Q, how do you perceive the accumulation of the preseason as an individual?
A, I have been playing under former coach Kenta HASEGAWA's style of soccer until now, but from this season, it has shifted to Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's style, and tactically it has changed drastically. The plays I need to perform have also changed significantly. There were various parts where I had to experiment and make adjustments, but during the camp, I kept trying new things. In that process, not only successes but also errors occurred, but I corrected them myself and have been refining my play. Personally, I still need to improve much more, but I think I have made very good preparations.
Q, how do you feel about the team's performance?
A, there were many practice matches during the camp, and through repeated trial and error, I feel that we have been improving significantly with each game we play.
Q: How do you feel about coming back to Kodaira and the increasing intensity of competition?
A, this is what soccer is truly about, so the competition naturally becomes more intense. Although we are teammates, this is a world where competition is tough, so I think it's only natural for it to be fierce.
Q, what is your impression of Coach Albert's soccer?
A, of course, people keep running and working hard, but he constantly says, "Stand in the right position, and first move the ball to make the opponent run." When that happens, naturally, quick decisions and more one-touch plays increase. It's not just about technique; the speed of thinking and executing is highly demanded, and I believe we need to work on that even more.
Q: What are the requirements for a side back player?
A: It’s about opening up when you need to open up. It depends on the time and situation, but there will be times when you open up to receive the ball yourself, and other times when narrowing inside can effectively utilize the outside players. By taking a slightly lower position, you can also create passing lanes for the center backs and goalkeeper. There isn’t really a fixed pattern for this; it’s an area where you have to constantly make decisions based on the situation. This is a very difficult aspect, but now my mind is gradually becoming more organized, so I think reducing mistakes there and executing accurately will lead to better play.
Q, please tell us your thoughts and feelings for this season.
A, I don't think about injuries anymore. It becomes an excuse to talk about injuries. Since I have a new knee, I want to forget about injuries in a positive way and focus on the quality in front of me, as every year is a year of competition.
