Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, Manager
Q: As the Okinawa camp comes to an end, please review the events leading up to this point.
A: We conducted the first phase of the preseason here. Normally, we organize the preseason over five weeks, but this time, since the off-season was longer, we organized it over six weeks. Preparing for the preseason in the same location can be tiring, so to change the mood, the plan is to start in Okinawa, then return to Tokyo once, and next move to Miyazaki, progressing the preparations while changing locations. The first phase in Okinawa focused on improving physical condition. However, our players, as outstanding professionals, prepared well for the preseason, so they were able to start in good condition. Tactically, it was a two-week period of remarkable growth. Thanks to the foundation built last season, we were able to start smoothly. Additionally, the new players fit well with our style. The players promoted from the U-18 team had been continuously participating in the top team's training since last season, so they clearly understood what we expect. Also, the two players who joined after graduating from university understood what we do and joined accordingly, which I believe was another factor that helped things proceed smoothly.
Q, Last season was a season to establish some rules. So far this season, it seems like there are efforts to go beyond those rules.
A, "evolving" is the appropriate expression. There are players who have played the style of soccer we aim for, where the ball takes center stage, and on the other hand, there are players who have not. I believe that continuing to evolve together with them is the direction we aim for this season. Also, there are players who went through a tough period toward the end of the 2021 season. It is difficult to turn things around from there, but I believe they have accomplished it. Indeed, at the end of the 2021 season, the team faced a difficult situation, and I hope they can be reborn with a new style and a more attacking approach. Thanks to the cooperation of the new players who joined last season, we were able to start in a good direction. Now, this season, by adding new concepts, I want it to be a season where the team and each player further evolve. In last season’s Premier League, there was a need to complete the team as quickly as possible. On the other hand, the preseason has become a very difficult situation for me as the manager. This is because the competition for positions within the team is very close, making player selection difficult. That, however, is a wonderful situation for the team.
Q, it seems like we can create two teams of the same level.
A, Exactly right. We can almost form two evenly matched teams, and on top of that, young players are breaking into the lineup. Ideally, this happens every season, with four or five high-level players and multiple young players joining, making the competition for positions even tougher and continuously revitalizing the team. This is the ideal flow.
Q, it's been a repetitive training since the beginning of the camp, but now we've reached a point where we're in really good shape.
A, I believe the reason the menu was executed well is because of the accumulation over the entire last season. Without that, I don't think we could have done it that way. We have only spent two weeks since the start. The phase of seeking that kind of play has just begun. Moving forward, we want to continue pursuing more difficult and higher-level challenges, aiming for more refined play over the course of several months.
Q, pocket, is the keyword that has come up at this camp.
A, the important thing is for the team to mature together with the ball. It depends on whether each player can confidently express mature play in tighter spaces. When you commit more players in a tight space to engage the opponent, it means the opposing players are sliding, which in turn opens up effective spaces elsewhere. So, to deliver the ball effectively into those good spaces, it is first necessary to engage the opponent at a good distance. We want to continue doing that thoroughly, and I believe this is an element that can only be addressed thanks to the accumulation from last season. Of course, we also want to refine the speed of switching between offense and defense, and improve the ability to quickly move toward the goal. We aim for play that centers around the ball. Along with that, we are diligently practicing to aim for a more complete and refined team.
Q, What do you want to instill in the team for the remaining 4 weeks?
A, after returning to Tokyo this time, I want to go back to the usual format of having one training session in the morning during the season. After that, we have arranged three practice matches in a tight schedule, and there I want to aim for play that focuses on high-intensity competition, getting closer to the official match conditions.
Q, the intensity seems to have increased by one level even in Okinawa.
A, the better the play, the more the intensity tends to appear higher. What is important in the preseason is to progress preparations step by step and minimize injuries as much as possible. Since the season is long, good preparation is necessary to continue competing in better condition throughout the season. However, if you demand too much, some teams and players end up losing condition in the latter half of the season. We do not want that to happen, so we want to prepare to continuously compete in good condition throughout the season. I believe in the approach of accumulating weekly cycles rather than treating the season as a single block.
