<Ryoya OGAWA>
Q: Is there progress in understanding the football that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA aims for?
A, I think both personally and as a team we have been deepening our understanding, but I still believe it is not enough. Today, during the match, there were areas where things went well and areas where they did not, and I feel that there were more instances where things did not go well.
Q: What areas would you like to improve during the second camp in Itoman?
A, as the coach mentioned, our team loses the ball too often in attack. What we are trying to do moving forward is to maintain possession of the ball to rest, rather than retreating in defense, which is the style of football the coach is asking for. If we lose the ball immediately, we won't be able to maintain our stamina, and we want to value the ball more. Additionally, in defense, the way we apply pressure is different from what we've done before, so there are often discrepancies and spaces that open up, which means we need to work closely with each other to address those issues.
Q: On the left side, Ogawa was making good chances by running up from the inside of Adailton, but isn't he grasping the timing for the inner lap?
A, I am very conscious that one of us should stretch out while the other stays inside, and we should not be in the same lane. There were times when we communicated and I took up space, and I was also able to play by moving inside to disrupt the opponent's marking, so I think that combination is deepening.
Q: I think that playing inside will increase the opportunities to be involved in the buildup more than before.
A, I don't think it's just about being good at it, and I believe that being a modern full-back isn't only about staying wide and delivering crosses. I want to be involved in the build-up play, move inside more often, and actively engage with the ball.
Q: As a full-back, is there still room for growth in your football skills?
A, I believe that if all the players at FC Tokyo, including myself, pursue this style of football, they will definitely improve.
Q: Since joining, Nagatomo has had opportunities to play on the right side, but is the left side still his main battlefield?
A, that's right. I had hardly ever played on the right. However, since I had more opportunities to play inside when I was a right side back, I think the feeling of being able to play inside when I return to the left is somewhat thanks to having played on the right as well.
<Hotaka NAKAMURA>
Q: The first training camp is coming to an end. Please tell us about your understanding of soccer under Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA and the appeal you personally feel.
A, I can understand quite a bit in my head, such as explanations on the board, but during practice, we are all adjusting and experimenting together, including myself. I can understand it in my head, but there are irregularities in actual combat situations, and we do concede goals. However, I think that is within our expectations, both for myself and the team, so we are getting good material for (making it more ingrained). I hope we can carry this into the second camp.
Q: I think Nakamura is quick to understand when adjusting his position according to the positioning of the surrounding players. How do you feel about that?
A. During the first practical session, I had no choice but to position myself outside due to my relationship with the surrounding players, so I think it was different from what was expected. We have made adjustments in meetings since then, and I have been experimenting. Today, it was not functioning perfectly, so I believe there is room for improvement if we discuss the irregularities that arose here as a team. I think we can grow as long as we identify challenges.
Q: How is the training content?
A, it's fun... of course, the basic soccer skills are necessary, but it's more about playing soccer with your mind, and it really tires you out. Everyone is skilled, so they keep going, but I have to use my skills and think hard, and even then I make mistakes. It's only been about 10 days since we started, and the coach has mentioned this as well, but I believe that how much soul you can put into each play can change the growth curve, so I am taking it positively.
Q: I think there haven't been many opportunities to play inside until now, but that also means there is room for growth, right?
A, I think this is a necessary ability for me to move up one or two levels, and if I hadn't known this, I would have become a player relying solely on physical ability or sheer willpower. If I can combine my current abilities with the skills required by Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, I believe there is a possibility for me to advance as an individual. It may be difficult to achieve immediately, but I want to gradually incorporate it into my abilities.
