Q: What did Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA say when you were appointed captain?
A was asked, "I would like to ask you to be the captain, what do you think?" and replied, "It's an honor, so I will do it."
Q: How did your experience as a captain influence you?
As the captain of Tokyo, there is a responsibility, and I believe that one should be a suitable captain. Until last year, Player Higashi fulfilled that responsibility and did a wonderful job. As both a team and a company, we are entering a new phase, and personally, I am happy to take on the role of captain again and face new challenges. I believe I must take this responsibility seriously.
Q: How do you think about balancing the role of a representative player and being an individual player based on your past experiences?
A, it's not just because we did it last time, but I see it now as an opportunity to take on a new challenge.
Q: With Diego OLIVEIRA being appointed as the vice-captain, there are also talks of additional appointments in the future. What are your thoughts on this?
A, I believe that Diego is already a suitable choice for captain considering his behavior and contribution to the team. (Typically) the group is divided into Japanese players and foreign players, but in order to realize the style of football that the coach aims for, we must cooperate as one collective, so in that sense, having Diego as captain is reassuring.
Q: Is this your thought regarding the term "unity" mentioned by the coach?
As the captain, I want to support each player so that they can demonstrate their strengths in their respective positions.
Q: It has been a few days since the camp started. Have there been any new discoveries?
First of all, I feel that being able to train with good tempo, a positive atmosphere, and without stress is the best thing for us. It takes time to explain the details of practice, so I think you would understand if you come to watch. I feel that without the accompanying skills while using our heads properly, we cannot achieve completion. Of course, I think it will take time, but the training we are doing makes each of us, including myself, feel that we can and must level up, so it is enjoyable.
Q: How is Coach Albert's meeting?
We hold meetings with a touch of humor, and we also align the team's intentions by discussing the details while watching videos. Additionally, we are able to practice with the content of today's training already in mind from our prior meetings. The way we use videos and systems is cutting-edge, unlike anything we've done before.
Q: Is there anything the coach is asking of you as a center-back at this stage?
A, it's not specifically as a center-back, but as a team, we focus on moving the ball quickly, finding space, and spreading out... Rather than just moving people, we are conscious of delivering the ball firmly from person to person, so we enjoy training in that aspect as well.
Q: I think you were the type to lead by example when you were captain before, but now that you have more experience, what kind of image do you have of a captain?
A, at this stage, I don't have anything in mind, but while learning various things, I want to become a more talkative captain (laughs)
Q: I think there will be many instances where I will mediate between the coach and the players. I believe I can handle it well based on my experience, what do you think?
I don't intend to stretch myself too thin, but I must do what needs to be done. To create a positive atmosphere and elevate the team's level, I believe I will often find myself in between the coach and the players. I think there will inevitably be some gaps between what the coach expects and what the players think, so I want to foster an environment where we can exchange opinions, even on small matters, and work together to create something better.
Q: Please tell us about the interesting aspects of soccer that have become clear at this point, as well as its difficulties.
A, indeed, technical skills and quick decision-making are required, so if we do not improve in those areas, this football will not be complete. I believe that being able to do the obvious things in an obvious way leads to a higher level of football. I can only look forward to it.
Q: Please tell us if there are any keywords that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has emphasized in the past few days.
Although this is about something other than soccer, I feel that achieving things together as a team and as a family, regardless of whether players are Japanese or foreign, is something the coach values as much as soccer.
Q: Please tell us the difference between the football style of Mr. Popovic and Mr. Jofuku and the style that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA aims for.
There are similarities to when Popo and Jofuku came. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA tends to believe that it is not necessary to move too much; if players take their positions firmly and can deliver the ball from one player to another in those positions, it can lead to better attacks and better football. Rather than having people move for ball possession, I think the new discovery is that people should stand in the right places and deliver the ball there, continuously aiming for the goal.
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