[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, Tomorrow's match will mark my 100th game as a coach in Japan. Is it safe to say that even one official game is not just a regular match?
A, After experiencing 60 professional games as a head coach in New York, tomorrow will mark my 100th game as the head coach of the top team. As for whether this is something special, I would say no. However, personally, I believe it will be a very memorable game for me.
Q, I think players are required to kick the ball strongly and quickly while maintaining a certain distance from each other. The players seem to be making an effort, but what do you think?
If you analyze the Nagoya game, you will see that we were able to dominate the opponent for most of the game. We are playing by utilizing the characteristics of each player. Based on that, we are gradually changing the players' play style in a process. Aoki has made a great contribution. However, he is not necessarily a clear one-man holding midfielder. He is a center back who has played a different play style until last season, not someone who has been building up from the back. The fullbacks are players who have not been asked to receive the ball on the side of the holding midfielder. Kubo (Slowik) also did not frequently join in the attack. We are seeking results while utilizing the characteristics of these players and gradually reforming the team.
When Leandro returns, he will surely give the team an extra boost. The same can be said for Kashif (Kashif BANGNAGANDE). There are also several interesting and noteworthy players, including Renta HIGASHI. Ryoma WATANABE has also shown great growth. He is encouraging the growth of players who will lead the team in the future. However, it is not easy to balance both achieving results in games and growing as a player. There is a clear difference in speed compared to three months ago. We are getting faster and faster. Gradually, we are seeing good plays in positional games. The next step is to apply what we can do in practice to games. I can feel that the game speed and passing speed have naturally increased as we continue to see improvements in games little by little.
Q, previously, you said that a good pass makes a good sound. Is that one of the criteria that has improved?
A, The quality of a player's play is greatly influenced not by receiving the ball, but by before receiving the ball. Many players can look around and think after receiving the ball. However, the play we are looking for is a faster play, so if you think after receiving the ball, the play speed will decrease. In order to maintain a high play speed, you must recognize many things before receiving the ball and make a decision. If you can do that properly, it will become a situation where the opposing team has no way to defend. For example, in a 100m race, if you can start at any time, the one who starts faster will win. There may be a possibility of being overtaken in the subsequent speed race, but it is natural to win immediately after starting. In this way, in soccer, without a set starting signal, you must use your brain to make judgments and win, and it is natural to win if you have the ball. In this way, we must continue to improve and accumulate points by focusing on winning.
Japan needs to improve more in that aspect. The speed of decision-making, the mentality to focus on winning, and the level of players like Renta HIGASHI, who are only 18 years old, would have gained much more experience in the world of high-level competition if they were playing in Europe. The same can be said for South America. They would have gained a lot of experience playing in many competitions, both domestically and internationally, in an environment where they have no choice but to focus on winning. Of course, I have respect for Japan, but how many high-level matches has Renta HIGASHI played in the past year where he had to focus on winning? Young players in South America and Europe have played dozens of matches. This is where the difference in growth is born.
Nagatomo is one of the few Japanese players who have continued to perform at a high level in Europe. I don't think Nagatomo's technical level is particularly high. So why has he been able to continue fighting at the top level for so long? There are many players in Japan who are more technically skilled than him. But why do those players struggle to succeed in Europe? It's because Nagatomo has a strong mentality and a winning mentality that is focused on winning.After the Belgium match at the World Cup in Russia, many people commented that Japan is polite and clean, and even clean up the dressing room without complaining to the referee. It's a wonderful thing. In life, Japanese behavior is truly a role model. However, it is difficult to achieve something at a high level with only such a pure mentality. A mentality focused on winning is necessary. It is not difficult to improve both the speed of situational judgment and the mentality focused on winning in Japanese soccer.
Q, Do you also have high expectations for young players tomorrow?
A, we want to continue giving opportunities to young players and give playing time to players who need it to maintain their game sense. In particular, we want young players to have a chance to show off their talents. We want to maintain a good balance and compete in the Levain Cup.
Q: Please tell us your evaluation of player Takahagi's response to the interview.
A, He is truly amazing and a veteran player who can serve as a role model for young players and provide them with stability. This can be said for both his mental and soccer abilities. And he has truly amazing technique. I wish I had met him when he was 20 years old. He is a fantastic player. In addition, he is a great professional player. His behavior on and off the pitch is truly perfect.
[Player Interview]
＜Yojiro TAKAHAGI＞
Q, I think you will be used in a more attacking, forward-like position this season. It seems like a position that requires speed, so I think the coach is sending a message by using players with good footwork. How do you feel about that role?
I am conscious of contributing to the team with what I can do rather than my role. As a team, there are of course appropriate positioning tactics to take. It is difficult to make my feet faster, so I hope to show a different play and bring out a unique strength that other players do not have.
Q, I think we need to score as our team has been in a 0-0 game for a while. (Takahagi) I think he can utilize his individual skills while executing team tactics, but what areas do you want to focus on to score?
A, I think I am required to make decisive passes while holding the ball firmly, not just possession. I want to play with the consciousness of being able to make many passes during the game.
Q, is it because you want to increase the number of chances that you want to go as planned even if it doesn't work out?
A, I want to create many decisive scenes.
Q, we are also looking forward to the goal.
A, I want to play as much as possible to get involved in the goal because I am in an attacking position.
Q, how do you plan to deal with Iwata's expected 5-back formation?
A, I think they will create a defensive block and defend. Even in the previous match, they did not come to press from the front line, so I want to show my face between the opponent and the opponent, create a situation where the opponent has to slide in defense, and aim for the back of the defensive line against the opponent who has pulled back.
Q, without having the awareness to move forward, the opponent won't crumble, right?
A, yes. I want to position myself to receive vertical passes accurately.
Q, Do you feel confident that you can adapt to this soccer by bringing what you have done so far?
A, I can be involved in the attack with my own play and I think I can also make changes. As for defense, I think intensity is required, so I am conscious of that and I think I can play well.
Q, Where should I put spaces, and what do you think is important in soccer right now to intentionally create spaces?
A, as the coach also says, in positional play, if we can take positions that will trouble the opponent, they will have to slide and will not be able to come and take the ball. I want to take such positioning.
Q, What is the reason for the team's good cohesion? Is it because they continue to work without getting frustrated?
A, I think that's also possible. However, I don't think it's easy to permeate tactics. I think it's important to continue to be patient.
Q, How are you feeling about tomorrow's game?
A, we just have to win because if we lose, we will be eliminated. We play to win in order to advance to the next stage as a team. We will think about what we can do and give 100% effort in order to win.
Q, Is it about continuing to win in order to create a place to appeal as a Takahagi player?
A, I want to win and produce results, and compete within the team, because nothing will change even if I play well.
