[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, what is your impression of Kyoto's high-intensity soccer?
A, I expect tomorrow's match to be an exciting contest for everyone. From last season's impression, Kyoto seemed to press more aggressively at home, while in away games, they played more cautiously and ended up conceding goals on counters and losing. Therefore, it is expected that they will come out more aggressively in tomorrow's match. Kyoto's characteristic is their very high intensity. However, I believe we share the same strength. We want to demonstrate intensity equal to or greater than theirs and dominate the match.
Q, where do you feel the gains were in the two home games?
A, of course there were gains.I have conveyed this to the players, but when it comes to player selection, I believe in my own instincts. In that sense, I have a good impression of the performance of players who have not had much playing time in the recent Levain Cup. Thinking about it, it wouldn't be surprising if there were players from that group who would be included in tomorrow's match. Especially at the beginning of the season, the team composition tends to be fluid, and I think it should be.
Q, I hope to be able to create delicious dishes using various ingredients.
A, the season has just begun. The road ahead is still long. I expect the players to continue giving their all on the pitch in every match as the team goes through its growth phase, and I demand high-intensity play. Of course, mistakes will happen. Especially now, at the initial stage of taking on new challenges. Mistakes occur during such times, but we want to keep growing steadily without being discouraged by them.
Q: I think there were times during the Hiroshima and Iwata matches when the ball didn't move forward. If there were any adjustments made in the build-up for tomorrow's game, please let me know.
A, there were clear differences between these two matches, and I think the players showed different performances within that. Especially in the Hiroshima match, we struggled with build-up against a team that pressed with a man-marking style. On the other hand, in the Iwata match, I felt that our own issue was a lack of forward intent, particularly in the first half, and I believe this is a challenge we need to improve. As I always say, this is also part of the team's growth process. The challenges we face during a match vary depending on the opponent's game plan, so we want to overcome each one and continue to grow. Additionally, whether we are leading or tied also affects the flow of the game, so taking that into account, we want to control the match well. The players have been able to accumulate good training this week, so I believe we are preparing for tomorrow's match with a good feeling.
Q, I think Kyoto is also a team that comes to press from the front. When considering that, what are the points where we can apply the lessons learned from the Hiroshima match?
A, The team grows with each match, so we want to overcome the challenges from the Hiroshima game and prepare for tomorrow's match. To grow, we must face difficult challenges that are hard to overcome. Therefore, I believe that overcoming the issues that arose in the Hiroshima match during tomorrow's game will lead to the team's growth. I trust the team. I hope we can fully address the challenges that have come up in recent matches and show our improved selves on the pitch tomorrow to the fans and supporters.
[Player Interview]
Kazuya KONNO
Q: Your jersey number changed to 17 this season. Do you have any sentimental attachment to it?
A: Not particularly, but since this is my third year as a professional, I was thinking about changing my jersey number. I asked my parents and friends among the available numbers and decided on number 17.
Q: Do you want to create an image of player Konno as number 17 in Tokyo?
A: I want to perform in a way that creates a strong image.
Q: I think you have overcome a major injury from last season and have entered this season smoothly. Can you please share your enthusiasm for your third year as a professional?
A: My primary goal this season is to play without injury. To achieve that, I am diligent with my care and more attentive than ever before. Although my condition is not at 100%, I believe the secret to maintaining a good state is through proper care. I want to continue this while also focusing on making an impact in matches during my third year, so I intend to value each and every day.
Q, how do you feel about the improvement in accuracy of your left foot kicks?
A: The feeling is not bad, but I think I can raise it one or two more levels, so I want to pursue it thoroughly. My condition is fairly good, so if I continue working on my body sharpness and ball touch through self-training, I believe I can reach 100 percent.
Q: Last season, it seems like you were able to overcome the pressure after scoring goals. Did it also have a significant impact on your mental state?
A: Since I hadn’t scored as a professional, it became a turning point for me. I wasn’t able to play in matches last season or the season before, but I was confident that I could deliver results if given the chance. This season, my opportunities to play have increased, and although I have only scored one goal so far, I feel that I can score more. I believe I can contribute to the team not only through goals but in other ways as well, and I want to prioritize continuing to play in matches.
Q, it seems like you have a good sense of shooting.
A, when I have the ball in a good position, I visualize shooting while looking at the goal. I believe the reason I can shoot with a good feeling is because I have no hesitation.
Q, do you feel that you are able to fully demonstrate your own strengths?
A, dribbling is my weapon, so if I lose there, I think it would defeat the purpose of being selected. I am confident in my dribbling and have a pride that I absolutely do not want to lose. I am conscious of this and play with this mindset in every match.
Q: There were times during the Hiroshima match when the ball didn't reach the front line. As a side player, what were you conscious of while playing?
A, the match against Hiroshima was the first time this season that we faced a team playing with a three-back formation, so as a team we had envisioned movements into space assuming a four-back system. However, it was quite difficult to find space, and although we tried to improve by communicating during the match, it didn’t go well. Through training after the match, we were able to discuss within the team how to play against a three-back opponent, so I believe we will be able to adapt when we face a team with the same system next time.
Q, Kyoto is expected to press hard from the front line. Where do you think we can apply the lessons learned from previous matches?
A, as a team, we became anxious with our defense from the front line in the previous match, which led to many long balls. I believe that if we play without fearing the opponent's defense, trust in our own skills, and consider the distance between players while playing, we can break down the opponent's defense.
Q, we are aiming for a third consecutive victory.
A, as the coach also mentioned, since we have consecutive matches, this will be an important game to maintain momentum. Few teams have consecutive wins, so if we can achieve a third consecutive victory, it will be a chance to rise to the top ranks. Therefore, I think tomorrow's match is very important.
Q, how do you feel about the cooperation with Adailton?
A, he is always watching the opposite side, and the coach has also told me to be aware of it. When Adailton has the ball, I prepare on the opposite side so that the ball can come to me at any time.
Q, what is your impression of Kyoto?
A, I have the impression that they come aggressively from the front. Peter UTAKA is the most dangerous player up front, so I want to play with the awareness to defend from the front and prevent them from making good passes.
Q, what is the appeal and fun of playing on the side?
A, I am expected to stay wide on the sideline, receive the ball, and create chances through dribbling and runs behind the defense. It’s a style of soccer where I can showcase my strengths, so I enjoy playing.
Q, what kind of play is the coach expecting?
A, the coach has told me to play with freedom and creativity in attack. When I have the ball, I value inspiration.
