[Player Comment]
Q, What did you focus on in your first match?
A, what I personally focused on was intensity. Even in practice matches, we were particular about winning, and it was also discussed in team meetings that rather than aiming for the championship, the focus was on winning the match in front of us. Whether in team scrimmages, practice matches, or official games, you can't win unless you win in terms of intensity. If we can win there, I think both attack and defense will naturally flow smoothly. Since there are many highly skilled players, I didn’t think much about adjusting to the team; I believed that as long as I didn’t lose in intensity, I could enter the game well.
Q: The opponent is a local university student, but did you feel any response or were you conscious of your own intensity regardless of that?
A, regardless of the opponent, I guess. Whether today's opponent is a university student or a J1 team, if we don't lose in intensity, we can win, and naturally, there were times when I could play at my own rhythm both in attack and defense. There are many things that need to be corrected, but first of all, personally, I want to make sure I don't lose in that aspect.
Q, although it may have a low priority as it has just started, how smooth was the transition of player positions?
A, I generally understand what type of player each person is and what kind of play they like. I want to adapt to make it easier for them, and the surrounding players also adjust to make it easier for me. Also, since I came from Tosu, what I do hasn't changed much. I want to continue doing what I did at Tosu here in Tokyo as well.
Q, the similar style is alive.
A, that is significant. The formation is the same, and the style of play I did for a year at Tosu is similar here in Tokyo as well. Even the training menus are alike, so although I transferred, many aspects have not changed much.
Q: Is the ability to blend in quickly a result of experience?
A, no, at first I was shy too (laughs). It’s quite difficult to be proactive from the start, but everyone has welcomed the new players and talked to me. However, since I’m one of the older members on this team, I have to make an effort to talk to others. Even during practice, I try to speak up if something comes up, and I’m conscious of actively communicating even with younger players.
Q, I spoke with Coach Albert either yesterday or the day before. If it's not a problem, please tell me what the conversation was about.
A, it wasn’t about soccer, just some silly talk (laughs).
Q: Are there any specific demands from the coach up to this point?
A: Not particularly, but I understand what is being said in the team meetings and the style of soccer we want to play, so I think it’s good if I can actively contribute. Well, in any case, I just want Tokyo to win.
Q: What were you conscious of when entering the game for the first time this season?
A, it was a match where everyone was feeling fatigued, but we approached the game by rebuilding the foundation we established last season, engaging in a lot of communication throughout the match.
Q, were you able to present it in a good way?
A, not everyone is able to raise their condition, so we are testing as we go, but I think we were able to do what we intended in the attack.
Q: Yesterday, player Nagatomo mentioned that he wants to re-focus on his physicality in terms of ball control. How do you feel about that?
A: What is required of an inside half is strength in one-on-one duels, as well as high intensity and work rate in every aspect. I believe this is something that needs to be improved both as a team and individually.
Q, I think there are players in their first year as professionals this season who are particularly becoming role models. Many players mentioned Matsuki's name at the new system announcement press conference. What do you think about becoming an aspiring presence?
A, last season I was in my first year and played freely, but this season younger players have joined, so I have to be a good example. A healthy sense of urgency has arisen, so I hope to convey that positively to the younger players as well.
Q: The player in his first year said he was grateful to be approached by player Matsuki. Do you have any areas you are conscious of?
A: I'm not particularly conscious of it, but since I am still a young player, I want to communicate well and have proper discussions beyond just soccer to build good relationships.
Q, today's play was quite intense. What is your evaluation of today's performance?
A, my goals for this season are to score goals and provide assists. Although I wasn't able to score today, I focused on moving forward while actively involving myself with the ball, aiming to be a central link for the team.
Q: How was the response as a unit with the surrounding players, considering that there were many situations where communication with the surroundings was necessary?
A, there are also new players, and if we don't get in sync before the season starts, we won't be ready for the first match against the Urawa Reds. So, I think we are having good competition while maintaining a positive image.
Q: Last season's start was a bit uncertain, but I believe we have a foundation that has been built over the course of this season. However, do we still need to push hard to prepare for the opening?
A, we need to aim for a higher quality than last season, and since last season's ranking was by no means good, I want to stay focused during this camp to reach a higher position.
Q: It was the first international match in Tokyo. Can you look back on it?
A: My physical condition is still far from optimal, and since it was my first match, I was communicating with others about how to start moving and how to position myself. I think it was good as a result that I was able to score one goal during that process. I hope to improve my condition even more from now on.
Q, as expected, we also saw some impressive plays.
A: No, not yet. Marinos had the match against Roma and continued until November 28, so my off period was a bit shorter than theirs, and I took a complete rest. Because of that, there is a difference in condition compared to everyone else. It’s still early. I hope to make a difference in terms of quality moving forward.
Q: We have several practice matches coming up. What aspects does the team want to improve on?
A: First, the way we move the ball in the opponent’s half and how we break down their defense to score goals is said to be a challenge in the second year under Albert PUIG ORTONEDA’s management. So, it’s about how we can exploit that. If I give advice and share ways to break down the defense, I think we can play enjoyable football and score more goals. I want to focus on refining that over the next six matches.
Q, my acquaintance player said that there are few players, but it seems that the "likeness" has been fully displayed in the camp so far.
A, I was a bit quiet only on the first day in Kodaira, Tokyo (laughs), but I was observing my surroundings. Once we started playing soccer at the camp, everyone got along well, which shows how wonderful soccer is, and I think everyone accepted me. There are still some kids from the academy I haven’t talked to yet, but I feel like I’ve mostly blended in well... I think (laughs).
Q, do you feel the difference in what is expected of you as a winger between Marinos and Tokyo?
A, in today's match, Leandro on the opposite side often took a position somewhat towards the center, so I think that's one difference. There is an element of fluidity, or rather, the aim is to create movement, so we also work while making use of the players' characteristics. The wide players almost never stay fixed in one spot, and I was conscious of moving while watching my teammates' positioning to take good positions.
Q: Do you feel any sense of accomplishment from being able to be conscious of that?
A, I was often moving inside or going to the opposite side, feeling my way as I went along, wondering "how does this feel?"
Q, it seemed like the team had good rotation and fluidity.
A, in attack, we have a good feeling and good spacing, and if we can time our runs behind the defense better, I think we can penetrate the opponent’s goal area more effectively. That’s something I hope we can improve on. Both the number of players committed and the quality of play are at a good level for a first match.
Q: Marinos had players in the front line who could attack from anywhere and had the power to aim for goals. Do you want to have such an attack in Tokyo as well?
A: Scoring goals and winning is the true appeal of soccer, and by doing so, the number of fans will increase, and more people will take an interest. If we win the championship, Tokyo will also get excited. If the team from the capital Tokyo doesn’t get energized, the soccer world won’t either. I want to play an attacking and attractive style of soccer that scores goals.
Q: I think you have had several experiences of transferring teams, but it seemed like you were playing with a relaxed and effortless style. Do you think your experience, including adjustments, is playing a role in this?
A, to be honest, part of it is that my body isn’t moving well, but first I was checking the feel of the match, or rather the touch on the ball, and I also controlled myself to avoid pushing too hard and getting injured. The fact that the opponents were university students also played a part. For now, I’m working on improving my senses and physical condition. I was able to play with a relaxed mindset.
Q: Did you have a conversation with Nagatomo when he joined?
A: We haven't had any deep conversations yet, but it seems like he's been talking about me (laughs). From now on, I want to communicate more and absorb the good qualities of Yuto-kun. He’s been teasing me a bit, too.
<Tsubasa TERAYAMA>
Q: How was it to participate in an official match as a professional for the first time?
It was good to be able to play in the game among many players who started in the last season. I was sincerely happy, but I felt it was tough based on today's performance. I want to absorb the skills of senior player Keigo HIGASHI and become a central figure there.
Q, what are the specific aspects that are considered to be tough?
A, I felt that my sense of speed and quality were inferior compared to other players, so unless I build up those aspects, I think it is still a bit early for me to stand on the pitch.
Q, how was it to play as an anchor and inside half?
A, the requirements differ when playing as an anchor and as an inside half, but what needs to be done is clearly defined within the team, so whether as an anchor or inside half, I played by sticking to what is expected and what I need to do in my position.
Q, what kind of play do you want to do more? Is it attacking by entering the goal area, physical activity, or defense?
A, I needed to be more involved with the ball even as an anchor, move my teammates a bit more, and have more continuous movements like using teammates to receive and redirect the ball. Also, Watanabe taught me that my positioning was poor in some areas, so I want to correct that.
Q, do you communicate with the players?
A, there are many players who call out to me during the game, and after the match, I go to them to ask questions. I believe it will be really important from now on to understand what position and timing I should be involved in. Without communication, my strengths haven’t yet been conveyed to my teammates, and I think they probably still don’t fully understand what kind of play I make. So, in order to promote myself, I want to actively initiate conversations and communicate with them.
Q: When I watched the game again, I noticed that you have a good sense of maintaining a wide field of vision. Are you confident in that aspect?
A, I have become able to do side changes from the anchor position more than in high school compared to university, but although I could keep the tempo at the university level, at the top level it can be slow, so I think I personally lack that sense of speed. However, I want to keep my strengths intact and be able to keep up with the sense of speed.
Q, It was the first actual game, but how was it to play under the second year of coach Albert's leadership after understanding soccer?
A, the team is now able to do many more things, and the coach himself says that the team is functioning better than in the first year, so I want to make sure I don't fall behind and improve my condition accordingly.
Q, how is your current condition?
A, I still have a long way to go, so I want to steadily improve from here and create a good condition. I also want to value each day’s practice.
Q, what are the parts where you were able to cooperate with your teammates during the match?
A, I think we were able to play the style of soccer we've continued so far, maintaining possession and controlling the game. From here, I hope to improve the quality of key moments like finishing in front of goal and the final pass.
Q, what were you able to try in today's match?
A, in today's match, to improve my condition, I focused on pressing from the front line and maintaining my work rate. I believe I was able to run both offensively and defensively, and I think there are still adjustments to be made in ball feeling and fine-tuning with my teammates, so I want to work on those thoroughly.
Q: In the future, I think there will be opportunities to play matches with various players. What do you want to be conscious of when playing?
A, I want to play in good combinations with anyone so that people will think Tsukagawa is the best partner no matter who I team up with, and also bring out the strengths of the players I pair with.
Q, how do you feel about your performance?
A, I have been keeping my body active since I was in Brazil, and of course, I have continued to do so after coming to Japan. I think my condition is gradually improving, and although the season is starting, I want to be able to face it in even better condition.
Q: During the game, you received the ball from the side and bravely headed towards the goal. Were there any specific plays that you were consciously doing?
A: I think everyone understands that my style has been the team’s style since last season, so I want to make the most of my strengths. It’s still just the beginning, and both I and the team need to make adjustments and raise our level further.
Q, how was the coordination in the front line during the match?
A, I think the relationship among everyone, not just the three of us, is necessary. I believe everyone is starting to understand the style of soccer the coach wants, but I feel we can deepen our coordination even more.
Q: Practice matches will continue from now on, please tell us your goals for the camp.
A: Since this was the first practice match of the season, there will be more practice matches to come. I think it’s necessary to raise the level starting from practice, but first, I have to focus on not getting injured. Within that, I want to prepare well until the season opener, and in the end, I believe it’s up to the coach to select the members.
<Naoki KUMATA>
Q: How do you feel about scoring two goals?
It wasn't a flashy goal, but I was able to move forward confidently and calmly score a 1-on-1, and it was good that I was able to score well in front of the goal. However, there were other opportunities to score 2 or 3 more goals, so I want to focus on improving in those areas.
Q, there were also scenes where it seemed possible to score a third goal.
A, I got tense. I should have looked more at the goalkeeper before shooting.
Q, there was an impression that you appeared in many decisive scenes, but did you feel any sense of cooperation with those around you?
A, I think if I can score from a single chance, that kind of trust will build up, and with that trust, better balls and more opportunities will come, so I want to score more goals.
Q: In your first year, did you feel a significant difference in physical strength compared to others?
A, I am not losing in terms of simple physical strength. However, my lower body strength throughout a full match is still far from sufficient. Personally, I haven’t been able to do enough strength training for my lower body and it’s not fully developed yet, so I want to work on strengthening my lower body from now on.
Q, what are you conscious of in your current position?
A, Since I play as the lone striker, I have to keep an eye on the players around me, check where the openings are, and reposition myself accordingly, so I have been increasing the number of times I look around.
Q: What do you want to ask the players around you?
A: To be honest, I want the players around me to increase their movement. I think it’s necessary for the surrounding players to start moving, creating space that I can use, and for me to move and create space that the surrounding players can use more often.
Q: Do you want to start making demands in future matches?
A, yes. Especially in front of the goal, I want to position myself to score from a one-touch finish on crosses in any form. Since I am good at scoring from crosses, I want to work on making those movements in detail.
Q: Does the goal of the opening starting lineup remain unchanged throughout these past few days?
A: It remains unchanged. I am aiming to be in the starting lineup, so my goal is not just to be on the bench, nor is it to come on as a substitute. The closest goal I have is to be in the starting lineup for the opening match.
Q, I initially thought it was a big goal even though I'm a rookie, but through the interview, I realized that it's not a big goal at all, but something I really aim for.
A: I scored in today's match as well, but the coach told me that I could have scored more and that I must score more, so I really want to seek a greater sense of the importance of each goal.
Q: Players who have come up from the academy often struggle with post-play, but I think they are able to drop the ball well and use their bodies effectively, including during practice. How do you feel about their progress?
A, I can do one-touch drops in front of the goal, but when connecting from behind and the opponent comes forward, there are still areas lacking in being able to control the ball when free up front. So, I want to learn more about controlling the ball not only in front of the goal but also in the midfield.
Q: Do you want to continue focusing on scoring goals in actual matches going forward?
Since I have to make a decision, I think that regardless of the type of match, whether it's a practice match or a red and white game, it will be difficult to be a starter if I don't produce results. So first, I want to focus on achieving my own results.
