Q: What kind of response did you feel as a team in the Kashima game?
A: In the previous match against Kashima, we played the kind of soccer we wanted and had a good game. With five matches remaining, the coach talked about playing each one as if it were the Final Round, and as a team, we were able to prepare really well for the Kashima game over the course of a week. Although Morishige was suspended due to accumulation of cards and couldn’t play, and Kimura took his place, we had good training, so before the match, the team atmosphere was very positive, and we felt we could definitely win.
Q, I think we have been able to create good opportunities to move the ball well in the past few matches.
A: As we have played more matches, both I and the players have felt that we are increasingly able to control the ball and progress the game, and I think the team has improved a lot. During possession, I no longer hesitate when the ball is at my feet, and I have come to understand the movements of those around me. I also talk to and communicate with the other players, so they understand my movements. While at the beginning we often got caught by the opponent’s defense, recently I feel we have been able to circulate the ball smoothly and increase the number of vertical passes.
Q: What are the differences between a game that is played well and a game that is not?
A, When the team is unable to play in sync, it happens in every position, and if one position gets stuck, we can't control the ball ourselves, so I think matches that don't go well happen at those times.
Q: How do you feel about scenes where you are passionately shouting or making victory poses during the Kashima game, and your emotions are starting to show on the surface?
A: Yes, that's right. Especially in the Kashima match, I was playing together with Kimura, so I didn't want to concede any goals more than usual, and I really wanted to win. Because of that, I was able to approach the game with very high motivation.
In the previous match against Kashima, I stood on the same pitch as my teammate Kimura.
A: It was one of my goals since turning professional. I’m glad I was able to achieve that goal by playing together, playing good soccer, and winning the match.
Q: What kind of conversation did you have before and after the match?
A: "We talked about how if we concede from the left side, people will say we’re no good, so we absolutely must not let that happen and raise each other’s evaluations." After the match, I felt a great sense of relief.
What are you learning from player Q Nagatomo?
A, I learn by observing defensive positioning and preparations off the pitch. He answers anything when I ask, so I ask a lot of questions, especially about how to handle crosses. Until now, our response to crosses has been poor, and there have been scenes this season where we conceded goals because of it. I asked Nagatomo in detail about where to position myself when the ball is on the opposite side, and I have been making adjustments based on that.
Q: Is the presence of Nagatomo a big one?
A: I think I am really fortunate to be able to practice in a great environment, training in the same position and under the same conditions as Japan's top players.
Q, I think there will be many opportunities to participate in matches this season, but what do you feel is improving and what do you need to do to continue growing in the future?
A: Since turning professional, this season I have played in the most matches. I feel that continuously participating in games and correcting the issues that arise is the best way to grow. I am grateful to be able to play soccer in such an environment, and instinctively, I keep challenging myself and going through trial and error. I feel that I am improving through this process.
Q, what part do you feel has grown the most?
A, the biggest growth has been in defense. At first, my positioning was completely bad. Honestly, I don’t notice it much during the match, but when I review the game footage with the coaches afterward, I realize my positioning has changed and improved compared to before. By improving little by little with each match, I naturally find myself taking the correct position, and I feel I have grown a bit.
Q: Do you feel the need to grow more?
A, Nagatomo and Nakamura have qualities that I do not have, and I often watch players in the same position during practice, but I still feel there are many areas where I am lacking, so I want to study more.
Q: What will be the key points of the Shonan match?
A, in the previous match, our intensity was low and we got beaten, so first of all, we absolutely must not lose there. On top of that, if we control the ball and finish decisively when it counts, I believe we can definitely win. I want to approach it with the mindset of playing a Final Round, just like in the Kashima match.
Q, does the battle on the sides seem to hold the key?
A: I think Shonan also focuses on the one-on-one battles on the sides. If I can control that area, push forward in attack, and play to the extent that the opponent cannot launch their attacks, I believe we can naturally play soccer to our advantage, so I want to keep challenging myself more and more.
Have you continued to play in Q matches and has the joy and responsibility of winning increased?
A: Since I am playing in the matches, I feel happy when we win, and when we lose, I believe it is my responsibility as a member of the defensive line. I think this sense of responsibility has grown stronger compared to when I first started playing.
