[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, happy birthday. I apologize for using Japanese (laughs).
A, thank you (in Japanese). It's fine in Japanese. Otherwise, I would lose my interpreting job (laughs).
Q: In the match against Shonan, many young players were used. Please explain the intention and evaluation of using Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who has returned from a long-term injury.
A, first of all considering Yoshifumi's current situation, I would like him to focus on improving his game sense and condition. He has been playing well in training, and he has shown that he has very good ball control, which I find appealing. However, he has just returned from a serious injury, so I think we need to wait carefully and calmly for his condition to improve. I also want to see how he adapts to the team's tactics; I would like to ask him to work on that as well. In any case, I am happy that he has joined the team.
Q: I think there is a wealth of talent in the full-back position. You have talked about the importance of full-backs in the past, but isn't this a very good situation?
A, I am truly pleased as a coach to have many options. At the same time, it is essential to understand the strengths of each player and utilize them at the right moment. Considering the characteristics of the opposing team, I hope to make the best choices for player utilization. There are many side backs, but each has different characteristics. Some players can contribute more defensively, while others can contribute more offensively. There are players who excel in side attacks, as well as those who are good at positioning and playing in the center.
Q: Diego OLIVEIRA mentioned that he is not satisfied with just 2 goals this season. While it is a time to encourage the team's growth, does the coach expect him to score more goals?
A, there is no doubt that Diego is a very important player for us. This is true not only on the pitch but also off it. As a center forward, he is regarded as one of the most wonderful players in the J-League. Since the season started, he has proven that he can contribute to the team not only in attack but also in defense. Off the pitch, he is a wonderful person as well. He is also a great leader. For these various reasons, he is an important figure for us. Of course, we also expect him to score more goals and provide more assists. And we hope that by recording goals and assists, his pressure will be reduced even a little.
Q: I understand that we should focus on ourselves rather than the opponent, but I think Sapporo's coach PETROVIC also aims for very distinctive tactics. What impression do you have of that?
A, I met him during a training match in the preseason. It was clear that he is a wonderful person. I don't think I need to comment on his greatness as a coach. You all know that he has achieved great things in Japan for a long time. I am truly proud to be able to compete against him in an official match tomorrow, and I am very happy to face a coach with such an impressive career. I hope it will be a good match for both of us.
Q: What is the status of Ryoma WATANABE, who was substituted due to injury in the match against Urawa, and Yasuki KIMOTO, who was absent?
A, including them, everyone is in good condition. There are no issues with fitness, so I would like to decide on the lineup based on tactics.
Q: I think this is the first time this season that we are facing a team with a style like Sapporo. Do you have any impressions or ideas about how to approach this match?
A, I predict that tomorrow's match will be intense and tactically challenging. I believe there will likely be many opportunities for both sides. Of course, we want to secure victory while maintaining our playing style. However, it will not be an easy match, and I expect it to be a highly entertaining game for football fans. With many hoping for a good match, we expect to play more effectively and seize the three points along with our playing style.
Q, while it is important to express our own style, it was mentioned that there are aspects that change depending on the opponent due to a lack of completeness. Are there key points for differentiation?
A, indeed, it is important to maintain a balance between sticking to our own playing style and adapting to the flow of the match depending on the opponent. This season, maintaining a good balance will become crucial. The players are trying to adapt to new tactics, and their maturity is still lacking. In that sense, we are also looking to grow as a team and want to accumulate more points. Therefore, it is important to maintain that balance.
Q: Is the idea that there is nothing more important than victory to increase the pace of growth?
I don't think that victory is the medicine for a team to grow. I believe that by achieving victory, the club gains stability and reduces pressure. This allows the team to have the calmness needed for growth. In that sense, I see victory as necessary for growth.
[Player Interview]
＜Diego OLIVEIRA＞
Q: Last season, we played 4 matches against Sapporo and couldn't win the away game. In the first match at home, Diego TABA scored a wonderful goal. How do you feel about the compatibility with the opponent?
A, Sapporo has high-quality players and plays under a wonderful coach, so it always feels like a tough match. Rather than it being difficult, the high quality of the opponent means that we have to fight hard ourselves, or it will become challenging. Since we drew with Urawa at home last match, I believe this week we need to prepare well and aim to secure 3 points in this match.
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA often talks about how important it is to consider the opponent, but also to focus on our own growth. Regarding the times when we can and cannot showcase our style in matches, is the reason for that within ourselves?
AOf course, as the coach says, I believe that how we play ourselves and whether we can do our best is more important than the opponent. It is also very important to analyze the opponent and understand their characteristics. However, I personally think that regardless of the members we have, playing to the best of our ability is the most important thing for the team.
Q: How well do you feel you are adapting to the style you are working on this season?
AI believe I have been adapting well. However, as a forward, I have a strong desire to score goals, so I feel regret about not having scored yet. At the same time, I think that scoring is not my only job; I can also contribute by running for the team in fundamental ways. If I can score the next goal, I believe I can get into a good rhythm, so I want to fulfill my responsibilities.
Q: Is 2 goals in 7 matches few for Diego TABA?
AI am not satisfied with this situation. If I were satisfied, I don't think I could continue as a center forward, so I am not content with the number of goals scored. However, I am running for the team and looking for ways to do my best for the team, so I don't have much dissatisfaction and can play calmly. At the same time, there have been times when I haven't been able to score, but I believe that if I can score one goal, I can ride the wave properly, so I want to keep believing in that and continue moving forward.
Q: There was a discussion about running for the team, but is there anything else you do for the team?
AIn addition to running for the team, I am also taking the lead in the tactical aspect, such as closing down space in the midfield and guiding where to direct the play. While I have the desire to score goals, I believe I am contributing to the team, so I am able to play without pressure.
Q: Your two goals this season seem to reflect a keen sense of timing in the penalty area. Would you say your concentration in critical moments has significantly increased?
AOf course, for forwards, the momentary judgment in decisive situations is crucial, and I believe that both goals were scored with good judgment, allowing me to play with focus. However, I train every season to prepare for such situations, and I understand that there are scenes where I need to improve myself, so I want to prepare to connect goals in other situations as well.
Q: The focus has been on side attacks, but Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has mentioned wanting to increase attacks from the center. What are your thoughts on the construction of the attack?
A, regarding the construction of our attack, I believe we need to have various options available, not just from the sides or just from the center, but while having a variety of options, it is important to look for gaps in the opponent's defense. I think this is also the intention of the coach, and since this idea is permeating among the players, if it spreads throughout the team, I believe the opportunities to score will increase.
Q: In terms of attacks from the center, what do you think can be improved to increase scoring opportunities?
AIt is important to attack in a balanced way and to find space, but I think attacking from the center carries risks. As the coach has mentioned, if we attack from the center and easily lose the ball to the opponent, it can lead to a counterattack and increase the risk of conceding a goal. I believe that losing the ball in the center poses many risks that require the entire team to fall back, so it is important to consider not losing the ball easily in situations where we might struggle and to make choices based on the circumstances.
Q: In terms of defense, it seems that the center forward Diego is not always the first defender; rather, the wingers apply pressure first, and Diego sometimes closes down space in the midfield. How do you perceive these roles?
AWhat was symbolic in the matches against Yokohama FM and Urawa was that the winger pressed the opponent's center-back, effectively neutralizing the space for the defensive midfielder. I believe that, based on the staff's analysis and the characteristics of the opponent, we should do whatever is required by the team in any form.
