INTERVIEW 2022.4.25

Leandro Player Interview

Q, how is your condition?
A, I am good.

Q, how did you see the team's condition?
A, the team is in good shape, but I think some fine-tuning is necessary. Overall, I believe the matches are going well.

Q, what kind of play do you want Leandro to bring to the team?
A, I want to focus on playing in a way that helps the team win.

Q, how do you feel about the upcoming match at Japan National Stadium where you scored a goal in the Levain Cup final?
A, I am happy to be able to return to the stage at Japan National Stadium. At the same time, I am also glad to have joined the team. Above all, I feel a great sense of relief to finally be back from my injury. The medical team worked tirelessly to support me in the care process.

Q, were you disappointed with the injury since you had a good start to the season?
A, the injury happened at a time when I really wanted to play, so I felt the frustration of not being able to play. I did everything I could to prepare to return to the team, and during the rehabilitation period, I made sure to do whatever I could for the team so that I could contribute to victories once I returned.

Q, I think the new playing style suits Leandro.
A, the style of soccer the coach aims for is also familiar to Brazilian players, so it has been easy to adapt from the start.

Q: How do you feel about the cooperation between Brazilian players and Japanese players, as well as the cooperation between them compared to last season?
A, of course, with the change of the coach and the change in playing style, I think the combinations have also changed. Unlike last season, the forward line is no longer composed only of Brazilian players, and since the team is attacking as a whole, I believe such combinations are being created.

Q, in the Kawasaki game, how do you feel about the good combination between Watanabe and Matsuki on the right side, who are trying to make the most of Leandro?
A, I believe that communication is important not only on the same side but overall. It is necessary to understand the movements of teammates in order for us to score goals.

Q, can we expect a goal?
A, I don't know if I will get to play in the match, but I want to do my best.

Q: What was the thing that you relied on for emotional support, even when you felt frustrated due to injuries?
A, I believe that injuries are an inevitable part of soccer. I thought there was no choice but to stay positive, so I didn’t feel too much sadness. During the rehabilitation period, I just continued to do what I had believed in, so I was able to approach it calmly.

Q, what have you believed in?
A, I was doing rehabilitation with the mindset of contributing when I returned to the team.