【Player Comments】
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, today marks the end of our camp. Please take a moment to reflect on it.
A, I think we have a clear understanding of what we need to do. It is important for us to continue to work on our weaknesses and challenges throughout the season, now that we have recognized them.
Q, it was a game against Zweigen Kanazawa on the 2nd and there were many words of reflection. Is it safe to say that today we were able to overwhelm the opponent based on that point?
A, we must win every game, and instead of making excuses, we must always aim for victory from the moment the whistle blows, no matter what the circumstances. In that regard, we recognized our weakness in the match against Kanazawa, so I think we were able to use that reflection today.
Q, Wasn't it a fulfilling camp, including moments of realization?
A, we were able to play a lot of games and work together to address the challenges that came up. Everyone was enthusiastic and worked towards the direction the coach was aiming for, and we were able to do more than expected, so it was a good camp.
Q, there are 2 weeks left until the opening, what do you want to build up?
A, it is important for us to work harder.
<Hotaka NAKAMURA>
Q, how was the feeling on the defensive side?
A, as a team, we were able to hold the ball for the first 15 minutes, but we were able to defend without getting flustered. And it was good that we were able to score in our own way. Certainly, I was playing with the intention of making our defense stronger in the end, but compared to the destructive power of the opposite side, my side was still lacking, so I want to take it back to Tokyo as a good material.
Q, is it fair to say that the offensive part will be reflected on for the future?
A, it's a good reflection. It's about being involved in the build-up from the inside, or in the involvement when spreading wide. I've been gradually grasping it, but I couldn't fully execute it on my side. After watching the footage, I want to study it again.
Q, Before being pushed by the opponent, it was a good impression that the center back was used calmly for build-up.
A, I don't think about doing it well, so I stand in the right position and go out to the space at the right timing. By changing the opponent's perspective and making playful passes, the side will open up, so I think the only way to get a sense of it is to keep doing it. It's not just about connecting, but the goal is to score and connect, so we aim to create a strong attack by utilizing the wings. I want to work towards that goal.
Q, Please give us an overview of the entire camp.
A, We are improving both intuitively and with the addition of new players such as Koizumi and Nakagawa, we are able to grasp their characteristics firmly. We are also able to communicate well in terms of relationships. The key now is how we can utilize our strong individual players. I would like to review this through watching videos.
Q: Based on today's game, has the team been able to make progress over the past week?
A, I was pushed in a difficult time zone and missed chances to score more goals. There were times when I couldn't finish the final blow. I personally reflect on being pressured and overwhelmed by the fresh players of the opponent team in the middle of the second half. In such situations, I want to confirm where we as a team should stand.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, how is your condition?
A, it is a very happy thing for me to be able to play without pain now. The camp was also the last day, but both personally and as a team, we are finishing in a good shape. I think Diego, who you all know, will come back.
Do you feel like you can get a sense of accomplishment by playing a game like today against an opponent in the J1 League?
A, The opponent is Hiroshima, a wonderful team. I think everyone knows that our matches with them are always difficult. Even so, we are happy that we were able to play well. However, today is just a practice match and it is different from an official game. What we are thinking about now is being able to have a good match with Urawa in the opening game.
Q, only 2 weeks left until the opening. What do you want to achieve?
We have been training hard for 2 weeks and are in good condition, so we would like to continue preparing for the opening.
Q: Do you feel like your team is able to break down the opponent's formation?
A, We have been practicing and playing in good form, and I think our combination is gradually improving. In the process, I feel that the team's style is getting better with each game.
Q, PEROTTI thanked Diego for his support.
A, I also remember when I came to Japan. I came at the same age as him and was able to get used to Japanese soccer with the help of various people, mainly Brazilians. Perotti is a very high-quality player, but I think there are also areas where I can help him, and I want to support him so that he can get used to Japanese soccer as soon as possible.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, How was today's game when looking back as a whole team?
A, the intensity was very high throughout the 90 minutes, and I think it was due to being able to give good instructions from behind and continue pressing from the front. I hope we can maintain this intensity throughout the season.
Q, it is now 2 weeks until the opening.
A, the starting lineup is still undecided, and I also want to appeal myself during the remaining period.
Q, Did you feel like you could get involved in the game if you could play your own game in your second year, having played in the game since your first season?
A, I think the result is expected. I have confidence that I can do it, so I want to continue working on it.
Q, as a team, the motto "one more goal" has become popular. How has it been received?
A, I have become much more conscious since last season and I am playing with the goal of scoring more points while keeping a clean sheet, so I want to contribute to that as well.
Q, Regarding the practice match with Zweigen Kanazawa on the 2nd, the entire team took it very seriously. Did today's match reflect that reflection?
A, I said I would definitely press from the front today, and Hiroshima is a type of defense that follows man-to-man, so I focused on the base of switching so as not to lose to it, and entered to connect to the goal. In the first half, we were able to start well and score a goal from there, so I think it was a good harvest.
Q, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has talked about wanting to instill a winning mentality in the team this season. How do you view the importance of winning?
A, There was a similar story last season, but this season it seems like everyone is doing it consciously. I don't want to lose, and I think individual level up 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 getting excited (lol).
＜Leon NOZAWA player＞
Q, please review the game.
A, it was a 1-on-1 on the side, so I just went straight up and scored towards the far side. Since speed is my strength, I used my explosive power to create a gap while changing pace. The feeling was so good that I knew it was going in from the moment I kicked it, so it felt great.
Q, It took some time to join the first camp, but how was the effort during the second camp?
A, it was inevitable that I would be late to return, but I was frustrated. I couldn't play in the first practice match at the Miyazaki camp and I was frustrated, and when I looked at the team sheet for today's match, my playing time was limited. I thought it would be shorter than expected, but it actually became a short time, but I thought I had to do it and I entered the game with a strong desire to appeal. I personally feel that my scoring ability, which is my strength, will work in this team, and I think today was proof of that.
Q, I think that producing results will open the way forward.
A, I didn't have any achievements or numbers, so I started from scratch with this team. In that sense, I think I have to build up little by little, and I have no worries, only excitement. If I keep building up, I think it will show in my playing time and numbers, so I am excited and confident as well.
Q, What kind of play do you want to show in the upcoming appeal?
In a team where top-level talent is gathered even in J1, my purpose is to show my scoring ability and initial speed, which are my strengths. There are no similar types, and I have a strong desire not to give up the seat left by Kensuke NAGAI (currently Nagoya Grampus). I think there are many appealing points, not just in terms of results or numbers, but also in terms of defense and creating opportunities by breaking through the back. However, I think the most important thing is the numbers. I want to build up my purpose from practice matches and show my worth.
Q, due to being late due to injury, it seems that there is more of a sense of intensity compared to other players. It is likely to have a strong impact on future comebacks.
A, I am very motivated and determined, starting from the bottom, to take my position. I returned to the field on the last day of the Okinawa camp and also played in the practice match in Kobehira, but my performance did not improve and I felt very frustrated. Today is not different from usual, but I have a strong motivation inside me, and I think that led to today's game.
Q, In the camp, I think there is a part where everyone starts from a relatively flat state, including practice games.
A, I think I started from the bottom at SC Sagamihara, where I was last season, in a similar situation. I was doing it while thinking that it was natural to be excluded with my current ability. However, in order to turn around what I think is natural, I want to continue without giving up. I am a man who does not give up easily, so I want to do my best to get results and be told "welcome back".
