<Albert PUIG ORTONEDA>
Q, the first practice match has ended. Please share your honest thoughts.
A, what we did today is by no means considered a practice match. For me, it is practice itself. Fighting among ourselves like in a scrimmage is part of training, and competing against other teams is also part of practice. I want you to understand that clearly. Including today, the fourth match will be a practice match against Kyoto SANGA, but I believe that will be the first true practice match. The first three practice matches before that are included as part of training as we have started the preseason and are accumulating training.
Q, what did you want to confirm in today's practice in a game format?
I have communicated to the players that there are three key points we are focusing on. These are linked to our training: the first is maintaining possession of the ball, the second is that each individual and the entire team must take appropriate positions, and the third is the intense transition between offense and defense after losing the ball. I am very satisfied with what the players expressed today. This is because it was clear that everyone is eager to learn the new playing style. From the first day of preseason to today, the players' attitude towards learning in every training session has been excellent, and that is what I am most satisfied with. Additionally, while emphasizing the importance of the team's atmosphere, I am also pleased that we are creating a good environment.
Q Was there an intention behind the order of the players who appeared in the first, second, and third rounds?
Of course, I formed three teams considering various factors, but that doesn't have any special meaning. Throughout this preseason, I need to understand the characteristics of each player, and the players themselves must express their own characteristics. In that sense, there is no special meaning to today's team formation. There is still plenty of time left.
Q Is there anything you would like to improve regarding the emphasized "position" for tomorrow's practical training session?
I think that, in a broad sense, the entire team was able to maintain their positions and balance. In that sense, it was very encouraging to see the players' willingness to learn and absorb. However, it is natural that we need to delve deeper into the finer details. Nevertheless, I am very satisfied with this as a starting point.
Q, it was characteristic that you were giving loud instructions on how to apply pressure from the wings.
A, as I mentioned at the very beginning, today was part of a practical training session, so there may be tactical improvements that I will ask the players for. Therefore, I will refrain from commenting on the finer details. Of course, what I am looking for is not to drop the defensive block and defend, but to defend as high up the pitch as possible.
<Keita YAMASHITA>
Q: You scored the first goal, but how did you feel during the 20 minutes today?
A, this was the first time this season that we played in a match format, so I focused on getting to know my teammates, letting them know my strengths, and being mindful of scoring since it was a game. There were opportunities to score the second and third goals, and I am not satisfied with just one goal; I need to make sure to finish when the chance arises and take as many opportunities as possible. However, I think it was a good game.
Q: Did you have any requests from Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA?
A, we are currently at the stage of integrating it throughout the team, so there are still few individual contributions, but it is strongly emphasized that we are looking for someone to finish in the final box. There are important aspects to positional play, but it is said that positional play is done to score goals, and I believe I am the one responsible for that final part, so it is crucial to finish, and I really intend to focus on that.
Q: When the pressure continues, the space in front of the goal diminishes. What are your thoughts on scoring in such tight spaces?
A, I have of course seen the play, but I am also experiencing the characteristics of other players by actually playing together and feeling the intuitive aspects firsthand. Additionally, I am making sure to communicate well with foreign players outside of the game as well. I am actively trying to make my strengths understood not just on the pitch, so I believe it is important to build trust in the limited time we have before the season starts.
Q: I heard that you were inspired by Mr. Sato Toshito's attitude of demanding things from those around him.
A, that part has changed a lot. I thought I was doing it until then, but by demanding more, I can be better understood, and better combinations can emerge. I realized in a short period that what becomes visible changes, so I want to keep demanding more and deepen it.
<Shuto ABE>
Q: How was your first training session in a match format?
A, it was a short time of 20 minutes, but there were many things to think about, and since I shared a position with Leandro, I talked with Leandro after it was over and then went to ask the coach as well. I was able to create a scene where I went into the goal area and took a shot, so I think it felt good.
Q: Did you adjust your position to balance with the other players?
A, that's right. Leandro can deliver decisive passes, so I positioned myself to support Leandro and ensure he can face forward in good condition. I was also aware of making sure Leandro could move freely and face forward. There were moments when the opposing midfielder could mark both me and Leandro alone, so I think we need to communicate more and align with the coach on that.
Q: As we connect the ball from the back, many players are receiving it in the half-space, and I feel that the essence of positional play is starting to emerge.
A, while I have the desire to drop back and touch the ball, if I do that it becomes meaningless, so I was advised to be patient and trust my teammates to move forward.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: This was your first practice match in a real game format. What was your aim in approaching it?
First, I focused on expressing the team's concept that we have been working on in practice, and personally, since it is my first time playing with the same team, I aimed to let my teammates understand my strengths and to bring out their strengths through my play.
Q: How do you feel about it?
A, today we had a long time holding the ball, and I clearly understood the parts where we were able to show what we practiced and the areas that need improvement, so I want to play with a high level of awareness in our training again.
Q: How is your condition?
I am doing intense training with the ball, but I feel that my condition is steadily improving. I believe it is important to have practice matches even when the body is under strain, so I will continue to work hard to gradually reach top condition.
