A difficult season despite a career-high 15 goals
Q. Looking back on this season, what are your thoughts?
A,I think this was a difficult season where no one was satisfied or pleased with the results. I am filled with regret towards the fans and supporters, and overflowing with frustration.
Q, You scored a career-high 15 goals and had a fulfilling season personally, but that did not translate into results for the team.
A,Unlike mathematics, football is not as simple as saying "if this was done, then this would have happened" or "if that was done, then this would have been the result". Therefore, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause at this moment. However, considering the strength of the team and the abilities of the players, I believe we could have done better.
Mid-season Coaching Change
Q. During this season, former coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA stepped down mid-season, and coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI took over. How did you perceive this change?
A,Changing coaches is never a good thing, but I think that Coach CKLAMOVSKI, who took over in that situation, brought us a good thing with a soccer that focuses on intense pressing and quick switching from the front line. However, I don't think it was easy to incorporate everything he wanted to do in such a short period of time.
Q, After Coach CKLAMOVSKI took over, did your role or what you focus on change, Diego OLIVEIRA?
A,I think there were good aspects to both former coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA and current coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, but now we often play with a front three. In terms of my position, I was expected to stay in the middle rather than drifting out to the sides. There may be some differences in the way the front line moves, but personally I felt comfortable and able to play.
Q, the club has aimed to change its style over the past two seasons. How do you feel about the progress and challenges during this period?
A,I think these past two seasons were a transitional period for the team. The style of football under former coach Kenta HASEGAWA (current Nagoya Grampus) was different from the current style, but regardless of the strengths and weaknesses of each style, we were able to achieve results and win titles under coach Motoki HASEGAWA. With the change in style this season, we needed to think about what we could do to win even more. It's not just about what happens on the pitch, but also about developing a winning mentality off the pitch. With the arrival of coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, we have been able to train intensely on the pitch, but it's also important to carry that mentality off the pitch..
Q, does that mean each player should face soccer more and more seriously?
A,I believe it is necessary to face soccer more. Of course, practice is also necessary. I think we need to continue with tough practice, but we also need to strengthen our mental game just as much. There are various situations in a game. We may concede 2 goals in the first half. In those moments, how we behave is crucial. If we have the strength to maintain a strong mentality in any situation, we can overcome those challenges. Right now, we need to train our mentality. If we do that, I believe we will see better results in various aspects.
From my own experience to the team and the young players
Q, while it was a difficult season, it was also a season where young players, mainly from the Paris Olympic generation, had a lot of playing time on the pitch.
A,I think their growth is very good. The reason for their growth is their hard work, as well as the fact that they have earned the right to play on the pitch based on their training and the results of their matches as a team. From now on, I want the young players to take on more responsibility and lead the team in the future. At the same time, us experienced players need to step up and lead as well. It's not good to put too much pressure on the young players, so we need to lead and not give them unnecessary pressure in order to help them grow.
Q, at 33 years old, you recorded a career-high number of goals. Do you think you have regained the form you had before last season when you had to leave midway, or do you feel you have evolved? How do you analyze your current condition?
A,As I have grown older and become known as a veteran, I think everyone understands that things are different from when I was young. Even at my current age, I have to think about growth and leveling up, but I also have experiences that I didn't have when I was young. Those experiences are contributing to my performance this season. On the other hand, I also want to use my growth and experiences on and off the pitch to give back to the team and younger players. To be honest, the balance of my body is different from when I was young, so I have to think about that and adjust accordingly.
Q, we also hear you say you want to retire in Tokyo, but what is it that you want to leave behind at this club?
A,I believe that being here means that there is still something I can bring to the team, and that I am needed by the team. I want to convey my daily behavior to various players and have them see it. My beard and hair are gradually turning white, so I plan to retire before they turn completely white (laughs). Jokes aside, as long as I am needed by the team, I want to play for Tokyo.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golazo, FC Tokyo Correspondent)
