<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, we scored a goal on a set piece, but this season we want to aim for more set pieces.
A, I think that in some matches, set pieces become key points both offensively and defensively. Regarding the attack, we need to show our style through results, and since set pieces can decide the outcome in closely contested games, defensively, everyone must be committed to defending firmly.
Q, it seems like we are trying to improve by pursuing the details this year.
A, I think this is an area that can be changed by the awareness of the players regardless of tactics, so reducing unnecessary goals conceded and simple mistakes is a very important point in aiming higher. I believe this can be consciously worked on from the training camp, and even against opponents like today, maintaining a high level of awareness to avoid conceding goals is essential.
Q, did you expect to score by pushing in?
A, of course, even if the categories are different, it is a sport where the game can become difficult, so in that sense, everyone was able to play well. The goal was good, but especially in defense, the pressing and intensity become more difficult as the opponent's level rises, so that is something we are particular about. There were also many very good parts today, so I want to continue that.
Q, I think we didn't let the opponent play freely while attacking.
A, as a collective mindset, high pressing and playing soccer in the opponent's territory is what we aim for, so conversely, there are points that can be improved through intensity and communication among the players on the field. Therefore, to be able to express today's style of soccer against any opponent, although there will be times when we need to defend because the opponent's level rises and they are skillful, especially during periods when we are pressing forward, we want to build this as our foundation.
Q, What do you think is the irreplaceable role of an anchor, and what responsibilities and contributions do you need to bring to the team?
A, I want to defend over a wider area, and depending on the opponent's formation like today, mismatches can occur, so I think it’s okay for me to press forward from my position. Not only staying in front of the two center backs, but when pressing from the front line, I want to be more aggressive. In attack, increasing passes for side changes as well as passes behind the defense and wedge passes will increase our attacking variations, so I hope to level up more in that regard.
Q, Today, you received the ball in a relatively low position and I don't think there were many scenes where you were under pressure. However, in official matches, it is expected that the opponent will put a lot of pressure on you, Jean. How do you plan to deal with that?
A, I think there will be more teams in the J1 League that try to mark the anchor tightly, but even in the latter half of last season, when I couldn’t face forward or advance during matches, the inside half would drop back or we would increase our variations. The way we defend differs depending on the opponent, and I believe it is important both to establish our own style and to play while observing the opponent.
Q, What do you want to pursue at the Miyazaki camp?
A, Since there are many matches, it is easiest to coordinate with everyone while going through actual games, and we also change formations between the first and second halves, so having better options and various choices emerging is really interesting. The five-substitution rule is also intriguing, and how to make use of that depends on the coach, but in terms of increasing options, I want to create a situation that makes the coach struggle because we can play good football no matter which players come on. Without that, I think winning the league title this season will be difficult, so I want this camp to be like that.
Q, how do you feel about the team's performance in the competition with about two teams?
A, Without competition, there is no stimulation, and there is also the tension that arises from fighting for positions. I believe players who climb up through competition are strong, so without position battles, the team will not become stronger. This applies to me as well; there is the tension of fighting match by match to maintain my position throughout the full season. I think everyone shares this feeling.
Q: How do you feel about scoring in practice matches?
A, Since we are aiming to be an attacking team, that must be our basic premise, and I think there will be more matches where we have to break through against teams that sit back. I believe we need to raise our sense and feeling of deception.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q, How was the feeling of the practice match today, where there were also points scored?
A, I think my condition is still at 60 to 70 percent. However, since I have been able to score, I believe the results are good. I hope to create more opportunities to take shots.
Q, Has your teamwork improved after the Okinawa camp with your teammates?
A, We are refining things like breaking down the defense while communicating during the match. On the flank, I think the relationship in positioning with the fullbacks and inside halves is important, so I played while directing positioning from my side, and I believe we are coordinating well.
Q, are you fitting in with the team?
A, I would say I’m already used to it, or maybe you can tell just by watching the practice. I’m doing quite well.
Q, is Nagatomo still energizing the team?
A, yes. Nagatomo's remarks are also interesting, so I add a comment or two to tease him, and sometimes others do as well. We have a good atmosphere, and it's fun.
Q, we will enter the Miyazaki camp from tomorrow.
A, since the match schedule is arranged assuming consecutive games, I want to focus on how to adjust for that. Also, I expect the weather in Miyazaki to be cold, so with the season opener coming up soon, I want to be careful to avoid injuries. From a soccer perspective, I think we need to score more and dominate the matches, so I hope we can play high-quality soccer in Miyazaki.
Q, I was also focusing on taking the pocket during the Okinawa camp.
A, I think it would be better if anyone could enter the pocket more freely, and in a 2-on-1 situation, I hope we can easily use players making inner or overlapping runs.
Q, are you in opening mode?
A, that’s true today as well, and once we go to Miyazaki, we need to shift up one or two gears with each match since the season opener will come quickly. I want to improve my accuracy and my physical condition even more.
Q, Are you approaching your maximum state in terms of momentary intensity?
A, Not yet. I am gradually feeling better, so I want to be more involved in the finer details of breaking down the defense, especially in deciding whether to cut inside or go vertically at the end. Honestly, I am not satisfied with just one goal, so I want to be more greedy.
Q, Is it about building up from here and completing it?
A, I think it’s a good thing to have come this far in just 2 or 3 weeks since starting. My condition is gradually improving, and after playing for 45 minutes, I felt that it was long enough. From now on, match times will be longer, and there will be games where I play for 90 minutes, so I think it will be important to see how well I can perform at a high level during those times.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, Were you okay with the tough defense from the opponent?
A, I am in pain, but I think it's unavoidable since the opponent is also using this practice match to prepare for the opening game.
Q, it seemed like they were able to continue playing immediately after a tough defense.
A player who does not fall is highly valued. I think it is also necessary to avoid clearly dangerous tackles. Additionally, falling down to calm the team is also a skill for soccer players. It is best not to fall, but I believe that knowing how to take such a defensive posture is important as well.
Q: He said he wanted to be involved in scoring as an inside half. He was actively involved in scoring in today's game, but please review the game.
A, I had two assists today, but including the scene where I took a shot with my right foot, there were more opportunities to shoot, so I want to improve on that. I also feel that individual level-up is necessary to make the team stronger.
Q, do you think it's natural to become a threat to the opponent by participating in the attack from the inside half?
A, of course, this is an evaluation toward the opening match, and since the inside half is a position where that kind of play is expected, I want to continue doing it going forward.
Q, How do you feel about the current level of completion in terms of holding the ball as a team?
A, There is no completion yet, and there are still parts that we haven't achieved. However, with the addition of new players, we have had practice matches following the flow from the camp and obtained good results. Since there will also be matches at the Miyazaki camp, I think we need to further improve the quality in front of the goal, as well as in one-on-one situations and transitions.
Q, What are your thoughts and relationships with the players around you regarding the quality of the team's performance in front of goal?
A, I also have some freedom to play as I like. Including myself, when inside half players move into the area in front of the goal, we can use the forwards as decoys. Conversely, there are times when we become the decoys and the forwards come alive. I want to increase that kind of coordination.
Q, Do you set specific numerical goals for goals and assists?
A, I have not set any. I just hope to contribute to the team as much as possible.
Q, Are there any training exercises that have shown results through muscle training?
A, I started doing pull-ups and my condition has improved, so I have been doing them a lot. The movement of my entire body has become just as I want it to be.
Q, are the number of pull-ups also increasing?
A, Last season I could only do it once or twice, but now I can do it quite a lot, and since then my physical condition has improved.
Q, was the play you assisted from the left side as you imagined it?
A, When I received the ball from the side back, I started the shooting motion, but an opponent came into the shooting lane and there was no support from my teammates, so I imagined dodging the opponent and played accordingly, which led to a good connection all the way to the goal.
Q: How do you feel about the increasing number of scenes like that leading to more goals?
A, I believe that if I can make a difference individually, the team will also become stronger, so I want to continue growing.
Q: How is the completion rate?
A, the level of completion is still far from perfect, but we are communicating well with each other as players, and I think everyone is making good appeals, so I hope we can all create a good condition together.
Q, I think there were more movements to move teammates and support last season than before.
A, I have become more composed in my play and can see what’s happening around me. Not only myself but also my interactions with other players have improved, so I want to raise my condition even more as we approach the matches. Since I am becoming more aware, I think I will have the ball more often, but I want to make sure I don’t lose possession.
<Player Kumada>
Q, he said that it is necessary to score more points in order to take the starting lineup at the opening. How do you feel about today's results after scoring?
A, it wasn't a flashy goal, but I think it was good that I was able to score the first point with my strong left foot. The speed and trajectory of the shot were good, but the situation was just an ordinary goal.
Q, do you have any conscious thoughts about actively entering the goal area without fear of contact with the opponent?
A, I believe that especially young players are expected by the coach to play like that. Since physical strength is also one of my characteristics, I want to show a hungry fighting spirit.
Q, I think the defenders of the opponent also dislike plays that put their bodies on the line.
A, I still don't know if I can compete at a higher level, but since I will be able to face strong opponents at the Miyazaki camp, I believe what I need now is to get game time and gain experience, so I want to experience as much as possible.
Q: After playing with Diego Taba for a month, he has been evaluated for his defensive play in addition to scoring and has been playing in games. What are your thoughts on Kumatada's performance?
A, personally, I am not very strong defensively, and it has often been pointed out as an area for improvement. However, tactically, I believe forwards must defend properly to be able to play, so while being fully aware of defense, I want to focus on playing in a way that leads to scoring opportunities.
Q, how did you feel about the system changing during the game?
A, I don't really focus on the formation, but I believe that no matter the formation, we are expected to defend solidly and deliver results in attack, so I think the most important thing is to do what I need to do.
