【Player Comment】
＜Masato MORISHIGE Player＞
Q, today marks the end of the camp. Please take a moment to reflect.
A, I believe what we need to do has become clear. Since we were able to firmly recognize our weaknesses and challenges, it is important to thoroughly address them throughout the entire season.
Q, in the match against Zweigen Kanazawa held on the 2nd, there were many words of reflection. Is it because of that point that you were able to overwhelm the opponent today?
A, we have to win every match, and instead of looking for excuses, no matter the environment or the situation we are in, we must always aim for victory from the moment the whistle blows. In that regard, we recognized our weaknesses in the match against Kanazawa, so I believe we were able to apply those reflections today.
Q, including the realization, it was a fulfilling camp, wasn't it?
A, we were able to play many matches and work together on the issues that arose. Everyone was motivated and worked toward the direction the coach aims for, and we also sought to add something extra, so it was a good camp.
Q: We have two weeks left until the opening. What kind of things do you want to build up?
A, it means working on ourselves with greater discipline.
＜Hotaka NAKAMURA＞
Q, how did you feel about the defense?
A, as a team, we had a period in the first 15 minutes where the opponent held the ball, but we were able to defend without getting flustered. Also, it was good that we were able to score in our own style. Certainly, I played with the mindset of strengthening our defense, but compared to the destructive power on the opposite side, my side was still lacking, so I want to bring this back to Tokyo as valuable feedback.
Q: Is it fair to say that the offensive aspect remains as a reflection for the future?
A, it is a good reflection. I have been gradually grasping the parts where I get involved in the build-up by moving inside and when I stretch wide, but I couldn’t fully commit on my side. I want to watch the footage and study it once again.
Q, it was a good impression that the build-up was not bad, such as using the center back calmly before being overwhelmed by the opponent.
A, I am not trying to do it perfectly, but rather to stand in the right position, tap the ball at the right timing, and move into space. By doing so, I can change the opponent’s focus and create openings on the sides through playful passes, so I believe the only way is to keep doing it and get a feel for it. The purpose of connecting passes is not just to connect for the sake of it, but to score goals, so the aim is to utilize the wings and create a thick, layered attack. I want to work on this while keeping that future vision in mind.
Q. Please give us an overview of the entire camp.
A, the feeling is also improving, and since we have new players like Koizumi and Nakagawa, we have been able to firmly grasp their characteristics. We have also been able to communicate well in terms of relationships. Besides that, there are strong individuals, so it’s about how much we can make use of them. I also want to review that by watching the footage.
Q: Based on today's match, were you able to build up as a team over the past week?
A, there were difficult periods when we were pushed back, and although I had chances to score more goals myself, I couldn't quite finish them off. Personally, I reflect on the time around the middle of the second half when fresh players came on for the opponent, and we felt their momentum and pressure. It is precisely at such times that I want to confirm where the team should return to as a foundation.
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q, how is your condition?
A: I am very happy to be able to play without any pain right now. Although today was the last day of the camp, both personally and as a team, we have been shaping up well. I believe the Diego you all know will be back.
Q: Don't you feel a sense of accomplishment when you can have a game like today against the opponent in the J1 League?
A, since the opponent was Hiroshima, they are a wonderful team. I think everyone understands that matches against them are always challenging. Even so, we were able to play well, and I am pleased about that. However, today was just a practice match and different from an official game. What we are currently focused on is having a good match against Urawa in the opening game.
Q, there are 2 weeks left until the opening. What do you want to achieve?
A, I have been undergoing intense training over the past two weeks and am in good condition, so I want to continue preparing for the season opener.
Q: Do you feel that the team is able to break down the opponent's defense?
A, we have been steadily building up practice and match experience in a good way, and I believe our combinations are gradually improving. In that process, I feel that the team's style will get better with each game we play.
Q, PEROTTI player expressed gratitude for Diego's support.
A, I also remember when I first came to Japan. I arrived at about the same age as him, and with the help of many people, mainly Brazilians, I was able to get accustomed to Japanese soccer. PEROTTI is a very high-quality player, but I believe there are areas where I can assist him, and I want to support him so that he can adapt to Japanese soccer as quickly as possible.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: How do you look back on today's game as a whole team?
A, the intensity was very high throughout the 90 minutes, and I think the key factor was that we communicated well from the back and were able to maintain the press from the front. I hope we can sustain this intensity throughout the season.
Q, it is now 2 weeks until the opening.
A, the starting lineup has not been decided yet, and I also want to make an impression during the remaining period.
Q, did you feel that you could contribute to the games if you were able to play your own game in the second year, after playing in the matches from the first year?
A: I believe results are expected. I have confidence that I can do it, so I want to continue working hard.
Q: As a team, how is the penetration of the motto "one more goal"?
A, our awareness has become much higher than last season, and we play with the mindset of scoring many goals while finishing without conceding any. I want to contribute to that as well.
Q: Regarding the practice match against Zweigen Kanazawa on the 2nd, the entire team took it very seriously. Did today's match reflect that reflection?
A, today we definitely decided to press from the front, and since Hiroshima plays a man-to-man defense, we focused on the basics of quick transitions so as not to be outmatched, aiming to connect that to scoring goals. We were able to start the first half well and managed to score from there, so I think it was a good outcome.
Q, Coach Albert Pobor said he wants to instill a winning mentality in the team this season. How do you perceive the emphasis on winning?
A, similar discussions were held last season as well, but this season it feels like everyone is more consciously engaged. After all, we don't want to lose, and I believe individual improvement is necessary to make Tokyo a better team. I also want to contribute to that.
Q, Are you feeling an increased expectation towards the team and yourself?
A, Yes, they have definitely increased (laughs).
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q: please review the game.
A, it was a one-on-one on the side, so I went straight vertical and finished toward the far post. Speed is my strength, so I used bursts of acceleration with changes in tempo to create a difference in initial speed. The feeling was so good that from the moment I kicked, I knew it was going in, so it felt great.
Q: The first training camp took some time to merge, but how was the effort in the second training camp?
A, It was unavoidable that my return was delayed, but I was frustrated. I was disappointed that I couldn’t play in the first practice match at the Miyazaki camp, and when I looked at the lineup for today’s game, my playing time was limited. I expected it to be shorter than anticipated, and it actually was, but I thought I just had to do my best and entered the game with a strong desire to make an impression. I personally feel that my scoring ability, which is my strength, can be effective in this team, and I believe today was proof of that.
Q, I think that producing results will open up the way.
A, I have not achieved any results or numbers yet, so I started from zero with this team. In that regard, I believe I can only build up from here, and I feel no anxiety—only excitement. As I accumulate experience, I think it will be reflected in my playing time and statistics, so I am both excited and confident.
Q, what kind of play do you want to show in the upcoming appeal?
A, In a team filled with top-level talents even in J1, my significance lies in my strengths, which are scoring ability and initial speed. There is no one quite like me, and I have a strong desire not to give up the spot left vacant by Kensuke NAGAI (currently with Nagoya Grampus). I believe there are many points to appeal, not only by proving myself with results and numbers but also by being a key player in defense and making runs behind the defense. Still, I think the most important thing is the numbers. I want to steadily build up from practice matches and demonstrate my significance.
Q, it seems that you have a more intense presence than other players because you started late due to injury. It is likely to strongly affect your comeback in the future.
A, I feel very driven inside, and since I’m starting from the very bottom, I have the determination to take the position for myself. I returned to actual matches on the last day of the Okinawa camp and also played in the practice match at Kodaira, but my performance didn’t improve, which was very frustrating. Today isn’t fundamentally different from usual, but I had that intense drive within me, and I believe that connected to my performance in today’s match.
Q, I think there is a part in the camp where everyone starts from a relatively flat state, including practice matches.
A, I was in a similar situation last season at SC Sagamihara, and I believe I started from the very bottom. I accepted that it was natural to be left out given my current ability. However, to make a comeback from what I consider natural, I want to keep going without giving up. I'm a man who doesn't easily give up, so I want to deliver solid results and be welcomed back with a "welcome home."
