<Akihiro HAYASHI>
Q, when will the actual battle be?
A, it has been about two years since I was able to play without any discomfort.
Q, how was it to actually participate?
A, I really felt that soccer is fun after all.
There is a huge difference between kicking soccer and connecting soccer in terms of what needs to be done. The places where you should put the ball and things you can only feel in actual matches exist, so it felt like a trial by fire, but I played while experimenting for 45 minutes. Various issues came up during those 45 minutes of play, and I thought there are still many things I need to work on. I also realized that if I can do these things, I might be able to perform even better.
For now, I’m glad I was able to play for 45 minutes, including both the good and bad parts.
Q, what changes have there been since returning to practice?
A, I was able to return to practice, but when I put strain on my knee, it would become stiff the next day. It has been a little over a month since returning to practice, and gradually the rebound has lessened, allowing me to naturally exert strength. I can feel this myself, and the trainers and coaches who give me massages have also said, "You're starting to get strength in your knee," so I think I am able to show it in various places.
I think I have reached the stage where I can consider how to integrate my strengths into the team, having been given the opportunity to play in this match. During these 45 minutes, I thought about and struggled with how I can contribute to this changed FC Tokyo with my particular characteristics.
Q, I think it is Lin's characteristic that he kept calling out incessantly.
A, there were many things I was concerned about, and ideally, there should have been discussions during the camp stage about positioning and eliminating negative aspects. However, since I wasn’t able to participate in those, I am now focusing my efforts there. My impression is that the team is still feeling its way through both offense and defense, but even so, I think we have improved overwhelmingly compared to the start of the season. Even if it hasn’t yet taken shape or produced results, I believe the players are feeling a sense of progress.
Q, how do you look back on the two years away from actual combat?
A, I had never been away from soccer for this long, so it was uncertain whether I could return, and I once again felt the pain of not being able to play soccer. It also made me realize once more how much I love soccer. Now that I have returned, I want to fully express that feeling.
Of course, I am aiming for the position of starting GK, but I want to enjoy playing soccer with gratitude for being able to play. As a professional, it is assumed that playing is a given, but these past two years made me realize that it is not something to be taken for granted. I also believe that being able to participate in this practice match is thanks to having a healthy body, and I truly felt how important the knees are.
Q: What were you confirming with Assistant GK Coach Yamashita before the match?
A: We are constantly discussing how close I am to being in perfect condition performance-wise, and what percentage of my ideal level I have reached. He has been watching my weaknesses for two years and continuously addressing them, so we have talked in detail about things like "power has come into this kind of movement" and "there is still stiffness in this area." This approach has been applied not only to this match but also to training. For now, since I was able to participate in the match, I want to engage in coaching, behavior, and communication that can help the team even more.
Q: Is there any difficulty in entering a phase of trial and error for the team?
A, ideally, I want to position myself at a good distance and in a good spot for passing, but since the goal is behind me, I have to consider the risk of increasing the chance of conceding a goal and position myself accordingly. However, I also don’t want to lose the team’s smoothness, so there is a difficulty in balancing both risk and smoothness. Previously, I thought the goalkeeper’s top priority was to avoid risk, but when adding smoothness, positioning requires more delicacy. For example, with trapping, I used to stop the ball where I could immediately make a long kick on the first touch, but now I place it at my feet once to create a situation where I can observe my teammates’ movements. Such adjustments are necessary, and I feel change is needed.
Q: Today you played for 45 minutes, what are you looking forward to in the next 90 minutes and beyond, Ao Lin ZHANG?
A: As a player, I am always aiming to play during the season and help the team win. I believe that is something I must do as a professional, regardless of the position I am in. However, regarding my position, rather than trying to assert myself against the players who are playing because I am not involved in the matches, I want to do what I should be doing in practice and become someone who can positively influence the team no matter what position I am in.
＜Hotaka NAKAMURA＞
Q, how did it feel when you tried moving today?
A, my body was also tired, and I still have a long way to go. Since the team's tactics and such have been progressing, I feel I need to catch up quickly for the time I was away.
Q: Do you feel there is any aspect that you lack since returning to the team?
A, when I actually joined practice, I felt that the positioning, the passing exchanges, and the tempo had been unified over the past month. I also need to take the correct positions and match the timing; otherwise, the team's balance will be disrupted and the flow will be stopped, so I have to work harder on this.
Q: What do you feel are the team's challenges?
A, we were able to have conversations during practice, and we talked about how the team tactics and the way we move the ball are becoming more organized. Since I need to be personally involved in that, first and foremost, rather than focusing on the team, I want to make up for the one month I lost. The most important thing is that I myself have to catch up.
Q: How do you want to be involved in the remaining 10 games as an individual?
A: I want to quickly regain my condition, return to reflecting on what being myself means, and play in a way that is true to myself. Although I am just one member of the team, I believe it is more refreshing to bring out my strengths than to feel frustrated by not being able to do so, so I want to keep reminding myself of this as I pursue it.
Q, do you want to run aggressively?
A, I want to run, but my body was tired today, so it will probably take a little time.
Q: Is the idea of "catching up" a tactical aspect?
A: It’s more about the body and physical condition rather than tactics. I couldn’t run anymore today, so I think I need to work on that personally. If I can’t compete as an individual, tactics don’t matter, so I will focus on getting back to form.
