<Akihiro HAYASHI>
Q: When was the last time you were in a real match?
It has been about two years since I was able to play without any discomfort.
Q: How was it actually participating?
A, I really think soccer is fun.
The things you need to do are overwhelmingly different between kicking football and connecting football. There are places where the ball should be placed, and there are things that can only be felt in actual combat, so it felt like a trial run, but I played for 45 minutes while experimenting. During the 45 minutes of play, various challenges arose, and I thought there were still many things to do, and I actually felt that if we could do this, we could perform even better.
I was glad to be able to play for 45 minutes, including both good and bad parts.
Q: What changes have you experienced since returning to practice?
I was able to return to practice, but my knee would stiffen the next day when it was under strain. After a little over a month since returning to practice, the backlash has gradually decreased, and I have naturally been able to exert more strength. I can feel it myself, and the trainers and coaches who have been massaging me have also said, "You’re gaining strength in your knee," so I think I’m able to show it in various ways.
I think I have reached a stage where I can consider how to integrate my strengths into the team, having been able to play in this match. During these 45 minutes, I was troubled by how I could engage with FC Tokyo, which has changed in this way.
Q: I was constantly calling out. I believe that is a characteristic of player Hayashi.
There were many concerns, and ideally, at the camp stage, we should have had discussions about positioning like this and eliminating these negative aspects. However, since we couldn't get into that, we are now focusing on it. As a team, I get the impression that there are still areas we are exploring both in offense and defense, but I believe we have improved significantly compared to the beginning of the season. Even if it hasn't translated into form and results, I think the players are feeling a sense of progress.
Q: How do you feel when you look back on the two years away from competitive play?
A, I have never been so far away from soccer, so it is unclear if I can return, and I felt the pain of not being able to play soccer again. It made me realize how much I love soccer. Now that I can return, I want to fully express those feelings.
Of course, I aim for the position of starting GK, but I want to enjoy soccer while being grateful for the opportunity to play. As a professional, it's taken for granted that I can play, but these past two years have made me feel that it's not something to be taken for granted. I believe that being able to participate in this practice match is thanks to having a healthy body, and I really felt how important the knees are.
Q: What were you confirming with Assistant GK Coach Yamashita before the match?
A, I am always discussing how well I am performing at the moment and how close I am to the ideal percentage I envision. He has been observing my shortcomings for two years and has continued to support me, so I have been communicating things like, "I've gained power in this movement," and "There is still some stiffness here," not only for this match but also in practice. Now that I have entered the match, I want to engage in coaching and behavior that can help the team more effectively.
Q: Is there a difficulty in entering the team's process of trial and error?
A. While I actually want to enter the passing area with good distance and positioning, considering that the goal is behind me increases the probability of conceding a goal, I believe I need to take risks into account when choosing my position. However, I also don't want to lose the smoothness of the team, so there is a difficulty in balancing both risk and smoothness. In the past, I thought that avoiding risks was the most important thing for a goalkeeper, but when adding smoothness, the positioning required becomes more delicate. Previously, I would stop the ball in a position where I could make a long kick on the first touch, but now it's necessary to create situations where I can place the ball at my feet and observe my teammates' movements, and I feel that change is needed.
Q: Today you played for 45 minutes, next is 90 minutes. What are your thoughts on what comes after that, Hayashi player?
As a player, I always aim to participate and help the team win during the season. No matter what position I am in, I believe it is my duty as a professional. However, regarding my position, rather than trying to appeal to the players who are on the field because I am not involved in the match, I want to do what I can during practice and become a presence that positively influences the team, regardless of my position.
<Hotaka NAKAMURA>
Q: How did it feel to move today?
A, my body was tough, and I still have a long way to go. The team is progressing with tactics and other aspects, so I think I need to catch up quickly since I was absent.
Q: Do you feel there are areas where you are lacking since returning to the team?
A, when I actually joined the practice, I felt that the positioning and passing tempo have been unified over the past month. If I don't take the correct position and match the timing, it will disrupt the team's balance and halt the flow, so I need to work harder.
Q: What do you feel are the team's challenges?
During practice, we were able to communicate, and we discussed how the team tactics and ball movement are coming together. Personally, I need to be involved in that, so first and foremost, I want to make up for the month I lost rather than focusing on the team. The most important thing is that I need to catch up myself.
Q: How do you want to be involved as an individual in the remaining 10 matches?
I want to quickly get back to my condition and return to thinking about what it means to be myself, and play in my own style. Although I am part of the team, I believe it is better to express my strengths rather than feel frustrated by not being able to do so, so I want to keep reminding myself of this as I strive for it.
Q: Do you want to run around vigorously?
I want to run, but my body felt heavy today, so it seems like it will take a little time.
Q, does "not catching up" refer to the tactical aspect?
First and foremost, it's about the body and condition rather than tactics. I couldn't run today, so I think I need to work on it personally. If I can't compete as an individual, then tactics don't matter, so I will get back to it.
