<Seiji KIMURA>
Q: Yesterday was the first practice match since entering camp. How do you feel about it looking back?
A week after coming to camp, there was a match right away, and I felt that my body moved quite well. Also, since I played under Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA last season, the quality wasn't too low. I think it was a good match considering it was the beginning of camp, as there were things that continued from last season.
Q: I think the competition for positions this season is really tough, but I felt that whoever plays has a high level when watching the practice matches. Please tell us about your enthusiasm for the competition for positions.
A, since players Kimoto and Morishige were consistently in the matches last season, I think it will be difficult to break into that lineup. The competition for center-backs in Tokyo is more intense than any other team in J1. Conversely, if I can secure a spot there, it would be a great opportunity to significantly enhance my value, so I want to keep challenging myself in that regard.
Q: I think Kimura's characteristic is speed, but is that what you are consciously focusing on to appeal?
A, physical abilities cannot be actively demonstrated, especially in defense. If there are no fast or strong opponents, it is hard to think that that player can win with speed. However, even within that context, I believe that if I can win against Adailton in terms of quick slides or physical strength, it will lead to a good impression, so I want to do well.
Q: What personal goals have you set for this season?
A, it is to be involved in many matches in J1.
What are the challenges to secure a spot in the starting lineup?
A, in terms of defense, there are times when the fine adjustments of the defensive line and my confidence in my physical abilities can lead to a lack of anticipation. Last season, I was told by Akihiro HAYASHI that it would be better to develop positioning that allows me to utilize my physical abilities without relying on them, and I believe there is still room for improvement in that area, so I want to work on it. In terms of offense, I think it is necessary to focus on embodying Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's style of play without making mistakes.
Q: Players Morishige, Kimoto, Henrique, and Renta HIGASHI all have comparable physical abilities and skills, making it difficult for any one of them to stand out. Is it important to focus on mastering the finer details one by one?
A, I think we are really looking at how much we can reduce mistakes in the finer details now.
Q: Regarding the discussion about predicting plays, you mentioned wanting to improve your ability to keep up with the opponent's speed through physical capabilities. Do you believe there is still room for growth within yourself?
A, after all, I may be slightly inferior in that aspect compared to other players because I have relied on physical abilities, so I believe I can improve more.
Q: As you gain experience in play prediction, do you expect to surpass players like Morishige and Kimoto in terms of metrics?
In terms of defense, I believe my physical abilities are higher than both Morishige and Kimoto, so if I can reach the same level in terms of anticipation and positioning, I think I will have the advantage. In terms of defense, I definitely think that is an area where I can surpass them.
Q: Do you feel the expectations from the club even amidst tough competition?
I don't really understand much, but I think it's important to play in Tokyo as a graduate of the academy. If U-15 and U-18 players see academy graduates working hard, I believe it will motivate them even more. If I get to play in a match and they can look up to me as a goal, I would be happy and want to do my best.
Q: Considering there were new players joining, I think we managed to play smoothly for our first practice match of the year. Do you feel confident about the current state of the team and the way the ball is being moved around?
A, it has only been a short time since the launch, and considering it as a continuation from last season, I think it is going well.
Q: The Paris Olympics are one year away. What are your thoughts on how you want to play this season?
A, starting this year, the Olympic qualifiers will also begin, and the team building for the Paris Olympics will progress rapidly. However, just because you have been called up before does not guarantee a spot on the national team. Players who are active in J1 or playing overseas will be prioritized for selection, so I want to steadily continue to be involved in matches in Tokyo and work hard to get on the field.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: Please share your thoughts on yesterday's practice match.
A, I think we were able to play calmly without any particular mistakes in yesterday's practice match.
Q: In the scene where you caught the high ball, there was a cheer from the audience, and I think it showcased your characteristics well. What do you think?
I feel that being able to catch a high ball is something that should be taken for granted, so I was able to play with composure regarding that play as well. By catching it, the opponent's attack comes to an end, so I think it was a well-executed play in that sense.
Q: Last season, you spent time with Iwate Grulla Morioka and gained various experiences. You participated in matches, but what was the year like for you? In what areas do you feel you have grown?
A, throughout the year, we challenged ourselves in J2, and the results were not something to celebrate, as the team ended up being relegated. However, personally, it was a year for which I am very grateful. Iwate Grulla Morioka gave me the opportunity to play in matches, and I wanted to repay that with victories, but it didn't happen. The team taught me more than just results. The club is made up of various elements, and through representing the team on the field, I learned what it truly means to fight as a team. In that sense, I believe going to Iwate was a good decision.
Q: Please tell us about your enthusiasm and feelings for choosing to return to Tokyo this time.
I was raised in Tokyo, and it made me a professional, so I have special feelings about it. Of course, I am very grateful for playing with Iwate Grulla Morioka last season, but I also have strong feelings for the club that raised me, and 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 see myself that way; I want to express my determination to fight for the team starting now.
Q: How much are you aware of the Paris Olympics?
A, I am not thinking about that right now; my strongest desire is to achieve something in Tokyo.
Q: In terms of competition for positions, I think Jakub SLOWIK is a very high barrier, but what do you think is necessary to play in the matches?
A, who plays in the match is decided by the coach, and I don't mind that, but I believe that in order to play in the match, I have to give more than what I have.
Q: Did you feel that your individual performance improved while you were with Iwate Grulla Morioka?
When I was in J3, I was promoted, but I felt more like I was helped by the team rather than having grasped the promotion myself. As a result, I entered the J2 challenge with lingering anxiety. As expected, there were periods where things didn't go well, and when I reflected on myself, I felt scared and anxious while playing, which left an impression on me when I was on the pitch. I realized that I needed to change that and was able to play with that in mind.
Q: I thought that because there were difficult times, there might be aspects in which you have changed.
Yes, that's right. Last season, even though the categories were different, I experienced struggles and hardships that I now feel grateful for. I believe that being able to experience that will certainly benefit my future, and I have been thinking seriously about the meaning of being in a professional position, so I really feel that such experiences can provide an opportunity to give something to people.
Q: I felt that my movements have become much more agile compared to when I was in Tokyo before.
A, I originally played while thinking, but I have experienced that overthinking can make my play shrink in some way. It's difficult to put into words as a base, but I believe there has been a change in my feelings that has led to my current play.
Q: I would like to hear about your ambition. I saw you running until the end of practice today, and I've seen that attitude since your first year as a professional. How do you feel about the changes in your ambition over time?
One is the desire to prepare to engage in practice at 100%. Of course, it would be ideal to practice until I am satisfied, but there are times when I am not. However, the last jog also has the meaning of recovery for the next practice, and I have the desire to prepare 100% for the match. I believe that those who are not sincere in small things cannot be sincere in big things either. What I value in life is the desire to be sincere in small things, so in that sense, my feelings towards each practice play have changed significantly.
Q: With players Go HATANO and Hayashi leaving, and the seniors you have been following no longer here, do you feel that player Nozawa is also starting to develop a sense of needing to stand on his own here?
A, the seniors are great players, and I played while watching their backs. At that time, I felt very comfortable in the fourth position, but when it came to actually playing in a match, I wondered if I could play confidently there. With last season's experience, I was made to think about what it means to play in a match, and I understood that part, so even though the category was different, I returned with some understanding. Therefore, I believe I have changed from my previous self. I can feel it myself, and of course, Go HATANO's presence was amazing, but I also have a strong desire to achieve something for Tokyo, so I want to envision various big things just with that feeling, and I am really looking forward to the future.
Q: I felt that my range has expanded while watching the practice and that I have been practicing a lot. In that sense, aren't you ready to play in the match?
A, I came back with that intention.
Q: You mentioned earlier that you are not considering the Paris Olympics, but among your peers, there is a good rival in Zion SUZUKI (Urawa Reds). How do you want to compete with him to elevate the J League?
I didn't go on the last expedition to Spain, but while watching the highlights, I noticed that the other goalkeepers have improved significantly, which has been very inspiring. I believe that all the goalkeepers of my generation are feeling more motivated this season, so I want to work together to elevate the J-League.
