<Albert PUIG ORTONEDA>
Q: How was the camp after it ended?
I think the players were able to express today that they are positively embracing the change in play style. Building a foundation is not easy, but I have a good feeling that we are starting to build it sufficiently. From now on, I believe steady efforts to enhance our completeness will be necessary.
Of course, mistakes will occur in difficult situations. Today there was a significant mistake that led to a goal, but I am not concerned about that at all. There were also mistakes in our attack. Even though we created many decisive chances in the first half, not being able to convert them can also be considered a mistake. It is important to avoid mistakes in both defense and attack. Mistakes that lead to goals are easily remembered, but we must not forget the mistake of not converting the decisive chances we had in the first half.
In any case, we are currently in the preseason. Over the past three weeks, we have clearly communicated the direction we want to aim for. However, we are still at the stage where the groundwork has just begun.
Q: It seems that you are looking for simplicity when watching the practice.
A, I believe that seeking something truly simple and playing simply is what makes soccer difficult. Generally, humans tend to overthink things.
We are trying to build up play with the goalkeeper, but we are approaching things simply and asking the goalkeeper for simple play. If the goalkeeper can engage in the build-up simply, it may appear to the team as if we have completed a complex build-up, but I believe that is achieved by continuing to play simply.
In the finishing zone of the front line, each individual's imagination and creativity become crucial. There is very little that the coach can do regarding the finishing in front of the opponent's goal.
Q: It seems that you have been fighting with a somewhat fixed lineup, but is it important to play with the same members in order to build a solid foundation?
A, indeed we do not have much time left. Additionally, we must deepen our understanding of each player's characteristics in this short period. We will face the opening match in two weeks. Naturally, we have solidified the roster to some extent over the past three weeks, but this is by no means final. I believe that such an approach is appropriate to enhance the team's completeness. Moving forward, I think we will gradually make adjustments and changes to the roster.
I have high expectations for the growth and performance of young players. I want to make the most of opportunities like the Levain Cup to encourage the success and development of young players.
Q: How does the coach perceive that player Nagatomo was unable to participate in the camp to build the base?
A, his absence from the camp is indeed a disadvantage, but he is a great player with wonderful experience and quality of play. Therefore, I believe he will adapt to the team's play in a short period of time. Just as he has contributed to the national team with the experience he has accumulated so far, he will also make a significant contribution to Tokyo.
There is no doubt that he is an important player for me, with a strong and clear personality, and experienced. He will contribute greatly to us. However, I must treat all players equally, just like him, and it is the coach's responsibility to ensure that the players who should shine do so.
However, the fact that there are still absent players like him, a great player, is in a way a significant Prifoods.S for us.
Additionally, I am looking forward to the growth and success of young players whose personalities I have yet to fully grasp. I believe there are diamonds in the rough in the development department as well. Although I have not yet seen them play, I am very excited about it.
It is very positive that there is competition for positions within the team.
The fact that there were no major injuries during the camp is also a significant positive factor for us. Thanks to the good work of many staff members, we were able to avoid major injuries and have a successful preseason.
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: What will be necessary to further improve the quality from here on?
I think we can only repeat understanding what phenomena are occurring on the pitch during the match and practicing with that awareness.
Q, how do you feel about the penetration of new soccer?
A, I definitely think that we are becoming smoother in the second match compared to the first match, and in the third match compared to the second match. Also, during today's game, we are fine-tuning what the coach is asking for by watching the footage closely. By continuing this repetition, I believe everyone will start to visualize what the coach intends. Playing matches and analyzing them repeatedly is the clearest way for us to understand.
Q: I am playing multiple positions even during the camp.
I'm glad I started with a tough position (laughs). It's easier to fall back, but moving from the back to the front is tough. I thought it was difficult to manage the team's balance and how to move the ball in midfield, but once I moved to a position in the back, I could see the whole picture and started to understand what to do. I felt that the perspective changes depending on the position, which was very positive during this three-week camp.
Q: What points were emphasized during the camp regarding ball possession?
I value rhythm and tempo, so when I can move quickly, I do, and if the opponent is not closing in, I carry the ball with dribbling. With each match, I've come to understand that it's okay to turn and face forward or to use dribbling, so I want to continue refining that understanding.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: Recently, you have been used on both the left and right sides in matches. How do you feel about actually playing in those positions?
A, the view is different on the right side and the left side, and the plays I can make are also different, but I will continue to work on improving the quality of my play while practicing.
Q: How do you feel about your understanding of tactics?
There are times when I find it difficult, and there are also things that I can think of in addition to what the coach is saying. I feel that I understand the coach's style of football quickly, and I hope to continue working on improving my skills and abilities to translate that into my play. Also, since the full-back position is one that needs to be defended, I want to work on that aspect as well.
Q. Originally, you played mostly in midfield, but recently you've been trying out as a full-back. Do you have any strengths or advantages that other players don't have?
A, perhaps, I think that I lose the ball less often than players who have only played as full-backs, and I have a broader field of vision. Including the aspect of maneuvering against opponents, I believe that is one of my strengths.
Q: Currently, you are often playing as a full-back. Do you have a desire to compete in a more advanced position?
A, originally, I have no desire to play in the front line. For better or worse, I don't really understand which position is suitable for me, so I don't have any preferences or dislikes about positions. I will just do my best in the position given to me by Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA.
Q: I feel that you are quick to position yourself and have a high understanding of the coach's tactics. Is there anything you feel while playing?
I don't know about other players, but for myself, I think that by not overthinking and being able to organize the essence or fundamental aspects of soccer, it leads to playing without hesitation. I want to fulfill my role properly.
