Q, finally one week left until the opening.
A, it's cold in Tokyo after coming back from Okinawa (laughs).
The soccer we aim for is indeed difficult, but I think our understanding is gradually progressing, or rather, we are getting closer to the style the coach intends.
Q, have you started to share the image of soccer as a whole team?
A, while playing on the pitch ourselves, there are parts where we think it would be better to do things differently, and as we play while thinking for ourselves, there are also new players who have joined, so I believe our combinations are deepening.
Q: In the previous style, even in scenes where I was speeding up, were there times when I slowed down due to voices from the surroundings?
A: Last season, we often sent the ball forward regardless of the situation, but now we differentiate depending on the circumstances. When we can attack quickly, we do so, and when we need to connect carefully to avoid losing the ball, we do that as well. I believe the judgment to make this distinction is important. We don’t force going forward, but we make sure not to miss opportunities when we can attack. If we can score with a single pass behind the defensive line, that’s great, but there’s no opponent who will allow that easily. That’s why we want to play a more creative style of soccer—controlling the ball, setting the rhythm, drawing the opponent forward, and then passing behind them.
Q: How do you unify the team's awareness in terms of usage?
A, I think it comes down to communication and raising everyone's awareness. As we play more matches, the timing of when to go forward and when not to will become a shared understanding, so I believe the level of completion, or rather the accuracy of our decisions, will improve.
Q: The opening match opponent is Kawasaki F. Is there anything you are conscious of?
A: They are last season's champion team, and since we will face them at some point anyway, I think it's good to have the match early. They have new players coming in, and some players have transferred out, so I don't think their level of completion is perfect. We respect them, but without fear, we want to first express the style of soccer we aim for.
