-- As you work on new soccer initiatives, how would you assess the current level of penetration and response?
Player Morishige
There are various situations during the match, so how to respond in those moments cannot be resolved within the team without playing the matches. Therefore, we need to continue playing matches and work on deepening our understanding as the league games begin and we play more matches.
Diego TABA
Since this is completely different from the football we have been playing until now, I think it is natural that it will take time to adapt. As Morishige mentioned, there are aspects that can only improve through matches, but considering the quality of the players, I believe we can meet the coach's demands. There may be some difficulties and challenges in the process towards completion, but I believe that overcoming them will lead to good football, so I think we just have to continue believing in what we need to do and what the coach is asking for.
-- How would you express the changes compared to last season's football?
Player Morishige
Previously, it was soccer that quickly moved towards the goal, pushing forward, but now, I think the keyword is more about holding the ball and properly controlling the game.
Diego TABA
Last season, there were several matches where we were outplayed by our opponents, even in home games, as they maintained possession of the ball. This season, we have the attitude to firmly hold the ball ourselves and control the game, which I believe will also lead to a reduction in goals conceded. I think our approach to moving and controlling the ball is different from last season.
-- In the current situation where they are trying soccer, do the players have the luxury to enjoy it?
Player Morishige
Challenging ourselves with new things leads to our growth, and while it can be enjoyable for the team to grow, there are also difficult aspects. However, those difficult parts are where we struggle and ponder for our growth, so I think we can enjoy that as well.
Diego TABA
With the change of coach, the style of football we aim for has changed significantly, so it will take time and, of course, there are difficulties. However, I strongly feel that we must work hard now. As I mentioned earlier, considering the quality of the players, I believe that by the end of the league, we will be able to realize the style of football we want to play. Even though the process may be challenging, I want to enjoy it, and it is something we must do. I hope that by the end of the league, all the players will have grown while enjoying the process.
-- Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA himself has mentioned that it will take time. On the other hand, do you feel a sense of expectation for what lies ahead?
Player Morishige
It is important to continue believing in that. With so many good players around, there is definitely the ability to achieve it, and after that, I think it is important to believe in it, continue, demand from each other, and elevate each other.
Diego TABA
I believe that as time goes by, we will naturally be able to play the football we want, and while there are areas where we need to demand from each other, I think if it continues to permeate among everyone, we will be able to play interesting football that we want to play and that the fans and supporters watching will enjoy.
-- In terms of mutual demands, is communication within the team becoming more active?
Morishige
Since we are challenging ourselves with new things, a momentary misalignment in thoughts can cause things to not go smoothly, so we confirm with each other what we wanted to do at that moment and where we wanted things to go. I believe that even in the finer details, demanding from each other and aligning our intentions is something we should continue to do, not just from this year, but always.
Diego TABA
I believe that communication is important during the time of challenging new football. Things that are unclear or parts that do not match are both things that we demand from each other, and I think communication is important in that sense, such as asking experienced players or coaches.
-- This season, I have been appointed as captain and vice-captain. What roles do you think are expected of you in the current team?
Player Morishige
Since we are doing something new, I need to first understand what the coach is trying to do the best, communicate that to the team, and when my teammates have questions, I may need to take those and go ask the coach. I believe I have been given the role of captain to help the team succeed, so I feel that sense of responsibility.
Diego TABA
Morishige has been a captain in the past, and I believe he can fulfill the role he mentioned. We also want to provide strong support. Additionally, while there can be communication difficulties between Japanese players and foreign players due to language barriers, I want to actively facilitate communication between them. However, in my case, regardless of being a captain or vice-captain, I think it's important for everyone to have the mindset that they can act as a captain.
MORISHIGE
I trust Diego, and he has been with FC Tokyo for a long time among foreign players, and he is a boss-like presence among them (laughs). Having Diego as the vice-captain is a significant thing for me... no, not just for me, but for the team as well. The coach also mentioned that to achieve something, the team's atmosphere and unity are important, so I want to work on that with the help of Diego, as a team.
Diego TABA
In order to have a good season, everyone must work with the same mindset, so we need to cooperate with each other. If any player is facing something, I hope they will talk to us, and we want to work towards resolving it. However, fundamentally, I believe it is important for everyone to unite and look in the same direction towards a common goal.
-- This will be the fifth season for both of you to play together. Please tell us about the plays you are looking forward to from each other.
Player Morishige
Diego TABA believes that scoring goals is his primary job, and he has done that for the team over the past four seasons, so I hope he continues to do so. Additionally, off the pitch, he is a wonderful person, and young players are watching him, so I want to continue to expect that from him as before.
Diego TABA
From what I've heard on the pitch, before coming to Tokyo, when I faced opponent player Morishige, he was a very difficult opponent. Since becoming teammates, he has been a great support. Even off the pitch, he is trusted by various players, and everyone knows they can follow him, so I hope he continues to show the same form as before. Also, while we joke around together, I believe that being able to communicate both on and off the pitch is a sign of respect, so I hope he remains natural.
-- Finally, please tell us your thoughts for this season.
Player Morishige
We have chosen this style of football to win, so it's not that we can be satisfied without winning as long as people enjoy it. The closest path to victory is what we are currently challenging, so first and foremost, I want to show a winning performance with this style of football, and I must demonstrate it as a professional.
As a team based in the capital Tokyo, we must be strong, and I believe we need to ensure that the fans and supporters who come to the stadium leave with enjoyment. It's not just about beautiful soccer; there are also passionate feelings and intense plays, so we aim to be a team that makes people want to cheer for us.
Diego TABA
I believe that we should always focus on winning, but as Morishige said, I also want to show the strength of the team and the individual players during the matches. I hope to make this season one where we can say, "We delivered many victories" by the end of the league matches.
Discussion Date: February 2, 2022
