute to the growth of the team. We believe that this is more important than the opponent or past matches. Of course, we are analyzing Shonan's play and practicing for tomorrow, but both Shonan and us are expected to have changes in our lineup from the match two weeks ago, so we can expect a new match. In that sense, I think the Levain Cup match will have a different development than the league match.
Q, Recently, we were talking about how the central attack has also been growing, but I don't think it's easy to break through from the center and it will take time. Is this going to be a point to level up in the future?
A, I don't think there are many secrets. The first thing is to practice with a clear playing style. We focus on the details every day and make corrections and improvements. In addition, it is important to convince and persuade the players. We are encouraged to talk individually and also to use videos in meetings. Another important factor is time. It has only been three months since we started with a new style. In that sense, I don't think we can create a team with a high level of completion in an instant. It will take months or even years. Our goal for this season is to accumulate points while pursuing victory and promoting the team's growth. Of course, there may be games where we can fully express our playing style. On the other hand, there may also be games that are far from it. Despite the unstable flow, we aim to grow by accumulating points and focusing on winning every game. It is very difficult to make this change from the beginning of the season, so we hope that the fans and supporters will patiently watch over us.
Q, In our previous conversation, we talked about using young players, and we used player Hirakawa. Can you give us your evaluation? Also, what do you think about using young players in this game?
A, In my head, there are some players that I am planning to use in several positions tomorrow. I hope you can look forward to it tomorrow. Of course, while sticking to the game, I want to use players who have not been given much playing time and young players to encourage growth, and maintain a balance between the two for tomorrow's game.
Q, What kind of play are you expecting from Player Hirakawa?
A, (Rei) HIRAKAWA has good technical skills. However, when playing the anchor position, defensive balance becomes important. Defensive balance is an area he still needs to learn more about. He is focused on training and has been improving, so I expect further growth from him. I also expect growth and success from other players. I also have a desire to try out multiple players and use the Levain Cup to increase our options for player selection in the league.
[Player Interview]
Go HATANO
Q, What do you want to be careful about when playing against the same opponent as the one you played against two weeks ago?
A, we have conceded one goal in the previous match, but we have been able to make adjustments. In the game, we want to challenge for crosses and prevent shots from being taken.
Q, I don't think conceding a goal is solely the responsibility of the goalkeeper. Have you made any changes to the organization's approach?
A, Personally, I would like to make adjustments to be able to put it in with a moment's speed and make it one beat faster.
Q, How do you feel about the maturity of the defense when watching the league game from the sidelines?
A, I think it would be better to improve raising the line when the opponent is facing backwards. I think I can make adjustments with my voice in the Shonan game, so I want to lead the team while the members change significantly.
Q, What is the theme that you usually have as your goal?
A, There is no particular theme, but if I play in the game, I want to stick to winning for the team, and I am hungry for the game recently, so I want to do my best to get a high evaluation by showing my strengths here. I want to make plays that will lead the team to victory.
Q, What do you think is the reason for accumulating points from the perspective of player Go HATANO?
A, while challenging new things, I think that the completion of the next game is increasing and the points are accumulating by talking about improvement points with everyone after the game and being able to correct them in practice. Tomorrow, the members will change, but I want to overwhelm the opponent while making high demands.
Q, how do you feel about Coach Fujiwara taking office and the many stimulating things that come with it?
A, What's different from last season is not only the number of shots received during practice, but also the many menus related to second and third actions that are being performed. So, we are fully prepared in a different way from last season and we want to demonstrate our results in the game. We want to play with confidence in what we have prepared.
Q, I think Coach Fujiwara's bright personality is similar to that of player Go Hatano. Do you think you can also get on board with him emotionally?
A, I think so. I am motivated to do it positively. I think we have built a good relationship.
Q: Have there been any growth or changes in terms of technical aspects compared to last season?
A, I haven't played much in the games, so I don't feel much change, but the scene where I stopped the middle shot in the Levain Cup match against Júbilo Iwata was a moment where I was able to overcome the challenge I had been working on in practice, so I think that was good and I want to continue.
Q: How do you feel about the presence of Kubo (Jakub SLOWIK)?
A, Even in my first year, there were players like Hayashi-san and Yu Okubo who were rated higher than me, so I feel like I'm going back to my roots and having the same mindset as back then. I'm playing with the determination to take back my position, so I want to keep improving and not show any weaknesses. Kubo-san always plays at 100% in practice and is always prepared to play in games, so I want to learn from that.
