Q: After finishing the opening match, which one is bigger in terms of challenges and response?
A: First of all, the start of the match wasn’t good. Personally, I strongly feel the need to correct that. I wanted to calm the game down more. Although I consciously tried to get into the match, there were parts, including the formation, that weren’t fully communicated to everyone, so I think things didn’t go well.
Q, were there frequent calls for corrections during the start of the match?
A: We were able to talk, but in the end, I think the clear corrections were made at the moments when the play was stopped.
Q: Has player Ryo AOKI ever said anything to those around him?
A: I called out about formations and positioning. I'm not sure if it was smooth, but after that, things improved significantly and we were able to move the ball better.
Q: The tempo increased in the second half. What did you think?
A, both offense and defense were coordinated, and we were able to advance the game while moving the ball. I think there were more good periods than bad.
Q, I think we were able to create quite a few chances.
A, I felt a sense of progress in those aspects.
Q, is this a game where we were able to clearly identify the direction in which things will change if we make adjustments here?
A, I think the flow of the game will change depending on the situation in the upcoming matches as well, but I believe we are moving in a positive direction. That was good.
Q: Are there any negative aspects to the result of defeat?
A, personally, yes. The first 15 minutes were a match where it wouldn't have been surprising if the opponent had won. However, after that, I think it was our time for the majority of the game. In that sense, I believe it was a match where we had to secure 3 points, or at the very least, 1 point.
Q, have you been working on anything in practice since the start, and have you been able to fill the gap in your style during actual matches?
A, I’d say it’s about half and half. There were parts where we succeeded. However, as I have been saying throughout the camp, regarding my position, it has been said that the match is decided by the first play, so I have an even stronger impression that we couldn’t control things at the start.
Q: What will you be working on for the next game?
A: The start of the match is both a personal challenge and, I think, a challenge for the team as well.
