Q: Do you feel that you have grown in these two matches?
A: In the previous match, we came back from 0-2, and not only the result but also the content showed significant growth. The team is improving and moving in a good direction, but as a defensive player, I am personally concerned because we have conceded multiple goals in the last few matches.
Q: How do you plan to improve the part of conceding goals from crosses?
A: Everyone knows that most of the goals conceded come from crosses, so we are practicing while sharing our opinions. I think we are gradually improving, but in the last match, when I was near the near post, the cross ball hit a teammate and changed its trajectory, which caused me to hesitate a little in my judgment. I should have cut off the course there, so I believe that dealing with crosses remains a challenge both for the team and for me personally.
Q, (The Yokohama FM match) I think the game development was completely different in the first and second halves, but was it because you were able to make a lot of adjustments during the game?
A: In the first half, we were pushed back by the opponent's pressure from the front line, and the distance when we had the ball was also far. In the Kashiwa match, we played very well in the first half, and the opponent came at us strongly in the second half. This time it was the opposite pattern, going into halftime down 0-2, and since it was a home game with no choice but to fight, we held a strong mindset. Not only tactically but also mentally, with the feeling that we could not afford to lose, we managed to catch up to a draw. We also created chances that looked like we could turn the game around, so in that sense, I think it was good.
What kind of things do you want to work on for the Q, G Osaka match?
A, we have to continue what we are doing, and since we have been able to score through ball circulation and counterattacks, I think it is important to keep up the attack. Defensively, I have a very strong desire to keep a clean sheet in terms of results. Although the opponent is lower in the standings, considering the quality of their players, I don't think they are a team that should be ranked there, so we must not be complacent. If we can firmly secure 3 points, I believe we can still reach the top positions. We want to take each match in this three-game stretch seriously and fight hard.
Q, if we continue to win the remaining matches, I think we can also see the possibility of finishing within the top 3 and qualifying for the AFC Champions League. How are you setting your goals?
A, I think if we keep winning, the AFC Champions League will come into view, but we must not lose sight of the foundation we have built so far and the style of soccer we will continue to play. While continuing and producing results, the ACL is a realistic goal, but I want to show matches that connect not only to this season but also to the next season.
Q, I think there was a break before the Kashiwa game, what kind of things were organized as a team?
A, during the break after the Shimizu match, I consciously discussed with the players about the sense of distance between players and the positioning of support for the ball holder.
Q, has it become easier to pass the ball from the center back during the build-up?
A, in the first half of the Kashiwa match, the distance between players was good, and it was very easy to play while using short passes and long balls. However, in the Yokohama FM match, the distance was off, and both short passes and long balls could not be kicked at the right timing, creating a vicious cycle that reminded me of the early part of this season. I believe that support and the distance between players are indeed important.
Q, how do you see the presence of player Tsukagawa from the center back position?
A, Tsukagawa has a high skill level, having played for Kawasaki Frontale, so the passes that come back after receiving the ball and the play development after passing are very helpful.
Q, is there a basic attitude of focusing on attacking without fear of conceding goals and constantly moving towards the goal?
A, it might be said that scoring more goals means success, but as a defensive player, there is a part of me that doesn’t feel happy when we concede more goals even if we win. I think there is a slight difference in mindset between attacking players and defensive players. However, being able to score a lot is a good thing, and I believe we are moving in a positive direction.
Q, is it correct to say that while maintaining the ability to score in the attack, the goal is to improve the defensive aspect and ultimately get closer to the desired outcome?
A, while continuing to score goals in attack, I think the defense has also increased in difficulty with dealing with counters and crosses. If we further level up in those areas, I believe we will steadily become the team we aim to be.
Q, can you improve your play by judging it yourself while watching the opponent's situation on the pitch?
A, there are instructions from the coach, but I think part of the reason for our results is that the players on the pitch make fine adjustments and think for themselves while playing.
Q, is the soccer you are aiming for an image that mixes both holding the ball and using the counter as a weapon?
A, I believe short counters are something the opponents dislike, and counterattacks, which are also one of our characteristics, allow us to attack. I think our style of play is characterized by mixing counterattacks with maintaining possession and attacking through ball circulation. Our goal moving forward is to raise both aspects to a high level.
