Q, is the current situation that the morning practice is focused on physical training, and the afternoon practice is focused on menu using the ball?
A, this morning's practice also included strength training within the session, followed by possession drills, but I think the afternoon practice will mostly consist of training menus using the ball.
Q: How is the team atmosphere even though it has just started?
A, I think we are able to work cheerfully, and everyone is trying hard to understand what the coach is asking for. There are also scenes where players discuss among themselves, so I think the communication is good.
Q: Do you have any sense of how this season's soccer is going at this point?
A, I think the part about building up play from the goalkeeper is a major change from last season, so unless everyone shares a common understanding, we won’t be able to connect the passes. If even one person takes a different position, it will be difficult for the ball to move forward, so this is a part that differs from last year. I myself want to quickly understand what the coach expects and then move my body accordingly.
Q, The head may get tired before the body. It may seem like a clear game of soccer, but do you personally understand it?
A, At the end of the second day of morning practice, I think there are a lot of things that the coach wants to incorporate into the team, but the coach says "gradually," so I want to first understand what the coach wants me to do.
Q: What is the goal of the Kunigami Camp?
A, Of course, one goal is to move to Itoman without injury, but the coach is adjusting our condition and gradually raising it. Once we get to Itoman, I think there will be many practice matches, so I want to prioritize understanding (Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's) soccer over just conditioning to be able to adapt to that. Next, I want to take that understanding into my body and let it permeate.
Q: Do you have any thoughts for player Lin who underwent a second surgery, even though you sent him a message at the suggestion of the coach?
A, I believe it is his second surgery, but Lin's presence changes the atmosphere of the team, so I hope he returns to the pitch soon.
Q, I don't think Abe has had any experience dealing directly with foreign coaches, but what is your impression of Coach Albert?
A: This is my first time playing under a foreign coach in my soccer career, and he is truly a humorous person who often makes jokes during conversations.
Q: Do you have any memorable words from the coach that you think promote the individual growth of players, including tactics, using clever words?
A, He often uses various analogies, talks about overseas players and countries, but I think the coach is seeking positional play, so the phrase "not possession but positional" has left an impression on me.
Q, Did you watch the match of Albelt coach who was in charge of Niigata?
A, I haven't watched it yet, but I plan to watch to see how the defensive midfielders move and what kind of players are on the field, as it will help me prepare to play in matches myself.
Q, Captain (Mori Shige player), Vice Captain (Diego OLIVEIRA player) have been selected, and it is said that a Vice Captain will be selected additionally. Are you aiming for the Vice Captain position?
A, That is something the coach decides, so I think I need to firmly appeal myself during the camp, lead the team, and if as a result the coach chooses me, that would be great. First of all, I believe it is important to make a strong impression on the pitch.
Q, the Japan national team's camp is being held at the same time. Do you think he is a player who could be there?
A, Since mainly domestic players have been selected, I think it was a chance, but I also believe that I still have not achieved the results or performances to be chosen for the national team. It is frustrating not to be selected, but first, I have no choice but to build my condition with the team and work to make an impression.
Q, do you think that having enough experience in playing and ball recovery is sufficient, or is the necessary thing the result of goals and assists?
A, That's exactly right. I scored zero goals last year, and looking back, I really felt that I lacked goals. This year, I want to be more involved in plays in front of the goal and make plays that lead to goals.
Q: There are also parts of the game that were made possible because player Abe played a defensive role. In that regard, do you think it is not easy to aim for a goal?
A, midfield players have various roles, whether it’s defense, attack, or connecting play… Among all these roles, my ideal is to be a player who produces results in the form of goals. Saying "produce results" is easy in words, but to actually deliver results through my play, I think I need to push myself harder and change something this season, so I want to perform better than last season starting from the camp.
Q: What kind of plays do you want to focus on in order to achieve goals and assists?
A, I don't know what formation we will use, but depending on the position, I think I need to take middle-range shots or make runs from the second line into the area in front of the goal more often.
Q, I think you were conscious of moving the ball forward from last season, but how do you feel about the appointment of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, who aims to play soccer that loves the ball, at that timing?
A, As a midfielder, carrying the ball and connecting plays are absolutely important, so last year I focused on trapping and passing even during voluntary practice after training. This year, with the shift to positional soccer, in addition to what I have built up last year, I feel I need to do more in practice yesterday and today, so I want to become a player who can carry the ball more and make more passes.
Q, what are you looking forward to and what do you want to improve in absorbing Albert Puig Ortoneda's football as a coach?
A, I believe I need to improve my understanding of football, and I want to think about, understand, and put into action the plays the coach demands. Also, I want to play in a way that does not lose possession of the ball.
Q, I think I have become a leading position in my third year. How do you want to lead the team?
A, This is my third year as a professional, and I have developed a stronger desire to lead the team more. With a new coach and a new style of football, I believe there will definitely be times when the team doesn’t perform well. At those times, how much I can lead the team will be crucial, so I want to approach this with responsibility and determination from now on.
Q, I also expect the role of a leader.
A, Morishige is the captain, but I think that rather than leaving everything to the captain alone, I also want to be able to lead the team.
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