<Albert PUIG ORTONEDA>
Q, it was a training match in the rain. How do you look back on the overall performance?
A, I think they expressed good soccer. However, due to the pitch conditions, it was difficult to perform the plays we were expecting. Still, even in such challenging circumstances,the ability to connect passes was a good training experience.Overall, I believe today's practical training session was also a wonderful training experience.
Q, I think there will be a game in the rain like today even in a long season.
A, Regardless of the pitch condition, we always want to express our playing style, but it is a competitive world, so I think we need to adapt to the pitch condition and weather at that time and play well.
Q, why were the game times different between yesterday and today?
A, As part of the overall preseason planning, we would like to gradually increase the playing time, intensity, and condition.
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q: How do you feel about the effectiveness of practical training?
A, I have started playing a new style of soccer, and I was able to apply several aspects of what we practiced over the past week during the match. Gradually, I am beginning to understand the style Coach Albert wants, and I believe the entire team is working with a shared awareness.
Q, Have you had individual conversations with Coach Albert?
A, I have talked with him about twice, and first, he told me to take on every one-on-one situation. Also, regarding defense, he said to cut off the outside and lure the opponent inside so that we can regain possession there. I want to be more conscious of that. As for dribbling, I took on every one-on-one in today's practice match as well, and I was able to create several chances and good opportunities, so I want to take on even more and connect that to goals and assists.
Q, I think there will be more and more scenes where player Konno takes the initiative.
A, It’s really easy to play. I often position myself near the sideline and have many opportunities to receive the ball freely there, so when I get the ball, I want to take on the challenge without hesitation. If I can win in one-on-one situations, it will increase the team’s chances, so I want to focus on that.
Q, it seems like there are many enjoyable parts as we challenge ourselves with new ways.
A, practicing is enjoyable, and although the level of perfection is not high yet, as it improves steadily, it will become even more fun. The players doing it will enjoy it, and I believe it will be soccer that the spectators can also enjoy, so I want to raise the level of perfection as soon as possible. I think it would be ideal to win while playing beautiful soccer, and that is what I want to aim for.
Q: If there are any parts you want the fans and supporters to look forward to, please let us know.
A, I believe my role is to securely connect from the back and then use the balls that have been passed to me to take on the opponents and create opportunities for goals and assists, so I want everyone to look forward to that.
Q: Why did you change your jersey number to 17?
A, as the team undergoes major changes, I also changed my jersey number. It’s not exactly starting from zero again, but I wanted to start fresh. I was torn between 17 and 19, but after asking various people, I decided on 17. It’s not that I have a strong personal attachment to the number, but the influence of voices from my family and friends was significant.
Q, I think there are high expectations from fans and supporters.
A: I want to improve my level as much as possible during the camp and return to Tokyo, and my goal is to play from the start and perform well in matches, so I aim to be in the starting lineup for the opening game.
<Junya SUZUKI>
Q: How was today's training in the tough conditions due to the rain?
A: Of course, the pitch conditions were not good, but situations like this do occur during the season. While we have been working on what Coach Albert is trying to instill in the team during camp, there were still parts we couldn’t execute due to the pitch’s influence. It was a difficult match where we had to think about what we would do under these pitch conditions and how far we could carry out what the team is trying to do.
Q: Were there any challenges you were considering before the game?
A: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has told me that he wants the side backs to actively challenge themselves by moving inside, so I wanted to do that. While considering the characteristics and relationships of the players in front of me and the defensive midfielder beside me, I played with the intention of bringing out my strengths.
Q: Please tell us your enthusiasm even though there is a tough competition for the position of side back.
A: The competition is fierce, but I want to play with a strong determination to get on the field and help the team win. Throughout the season and the training camp, various situations will arise, but no matter the circumstances, I want to prepare thoroughly and do my best to be involved in the matches.
