Q, what kind of conversation did you have with Coach Albert when you became captain?
When asked, "What do you think about being the captain?", I answered, "It is an honor, so I will gladly accept."
Q, how did the experience of being a captain once affect you?
A, being the captain of Tokyo comes with responsibilities, and I believe one should be a captain worthy of that. Until last year, player Higashi fulfilled those responsibilities and did a wonderful job. With both the team and the company entering a new phase, I am personally happy to become captain again and take on a new challenge, and I believe I must firmly uphold the responsibilities that come with it.
Q: How do you think about the role as a representative player and the balance as an individual player, based on your past experiences?
A, it's not because we did it before, but now we see it as another new challenge that we can take on.
Q, how do you feel about Diego OLIVEIRA being chosen as the vice captain and the possibility of additional players being added in the future?
A, Diego TABA, who has already been decided, is suitable as the captain considering his behavior and contribution to the team. (Normally) Japanese players and foreign players are divided into groups, but in order to realize the soccer that the coach is aiming for, they must cooperate as one group, so it is reassuring to have Diego TABA as the captain in that sense.
Q: Is this your interpretation of the phrase "unity" that the coach mentioned?
A, as the captain, I want to effectively support each player so that they can demonstrate their abilities in their respective roles.
Q: It has been a few days since the camp started, have you made any new discoveries?
A, first of all, I feel that being able to train with good tempo, a good atmosphere, and without stress is the best thing for us. It takes time to explain the finer details of the practice, so I think you will understand if you come and watch. I feel that it cannot be perfected unless the technique accompanies the use of the mind properly. Of course, I think it will take time, but the training makes each of us, including myself, feel that we can and must level up, so it is enjoyable to do.
Q, how was the meeting with Coach Albert?
A, the meetings include humor, and we also use video to carefully align the team's intentions. Additionally, we enter training having already understood the content of the day's practice through prior meetings. The way videos and systems are used is cutting-edge, progressing in a way we've never experienced before.
Q: Are there any specific expectations from the coach for you as a center back at this stage?
Although not as a center back, we train to pass the ball quickly as a team, find space and move towards the wider side... Rather than relying on players' movements, we focus on delivering the ball from person to person, so we enjoy training in that aspect as well.
Q: When you were captain before, I think you were the type to lead by example, but now that you have gained experience, please tell us what kind of captain you envision.
A, I don't have a specific idea at this stage, but as I learn various things, I want to become a captain who talks more (laughs).
Q: I think you will be more involved between the coach and the players. I think you will be able to handle it well with experience. What do you think?
A: I don't intend to overreach, but I must firmly do what needs to be done. To improve the team's atmosphere and level, I think I will often have to stand between the coach and the players. There will inevitably be some gap between what the coach expects and what the players think, so even with small matters, I want to foster an environment where we exchange opinions and create something better together.
Q: Please tell us about the interesting aspects of football that you can see at this point, as well as the difficulties.
A: After all, technique and decision-making speed are required, so if we do not improve those, this style of football will not be completed. I believe that being able to do the obvious things as a matter of course leads to a higher level of football. It is nothing but exciting.
Q: If there are any keywords that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has been emphasizing in the past few days, please let us know.
A: Aside from football, I feel that the coach values achieving things together as a team and family, regardless of whether players are Japanese or foreign nationals, just as much as he values football itself.
Q: Please tell us the difference between the football played during Mr. Popovic and Mr. Jofuku's time and the football that Coach Albert aims for.
There are similarities to what Mr. Popo and Mr. Shirofuku have done. Coach Albert is more about not moving too much, taking a solid position, and if the player who took that position can carry the ball to other players, it will lead to better attacks and better soccer. Rather than people moving and ball possession, it is about having people in the right place and delivering the ball there, aiming for goals in that continuous process, which I think is a new discovery.
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