<Albert PUIG ORTONEDA>
Q: It was a training match in the rain. How do you feel about the overall performance?
A, I think we expressed good soccer. However, due to the pitch conditions, it was difficult to perform the plays we were expecting. Still, even in such challenging circumstances,the ability to connect passes was a good training opportunity, I believe.Overall, I think today's practical training session was also a wonderful training experience.
Q: I think there are matches in the long season that take place in the rain, like today.
A,regardless of the pitch condition, we always want to express our playing style, but since this is a competitive world, I believe we must adapt well to the pitch conditions and climate at any given time and play accordingly.
Q: The match times were different yesterday and today, what was the intention behind that?
A,I would like to gradually increase playing time and improve intensity and conditioning throughout the overall preseason planning.
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q: How do you feel about the practical training sessions?
A, I started a new style of football, and during this past week of practice, I was able to showcase what we've been working on in the matches several times. Little by little, I think I'm beginning to understand the style of football that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA wants to implement, and I believe the entire team is developing a shared awareness.
Q: Have you spoken individually with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA?
I talked about it a couple of times, and first, I was told to take on every one-on-one situation. There was also a discussion about cutting off the outside and inviting players inside to win the ball, so I want to be more conscious of that. Regarding dribbling, I took on every one-on-one in today's practice match, which created several chances and good opportunities, so I want to keep taking on more to connect it to goals and assists.
Q: I believe there will be more and more scenes where Konno will take the initiative.
A, it really is easy to play. I often have the opportunity to receive the ball freely along the sidelines, so when I receive it, I want to take action without hesitation, and if I can win in a one-on-one situation, it will increase our chances as a team, so I want to focus on that.
Q, it seems that you are challenging yourself with new methods, and there are many exciting aspects.
A, it's fun to practice, and while our level of completion is not high yet, it will become even more enjoyable as we improve. The players are having fun, and I believe the spectators will enjoy the football as well, so I want to raise our level of completion as quickly as possible. I think it would be great to win while playing beautiful football, so I want to aim for that.
Q: Please tell us what aspects you would like fans and supporters to look forward to.
I believe my role is to connect well from the back, and with the ball that has been passed to me, to challenge the opponent and contribute to goals or assists, so I hope you look forward to that.
Q: Why did you change your jersey number to 17?
As the team undergoes significant changes, I also wanted to change my jersey number and start anew, not completely from scratch, but with that desire. I was torn between 17 and 19, but after consulting various people, I decided on 17. It's not so much that I have a strong attachment to it myself, but rather the influence of my family and friends is significant.
Q: I believe there are high expectations from fans and supporters.
I want to improve my performance during the camp and return to Tokyo, and my goal is to play well from the start, so I aim to secure a starting position for the opening match.
<Junya SUZUKI>
Q: It was tough conditions due to the rain, but how was today's training?
A, of course the pitch conditions were not good, but there are situations like this during the season. While we have been trying to implement what Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has been working on with the team during camp, there are still aspects that are affected by the pitch that we cannot execute. We need to think about how to handle such pitch conditions and how far we can go as a team while facing this difficult match.
Q: Were there any issues you were considering when approaching the match?
A, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has said that he wants the full-backs to increasingly challenge by moving inside, so I wanted to do that. I played while considering the characteristics and relationships of the players in front of me and the holding midfielder next to me, aiming to showcase my strengths.
Q: The competition for the full-back position is tough, but please tell us your enthusiasm.
A, the competition is fierce, but I want to approach it with a strong desire to play in the matches and help the team win. Throughout the season and during the camp, I think there will be various situations, but I want to work hard to be well-prepared and involved in the matches, no matter the circumstances.
