[Player Interview]
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, how was it to score in the last game of the Okinawa camp and make it three consecutive wins?
A, I believe I have been able to make an impression personally. However, I still make mistakes, and I think there is much more I can do.
Q, Did you have many opportunities to talk with the side back players, and what kind of conversations did you have?
A, When we are circulating the ball in our own half, if the wide players do not come in to support, the team cannot keep the ball moving, so we talked about the transition phase and the support when circulating the ball.
Q, What kind of feeling do you have about stacking up the last crumbling part at the camp?
A, Since we did not train together last season, we have been communicating off the field as well, so I believe we have been able to build a good relationship during matches too.
Q: Please tell us a little more about what you have done and what you have felt throughout the entire camp.
A, Dribbling is my strength, and I believe that if I can bring the game into my own style, I can compete even on the J1 stage. Therefore, I think that increasing the number of times I can bring it into that style will improve my quality as a player.
Q, What preparations do you want to make for the Miyazaki camp before the opening?
A, There will also be practice matches at the Miyazaki camp, so I want to continue to make an impression by playing well there.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, How was the first camp looking back on it today?
A, I think it was a good camp. We had practice matches and identified some issues, so I hope to make solid adjustments over the next month.
Q, how do you feel about the progress and challenges regarding the final breakdown in this camp?
A, I believe there is still much we can do. We are trying many different player combinations, and I think we are at the stage of finding better options among them. If the players who get to play can each bring out their strengths, that will become our advantage. I also hope that the younger players can show more of their qualities and energize the team.
Q, How do you think the competition is intensifying with the starting lineup not yet decided?
A, This was something we didn’t have much of last season, but I think the team’s strength lies in maintaining quality throughout the full 90 minutes, not only from the starters but also including the players who come on later. The competition and battles within the team are also very positive for the team.
Q, There is also a Miyazaki camp, but what kind of accumulation do you want to make?
A, I mentioned last season as well that we need to adjust toward the season and focus on competing, but in the end, it’s about the delicate details, the commitment to winning, the battles for the ball, and the toughness needed to win. I want to switch to that season mode starting from the practice matches as well.
Q, What kind of year do you want personally?
A, I want to enjoy myself. Today's match was fun, and soccer is enjoyable, so even within that, I want to be strict with myself.
Yuta ARAI
Q: How was the game review?
A, I was conscious of scoring in every match, but I was disappointed that I couldn't score today. Since there is also the Miyazaki camp, I want to first rest well after returning and be in good condition for the next camp.
Q, how was the feeling when you played in the game and the combination with the players around you?
A, I wanted to come in from the middle and make more plays that change the flow. I still think communication is lacking, so I want to improve the quality of combinations even more at the Miyazaki camp.
Q, What were the things that Araki was able to do and not able to do in the match against the J1 League team?
A, I still have many things to improve, so I will work hard to catch up with everyone.
Did you feel anything or discover anything throughout the entire Q camp?
A, I think I lack the ability to push forward during the camp, so for now, I want to ask Yuto NAGATOMO and work on growing myself even more.
Q, I think it was a camp that focused on breaking down, but where do you want to exert your strength in that?
A, I want to take a wide position and make moves, and also be able to show my strengths during counterattacks.
Q, There is also a Miyazaki camp, what kind of preparations will you make?
A, I want to express my own characteristics more, so although there is not much time, I will do my best to showcase my strengths and make an impression.
Q, Do you feel like you are getting closer to becoming a key player? Is there any personal satisfaction?
A, I believe I have to deliver results. I want to become a player who can score even in a short amount of time.
Q, which emotion is stronger, impatience or excitement?
A, The feeling of impatience is stronger. I still have a strong sense that I have a lot more to do.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q, Please tell us your thoughts and impressions after finishing the 2-week camp again.
A, With new players joining, a new team has started, but we were able to practice at the same level as last season right away. Compared to last season's camp, we worked on approaches that were one to two phases ahead during this camp, and it was good to be able to score from the patterns we had been working on in the final practice match.
Q, Last season, the starting lineup was somewhat solidified and the camp was over, but this season, there is intense competition as it is unclear who will be the starting lineup. How did you feel during the 14 days of competition?
A, I enjoyed every day mentally. Each fullback has a different style, and everyone has something I don’t, so I watched their play during practice every day, trying to see if there was anything I could learn and then tested it in matches. In this camp, especially since I’m not good at moving inside, I referenced and compared other players’ movements, stole their good points, and was able to gradually try them out in matches, which I think was good. The level is truly high, and because I believe it wouldn’t be surprising for anyone to play, my desire to earn a starting spot is strong. For that reason, I have been focused on results, and I want to continue prioritizing results until the opening and even after the season starts.
Q, The camp started in a state that was two phases ahead compared to last season, and I think there were many practices focused on breaking down the enemy's goal. How do you feel about the results?
A, There were several scenes in today’s match where I was able to show what we practiced, but there were also moments where we couldn’t finish despite having many chances, so that remains an issue. If we can correct that, I believe more goals will be scored, so I’m looking forward to it.
Q, After returning to Tokyo, what do you want to work on during the second training camp?
A, Both as a team and individually, I believe we need to improve our finishing ability after breaking down the defense. I also feel it is necessary to raise my own evaluation. I missed a scoring opportunity today as well, so I want to be able to finish those chances decisively.
Q, It seems that there are more scenes where we can score in front of the goal in today's two matches. Do you feel a strong sense of accomplishment?
A, I do feel a sense of progress. In today's match as well, Nakamura's breakaways have created chances, so I hope to learn from that. After every game, Nakamura and I have thorough discussions, like about "that space opening up," so I believe that if we increase the number of side-back breakaways, the chances will also increase. I want to work on that.
