Q, What kind of feeling did you feel as a team in the Kashima game?
In the previous match against Kashima, we were able to play the kind of soccer we wanted and had a good game. In the remaining five matches, the coach talked about playing each game as if it were a final. In the week leading up to the Kashima match, we were able to prepare really well as a team. Even with Morishige unable to play due to accumulated fouls, there was a change with Kimura coming in, but because we had a good practice, there was a great atmosphere within the team and we were confident going into the match.
Q, I think we have been able to move the ball well in the last few games.
A, As we continue to play games, both myself and the players have noticed that we are able to control the ball more and progress the game. I think the team has improved a lot. I have become more confident in possession and have a better understanding of my teammates' movements. I have also been able to communicate and convey my movements to my teammates, so although in the beginning we struggled against the opponent's defense, recently we have been able to pass the ball with a good tempo and increase the number of vertical passes.
Q, What are the differences between a well-played game and a not-so-well-played game?
A, when the team is not able to play together, it affects all positions and we get stuck. When one position is stuck, we are not able to control the ball and it leads to unsuccessful games.
Q, how do you feel about the impressive scenes of roaring and fist-pumping during the Kashima game, where emotions seem to come out?
A, yes. I played with Kimura in the Kashima game, so I didn't want to concede more than usual and I wanted to win, so I was highly motivated for the game.
In the previous match, I stood on the same pitch as my teammate Kimura.
One of my goals since becoming a professional was to play good soccer and win games together. I'm glad I was able to achieve that goal.
Q: What kind of conversation did you have before and after the match?
A: "If we concede from the left side, we'll be told that we're no good, so we have to make sure it doesn't happen and raise our evaluations together." After the game, I felt a huge sense of relief.
What have you learned from player Q Nagatomo?
A, I learn by watching the positioning and preparation outside the pitch. I ask a lot of questions because they will answer anything, and I often ask about cross defense. There have been scenes this season where we conceded due to poor cross defense. I asked Nagatomo about where to position himself when the ball is on the opposite side, and made adjustments based on that.
Q: Is the presence of Nagatomo a big one?
A, I think I am in a really good environment because I can practice in the same position as top players in Japan and in the same environment.
Q, What do you think is necessary to improve and grow in the future, as you have had many opportunities to play in games this season?
A, I have been playing the most games since joining the pros this season. I feel that playing more and more games and fixing the issues that arise from them is the best way to grow. I am grateful to be able to play soccer in such an environment, and I feel like I am improving by constantly challenging myself and making trial and error.
What part do you feel has grown the most?
A, the defense is the most important. At first, my positioning was terrible. During the game, I honestly didn't notice much, but when I watch the game footage with the coaches after the game, I can see that my positioning has improved. By improving with each game, I can naturally take the correct position and feel a little bit of growth.
Q: Do you feel like you need to grow more?
Player A, players Nagatomo and Nakamura have something that I don't have, and even in practice, they often watch players in the same position. However, I still feel that there are many areas where I am lacking, so I want to continue studying more.
Q, what will be the key point of the Shonan match?
A, in the previous match we were defeated due to our low intensity, so first of all, we must not lose there and then dominate the ball and score in order to win. I want to approach the final round with the same mentality as the Kashima match.
Q, Does the battle on the side seem to hold the key?
A, I think Shonan is also focusing on the one-on-one situation on the side. If I can control that and attack, and prevent the opponent from attacking, I think we can naturally play advantageous soccer, so I want to keep challenging.
Have you continued to play in Q matches and felt an increase in the joy and responsibility of winning?
A, I am happy if I win as I am playing in the game, and I feel responsible for being on the defense line if I lose. I think that sense of responsibility has increased since I first started playing.
