Q: What kind of preparations did you personally make for the opening match against Urawa?
A, I am not making any special preparations for the opening match. While I am on the bench, I was watching and thinking about what I can do when I get to play in the match.
Q: The first half was dominated by Urawa. What do you think was the key to changing the flow of the match after coming on as a substitute?
A, when the ball entered the front line, the forward players were not able to create opportunities. I was thinking about receiving the ball while closing the distance with the midfield. When I came on, the game had changed, so I focused on winning the ball and suppressing the opponent's attacks on the right side.
Q: I think multiple players worked together in the second half, allowing for organized attacks.
I believe that we need to not only be able to move in sync during good time periods but also to refine our ability to do the same during bad time periods. I think it's natural for us to perform well during our own time. However, there are often times when we are not able to move in sync when the opponent has the upper hand, and there were moments even in good situations in the second half where we failed to do so. Personally, I don't think it was very good, and I believe improvement is necessary.
Q: How do you feel about the upcoming match?
I want to always go for goals this season, and I am thinking about how to help the team win. No matter how I participate, I want to improve so that I can perform well. I believe that whether good or bad, playing in matches will bring out the necessary things to overcome challenges, so of course, the most important thing is for the team to win, but I want to push forward what I need to do.
Q: What do you think about the competition for the starting lineup? Do you feel motivated within yourself?
Yes, there is excitement, and although I was focused during daily practice last season, I have a strong desire to do more. Not being able to participate did not significantly change my feelings, and I believe there are still things I can do even if I'm not playing. I feel very fulfilled in various aspects right now, and it is motivating me to further improve myself.
Q: In the opening match, it seems that the team was unable to fully express what they wanted to, and they would like to improve from here on out. Is that correct?
I believe that in the league matches, it is very important how much we can hold onto the ball and how much we can do what we want in a closely contested game. I think it can happen to any team to score a goal by chance and start playing at their own pace. There were moments when we couldn't do anything at all when the opponent was dictating the pace, so I think improvement is necessary. While we were able to defend patiently, I believe there are more ways to lose the ball and to attack.
Q: Are there many mental elements involved? I think there are more things that the team is able to do in both offense and defense.
A, of course, since it is the opening match, both teams were playing with high intensity, but I believe we need to reduce simple mistakes, including my own. I think that just reducing one or two mistakes can change the flow of the game, and I realized again that we need to focus on that.
Q: I believe there were feelings of frustration not being in the starting lineup, but did that have a positive effect?
A, last season, I did not score after coming on midway through the matches, and I have been working on scoring in any situation. I think I have mentioned this before, but I really enjoy expressing the changes in myself in that regard.
Q: How did you feel at the moment the team's first goal was scored?
Well, the second goal was almost an own goal too. It was good to see the name displayed on the electronic scoreboard, and I think we were lucky as well.
Q: Considering the importance of continuity for both the team and yourself, what are your thoughts on the away match against Kashiwa?
A, I have a good image from last season. I believe that if we can play even better, we can win.
Q: Was last season's away match against Kashiwa one of the best in terms of performance?
Although we conceded many goals, we were able to score a lot, and the way we scored was beautiful, so I have a good impression.
Q: I think there were expectations for you to come on at the start of the second half and change the flow of the game.
I thought I should focus on plays that involve the ball as much as possible. What I was thinking was that we needed at least one player to receive the ball in a difficult position during tough times. Even if the ball doesn't come, just standing there can change the situation, and I felt that we lacked such movements. When surrounded by three or four opponents, just receiving the ball can change how the opponent defends, so I was watching the match hoping to change something.
Q: You mentioned that you want to cherish each day during the camp. How has your time been so far?
A. Last season was fun to practice, and it continues to be so now. I have become clear about what I can do and what I must do, and knowing exactly what I need to do contributes to my enjoyment of playing soccer. I don't have any lingering feelings of uncertainty, and I feel that my responsibilities are clear.
Q: Do you have a strong desire to lead the team more?
A, there are still times when I can only think about myself, but I want to gradually change as a person and be able to make choices in my play and actions while considering the team.
