[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: We have an away game (Sapporo) in a distant place this weekend, but tomorrow we have a home game nearby (Shonan) and we can adjust in the same way. How is the team's condition?
A: We have a full squad. Since the team is composed of many players, there is no problem. Also, I believe the Levain Cup is an opportunity to give young players a chance, and I want to use it to help players who have not had many opportunities to play in the league regain their game sense. Based on that, we will select the players and approach tomorrow's match.
Q: We just played against Shonan two weeks ago and conceded one goal. What improvements are you making?
A: I have also conveyed this to the players, but we regard the Levain Cup as a competition where our own play is even more important than in the league matches. We also want to encourage an upgrade in our playing style. There is a difference in pressure between the league matches and the Levain Cup. We want to view that environment positively and use it to foster the team’s growth. We consider that more important than the opponent or past matches. Of course, we have analyzed Shonan’s play and practiced accordingly for tomorrow, but since both Shonan and we are expected to have different lineups compared to the match two weeks ago, we anticipate it will be a new game. In that sense, I believe the Levain Cup matches can unfold differently from league matches.
Q, recently, I think I was talking about the growth of the attacking part in the central area, but I think it is not easy to break through from the center and it will take time. Is it a point to level up in the future?
A: I don't think there are many secrets. First, it is about steadily accumulating practice along with a clear playing style. We focus on the details daily, making corrections and improvements. In addition to that, it is important to persuade and convince the players. This is encouraged through individual conversations as well as meetings using video analysis. Another key factor is time. It has only been three months since we started with this new style. In that sense, I don't believe a highly polished team can be created instantly. It will take several months or even years. What we aim for this season is to accumulate points while focusing on winning, and to promote the growth of the team. Of course, there will be matches where we can fully express our playing style. On the other hand, there will be matches far from that ideal. Even considering these unstable phases, we aim to grow by consistently focusing on each match and accumulating points. Since this change is very difficult from the start of the season, we hope that our fans and supporters will watch over us patiently.
Q, In the previous discussion about using young players, you mentioned using Hirakawa player. Can you tell us your evaluation? Also, how do you feel about using young players in this game?
A: In my mind, there are several players I am thinking of newly starting in some positions tomorrow. I hope you will look forward to that again tomorrow. Naturally, while focusing on winning, I want to give playing time to players who have not had many opportunities as well as young players to encourage their growth, and approach tomorrow’s match while maintaining a balance between both.
Q, What kind of play are you expecting from player Hirakawa?
A, (Rei) HIRAKAWA possesses good technical skills. However, playing the position of a defensive midfielder requires a good defensive balance. This defensive balance is an area he still needs to learn more about. He has been focusing intently on training and has been improving, so I believe we can expect further growth from him. Not only him, but I also look forward to the development and success of other players. We want to try out multiple players, and to increase our options for player selection in the league matches, we want to make good use of the Levain Cup.
[Player Interview]
Go HATANO
Q: The opponent is the same as the one we played against two weeks ago. What do you want to be cautious about?
A, We conceded one goal last time, but we have corrected that. In the match, I want to challenge crosses and other situations to prevent shots on goal.
Q, I don't think conceding goals is solely the responsibility of the goalkeeper, but did you make any adjustments to the team's organization?
A, personally, the goal was conceded due to a momentary burst of speed, so I want to make adjustments to act one step earlier.
Q: How do you assess the defensive maturity level while watching the league matches from the sidelines?
A, I think we should improve raising the line when the opponent is facing backward. I believe I can correct the finer points with my voice during the Shonan match, so while showing leadership, I want to lead the team even though the members will change significantly.
Q, what is the theme you usually set for yourself?
A, I don't have a particular theme, but since I will be playing in the matches, I want to be committed to helping the team win. Lately, I've been hungry for games, so I want to fully showcase my strengths here and work hard to earn high evaluations. I want to play in a way that helps the team win.
Q, what do you think is the factor that has allowed Go Hatano to accumulate points?
A, I believe that by challenging new things, discussing points for improvement together after the match, and correcting them in practice, the level of completion for the next game improves, allowing us to accumulate points. Although the lineup will change tomorrow, I want to overwhelm the opponent while maintaining high demands.
Q, Coach Fujiwara has taken office, and there are many stimulating things. What do you think?
A, what is different from last season is not only the number of shots faced during practice but also that there are many drills focused on second and third actions. This has made the training more fulfilling in a different way than last season, and I want to demonstrate the results of this in matches. I want to play with confidence in what I have prepared.
Q: I think Coach Fujiwara's cheerful personality is similar to Hatano player. Do you think you can also get along well with him emotionally?
A, I think so. I am able to stay positive and highly motivated. I believe we have built a good relationship.
Q: Are there any growth or changes in the technical aspects compared to last season?
A: I haven't played much in matches, so I don't feel much change, but the scene where I stopped a mid-range shot in the Levain Cup match against Júbilo Iwata was a moment where I overcame an issue I had been working on through receiving many shots in practice. I think that was good, and I want to continue that.
Q: What do you think of Kubo (Jakub SLOWIK) as a player?
A: Even in my first year, there were players like Hayashi-san and Yu OKUBO who were rated higher than me, so I feel like I’m going back to basics, or rather, I have the same mindset as back then. I’m playing with the determination to take back my position once again, so I want to keep leveling up without showing any weaknesses. Kubo also plays at 100% in daily practice and is always ready to play in matches, so I want to learn from that.
