Q, do you feel that you have grown in these two matches?
A, in the last match, we came back from 0-2, and I feel that both the result and the performance show significant growth. The team is developing and I believe we are moving in a positive direction, but as a defensive player, I am concerned about the situation of conceding multiple goals in the last few matches.
Q: How do you want to improve on the goals conceded from crosses?
A, everyone understands that most of the goals conceded come from crosses, and we are working on this in practice while sharing our opinions. I think we are improving little by little, but in the last match, I was near the goal when a cross hit a teammate and changed direction, which caused me to hesitate in my judgment. I should have cut off the angle there, so I believe that both as a team and individually, dealing with crosses remains a challenge.
Q: I think the match (against Yokohama FM) had completely different developments in the first and second halves, but was it because we were able to make significant adjustments during the game?
In the first half, we were pushed back by the opponent's pressure from the front line, and our sense of distance when we had the ball was also far off. In the match against Kashiwa, we played very well in the first half, but the opponent came at us strongly in the second half. This time, it was the opposite pattern, and we went into halftime down 0-2. Being at home, we had to give it our all, and with a strong mindset, along with our tactics, we were able to equalize with the determination that we couldn't afford to lose. We also created chances that seemed likely to turn the game around, so in that sense, I think it was good.
Q: What do you want to focus on in preparation for the match against Gamba Osaka?
A, we need to continue doing what we have to do, and since we are able to score during counterattacks and move the ball around, I think it is important to keep up our attacking play. I have a very strong desire to maintain a clean sheet in defense. Although the opponent is lower in the standings, I don't think they are a team that reflects their position based on the quality of their players, so we must not be complacent. If we can secure all three points, I believe we can still move up the rankings, and I want to treat each match in this three-game stretch with great importance.
Q: If we continue to win the remaining matches, I believe we can see a spot in the top three for the AFC Champions League. What are your goal-setting strategies?
I believe that if we keep winning, the ACL will come into view, but we must not lose sight of the foundation we have built so far and the football we will continue to play. While achieving results through continuity makes the ACL a realistic goal, I want to show matches that connect not only to this season but also to the next season.
Q: I believe there was a break before the match against Kashiwa. What kind of things were organized as a team during that time?
I discussed with the players during the break after the Shimizu match about the sense of distance with the players and the positioning for supporting the ball holder.
Q: Has it become easier to make passes from the build-up play starting from the center-back?
In the first half against Kashiwa, the players had a good sense of distance from each other, making it very easy to play using short passes and long balls. However, in the match against Yokohama FM, the sense of distance was poor, and both short passes and long balls were not kicked at the right timing, creating a negative cycle that reminded me of the early part of this season. I believe that support and the sense of distance between players are important.
Q: How do you see Tsukagawa's presence from the perspective of a center-back?
Player Tsukakawa has played for Kawasaki Frontale, and his skill level is high, so he is very helpful with passes that come back after hitting the ball and the developments after he makes a pass.
Q: Is there a fundamental attitude of focusing on attack and continuously moving towards the goal without fearing conceding goals?
It may be said that scoring more goals means success, but for the players in the back, increasing the number of conceded goals makes it somewhat less enjoyable to win. I think there are some differences in mindset between attacking players and defensive players. However, scoring a lot of goals is a good thing, and I believe we are moving in a positive direction.
Q: If we maintain our ability to score while improving our defense, will we ultimately get closer to our goal?
I think that while attacking and scoring points, the defense is also increasing in difficulty with countermeasures and dealing with crosses. If we can level up in those areas, I believe we will become the team we are aiming for.
Q: Are we able to improve our play by making our own judgments while observing the opponent's situation on the pitch?
While there are instructions from the coach, I believe that the players on the pitch are making adjustments and thinking for themselves, which contributes to the results.
Q: Is the soccer you are aiming for an image that mixes both maintaining possession of the ball and using counterattacks as a weapon?
A, I think the short counterattack is something that opponents dislike, and I believe that mixing our characteristic counterattacks with attacking while circulating the ball is also part of our identity. I think our goal moving forward is to elevate both aspects to a high standard.
