<Albert PUIG ORTONEDA>
Q, today was the first training match of the season against a J1 club. Please share your honest impressions and thoughts.
A, the results and number of goals in the preseason matches are not important. What matters is the content of the game. What did we feel there? I believe both the players and I felt the same thing: when we control the ball, we can firmly take the initiative in the match ourselves. At the same time, it is true that there were points that needed improvement. In the first 15 minutes of the first half, there were many rushed plays pushing forward too much, and we were unable to control the match. After that, as the team gradually regained composure and began to control the ball, we were able to demonstrate the difference in level between each of our players and the opposing players. I think that was today’s takeaway. However, it is also true that there were many mistakes, so we must work on improving and correcting them. We have no choice but to take time and continue daily efforts. It is important to convince the players. Once the players firmly believe, continuing daily efforts will not be difficult.
Q: Compared to the practice match on the 26th, the high press was more intense and powerful, and there were also opportunities to win the ball in advanced positions. How do you feel about that?
A, the result of the previous match was also not important. However, we lost the ball frequently in that game as well, and since the opponent was a team skilled at maintaining possession, there were times when they controlled the game. It is essential to convince the players and earn their trust. Along with that, it is important to consistently work hard every day to improve and correct our mistakes. We must reduce errors. Sometimes those mistakes do not lead to conceding goals and we can still win the match. On the other hand, one or two mistakes can lead to conceding goals and losing the match. Therefore, reducing mistakes is crucial. As I have said many times before, I believe we will definitely struggle during the first few months. However, we have a squad of high-quality players. In that sense, if we patiently continue our efforts, I am confident we will move in a positive direction.
Q, I think that if the forward players like Hyun Soo JANG can score chances like today, they can also buy time while realizing what they want to do.
A, we truly expect that players with strong finishing ability up front will give us calmness and confidence. However, without the mindset to change the club, we will end up repeating the same path. I think this season will be a difficult one. If the fans and supporters understand this, endure the hardships together, and continue to persevere for the success that will come in the future, I believe a major reform can be achieved. The club must also take risks. I believe this season is a time to recognize and endure the hardships for the club’s brighter future. For the club to achieve stable success, we must build the team’s foundation over a long period of time. Otherwise, match results will be determined by the quality of players and the level of foreign players in that season. Naturally, I expect a lot of criticism at the start of the season. But it’s okay because I don’t understand Japanese (laughs).
＜Takuya UCHIDA player＞
Q, how was today's practice match?
A, I have gradually come to understand what the coach is asking for, and I felt that I have been able to realize it little by little, so I think that was good.
Q: Is the feeling during practice different from the feeling during a game?
A, when it comes to whether what we practice can actually be done on the pitch during the match, there are still some areas lacking. I think everyone feels the same, but within that, we play keeping the coach's demands in mind, so there are still parts where I haven't been able to show my own characteristics. From now on, I hope to respond to the coach's demands while also expressing my own traits.
Q, are you now more focused on adapting to the team's style?
A, yes. There is also the aspect of trying to meet the coach's demands, and since it is a style of soccer that requires thinking, I believe that as I get used to it, I will be able to express my own characteristics and style. First, I want to work on being able to respond to the coach's demands.
Q, there are still several practice matches remaining. Please tell us the challenges you want to tackle.
A: If asked whether I am meeting 100% of the coach's demands, I would say I still have a long way to go. At the same time, I understand that I need to focus on the numbers, so I want to be conscious of those aspects moving forward.
Q, how is your condition even though your body is tired?
A, I feel that we are heading toward the season. The opening is just a few weeks away, and I want to fine-tune a little more.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: This was the first match against a J1 club this season. Please reflect on the match.
A, I enjoyed playing today, and I also felt that the season has finally started. From here, I want to shift up a gear.
Q: Up until now, the practice matches have been positioned as training in a real game format. How much success have you been able to achieve through the trial and error up until this point?
A: The style of play from last season has not disappeared in a positive sense, but on the downside, we still faced many counterattacks today, and we have not been able to score goals with the style of play we want, which is something we need to reflect on and work on in practice. However, I also believe that counterattacks are one way to score goals. If we can successfully blend Albert PUIG ORTONEDA’s style of play with our own strengths, in addition to what the coach is saying, I think we can play even better football.
Q: How has your focus on positioning and training paid off so far?
A: I have come to understand, to some extent, the overall positioning and where I should be while watching the positions of my teammates. From here on, communication with my teammates becomes important. Since it’s not just about my own position, the positions are determined according to the placements of the players in front and behind, so I believe it is essential to raise the level of understanding across the entire team.
Q: Have there been any moments where the entire team has been able to draw the same picture and take positions?
A: Even if the same side is able to share understanding, it’s meaningless if the opposite side does not share it, so this style of soccer is difficult even if two or three players understand it. Although there were moments where we felt we managed certain situations well to some extent, that understanding was only shared among those two or three players, so I felt that to win more matches, it is necessary for all 11 players to share this understanding.
Q: We are halfway through the camp and heading towards the final stage, with two practice matches scheduled. Please tell us your goals for those matches.
A: I believe I have a certain level of understanding of this style of soccer, so I want to focus on bringing out my strengths and improving my conditioning on top of that.
