[Player Comments]
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q: What were you conscious of in the first match?
A, what I personally focused on was intensity. Even in practice matches, we were particular about winning, and during team meetings, there was talk not just about aiming for the championship but also about winning the upcoming matches. In both the team's internal matches and practice games, as well as in official matches, we must win with intensity to win the game. If we can achieve that, I believe we can naturally play both offense and defense with good rhythm. Since there are many players with high individual abilities, I thought that as long as we don't lose in intensity, we could smoothly enter the game without worrying too much about fitting into the team.
Q: The opponent is a local university student, but did you feel a sense of challenge, or were you focused on your own intensity regardless of that? What do you think?
A, regardless of the opponent. Whether today's opponent is a university student or a J1 team, if we don't lose in intensity, we can win, and naturally, there were times when I could play at my own rhythm in both attack and defense. There are many areas that need to be corrected, but personally, I hope to be able to do my best to not lose in that regard.
Q: It may be a low priority since it has just started, but how smooth was the interchange of positions among the players?
A, I have a general understanding of who plays what type and what kind of play they like. I want to adjust to what makes it easier for them, and the players around me also adjust to what makes it easier for me. Also, since I came from Tosu, not much has changed in what I do. I want to continue doing what I was doing in Tosu here in Tokyo.
Q, the similar style is alive.
A, it is big there. The formation is similar, and since I have been playing in a similar way in Tokyo as I did during my year in Tosu, even in terms of training menus, there are many aspects that haven't changed much despite the transfer.
Q: Is the speed of integration a result of experience?
A, well, at first I was shy too (laughs). It's quite difficult to be proactive at first, but everyone is welcoming the new players and talking to them. However, since I am older in this team, I need to make an effort to engage in conversation. Even during practice, I try to talk if something comes up, and I am conscious of speaking more with younger players as well.
Q: I was talking with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA yesterday or the day before. If it's not too much trouble, could you tell me what it was about?
A, it was not about soccer, but rather a silly story (laughs).
Q: Have there been any requests from the coach up to this point?
Well, there isn't anything in particular, but I understand what is being said in the team meetings and the style of football we want to play, so I think it would be good if I can be proactive. Anyway, I just hope Tokyo wins.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: This was your first match of the season. What were you focused on as you entered the game?
A, it was a match in a situation where everyone was fatigued, but we approached the game by communicating a lot and trying to rebuild the foundation we established last season.
Q, were you able to present it in a good way?
A, not everyone is in good condition, so we are trying things out, but I think we were able to do what we intended in terms of our attack.
Q: Yesterday, Nagatomo mentioned that he wants to focus on the strength in ball contests again. How do you feel about that?
A, what is required of an inside half is strength in ball contests, as well as high intensity and movement in all aspects, so I believe this is something that both the team and individuals need to improve.
Q: I think there are aspects where you are a role model, especially for players in their first year as professionals this season. Many players mentioned Matsuki's name during the new system announcement press conference. What do you think about being a figure that others aspire to?
A, last season I was able to play freely as it was my first year, but this season with the newcomers, I need to set a good example. A good sense of urgency has arisen, so I hope to convey that positively to the younger players as well.
Q: A first-year player mentioned being grateful for being approached by Matsuki. Is there anything you are particularly aware of?
I don't consciously think about it, but since I am still young, I hope to communicate and have thorough discussions not only about soccer but also in other areas, and build relationships.
Q: It seems that you played with a high intensity today as well. How would you evaluate today's performance?
A, my goal this season is to score goals and provide assists, so while I couldn't score today, I focused on being involved with the ball and aimed to connect as a core part of the team.
Q: There were many situations where I communicated with those around me. How do you feel about the unit with the surrounding players?
There are also new players joining, and we need to prepare before the season starts so that we can be ready for the first match against Urawa Reds. I believe we are having good competition while maintaining a positive image.
Q: Last season's start was tentative, but I believe we have a foundation that has continued for a year this season. Still, is it necessary to finish preparations at a rapid pace for the opening?
A, we need to aim for a quality higher than last season, and since last season's ranking was not good at all, I want to focus and work hard in this camp to achieve a better ranking.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q, please review the game.
A, my physical condition is still not up to par, and since it was my first match, there were parts where we communicated about how to start moving and how to position ourselves. I think it was good that we were able to score a goal in that context. I hope to improve my condition from here on.
Q, we saw some impressive plays as expected.
A, no, not yet. Marinos has a match against Roma and will be playing until November 28, so my break was a bit shorter, and I took a complete rest. That's where the difference in condition with everyone comes from. It's still ahead. I think it would be great if we could show more difference in terms of quality.
Q: There will be several practice matches coming up. What aspects does the team want to improve on?
First, the way to move the ball in the opponent's half and how to break through from there, as well as how to score, is said to be a challenge in the second year of Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's regime. So, it's about how to tackle that. I believe that if I give advice and communicate ways to break through, we can play enjoyable football and score more goals, so I want to focus on that in the remaining six matches.
Q: You mentioned that you have few acquaintances among the players, but it seems like you have fully embraced your style during the camp so far.
On the first day, I was a bit quiet in Koganei, Tokyo (laughs), but I was observing my surroundings. Once we started playing soccer in camp, everyone became friends, and I think it's wonderful how soccer brings people together. I believe everyone accepted me. There are still some kids from the academy I haven't spoken to yet, but I think I've mostly blended in well... maybe... (laughs).
Q: Do you feel the differences in what is required of a winger at Marinos and in Tokyo?
A, in today's match, Leandro on the opposite side often took a relatively central position, so I think that's the difference. There is a purpose of creating fluidity and movement, so there are parts where we are utilizing the characteristics of the players. It's almost never the case that the wide players are constantly staying wide, and we were consciously moving while observing the positioning of our teammates to take good positions.
Q. Do you feel that you were able to be conscious of that?
I was trying to get a feel for it while going in quite a bit and even going to the opposite side.
Q: It seemed that the team was able to have a good rotation with fluidity.
During the attack, we are able to maintain a good feeling and distance, and if we can time our movements to break through more effectively, I believe we can penetrate the opponent's goal area. I hope we can improve on that. The way we utilized our numbers and the quality of our play felt good for a first match.
Q: Marinos has players who can attack from the front, creating a powerful presence that can aim for goals from anywhere. Do you want to implement such attacks in Tokyo as well?
Scoring goals and winning is the charm of soccer, and as we do that, the number of fans will increase, and they will become more interested. I believe that winning will also energize Tokyo. If the team in the capital, Tokyo, does not thrive, the soccer world will not thrive either, and I want to play an attacking and attractive style of soccer that scores goals.
Q: I think you have experience with transfers several times, but it seems like you are playing with a relaxed approach in a good way. Do you feel that your experiences, including adjustments, are coming into play?
Honestly, while my body isn't moving well, I first checked the feeling of the match and the touch of the ball, and I also controlled myself to avoid injury. The fact that the opponent was a university student played a role as well. I'm currently in a situation where I'm working on my physical sensations and other aspects. I was able to do it with a relaxed mindset.
Q: Did you have any conversations after Nagatomo joined the team?
A, we haven't had that deep of a conversation yet, but it seems like you're talking about me (laughs). From now on, I want to communicate and absorb the good qualities of Yuto-kun. It seems like you're teasing me a bit.
<Tsubasa TERAYAMA>
Q: How was it to participate in an official match as a professional for the first time?
I think it was good that many players who were starters last season were able to participate in the match. I was honestly happy, but based on today's performance, I felt it was tough. I want to absorb the skills of my senior, Keigo HIGASHI, and work towards becoming a central figure there.
Q: What do you mean by strict?
A, I felt that my speed and quality were inferior compared to other players, so I thought that I still needed to improve in those areas before I could stand on the pitch.
Q: How was it playing as an anchor and inside half?
When playing as an anchor or inside half, the requirements change, so what needs to be done is clearly defined within the team. I played by sticking to what is required in my position, whether as an anchor or inside half.
Q: What kind of play would you like to focus on more, is it the attacking aspect of entering the goal area, the amount of movement, or the defensive aspect?
I needed to be more involved with the ball as an anchor, and my teammates needed to move a bit more. There was a lack of continuous movements like using my teammates to receive the ball after passing it. I was taught by Watanabe that there were indeed some issues with my positioning, so I would like to correct that.
Q: Do you communicate quite a bit with the players?
During the match, many players encourage each other, and after the game, I think it will be really important to go and ask how to position myself and when to get involved. If I don't communicate, my strengths won't be conveyed to my teammates, and I believe they probably still don't understand what kind of plays I can make. Therefore, in terms of promoting myself, I want to actively engage in communication.
Q: Looking back at the match, I noticed that your ability to maintain vision on the field is quite impressive. Do you have confidence in that aspect?
A, the ability to switch sides from the anchor position has improved from university compared to high school, and while I was able to maintain tempo at the university level, at the top level it can be slow, so I think I personally lack that sense of speed. However, I want to ensure that I can keep up with the sense of speed without losing my strengths.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA Player>
Q: It was your first actual match, and it was a game under Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's second year, where you understood soccer. How was it?
A, as expected, the team has many more capabilities, and the coach himself has said that the team is operating in a better state than in the first year, so I hope to improve my condition so that I can keep up with that.
Q: How is your current condition?
A, we still have a long way to go, so I want to steadily improve from here and create a good condition, and I want to value each day's practice.
Q: What aspects of teamwork and collaboration with others did you achieve during the match?
A, I believe we have been able to play soccer by maintaining possession of the ball and taking control. Next, I hope we can improve the quality in front of the goal and the quality of the final pass.
Q: What could you try in today's match?
A, in today's match, I focused on applying pressure from the front and being aware of my movement to improve my condition. I think I was able to run both offensively and defensively, and I believe there are still adjustments to be made in ball feeling and with my teammates, so I hope to work on that diligently.
Q: I think there will be various combinations of players in future matches, but what do you want to keep in mind while playing?
I want to play well in combination with anyone, so that it is thought that Tsukakawa is a good partner no matter which player I pair with, and to bring out the strengths of the players I team up with.
<Adailton>
Q, I think your movement was good, but how is your condition?
A, I have been active since I was in Brazil, and of course, I have continued to stay active since coming to Japan. I believe my condition is gradually improving, and as the season begins, I want to ensure that I can approach it in even better condition.
Q: During the match, you received the ball from the side and boldly moved towards the goal. Were there any specific plays you were consciously trying to execute?
A, I think everyone understands that my style has become the team's style since last season, so I want to make the most of my characteristics. It's just the beginning, and I believe both I and the team need to make adjustments and raise our level further.
Q: How was the collaboration in the front line during the match?
I believe that not just three people, but everyone's relationship is necessary. I think everyone understands the football that the coach demands, but I feel we can deepen our collaboration even more.
Q: The practice matches will continue from now on, but please tell us your goals for the camp.
A, this is the first practice match of the season, and practice matches will continue from here. I think we need to improve more from practice, but first, we must consider not getting injured, and within that, we need to prepare well before the opening match. In the end, I believe it will be up to the coach to select the members.
<Naoki KUMATA>
Q: How do you feel about the two goals?
It wasn't a flashy goal, but I was able to move decisively and calmly finish the one-on-one situation, and I was glad that I could score right in front of the goal. However, there were also a couple of other opportunities where I could have scored, so I want to focus on those areas and improve.
Q: There were also moments when it seemed like we could score the third point.
I got tense. I should have looked at the goalkeeper more before shooting.
Q: It seemed that you appeared in decisive scenes multiple times, but did you feel a sense of connection with your teammates?
If I can score with one chance, I believe that kind of trust will come, and with that trust, I think better balls and chances will come, so I want to score more goals.
Q: In your first year, you often feel a significant difference in strength. Do you feel that difference yourself?
A, I am not losing in terms of simple physicality. My lower body strength throughout the match is still not enough at all. Personally, I have not been able to train my lower body yet, so I want to work on strengthening it from now on.
Q: What are you currently focusing on in your position?
As a lone striker, I need to keep an eye on the surrounding players, look for open spaces, and adjust my movements, so I am increasing the frequency of my observations.
Q: What do you want to ask of the players around you?
A. Honestly, I want the players around me to move more, and I think it's necessary for them to start moving and for me to use the space created, or for the players around me to use the space I create by moving.
Q: Do you want to make requests during the upcoming matches?
A, that's right. Especially in front of the goal, I think any position is good for me, so I want to take a position where I can score with a one-touch from a cross. I'm good at scoring from crosses, so I want to work on my movements towards that.
Q: Has your goal for the starting lineup at the opening match remained unchanged over the past few days?
A, you are unwavering. My goal is not just to be on the bench, as I am aiming for a starting position, and coming on as a substitute is not my goal either. I have set the opening match starting lineup as my closest objective.
Q: At first, I thought it was a big goal for a rookie, but through the interview, I realized that it is not a big goal at all and that you are truly aiming for it.
A, I scored in today's match, but the coach said that I could have scored more and that I need to score more, so I really want to seek the importance of each goal even more.
Q: Players who come up from the academy struggle with post play, but I think they are able to drop the ball well and use their bodies effectively in practice. How do you feel about that?
I can make one-touch drops in front of the goal, but when the opponent comes from behind while we are connecting the play, I still lack the ability to control the ball when I become free in front. Therefore, I want to learn more about controlling the ball not only in front of the goal but also in the midfield.
Q: Do you want to continue to focus on goals in actual matches going forward?
A, since I have to make a decision, I want to focus on achieving results in every match, even in practice games, because it's difficult to be a starter without results. So first, I want to seek my own results.
