[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: How did you incorporate the issues that arose in the Hiroshima match into your preparations, considering that the members may change between league matches and cup matches?
A, I think that like life, a team must continue to grow by playing games. However, since the opposing team changes, it is important to understand that each game is a different story. The difficult situations that occur in a game will vary depending on the characteristics of the opposing team's play. Naturally, we are working on the challenges of the Hiroshima match as a team. However, if the characteristics of the opposing team change, the phenomena that can occur in the game will also change. We are preparing based on the characteristics of tomorrow's opponent.
Q, I think Iwata is a team that moves the ball, and their style is different from Hiroshima. I have more of an image that they are closer to Tokyo.
A, I don't necessarily feel that it is close to our playing style. I think Hiroshima also aimed to play with importance on the ball. And I think Iwata tends to aim for fast play, although the coach has changed. As I mentioned earlier, the preparation for the game changes based on the opponent's characteristics, and it means that our game plan changes depending on the opponent's defensive method. I think that every club tends to use many young players in the Levain Cup. In that sense, there is a possibility that the characteristics of the team expressed in the league matches may not be the same in the Levain Cup for any team.
Q, in the Levain Cup Fukuoka match on March 2nd, young players such as Yuta ARAI and Yuki KAJIURA showed lively play. What do you expect from them?
A, the recent Levain Cup Fukuoka match was a very difficult situation for player selection due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection. I also have the desire to give many young players a chance in the Levain Cup. However, in terms of returning to condition, several players who play as the core of the team need playing time. I hope to make good use of tomorrow's Levain Cup, including improving their condition. In any case, I would be happy if I could give more young players a chance in tomorrow's match. As you know, I am one of the coaches who expect the growth of young players. However, due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection, I also want to make use of giving playing opportunities to players who need to improve their condition.
[Player Interview]
＜Keita YAMASHITA＞
Q, how do you feel about the response while challenging a new playing style?
A, even in practice, we are fine-tuning the details in front of the opponent's goal. After that, I think it would be good to continue increasing the experience of success mainly in matches.
Q: Is the image of the attack getting better day by day?
A, I am working on it from practice, but not only me personally, but also because I have few successful experiences in the game and I am still new to the cooperation with my teammates, I want to keep challenging and improving there.
Q, is it your image that Yamashita wants to shoot more and increase the number of chances?
ABy increasing the number of shots, I think the goal opportunities will also increase, and I will find my own rhythm. However, I cannot do it alone, so I want to increase communication with the players around me.
Q, what kind of battle do you think will be necessary for the Iwata match?
A, I think the opponent's lineup will also change, but there are many players with quality. I definitely won't let my guard down, and right now, rather than worrying about the opponent, I think it's important to first embody the soccer we have been practicing. So, as a team, I want to try to do that.
＜Hotaka NAKAMURA＞
Q, how do you feel about the first 4 official matches of the season, with 2 wins and 2 losses?
A, as Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA also says, we are at the stage of challenging a new style, and I think we have been progressing smoothly so far. With each practice and match, I believe the quality of our soccer is gradually improving.
Q, what kind of response does Nakamura himself get from the new style that focuses on positional play?
A, I am the type who has relied more on physical strength and intensity in one-on-one situations, so I feel like I am learning this new style of soccer from scratch. There are many demands placed on the fullback position, and it is difficult, but I understood that from the beginning. Because of that, I also find it rewarding and enjoyable.
Q: Last season, you experienced a long-term absence of about six months starting from April due to injury. Do you have strong determination for this season?
A, I believe that the meaning I can give to the period I was sidelined due to injury depends on myself from now on. During the time I couldn't play soccer, I sometimes had negative emotions, but I have consciously worked on understanding and controlling myself objectively so as not to be swept away by those feelings. I think this mindset will be important going forward, also in terms of applying it to my life as a soccer player.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters for the upcoming match against Iwata.
A, Compared to last season, the team's playing style has changed significantly, but my fundamental goal of wanting to be a player who helps Tokyo win has not changed at all. To achieve that, I need to grow more, and I want to demand more from myself to play with greater ambition and fighting spirit. I want to contribute more to the team and focus on producing results such as goals and assists. I will give my all on the pitch so that this attitude reaches the fans and supporters, so please fight alongside us!
OFFICIAL MATCH DAY PROGRAM IS HERE!
