<Ryoya OGAWA>
Q: Has the understanding of football that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA aims for progressed?
A: I think the understanding has deepened both personally and as a team, but it is still not sufficient. Even in today's match, there were parts that went well and parts that did not, and personally, I feel that there were more parts that did not go well.
Q: Where do you think we need to improve during the second training camp in Itoman?
A: The coach also mentioned this, but as a team, we lose possession of the ball too often during attacks. What we are trying to do from now on is not to retreat and rest on defense, but to hold onto the ball and rest, which is the style of football the coach is aiming for. If we lose the ball immediately, we won’t have the stamina to last, so we want to value possession more. Also, on defense, the way we apply pressure is different from what we have done before, so there are inevitably times when our positioning is off or spaces open up. We need to work closely with our teammates to refine this as well.
Q: On the left side, Ogawa was able to create good chances by running up from the inside of Adailton. Are you able to grasp the timing of the inner lap?
A: With Adailton, we are very conscious of one of us staying wide while the other stays inside, so that we are not in the same lane. We call out to each other, and there have been moments when I take the width, as well as moments when I move inside to shift the opponent’s marking, so I think our combination is deepening.
Q: When playing on the inside, do you think there will be more opportunities to be involved in the build-up play than before?
A: It's not something I'm bad at, and I don't think being a side back nowadays means just staying wide and crossing the ball. I want to be involved in the build-up, move inside more and more, and actively engage with the ball.
Q: As a side back, are you able to play another soccer that can grow two more?
A: I think that if I, along with all the players at FC Tokyo, thoroughly pursue this style of football, we will definitely improve.
Q: Since joining, has Nagatomo had opportunities to play on the right side as well, or is the left side still his main position?
A: That's right. I had hardly ever played on the right before. However, since I had more opportunities to play inside when I was a right side back, I think that even after returning to the left, I still have the feeling of playing inside, which is partly thanks to having played on the right as well.
＜Hotaka NAKAMURA＞
Q: The first training camp is coming to an end. Please tell us about your understanding of Coach Albert's football and the charm you feel personally.
A: There are parts that I can understand quite well in my head, such as the explanations on the board, but during practice we adjust those, and everyone, including myself, is going through trial and error. While I can understand it mentally, there are irregularities in match-like situations, and we do concede goals. However, I think that is expected both personally and as a team, so good material is coming out as we work to internalize it. I hope we can carry this forward into the second training camp.
Q: How do you feel about Ryo Nakamura quickly understanding and adjusting his position according to the positioning of the surrounding players?
A: In the first practical match, due to the relationship with the surrounding players, I had no choice but to stay wide, so I think it was different from what was expected of me. Since then, we have made adjustments in meetings, so it has been a process of trial and error. Even today, it was not functioning perfectly, so if the team discusses the irregularities that arose here, I believe there is room for improvement. I think the more challenges we face, the more we can grow.
Q: How is the content of the training?
A: It's more like fun... Of course, the basic football skills are necessary, but it's like playing football with your head; it really tires your mind. Everyone is skilled, so the pace is fast, but for me, both technically and mentally, I have to be fully engaged, and even then, I still make mistakes. It's only been about 10 days since we started, and the coach has also mentioned this, but I believe that how much soul you put into each and every ball can change your growth curve, so I take it positively.
Q: I think you haven't had many opportunities to play on the inside so far, but that's also room for growth, right?
A: I believe this is an ability necessary for me to move up one or two levels. If I remained unaware of this, I think I would have become a player relying solely on physical ability and sheer willpower. If I can combine my current abilities with the skills that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA demands, I believe there is a possibility for me to advance individually. It won’t be easy right away, but I want to gradually integrate this into my abilities.
