[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, I think I told the players to increase their pace during halftime of the Shonan match. What meaning was included in those words?
A, positional play requires each player to take up the correct position. Even if you have a good position, if the pace of play is slow, it becomes difficult to effectively unsettle the opponent and break down their defensive shape. In plays that are not positional play, for example, the speed at which a player moves to lose their marker might be more important. However, for us to function well, the pace of play is indispensable. In that sense, I emphasize the concept and communicate it to the players. I believe the pace of play is strongly related to the speed of decision-making. Appropriate decisions must be made before receiving the ball. I think it is too late if you look around and decide after receiving the ball.
Q: Do you think that in the future, it will be important to increase the pace of play while maintaining possession of the ball, as you have been able to gain an advantage in matches against strong opponents by taking the initiative?
A, the speed at which the ball is won and the transition between offense and defense is also important. Even in slow attacks, maintaining proper positioning and increasing the pace of play when breaking through the opponent's defensive block is crucial. If the passing speed can be increased, the opponent's defensive block will shift. This enables the construction of more effective attacks, but it takes time to instill this within the team. I believe it will improve gradually through repeated practice and matches.
Q, it seems that Yokohama often passes the ball with three players, the goalkeeper and the center back.
A, many teams have been building up play from the back with three players—the goalkeeper and two center backs—for quite some time, so I don't think this is anything new. By involving the goalkeeper and circulating the ball among the three at the back line, a field player can take a higher position, increasing the possibility of creating a numerical advantage in the midfield and forward areas. On the other hand, the fact that the goalkeeper actively participates in the build-up also carries the inherent risk that any mistake could lead to a decisive goal against us. I think it is a very effective option, but it also involves various risks. Last season at Niigata, in many cases, the build-up was done with three players including the goalkeeper. I believe there are times when it works well and times when it does not.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, are you confident that the team can approach the new style of football with peace of mind, despite finishing 5th in the league and 2nd in the cup group?
A, achieving results is the minimum requirement. I feel that we are still far from the style we aim for. We want to increase the moments when we control the game and play with intention.
Q, I think there are times when the members and opponents change with each game, and things don't go well. What are the current challenges?
A, I think our passing accuracy, decision-making ability, and pace of play are still lacking as we intentionally move the ball and progress through the match. It is important to have options and solutions prepared for each pattern of attack from the opponent, and I believe accumulating experience is necessary.
Q, April is packed with 7 consecutive matches, but we want to take advantage of having games one after another to enhance the team's maturity.
A, from April 2nd, we will play three consecutive league matches against strong teams, and first, I want to see how well we can compete against them. I expect challenges to arise, but I want to use those lessons in the next matches and finish April with the team having grown significantly.
Q, it is said that there are challenges in the 3 consecutive games, but I think it is a good opponent to test the growing momentum.
A, I believe that by playing against various opponents, our weaknesses and strengths will become apparent. Until now, we have managed somehow with individual abilities, but this will be a battle that requires the team’s overall level of completion. I think we must improve that level of completion.
Q, at halftime of the Shonan game, I think you were told by Coach Albert Puig Ortoneda to increase the pace of play. As for Mori Shige, what specifically did he show in terms of pace of play and how was it implemented on the pitch?
A, in the Shonan match, we were in a situation where we could maintain possession of the ball. If we become satisfied with that and focus only on holding the ball, the game will not progress forward. Since this is a new style aimed at scoring goals, even while maintaining possession, if we do not increase the passing speed, the opponent’s defense will not be afraid of anything. In that sense, we had to quickly move the ball to the opposite side and shake it left and right to exploit the opponent’s gaps. I think the coach made comments at halftime because we were just satisfied with holding the ball at the back.
Q: You often partner with player Kimoto as a center back, and both of you have excellent ball control skills. It seems like the receiving side is actively showing their face. Do you feel that the team has improved from the first camp until now?
A, Kimoto is originally a player with excellent ball control skills, and even from watching the matches so far, he can deliver vertical passes to the midfield and forward lines. If both center backs can do this, I think the opponents won’t be able to focus their defense. By having variations in how we initiate from the center backs and how we act when facing forward in midfield, I believe it will confuse the opponents as well.
Q: What do you keep in mind when playing as a center back? What is necessary to smoothly move the ball?
A: I feel that players at the back need to build up play by anticipating one or two steps ahead. By coming up with ideas, aligning intentions with midfield and wide players, and communicating with each other to make adjustments one by one, I believe the ball can be moved smoothly and almost automatically. Although there are many moments of hesitation right now, I want to improve through mistakes and experience.
