Q, What kind of preparations did you make personally for the opening match against Urawa?
A, I am not making any special preparations for the opening game. When I was on the bench, I was watching and thinking about what I could do when I entered the game in the middle.
Q, the first half was dominated by Urawa. What did you think was the key to changing the flow of the game as a substitute?
A, when the ball entered the front line, there was no forward player created. In my mind, I was thinking about receiving the ball while getting closer to the distance with the midfield. When I played, I was conscious of taking the ball and suppressing the opponent's attack on the right side because the development had changed.
Q, in the second half, multiple players were working together and were able to execute organized attacks.
A, I believe that we not only need to be able to move in sync with good timing, but also need to push ourselves to be able to do the same even in bad timing. I think it's natural for us to be able to do it in our own timing. There have been many times when we couldn't move in sync with the opponent's dominant timing, and there were also situations where we couldn't do it even in a good situation in the second half. Personally, I don't think it was good and I think there is room for improvement.
Q, how do you feel about the next match?
A, I always want to go for goals this season and I am thinking about how to make the team win. No matter how I play, I want to improve so that I can perform well. Whether it's good or bad, I think that when I play in a game, the necessary things to clear the challenges will come out. Of course, the most important thing is for the team to win, but I want to push myself to the forefront and do what I need to do.
Q: What do you think about the starting lineup competition? Do you feel motivated by it?
A, there is stimulation, and last season, I wasn't concentrating on daily practice, but I have a strong desire and ambition to do more. Not being able to participate didn't change my feelings, and I think there are things I can do even if I can't play. I feel very fulfilled in many ways now, and it is pushing me to improve myself even more.
Q, Was it because you couldn't express what you wanted to as a team in the opening game that you want to improve from now on?
In the midst of fighting in the league, I think it is very important to see how much we can control the ball and how much we can do what we want in a close game. It is common for any team to be able to score and go at their own pace. However, there were times when we couldn't do anything when we were playing at the opponent's pace, so I think there is room for improvement. We were able to defend patiently, but I think there is more to be done in terms of ball possession and attacking.
Q, Is it because there are many mental elements? I think there are more things that the team can do in both offense and defense.
A, of course, there is also the fact that it was the opening game, and we played the match with high intensity, but I think we need to reduce simple mistakes, including myself. Just one or two mistakes can change the flow of the game, so I realized that we need to focus on that.
Q, Did you have any regrets about not being in the starting lineup, and did that motivate you in a positive way?
A, Last season, I didn't score any goals after coming on as a substitute, so I made it my goal to score in any situation. As I mentioned before, I really enjoy expressing myself and evolving in those kinds of situations.
Q, How was the moment when the team scored their first goal?
A, the second goal was also mostly an own goal. It was good to see my name displayed on the scoreboard, and I think I was lucky as well.
Q, How do you feel about the away game against Kashiwa, while valuing the continuity of both the team and yourself?
A, I still have a good image from last season. I believe that if we can play even better, we can win.
Q, Was the away Kashiwa game last season the closest to the best in terms of content?
A, although we conceded a lot of goals, we were able to score a large number of goals and the way we scored them was also beautiful, so we have a good image.
Q, I think there were expectations for you to come on in the second half and change the flow of the game.
A, I was trying to be conscious of playing as much as possible with the ball. What I thought was that we needed one player to receive the ball in a difficult time and in a difficult place. Even if the ball doesn't come, just standing can change the situation, and I think we lacked such movements. When surrounded by three or four players, just receiving the ball can change the opponent's defense, so I was watching the game thinking that I wanted to change something.
Q: At the camp, you mentioned that you want to cherish each day. How has your time been spent so far?
A, last season was also fun to practice, and it continues now. However, what I can do and what I have to do are clear, and it feels great to be able to play soccer. I don't have any doubts, and I feel like I know what I need to do.
Q, Do you also have a strong desire to lead the team more?
A, I still have moments where I can only think about myself, but I am gradually trying to change as a person and be able to make decisions about my play and actions while considering the team. I am constantly thinking about this.
