Q, please tell us about your feelings regarding trying out new football. Also, at what stage do you think its penetration is?
A, the ball possession rate is definitely increasing, and what we are currently struggling with is the final finishing in the attacking third. The team hasn't been able to produce results, but we are gradually improving in training. However, I believe we need to gain experience in matches to truly earn it. The confidence gained from that will definitely help the team grow, so while we are struggling at this stage, I feel that the team is growing through trial and error.
Q: I think there are various reactions regarding the recent match results, but do you feel that what you are trying to achieve is taking shape?
A, the ball possession rate has really increased, and I feel that it is completely different from last season. On the other hand, as a forward, there is a lot of frustration in not being able to win and score goals, and there is a bit of irritation about that.
Q: I feel that in the final breakdown, it is becoming clear that the team is trying to utilize the players' strengths, such as Nagai's speed.
Personally, I want to create more scenes like the one where I assisted Adailton in the match against Kobe. If the whole team can share that, it will create the best chances when we push that deep. Just sending in a fast cross allows the defense to react quite well, but those kinds of balls are more difficult. If we can improve that precision both individually and as a team, the number of goals will probably increase, so we need to work on how to bring the ball up to that point and expand our options. It has been studied little by little, so while increasing our width, I want to focus on results in the second half of the season.
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has mentioned wanting to increase attacks through the center. Given that there have been many attacks from the sides, is the intention to increase penetrating passes to the front line through the center?
Yes, there are those changes, and there are tactical aspects as well, so it's hard to say clearly, but initially, we avoided central passes. However, as everyone has been growing, the demands have also increased. I believe that if we can improve that precision and be able to attack from both the sides and the center, we will level up even more.
Q: Starting from the camp in January, it feels like the phase has recently elevated a bit. Are you feeling a sense of growth on the pitch?
At first, the build-up was mainly from a low position, but now we are generating ideas from the midfield to the front, focusing on the final finishing part.
Q: Is the key point for the second half of the season the finishing touches?
A, while it's about coordination, I personally think I need to take more shots. If I don't increase the number of times I do that, like Adailton, it will lead to goals, and it can create chances from loose balls as well. If someone has a scene like that and takes a shot, it will probably change the way we press, and other players will become open, so I feel that we in the forward line need to take those shots.
Q: In the second half of the season, do you want to strengthen your awareness of scoring goals, Nagai?
Yes, that's right. I think it might be okay to swing a bit more. We have a team concept, so there are parts where we need to value the ball, but if the forwards don't take their chances, the team won't have momentum. Sometimes, in being too careful, we miss opportunities to strike, and there are moments when we try to assist instead. I want to be a player who can strike firmly and create some change.
Q: I think there is a dilemma regarding the results and the content, as was the case in the first half of the season. What are your thoughts on balancing both as we head into the second half of the season?
A, we need to accumulate points. We are currently in the middle ranks, so we need to earn points to move up, and we must continue to challenge ourselves while being particular about the results.
