[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, how is the game at Japan National Stadium?
A, first of all, I would like many people to make teru teru bozu (weather charms) so that it does not rain tomorrow. Not just for us, but because I have heard that the stadium is mostly covered, I hope the rain can be avoided for the sake of those who come to the game. And I hope even more people will come to the stadium. I have heard that many highly entertaining events are prepared, so I hope everyone will enjoy them. We all want to fully enjoy the match at this wonderful stadium together.
Q, (depending on the weather) there is a possibility of more than 40,000 people entering.
A, I definitely hope that many people will come. If more people come and we play a good match, I believe the appeal of Tokyo will be conveyed to even more people in the heart of the city.
Q, what is your impression of Gamba Osaka?
A, after the coaching change, it feels like Gamba Osaka this season has steered towards placing greater importance on combination play. Like us, they started the season with a new coach, so I think the team is currently in a growth phase. This is especially true when changing the style of play. Since the start of this season, we can see gradual progress in a positive direction. In that sense, I believe this match will be an attractive one. Both teams will likely showcase their weapons and distinctive characteristics clearly in the battle. Soccer is a sport where the number of goals scored determines the outcome, so whether goals are scored or not can greatly change the flow of the game. Recently, shots have been hitting the crossbar and posts, so I hope the posts move just a few centimeters and the ball goes into the goal.
Q, Who is the player that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is particularly expecting?
A, it is player number 12. The fans and supporters.
Q, how is player Kajiwara?
A, I will be out of action for about two weeks because I injured my knee in the recent game. It's really disappointing because I was playing well. Since I'm young, I think I will recover quickly and return to the team.Regarding player Morishige, we need to conduct a detailed examination to determine if he can make it to the game. On the other hand, it is good news for the team that player Leandro, who has recovered from his injury, and player Kashif BANGNAGANDE are available.
Q, I think you appreciate the player Yoshifumi, but what aspects do you think are good?
A, first of all, the fact that he is young is a key point. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of his technique. His participation in attack is also very appealing. Regarding his defensive performance, I want to see a bit more from him, and I expect there are areas for improvement. He is very young and has great potential for growth, so I want to closely watch and monitor his play. However, since he has been out of action for a long period, he will gradually regain his match sharpness.
Q: What will happen if Morishige is absent?
A, Henrique is here, so it’s all right.
Q, Tokyo has a good winning percentage in games at the Japan National Stadium, but does Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA care about numbers and data?
A, I don't place much importance on past numbers. However, I think they are worth paying attention to. If there is a tendency to win, I hope it continues.
Q: Are there any good luck charms or rituals?
A, I believe that by working hard, I can bring about good luck. I think there is a flow where if you work diligently, you will be blessed with even more fortune.
[Player Interview]
＜Yuto NAGATOMO＞
Q, do you have any memories of the J-League returning to the National Stadium after 8 years?
A, I only have memories (laughs). I admired Higashi Fukuoka High School after watching the snowy Final Round of the National High School Soccer Championship between Higashi Fukuoka and Teikyo High School, and from there, I dreamed of going to Higashi Fukuoka. In our generation, we lost to Ichiritsu Funabashi High School in the first match during our third year of high school, and I was left with the regret and emotional scars of not being able to reach the Japan National Stadium. The moment I stood on the stage of the Japan National Stadium was during the Malaysia match with the U-23 Japan national team under Coach Sorimachi. At that time, I was still affiliated with Meiji University, but I was called up for the first time and fought representing the national team. I scored a goal in that match, and it was the moment my long-held scars from 3 to 4 years healed.It has that kind of story, and when I first stepped onto the pitch of the Japan National Stadium, it was a trembling situation. There was pressure in representing the country, and I felt a sense of tension in that regard, but I still remember the joy of standing here and the trembling sensation I felt.
Q, the Japan National Stadium is also where you won your first title, right?
A, that's right. Since then, my image of the Japan National Stadium has been very positive. I scored in my debut match for the U-23 Japan national team, and also scored in the A national team match against Belgium. I won the Nabisco Cup (now the Levain Cup), so I have a very good impression of it.
Q, Speaking of the Japan National Stadium, Sota HIRAYAMA is the image of the National Man, but will Yuto NAGATOMO become the New National Man at the new Japan National Stadium?
A, aiming to become the New National Man. First, I want to give my all to help the team win. It would be great if I can score goals or provide assists.
Q, there is a possibility of more than 40,000 spectators, but will you be making noise as a festival man?
A, I will definitely make a lot of noise. The more attention I get, the more energy wells up from deep within me, and I would be happy if the crowd exceeds 40,000. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were no national team matches either, so after going through more than two years of truly lonely and tough experiences, returning to the Japan National Stadium and being able to showcase my play in front of over 40,000 fans and supporters is something that makes me happy as a soccer player.
Q, have you ever seen the new Japan National Stadium in a video? How do you feel about the excitement of stepping into it and playing, and the expectation that it will give you a new power?
A, it's the power that comes from that land, or rather, the energy is somewhat different. Regarding the Japan National Stadium, the moment you step on it, you can strongly feel the energy coming up from beneath your feet.
Q, in terms of good luck, you have scored goals in the past Japan national team's match against Belgium, and this time's match against Brazil will also be held at the new Japan National Stadium. How do you feel about playing the game?
A, first of all, as a side back, I want to defend solidly. I want to keep the number of goals conceded at zero. This applies not only to the Brazil match but also to tomorrow's game. I believe that not losing to the opponent in front of me, especially in one-on-one situations, is something I must demonstrate. If I can't show that, I don't think it will lead to the World Cup. There are plenty of players in the J.League who are better than me. However, I don't want to lose in terms of defense and one-on-one battles, so first, I want to focus on my footing and firmly show my own play.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, I have played in 8 matches in the league. How do you feel about your performance so far in your first year as a professional?
A, I have positively recognized that with each match, I have become more accustomed to J1 League soccer and have been able to play the way I want. However, there are still parts I am not fully satisfied with myself, and younger players are thriving overseas. Personally, I feel a greater sense of urgency than satisfaction, so for now, I want to spend the season learning from the senior players at Tokyo and growing even more.
Q: What are you consciously trying to absorb from your senior teammates?
A, I have the mindset to learn from everyone, but during training, I especially pay close attention to the positioning of Yojiro TAKAHAGI and Keigo HIGASHI, who play in the same position as me. Also, I am close with Shuto ABE in private life as well, and since we understand each other's play, I want to deepen our coordination even further moving forward.
Q, this round is a match at the Japan National Stadium. For player Kelly, it is the place where he won the National High School Soccer Championship in January this year. Is there anything special he is conscious of?
A, not at all. It doesn’t change the fact that it’s just one league match, and my determination to fight to win remains the same in every game. We have drawn three consecutive league matches, so I believe it is most important to secure a solid win here and add three points.
Q, please tell the fans and supporters about your enthusiasm for this match.
A, I want to share the victory together with the fans and supporters who come to the stadium. We have been able to train well so far, and we are approaching the match with a good mentality, so I will do my best to connect that to a winning result. Personally, I am also aiming for plays that directly lead to goals, such as goals and assists, which are visible results, so I hope everyone will look forward to that.
