【Player Comments】
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, today marks the end of the camp. Please review it again.
A, I think we have clarified what we need to do. Since we were able to recognize our weaknesses and challenges, it will be important to focus on them throughout the entire season.
Q: In the match against Zweigen Kanazawa held on the 2nd, there seemed to be many words of reflection. Considering that point, is it correct to say that today we were able to overwhelm our opponent?
A, we must win every match, regardless of the circumstances, and instead of looking for excuses, we need to aim for victory from the moment the whistle blows, no matter what situation we find ourselves in. I recognize that we had weaknesses in the match against Kanazawa, so I believe we were able to reflect on that today.
Q: Wasn't it a fulfilling camp, including the insights gained?
We were able to play many matches and work together on the challenges that arose. Everyone was proactive, working towards the direction the coach is aiming for, and since we were able to seek additional improvement, it was a good camp.
Q: With two weeks until the opening, what do you want to build up?
A, it's about being stricter with ourselves.
<Hotaka NAKAMURA>
Q: How did you feel about the defense performance?
As a team, we had moments in the first 15 minutes where we were under pressure with the ball, but we managed to defend without getting anxious. I'm glad we were able to score in our own way. Indeed, I played with the focus on solidifying our defense, but compared to the destructive power on the opposite side, my side was still lacking, so I want to take this as good material to bring back to Tokyo.
Q: Does this mean that the offensive part remains as a reflection for the future?
A, it's a good reflection. I have been gradually understanding my involvement in the build-up when I come inside, as well as my interactions when I spread wide, but I couldn't fully express myself on my side. I want to study again after watching the footage.
Q: Before being pushed back by the opponent, using the center-back calmly gave a good impression of the build-up.
I don't think I can handle it well, so I need to stand in the right position and time my runs into space. By doing this, I can change the opponent's focus and create openings on the sides with through passes, so I believe the only way to grasp this feeling is to keep doing it. The goal is not just to connect for the sake of connecting, but to score goals, so I aim to create a thick attack by utilizing the wings. I want to work with this future in mind.
Q, please reflect on the entire camp.
A, it has been improving sensibly, and with new players like Koizumi and Nakagawa, we are able to grasp their characteristics well. We are also able to communicate well in terms of relationships. The key now is how much we can utilize the strong individuality of the players. I want to reflect on that by reviewing the footage.
Q: Considering today's match, has the team made progress this week?
There were difficult moments when we were pushed back, and although I had more chances to score, I couldn't finish them off. I personally reflect on the time in the middle of the second half when fresh players came in for the opponent, and we felt their momentum and pressure. It is at such times that I want to confirm where we, as a team, should return to.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: How is your condition?
A, it makes me very happy to be able to play without pain right now. Although it was the last day of camp, both personally and as a team, we are finishing in a good shape. I believe the Diego you all know will be back.
Q: Don't you feel that you can have a match like today against your opponents in the J1 League?
A, the opponent is Hiroshima, which is a wonderful team. I think everyone knows that matches against them are always challenging. Despite that, we are happy that we were able to play well. However, today is just a practice match and is different from an official game. What we are currently thinking about is being able to have a good match against Urawa in the opening game.
Q: There are 2 weeks left until the opening. What do you want to build up?
We have been training hard over the past two weeks and are in good condition, so we would like to continue our preparations for the opening match.
Q: Do you feel that the team has developed a way to break through?
A, I believe we have been practicing and playing in good form, and our combinations are gradually improving. In that process, I feel that the team's style is getting better with each match.
Q: PEROTTI expressed gratitude for Diego TABA's support.
A, I also remember when I came to Japan. I arrived at a similar age as him and was able to adapt to Japanese football with the help of various people, mainly Brazilians. PEROTTI is a player of very high quality, but I believe there are areas where I can assist him, and I want to support him so that he can adapt to Japanese football as quickly as possible.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: How do you feel about today's match when reflecting on the team as a whole?
A, the intensity was very high throughout the 90 minutes, and I think the fact that we communicated well from the back and were able to maintain pressure from the front was a key factor. I hope we can continue this intensity throughout the season.
Q: There are two weeks until the opening.
A, the starting lineup is still not decided, and I want to make my appeal during the remaining period.
Q: Last season, you participated in matches from your first year. Do you feel that in your second year, if you can showcase your play, you will be able to get involved in the matches?
I believe results are expected. I have the confidence that I can do it, so I want to continue working on it.
Q: As a team, the phrase "one more goal" has become a motto. How well has that message been embraced?
A, I have become much more conscious than last season, and I am playing with the intention of scoring many goals while finishing without conceding any. I want to contribute to that as well.
Q: Regarding the practice match against Zweigen Kanazawa on the 2nd, the entire team took it very seriously. Did today's match reflect that reflection?
A, I said that we would definitely press from the front today, and since Hiroshima has a type of defense that follows man-to-man, we focused on maintaining the base of our transitions to ensure we wouldn't lose out, aiming to connect that to goals. In the first half, we were able to start well, and from there, we managed to score, so I think it's a good achievement.
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA mentioned that he wants to instill a winner's mentality in the team this season. How do you perceive the focus on winning?
A, there were similar discussions last season, but this season it feels like everyone is more consciously engaged. After all, we don't want to lose, and I believe individual improvement is necessary to make Tokyo a better team. I also want to contribute.
Q: Are your expectations for the team and for yourself increasing?
A, it's already rising (laughs).
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q, please review the game.
It was a one-on-one on the side, so I went straight for it and scored towards the far post. My speed is my strength, so I used my explosiveness with changes in pace to gain an advantage from the start. I could tell from the moment I kicked it that it felt good, so it was a great feeling.
Q: It took a while to join the first camp, but how was the effort in the second camp?
A, it can't be helped that my return was delayed, but I felt frustrated. I was disappointed not to be able to participate in the first practice match at the Miyazaki camp, and when I looked at the lineup for today's match, I saw that my playing time was limited. I thought it would be shorter than expected, and it turned out to be a short time, but I felt that I had to do my best and entered the match with a strong desire to make an impression. I personally feel that my scoring ability, which is my characteristic, is effective in this team, and I believe today proved that.
Q: I believe that achieving results will pave the way forward.
A, I haven't left any achievements or numbers, and I started from zero with this team. In that regard, I believe I can only build up from here, and I feel nothing but excitement without any anxiety. I think that as I build up, it will reflect in my playing time and numbers, so I am excited and confident in myself.
Q: What kind of play do you want to show in the upcoming appeal opportunity?
In a team with top-level talent even in J1, my significance lies in my scoring ability and quick start, which are my characteristics. There are no similar types, and I have a strong desire not to give up the position that Kensuke NAGAI (currently Nagoya Grampus) left vacant. I believe there are many points to appeal, such as proving myself through results, not just in numbers, but also by becoming a starting point in defense and breaking through behind the lines. Still, I think the most important thing is the numbers. I want to steadily build up from practice matches and demonstrate my significance.
Q: It seems that you appear more eager than other players due to the delay caused by your injury. This is likely to have a strong impact on your comeback.
I feel very eager inside, and since I'm starting from the very bottom, I have the determination to take the position. On the last day of the Okinawa camp, I returned to action and participated in a practice match in Kodaira, but my performance didn't improve, and I felt very frustrated. Today isn't different from usual, but I have that eagerness inside me, and I believe it contributed to today's match.
Q: During the camp, I think there are parts where everyone starts from a relatively flat state, including practice matches.
A, I think I am starting from the bottom in a similar situation at SC Sagamihara, where I was last season. Given my current abilities, I thought it was natural to be left out. However, I want to keep pushing forward without getting discouraged in order to turn around what I consider to be natural. I am a man who doesn't give up easily, so I want to produce solid results and hear "welcome back" from everyone.
