[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, Happy birthday. Excuse me in Japanese (lol).
A, Thank you in Japanese. It's okay to use Japanese. Otherwise, I'll lose my job as an interpreter (lol).
Q, in the Shonan match, many young players were used. Please tell us the intention and evaluation of using Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who returned from a long-term absence due to injury.
A, First of all, considering the current situation of Lucas, I would like him to focus on improving his game sense and condition. He is playing well in training and showing that he has a very good ball touch, which is also attractive. However, he has just returned from a major injury, so I think we need to be careful and wait for his condition to improve calmly. I also want to see how he adapts to the team tactics. In any case, I am happy that he has joined the team.
Q, I think we have a very rich pool of talent for fullbacks. You have talked about the importance of fullbacks in the past, but isn't this a very good situation?
A, As a coach, I am delighted to have many options. At the same time, it is necessary to understand the strengths of each player and use them at the appropriate timing. I hope to be able to make the best player selection based on the characteristics of the opposing team. There are many fullbacks, but each one has different strengths. There are players who can contribute more on the defensive side, and there are players who can contribute more on the offensive side. There are also players who are good at attacking from the side, and players who are good at playing in the center position.
Q, Diego OLIVEIRA player said that he is not satisfied with only 2 goals this season, but even though it is a time to encourage the team's growth, will the coach expect him to score goals?
A, For us, Diego is an extremely important player. This is true not only on the pitch, but also off the pitch. As a center forward, he is one of the best players in the J-League. Since the start of the season, he has proven to be a valuable asset to the team not only in attack, but also in defense. Off the pitch, he is a great person. He is also a great leader. For all these reasons, he is an important figure for us. Of course, we also expect more goals and assists from him. And by recording more goals and assists, we hope to reduce some of the pressure on him.
Q, do you understand that we need to focus on ourselves more than the opponent, but what is your impression of Hokkaido's coach Petrovic, who is also known for his unique tactics?
A, I met him in a training match during the pre-season. I could tell he was a wonderful person. I don't think I need to comment on the fact that he is a great coach. As you all know, he has achieved great success in Japan for a long time. I am proud to be able to face him in an official match tomorrow, and I am very happy to be able to face a coach with such a great career like him. I hope it will be a good match for both of us.
How is the condition of Ryoma WATANABE, who was substituted due to injury, and Yasuki KIMOTO, who was absent, in the match against Urawa?
A, everyone, including them, is in good condition. Since the condition is not a problem, I would like to decide the selection based on tactics.
Q, I think it's the first time this season to play against a team with a style like Sapporo, but do you have any impressions or images of how to fight?
A, We predict that tomorrow's game will be intense and tactically challenging. It is likely that there will be many chances for both teams. Of course, we want to win while sticking to our playing style. However, it will not be an easy game and we expect it to be an entertaining match for football fans. With many people hoping for a good game, we hope to play more effectively and earn 3 points with our playing style.
Q, while it is important to show our own style, it was mentioned that there are times when we have to change depending on the opponent due to the lack of completion. Is there a point to consider when making this decision?
A, it is important to maintain a balance between sticking to our own playing style and adapting to the flow of the game. This season, maintaining a good balance will be crucial. The players are still trying to adapt to new tactics and they still have room to mature. In that sense, we also want to see growth as a team and accumulate more points. So, maintaining a balance is important in that aspect as well.
Q, Is it safe to say that there is nothing more important than winning in order to increase growth speed?
A, I do not think that victory is a medicine for the team to grow. I think that by winning, the club will gain stability and reduce pressure. This will allow 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 four games against Sapporo and couldn't win any of the away games. In the first match at home, Diego Taba scored a fantastic goal. How do you feel about the compatibility with the opponent?
A, Sapporo has high-quality players and plays under a great coach, so every game is difficult. It's not so much that it's difficult, but rather that the opponent's quality is high, so we have to fight hard ourselves. We drew with Urawa at home last week, so I think this week we need to prepare well and get 3 points.
Q, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA often talks about how it is important to consider the opponent, but also our own growth. Regarding the fact that there are times when we can and cannot show our own style in games, is the reason for this within ourselves?
A, Of course, as the coach says, it is important for us to focus on how we play and whether we can give our best, rather than worrying about the opponent. It is also crucial to analyze the opponent and understand their strengths. However, I personally believe that no matter what the lineup is, the most important thing for the team is to give our maximum effort in the present moment.
Q, How do you rate your adaptability to the style you are working on this season?
A, I think I am adapting well. However, as a forward, I have a strong desire to score goals, so I feel frustrated that I haven't been able to score yet. At the same time, I believe that I can contribute not only by scoring goals, but also by running for the team. If I can score one more goal, I think I can get on a roll and do my job well.
Q, Is 2 goals in 7 games a small number for player Diego Taba?
A, I am not satisfied with this situation. If I were satisfied, I don't think I could play as a center forward, so I am not satisfied with the number of goals. However, I am able to play calmly without much dissatisfaction while looking for ways to run for the team and do my best for the team. 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 and continue to do my best. So I want to continue believing in that and keep going.
Q: There was talk about running for the team, but is there anything else you do for the team?
A, in addition to running for the team, I am also taking the lead in tactical aspects such as eliminating space in the midfield and directing where to go. While I do have a desire to score goals, I believe I am contributing to the team and can play without pressure.
Q, It seems that both goals this season were scored with a moment's timing in the penalty area. Is it safe to say that your concentration during crucial moments has greatly increased?
A, of course, in the case of forwards, the momentary judgment in the decisive moment becomes important, so I think that I can play with concentration because I have made good judgments in both goals. 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 be able to score in other situations as well.
Q, The side attack is the main focus, but Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA also mentioned that he wants to increase attacks from the center. What are your thoughts on the construction of the attack?
A, Regarding the construction of attacks, I think it is important for us to have various options rather than just from the side or just from the center, and to search for the opponent's weaknesses while having those options. I believe this is also the intention of the coach, and I think this idea is also being embraced by the players. If it spreads throughout the team, I think we will have more opportunities to score.
Q, What do you think needs to be improved in terms of attacking from the center in order to increase scoring opportunities?
A, it is important to attack in a balanced manner and find spaces, but I think there is a risk in attacking from the center. The coach also says that if we attack from the center and easily lose the ball to the opponent, it will lead to a counterattack and increase the risk of conceding a goal. I think that attacking from the center carries the risk of the entire team having to drop back, so it is important to consider not losing the ball easily in situations where we are struggling and to choose carefully based on the situation.
Q, In terms of defense, how do you recognize your role when Diego TABA, the center forward, is not always the first defender, but the wing presses first and Diego TABA also eliminates the space in the midfield?
A, What was symbolic in the Yokohama FM and Urawa games was that the wings pressed the opponent's center back and eliminated the midfielder's position. I think that I should do what is required of the team in any form, as I adjust to the staff's analysis and the opponent's characteristics.
