Q: The entire schedule of Kunigami Camp has been completed. How do you feel about the results?
A: I am satisfied because I felt the players' eagerness to absorb the new tactical concept. When you want to change something, you have to believe in that change and reform. In fact, I sensed the players’ willingness to believe, so in that sense, the first 10 days were meaningful. Up to this point, we have been focusing on training to improve physical condition, and it is progressing as planned. Of course, the players are accumulating fatigue, but since this was expected, I am not worried. When fatigue builds up, they cannot reach top speed, but that is also within our expectations.
As I have commented many times since the first day, building something new is not an easy path. Acknowledging that, we are accumulating progress day by day. To grow into a greater club in a few years, we must now endure hardships and lay the foundation to build a new era. Even in today's (January 26) practical training, there were difficult periods. I believe there will be more challenging times ahead. However, I think this is necessary to achieve something great.
Q, from the start until now, it is the period to improve physical condition, but most of the training menu of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is done with the ball.
A: We train using the ball, and I believe it is clear that the players are being physically pushed to their limits. I think the physical condition required in modern soccer can only be achieved through training with the ball. At high-level clubs in Europe, regardless of playing style, it has become mainstream to train in a comprehensive manner, both physically and tactically. We are also conducting training linked to the playing style I envision from this period onward. What I seek is high-intensity, densely packed training. To get used to this training, a 3 to 4 week preseason is necessary. By the time the season starts, the players should be accustomed to this training and their bodies adapted as well.
Q: Players often say that practice is enjoyable and mentally exhausting. What do you keep in mind when planning practice menus?
A: What I expect is intelligent soccer, a group of smart players, so it is natural that their brains get tired during training. Since we are working on a new tactical concept, the players probably feel mentally exhausted. I also think there is an aspect where they are not yet accustomed to playing while using their brains. But they should get used to it soon. For now, I want them to really tire their brains out (laughs).
Q, in the practical training on the 22nd, the players were emphasized on "holding the ball", "taking the correct position", and "immediately trying to regain it if lost". Please tell us about the results and challenges of these.
A, I felt that the players were consciously playing with these three points in mind. However, it is also true that many balls were lost during today's practical training. If the ball possession time is as long as expected, even if the ball is taken away, the players can quickly switch and regain it, but when the ball is lost frequently like today, the players get tired. It becomes difficult to switch quickly when tired. The road ahead is long, but it is also certain that the team has definitely grown over these past few days.
Q, is the reason for losing the ball frequently due to fatigue? Or is it a problem with technique or positioning?
A, it was not a technical issue. Rather than a positioning problem, I think each player held onto the ball too much, which allowed the opponents to trap us. When each player’s number of touches increases and the tempo slows down, it becomes easier for the opponents to trap us defensively. The passing tempo along the defensive line, centered on the center backs, was slow today. To speed up the playing tempo, it is necessary to continue training in positional play.
Today, there were moments when each player was late to take the proper position or went to regain the ball without coordinating well, which led to breakthroughs by the opponent. However, it is understandable since the preseason has only just started 10 days ago. That said, we cannot just keep waiting to improve our level of completion; once the season begins, we must accumulate points. Alongside putting energy into securing victories in every match, we want to raise the overall team's level of this playing style.
Q: What is the specific focus you would like to work on at the Itoman Camp?
A, next, I would like to focus on training the defensive aspect as well. While working on improving our attack, we will also concentrate on how to regain possession of the ball. I have come to understand each player's individuality quite well, so I want to explore the best defensive approach that will lead to a good start for the opening match. Additionally, playing speed is a crucial point in our style. Since it can only be improved through daily accumulation, we will continue working on it at the Itoman Camp.
Q, it seems that you have been having individual conversations with the players during this camp. What kind of conversations have you been having?
A, I like talking individually with the players and believe it is very important, so I make a point to set aside time for that.
Q, what is the content...
A, it's a secret, that's why I'm talking about it individually (laughs)
Q: Why was Masato MORISHIGE chosen as the captain and Diego OLIVEIRA as the vice-captain?
A, I judged that both of them have the qualities suitable for leaders. I expect them to contribute to uniting the team as my right-hand men, and I have conveyed this to them as well. I want them to always ensure a good atmosphere both on the pitch and in the locker room. Since the season is long, there will be times when problems arise within the team. At such times, I also expect them to bring the team together and resolve issues quickly.
text by Atsushi Iio
