Q: The entire schedule of the Kunigami camp has concluded. How do you feel about it?
I am satisfied because I felt the players' eagerness to absorb a new tactical concept. When making changes, you must believe in that change and reform. I could sense the players' willingness to believe, so in that sense, I think the first ten days were meaningful. Up to this point, we have been focusing on training to improve physical condition, and we are progressing as planned. Of course, the players are accumulating fatigue, but it's all according to plan, so I'm not worried. If fatigue builds up, they won't be able to reach top speed, but that is also within expectations.
As I have commented many times since the first day, building something new is not an easy journey. Recognizing that, we are accumulating day by day. In order to grow into a greater club in a few years, we must now endure and lay the foundation for a new era. There were challenging moments during today's (January 26) practical training. I believe there will be more difficult times ahead. However, I think it is necessary to achieve something significant.
Q: Since the start of training, this has been a period to improve physical condition, but Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's training menu is mostly conducted with the ball, isn't it?
A, we are training with the ball, and I believe it is evident that the players are being pushed physically. I think that the physical condition necessary for modern football can only be achieved through training with the ball. At high-level clubs in Europe, regardless of playing style, it has become mainstream to train in a comprehensive manner, both physically and tactically. We are also conducting training linked to the playing style I envision from this period. What I am looking for is high-intensity, dense training. To get accustomed to that training, a 3 to 4-week preseason is necessary. By the time the season starts, the players should be accustomed to this training and their bodies should have adapted.
Q: We hear players saying, 'Practice is fun' and 'My head is tired.' What do you keep in mind regarding the practice menu?
A, what I expect is intelligent football, a collection of smart players, so it's natural for the brain to get tired during training. Since we are working on new tactical concepts, the players probably feel mentally fatigued. I also think there is an aspect of not being used to playing while using their brains yet. But they should get used to it soon. For now, I want them to really tire their brains out (laughs)
Q: During the practical training on the 22nd, the players were emphasized on three points: "maintaining possession of the ball," "taking the correct position," and "immediately trying to regain possession after losing it." Please tell us about the achievements and challenges regarding these points.
I felt that the players were conscious of these three points while playing. However, it is also true that we lost a lot of balls during today's practical training. If we can maintain possession of the ball for a longer time as expected, we can quickly switch and regain the ball even if we lose it. But when we lose the ball frequently like today, the players get tired. It becomes difficult to switch quickly when they are fatigued. The journey is long, but it is also certain that the team has been growing steadily over the past few days.
Q: Was the reason for losing the ball often due to fatigue? Or was it a technical issue, or a problem with positioning?
A, it was not a technical issue. Rather than a positioning problem, I think each individual held onto the ball too much, which allowed the opponent to trap us. When the number of touches per person increases and the tempo slows down, it becomes easier for the opponent to defend. The tempo of passing in the defensive line centered around the center-backs was slow today. To increase the play tempo, it is necessary to continue training in positional play.
Today, there were moments when each individual was slow to get into the appropriate position or went to steal the ball without coordinating well, which led to being countered. However, since the preseason has only just started 10 days ago, it can't be helped. That said, we cannot just wait to improve our completeness; once the season starts, we must accumulate points. Alongside pouring energy into securing victory in every match, I want the entire team to enhance the completeness of this play style.
Q. So, what would you like to focus on during the Itoman camp?
A. Next, I would like to focus on training in defense as well. While working on improving our offense, we will also concentrate on how to win the ball back. I have a good understanding of each player's individuality, so I want to explore the best way to start our defense for the opening match, which will lead to a good start. Additionally, the pace of play will be an important point in our style. This can only be improved through daily practice, so we will continue to work on it during the Itoman camp.
Q: I heard that you are having individual conversations with the players during this camp. What kind of discussions have you had?
I like to talk to players individually, and I think it's very important, so I make an effort to take that time.
Q, the content is...
A, that's precisely why it's a secret, and we are discussing it individually (laughs)
Q: Masato MORISHIGE has been selected as captain, and Diego OLIVEIRA as vice-captain. What is the reason for this?
A, I have determined that both of them possess the character suitable for leaders. I expect them to contribute to bringing the team together as my right-hand men, and I have communicated this to them. I hope they will always strive to maintain a good atmosphere both on the pitch and in the locker room. The season is long, so there may be times when issues arise within the team. I also expect them to unite the team and resolve these issues quickly when they occur.
text by Atsushi Iio
