[Player Interview]
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q. You have continued to produce results even during the camp, but what does scoring a goal mean to you, Teruhito NAKAGAWA?
A, During the off-season, I didn't move my body, so I think the feeling of the ball and other things were techniques that I have cultivated so far. I think it was very good as the start of the season that I was able to produce results.
Q, There may be differences in the details between Yokohama F.Marinos and others, but I think there are parts that are familiar with what we have been doing so far. What do you think?
A, The basic aspect of building attacks while controlling the ball remains unchanged, so there are many things that are easier to do as an individual.
Q, Are you able to grasp which position to take in order to make good plays by being able to do the obvious thing of taking a good position at the right timing?
A, There are many strong attackers ahead, so I think it would be good to create many scenes where we can break through by combining with them and through the relationships with the fullbacks and inside halves. The way I cut inside when breaking through on the left side is similar to what I did at Yokohama F.Marinos. For example, the instinct to target the ball that flows after being closed down in the near post position is something I have continued since last season. So, rather than focusing on my physical condition, I believe that having the awareness to use my instincts and get into the right positions is important now, and I think that is what leads to scoring goals.
Q, will you enjoy improving the quality of your combination with other players?
A, The players have high abilities, and everyone is making an effort and enjoying themselves while trying to express Coach Albert's style of football, so we are focusing our training on breaking down the final attacking third. We are currently operating on the premise that mistakes will happen, and I believe that without taking on challenges, there is no progress beyond that, so we are actively communicating with each other during practice while enjoying ourselves and pursuing what we want to do. Considering all of this, we are very fulfilled, and since everyone is trying to get through the camp without any major injuries, the overall strength of the team is improving, and I think the competition for positions is becoming very intense.
Q, Summary of this year's camp and request for the next one.
A, I think we need to improve our scoring ability even more. I feel that just one or two goals are not enough, so there is time to properly enhance the quality of the final pass and finishing after returning to Tokyo and during the Miyazaki camp, and I believe this will make this year more exciting.
Q, What do you find attractive about Coach Albert's football?
Compared to Yokohama F.Marinos, there are advantages to not attacking with a sense of speed, so the part of holding onto the ball and playing is different and interesting, and there are strong attackers, so I think the strength is being able to break through individually and it's an interesting aspect. Personally, I think it would be good to establish my own style as Tokyo by using people to break through and taking advantage of my characteristics such as taking the back in an instant.
Q, Is there any difference in your play when you have time to think, unlike Yokohama F.Marinos? Also, does it make it easier or harder for you to play?
There is no difficulty and I think it is easy to do. Even in possession soccer, Tokyo and Marinos are completely different, and the system, distance and speed are different, so Tokyo has its own strengths. We use time to draw the opponent in, expand to the opposite side, and create 1v1 or 2v1 situations, so there are many similarities and differences that are interesting. I feel that I am fighting in a different style since I transferred here.
Q, What was the most surprising thing about transferring?
A, What surprised me was how lively it was, including the voices from the warm-up. I could really feel the positive team atmosphere. I believe that this kind of atmosphere also contributes to the quality of our practice, so it's important to see how long we can maintain it. That's where I feel the difference after transferring to this team.
Q, At the new team announcement, you mentioned that you transferred at the milestone age of 30, which I imagine is a time when you think about many things as a person and as a player. When asked about your ambitions for the 2023 season, what are they?
A, I decided to transfer in order to win the championship with Tokyo, so my ambition is nothing but to win. I am working while thinking about what I can do to make that victory a reality, and the clearest way is to produce results. I believe that accumulating points is what we must do to get closer to winning the title, and that is the mentality of a winner, so I want to express that. I am also putting pressure on myself to do that, so my ambition is solely to win the championship.
Q, when considering winning, I think that Yokohama F.Marinos will definitely be the opponent that we must defeat. How do you think about facing Yokohama F.Marinos as a rival?
It is both exciting and nerve-wracking to play against them, as I think about how much I dislike it when I am on the opposing team. However, my time at Yokohama F. Marinos is in the past and I am now with a different team. I am training with pride for Tokyo and have a strong desire to defeat them and score points. I am eager to play at either Nissan Stadium or Ajinomoto Stadium as soon as possible.
Q, not only when facing each other directly, but also as an indicator of how close we need to get to that level of intensity, what do you think Nakagawa can bring to Tokyo?
A, If I can effectively exploit the spaces behind and the spaces where the side half is raised, I think it will be good. I think the intensity is not inferior to Tokyo, and I feel that the fierceness of the ball in the narrow area is higher than that of Marinos. I think it will be a very interesting game.
Q, If there are any areas where you surpass in strength, what do you think is the key to winning the title? Also, where do you think Nakagawa's strengths can make a difference?
A, I think my outstanding play in Tokyo is taking the back, so I think that the part of invading the last attacking third is a strength. I want to make chances for players such as Diego TABA, Leandro DAMIAO, Adailton, and Ryoma WATANABE by dribbling past one or two players. We are implementing formations and situations in daily training that bring out the strengths of other players, so if we can work together, we have a powerful attacking lineup that cannot be stopped, so I think that scoring one goal is a prerequisite and scoring two or three goals is necessary to win the championship.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, (due to injury) I joined the camp late, but can you tell me about your current condition?
A, when I got injured, I was told that full recovery would be about a week before the opening match, but my recovery has been good, and I was able to join practice during the camp and will be able to participate in tomorrow’s practice match. Even though playing in tomorrow’s practice match will be physically tough in terms of stamina, there is still time until the opening match, so I want to steadily improve my condition. Being able to return to the pitch quickly is thanks to the medical staff, so I want to play with gratitude.
Q, there are also new players joining, and I think the depth of players in the inside half has increased, but how do you plan to win?
A, Many players have joined, and there are many who can play the inside half position, but I am confident that I can perform better than any other player, and I believe that if I demonstrate my maximum ability, I can be involved in matches. Even though the number of players has increased and competition has become fierce, I have no negative feelings, and I believe that if I can show my strong points, I will be able to play, so I think I am enjoying the competition very much.
Q, What do you think is the difference between yourself and other players that you can create while watching practice games from the outside?
Each player has their own unique characteristics, for example, Kei KOIZUMI is good at controlling the ball and has excellent footwork, so I want to imitate his play and incorporate it into my own.
Q, now that you are 26 years old and entering the prime of your career, how do you feel about taking on a more central role and leading the team?
A, I also turned 26 years old and there are many younger players, so I thought that the time has finally come as the oldest player from the academy. I want to become a role model both on and off the pitch. I also think that I have to become a central player and I want to play and act with determination.
