Q, please look back on the Kashiwa game.
A, when attacking, I played with the awareness of picking up second balls near Diego, but in the first half, I couldn’t get involved with the ball well. In the second half, we were able to increase the time playing soccer in the opponent’s court, but I think not being able to score was an issue.
Q. Do you think you are aiming to play a more offensive style of football than last season, and have the expectations changed?
A, I think there is a greater demand for forward momentum and intensity in play compared to last season. It is important to play while considering positional balance, but personally, I felt that in the previous match, pushing into the opponent's territory was better than circulating the ball at the back. In the Kashiwa game as well, I continued to focus on playing by pressing forward in the opponent's half. Moving forward, I hope to adapt well depending on the flow of the game and who is on the field.
Q, the opening match started from the bench and the match against Kashiwa was played as a starting member. What do you want to focus on in the match against Kyoto?
A, Matsuki is away on national team duty, and Abe is injured, so whether I can seize this opportunity or not depends on me. I believe that the players who can focus on results and help the team win are the ones who get to play on the pitch, and I want to play with the awareness of playing for the team.
Q: Do you want to be involved in scoring?
A: I think scoring goals is the most visible result. If you continue to produce results, those around you will recognize you as a player who can deliver, and you will become a threat to the opponents. I want to be strongly committed to that.
Q: After scoring two goals last season, I seized the opportunity to become a starter.
A, I think being able to score as an inside half is very attractive. It is also a great plus for the team, and even if it is not as a starter but as a substitute, I believe the opponents will recognize me as an unpleasant presence, and I want to leave that kind of impression.
Q: Did you have any prepared patterns for scoring scenes as a team?
A, Nakamura made a good throw-in, and I was able to break free when the opponent became a ball watcher. Watanabe skillfully drew defenders away, allowing the ball to reach Adailton, who scored. I want to express my gratitude to Nakamura.
Q: What is the secret to being able to make good plays in an instant?
A: I think it is important to think about how much you are considering connecting to a goal. I am always watching Diego TABA and thinking about how to directly lead to a goal.
Q, I think Tsukagawa has strength in heading as well.
A, it is also one of my strengths. During my time in J2, I was able to score with headers as well. For a player with a physique like mine to make runs from the second line, I think opponents dislike it the most. I am always aiming for that, and since it is one of my strengths, I want to keep targeting it consistently.
Q, the Levain Cup is starting now, and the number of matches will increase.
A, I am a player who focuses on the match right in front of me. I can't think about what comes before or after, so I want to deliver results in the match at hand and fight for the team.
Q: After the match, the coach said that all the players who returned to the locker room seemed disappointed.
A, in the situation near the end when we were down to one player less, normally considering balance, I think we would have pulled back, but everyone was pushing forward to score. When you are one player down, there is a tendency to become defensive. However, this season, we have set our sights on winning the championship, and we have enough players to make that a reality. In that sense, the fact that everyone unified in the attitude of going for goals even when one player down is a very positive aspect. I believe the mentality of scoring and winning even with 10 men is important. Things are moving in a very good direction, and the competition within the team has become fiercer than last season. I think everyone's hunger is heading in a very positive direction.
