<Seiji KIMURA>
Q, Yesterday was the first practice game since entering the camp. How was it looking back?
A week after coming to the camp, we had a game right away. My body was moving pretty well and, of course, playing under coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA last season, the quality of play wasn't that low. There were things that continued from last season, so I think it was a good game considering it was the beginning of the camp.
Q, I think the position battle will be really tough this season, but I saw in the practice match that the level is high no matter who comes out. Can you tell us about your determination for the position battle?
A, I think it will be difficult to break into the starting lineup with Kimoto and Morishige, who played in every game last season and were solid players. The competition for center back in Tokyo is stronger than any other team in J1. On the other hand, if you can win that spot, it's a great opportunity to increase your value, so I want to keep challenging there.
Q, Do you think Kimura's strength is his speed, and is that what you focus on to appeal to others?
A, physical abilities are not something that can be actively displayed, especially in defense, but unless there are fast or strong players on the opposing team, that player may not be seen as someone who can win with speed. However, even in that situation, if you can win against a player like Adailton with a little bit of sliding speed or physical strength, I think it can lead to a good impression, so I want to do well.
Q, What are your personal goals for this season?
A, being involved in many games in J1.
What are the challenges to win the Q starting lineup?
When it comes to defense, there are times when I neglect to predict things because I am confident in my physical abilities and focus on fine-tuning the defensive line. Last season, Akihiro HAYASHI suggested that I should improve my positioning so that I can use my physical abilities more effectively. I still have room for improvement in that aspect, so I will continue to work on it. As for the attack, it is important to embody Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's style of soccer without making any mistakes, so I will focus on that as well.
Q: Is it difficult for players like Mori Shige, Kimoto, Enrique, and Renta Higashi to stand out, as they all have similar physical and technical abilities? Is it important to focus on the small details one by one?
A, I think we are now being watched closely on how much we can reduce mistakes in the finer details.
Q, Regarding the prediction of the play, you mentioned that you want to improve your ability to keep up with the opponent's speed. Do you still feel that you have room for growth?
A, I think there may be some areas where I am slightly inferior to other players because I have relied on my physical abilities, so I believe I can improve even more.
Q: Do you expect to surpass players Morishige and Kimoto as indicators as you gain experience in play prediction?
A, In terms of defense, I think I have a higher physical ability than Morishige and Kimoto, so if I can reach the same level of prediction and positioning, I think I have an advantage. In terms of defense, I think that is definitely an area I can improve on.
Q, Do you feel the expectations from the club even in the midst of tough competition?
A, I don't really understand, but as an academy graduate, I think it's important to play in Tokyo. Even if U-15 or U-18 players watch, I think they will be more motivated if they see academy graduates working hard. If they make me their goal when I play, I would be happy and want to do my best.
Q, With new players joining, I think we were able to have a smooth first practice game of the year. Do you feel confident about the current state of the team and the way the ball is moving?
A, it's still early since the launch, so I think it's going well even considering the continuity from last season.
Q, What are your thoughts on playing this season with the Paris Olympics coming up in a year?
A, The Olympic qualifiers will also start this year, and the team building for the Paris Olympics will continue to progress, but just because you have been called up before does not guarantee that you will be called up for the national team. It is important to continue to be involved in games in Tokyo and to play in J1 or overseas in order to be called up, so I want to keep working hard and playing in games in Tokyo.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q, Please give us your thoughts on yesterday's practice match.
A, I think we were able to play calmly without any mistakes in yesterday's practice match.
Q, the scene where you caught the highball, the cheers from the audience were rising, and I think you were able to show Yanari Nozawa's characteristics, how was it?
A, I feel that I should be able to catch a high ball as a matter of course, so I was able to do it with ease. In addition, catching the ball means the opponent's attack is over, so I think it was a good play in that sense as well.
Q, Last season, I spent time with Iwate Grulla Morioka and had various experiences. I also played in games, but how was the year for you? What areas do you feel you have grown in?
A, Throughout the year, we challenged J2 and although the result was not something to be happy about, the team ended up being relegated. Personally, it was a year that I am very grateful for. Iwate Grulla Morioka gave me the opportunity to play in games and I wanted to repay them with a victory, but unfortunately it didn't happen. However, I learned more than just results from being a part of this team. The club is made up of various elements and being able to represent them in games and truly fight as a team taught me a lot. In that sense, I am glad I went to Iwate.
Q, Please tell us your enthusiasm and feelings for choosing to come back to Tokyo this time.
A, I was raised in Tokyo and made into a professional player, so I have special feelings. Of course, I am very grateful for playing for Grulla Morioka last season, but I also have feelings for the club where I grew up, so now that I have returned, my strongest desire is to achieve something with the team. I may be a young player, but I don't have that intention, and I want to play with the mindset of fighting for the team even now.
Q, How much is the Paris Olympics being recognized?
A, right now I am not thinking about it, but my strongest desire is to achieve something in Tokyo.
Q, In terms of position competition, what do you think is necessary for Jakub SLOWIK to play in the game, as he is a very high wall?
A, It is the coach's decision who will play in the game, and I am not concerned about it, but I think I have to give more than what I have to play in the game.
Q, Did you feel any improvement in your individual performance while playing for Iwate Grulla Morioka?
When I was in J3, I was promoted, but as for me, I felt more like I was helped by my teammates rather than grabbing the promotion myself, so I entered the challenge of J2 with lingering anxiety. As expected, there was a period where things didn't go well, and when I looked at myself during that time, I was scared and anxious while playing, so I had the impression that I was on the pitch. I was able to change that and play.
Q, I thought that there were also changes in various aspects because there were also difficult things.
A, yes. Last season, even though the category was different, I experienced difficulties and hardships within myself, and now I can say that it was a grateful experience, a valuable experience. For myself, not only will this experience be useful for my future, but I also thought deeply about what it means to be a professional, and it made me realize that this kind of experience can also be a chance to give something to others.
Q, I feel like my body has become much more agile than when I was in Tokyo before.
A, I was originally playing while thinking, but I also experienced that if I think too much, my play will shrink somewhere, so it's difficult to put into words as a base, but I think there has been a change in my feelings that has led to my current play.
Q, I want to hear about your ambition, but today you ran until the end of practice again, and I've seen that kind of attitude from your first year as a pro, how do you feel about the change in your ambition, Nozawa player?
A, I have a desire to be 100% prepared for practice. Of course, it would be ideal to be satisfied with practice, but there are times when I am not satisfied. Even the last jog has the meaning of recovery for the next practice, and I have a desire to be 100% prepared for the game. I think that those who are not sincere about small things cannot be sincere about big things, and what I value in life is to do things sincerely from small things, so in that sense, my thoughts on each play in practice have changed a lot.
Q, Without players like Go HATANO and Hayashi, who have left, and without the senior players we have been chasing after, I think there is a feeling that Nozawa also needs to stand on his own here. How do you feel about this?
A, The senior players are great players, and I also played while looking at their backs. At that time, I felt comfortable being in the fourth position, and I thought about whether I could play confidently when I actually played in the game. With the experience of last season, I was able to think about what it means for me to play in the game, and I came back with a different perspective. So, I think I have changed from my previous self. I feel it myself, and of course, Go Hatano was amazing, but I also have a strong desire to achieve something for Tokyo, so I want to imagine big things even if it's just in my mind. I am really looking forward to the future.
Q, I felt that the range of my reach has expanded and that I have been practicing a lot while watching the practice, so in that sense, are you ready to play in the game?
A, I came back with that intention.
Q, You mentioned earlier that you are not considering the Paris Olympics, but I think there is a good rival in your generation, Zion SUZUKI (Urawa Reds). How do you want to compete with him and liven up the J-League?
A, I didn't go on the previous Spain expedition, but watching the highlights, I can see that the other goalkeepers have improved a lot, which is very motivating. I think all the goalkeepers of the same generation are more determined this season, so I want to help make the J-League more exciting together.
