Q: Please tell us about the response to trying out the new style of football. Also, what stage do you think the penetration of that style is at?
A: The ball possession rate has definitely been increasing, and what we are currently struggling with is the final finishing part in the attacking third. The team hasn’t been getting results easily, and although we have been gradually improving through training, I believe we need to earn it through match experience. The confidence gained there will surely help the team grow, so while we are struggling at that stage now, I feel that the team is growing through repeated trial and error.
Q: I think there are various reactions regarding the recent match results, but do you feel a sense of accomplishment in seeing what we are trying to do taking shape?
A: The ball possession rate has really increased, and I feel it is completely different from last season. On the other hand, as a forward player, there is a strong frustration from not being able to win or score goals, and I do feel a bit of that irritation.
Q, in the final part of the breakdown, I feel that we can see the team trying to make use of the players' strengths, such as the speed of Ryo Nagai.
A, personally, I want to increase the number of scenes like the one where I assisted Ada (Adailton) in the match against Kobe. If the whole team can share that, it becomes the biggest chance when we push the ball that deep. Defenders can usually react to just fast crosses, but balls like that are actually more difficult. If we can improve that accuracy both individually and as a team, the number of goals will probably increase. After that, we need to broaden the ways we carry the ball up to that point and expand our options. It’s gradually being studied, so while increasing our range, I want to focus on results and keep working hard in the second half of the season.
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has mentioned wanting to increase attacks through the center. Given that there have been many attacks from the sides, is the intention to increase wedge passes that connect to the front line through the center?
A, there is that change as well, and due to tactical reasons, I can't say it clearly, but initially we avoided passes through the center. However, as everyone has been improving, the demands have also increased. By improving that accuracy and being able to attack from both the sides and the center, I think we will level up even more.
Q, starting from the January camp, I feel like the phase has improved a bit recently, do you feel a sense of growth on the pitch?
A, at first, the build-up mainly started from a low position, but now we are coming up with ideas from the midfield to the front, especially in the final finishing stages.
Q, is the finishing part the key point for the second half?
A: It’s about teamwork, but personally, I also think I need to take more shots. If we don’t increase the number of shots, then, like Ada (Adailton), when he swings, it leads to goals and creates chances from rebounds and such. When someone has a scene like that and swings, others can follow up closely, which probably changes how the opponents press, leaving other players open. So, we up front feel that we need to keep swinging.
Q: In the second half, as a player, do you want to strengthen your awareness of scoring goals a little more?
A, yes. I think I could take more shots. Since we have a team concept, there is an emphasis on valuing possession, but if the forwards don’t take shots, I feel the team’s momentum won’t build. Sometimes, because we are too careful, we miss chances to shoot and instead try to assist. I want to be a player who can take shots decisively and create some kind of change.
Q: Both in the first half and in terms of results and content, there seems to be a dilemma. What are your thoughts on achieving both aspects for the second half?
A, we have to keep accumulating points. We are still in the middle of the standings, so if we don’t get points, we can’t move up. We need to keep focusing on results while continuing to take on challenges.
