Q: What kind of preparations did you personally make for the opening match against Urawa?
A: I did not make any special preparations for the opening match. While on the bench, I watched the game thinking about what I could do if I were to come on as a substitute.
Q: In the first half, Urawa had control of the game. What did you think was the key to changing the flow of the game as a substitute?
A: When the ball came to the front line, there were no players positioned forward. In my mind, I was thinking about receiving the ball while closing the distance with the midfield. By the time I entered the game, the situation had changed, so I focused on winning the ball and suppressing the opponent's attacks on their right side.
Q, I think multiple players were working together in the second half and were able to execute organized attacks.
A, I believe we must not only be able to coordinate our movements during good periods but also strive to do the same during difficult times. I think it is natural for us to perform well during our favorable periods. Often, we fail to coordinate our movements when the opponent has control, and there were even moments in the second half’s good situations where we couldn’t do it. Personally, I don’t think it was very good, and I believe improvement is necessary.
Q, how do you feel about the next match?
A: I want to always be going for goals this season, and I am thinking about how to help the team win. No matter how I get on the field, I want to improve so that I can perform well. Whether good or bad, when I play, I believe things necessary to clear challenges will come up. Of course, the team winning is the most important, but I want to put forward what I need to do.
Q, what do you think about the competition for the starting lineup? Do you feel motivated by it?
A, I do feel motivated, and although I wasn’t unfocused during daily training last season, I have a strong desire and drive to do even more. Not being able to play didn’t drastically change my mindset, and I believe there are things I can do even if I’m not on the field. In many ways, I currently feel very fulfilled, and it is working to elevate myself further.
Q, is it fair to say that in the opening game, the team was unable to fully express what they wanted to and that they want to improve from now on?
A, I believe that in a closely contested match, how much you can control the ball and how much you can do what you want to do are extremely important in league play. It happens with any team that they manage to score by chance and then take control of the pace. There were moments when we were completely unable to do anything while the opponent was controlling the pace, so I think improvement is necessary. We were able to defend patiently, but I think there are still ways to lose the ball less and improve our attacking methods.
Q: Are there many mental aspects involved? I think there are more things that the team is able to do both in attack and defense.
A, of course, it was the opening match, and both teams played with high intensity, but I think we, including myself, need to reduce simple mistakes. Just reducing one or two will change the flow of the game, and I realized once again that we need to thoroughly address that.
Q: Even though you weren't in the starting lineup, I believe you had a feeling of regret. Did that have a positive effect?
A, last season, I came on as a substitute but never scored, so I have made it a goal to score in any situation. I believe I have mentioned this before, but I really enjoy expressing the changes in myself in that regard.
Q, how did you feel when your team scored the first goal?
A: The second goal was almost an own goal as well. But I was glad to see my name displayed on the scoreboard, and I think I was also lucky.
Q, how do you feel about the away match against Kashiwa, while valuing the continuity of both the team and yourself?
A, I still have a good image from last season. I believe that if we can perform even better than that, we can win.
Q: Was the away game against Kashiwa last season one of the best matches in terms of content?
A, although we conceded many goals, we were able to score a large number of goals, and the way we scored was also beautiful, so I have a good image of it.
Q, I think there were expectations for plays to turn the tide since the beginning of the second half.
A, I tried to be conscious of getting involved with the ball as much as possible. What I thought was that during tough periods, we need at least one player who can receive the ball in difficult positions. Even if the ball doesn’t come, just standing there can change the situation, and I think we lacked that kind of movement. When surrounded by three or four opponents, simply receiving the ball changes how the opposing defense operates, so I was watching the game hoping to create some kind of change.
Q: You mentioned that you want to cherish each day during the camp. How has your time been spent up until now?
A: Last season, I enjoyed the training, and that continues now. What I can do and what I must do have become clear, and knowing exactly what I need to do has allowed me to play soccer very comfortably. I don’t have any lingering doubts or frustrations, and I feel that what I need to do is clear.
Q, do you also have a strong desire to lead the team more?
A, there are still times when I can only think about myself, but I am gradually thinking about the team and want to change little by little as a person so that I can make choices in my play and actions while considering the team.
