<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, please review the game.
A, with young players and new signings coming in, the competition has become intense. Compared to the same period last season, I think we are able to maintain what we have been doing for a year, so I believe we are in a very good atmosphere.
Q: Do you feel that you have made progress compared to last season?
A, over the course of last season, our path forward became clear. In order to improve our precision and achieve better results, I believe we need to increase our attacking variations, so we are focusing on that aspect during the camp.
Q: I think the competition for the center-back position is fierce. Please share your thoughts on what you are hoping for this season.
A, I believe that the number of appearances from last season does not matter. I have been approaching each year as a challenge since I turned professional, so I want to make a strong impression during this camp this season as well. This season, especially with so many high-level players, I want to prepare so that anyone can play, and I want to create a higher level of competition where the coach has a hard time deciding who to use in a good way.
Q: Do you feel the intensity of the competition for positions?
A, I think I can't fall behind because the players around me are also playing really well.
Q: Please tell us your personal goals and the team's goals for this season.
My goal is to participate in all matches for a year without injury. As a team, we certainly aim for the league championship, but as the coach says, we want to win each match one at a time.
Q: There was a discussion about increasing the variations in attack, but is there anything necessary as a defender?
I want to provide passes that not only create chances with a single pass from our side but also help us shed the opponent's pressure without losing the ball at the back. I believe we need to be more conscious than last season about circulating the ball effectively and supplying good balls to the midfield and forward players.
Q: Is there anything that Kimoto is conscious of in terms of enhancing the atmosphere during practice?
A, I am not consciously aware of it, but since I am getting older, I believe I need to raise my voice more to energize the atmosphere.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: I often see scenes of you running together with Morishige after practice this year. What do you talk about?
A, the conversation mainly revolves around private matters and not much about soccer.
Q: Have you discussed tactics or soccer-related topics with players who have been with the team since last season, aside from meetings?A: (In practice matches) the members are not fixed, so we haven't had any tactical conversations yet.
Q: The players are not fixed and the matches are being conducted, but many scenes of teams invading dangerous areas can be seen. Are you still focusing on scoring?A: I believe that aspects directly related to scoring, such as the way crosses come in and how players break through behind the defense, will become important.
Q: As a player who has been on the field since last season, do you share your techniques for switching with the opposing defenders with other players?A: I don't think it's my place to teach, and while there are various ways to score, I believe everyone has their own method. However, I do talk to younger players who are fresh out of high school or college about positioning and mindset rather than just how to score.
Q: What are you currently focusing on personally?A: I want to play in a way that directly leads to scoring more and more. I believe my strength is being able to involve those around me, but to become a more intimidating player, I want to expand my shooting range and always aim for the final pass, focusing on aspects that directly contribute to scoring.
Q: Tomorrow will be the first match of the season against FC Ryukyu, which belongs to the J-League. Will you be conscious of that? A: Yes, that's right. However, having fewer mistakes is my greatest strength, so if I lose that quality, it becomes a matter before the challenge even begins. I think it's difficult to adjust, but I want to continue while maintaining my strengths.
Q: You mentioned that you are conscious of plays that directly lead to scoring, but is that something the coach also expects from you?A: It's not that the coach is demanding it from me. Looking back at my individual results from last season, I felt that if I don't score more, we won't be able to aim for league championships or high goals. Since soccer is a sport where scoring is essential, no matter how much we pass the ball, we can't achieve victory. So, I made the decision to want to score more as an individual.
Q: Do you think that plays directly leading to goals are necessary when reflecting on the offseason?A: This is something I have thought about for a long time. This season, I have been allowed to play in a forward position from the start, and I believe this is the perfect timing. I think this season will be the most important year when I seriously want to achieve results.
Q: Please tell us the team's goals and your personal goals.A: As a team, we aim to win the league. Personally, I would like to score 10 goals.
Q. What changes have occurred for the team between the 2022 and 2023 seasons?A. Of course, we have built on last season's foundation, but I believe that all players have heightened their awareness of plays that directly lead to goals. Valuing the ball means not only connecting passes but also ensuring we don't miss players making movements to score, and if we can pass the ball forward, we prioritize that decision-making process.
Q: Kimoto mentioned that he has become better at moving the ball up to the penalty area, but I think breaking through beyond that is important. Do you have any personal keywords regarding creativity and attack, Watanabe?A: I believe that in order to score more goals than last season, it is important for individuals to synchronize with each other. It may seem obvious, but it is essential for both the passer and the receiver to move in response to each other, so I think synchronizing is crucial.
