<Albert PUIG ORTONEDA>
Q, the first practice match has ended. Please share your honest impressions.
A, what we did today is not considered a practice match at all. For me, it is practice itself. Fighting against each other like in a red and white match within the practice is also part of the training, and playing against other teams is also part of the practice. I want you to understand that clearly. Including today, the fourth match will be a practice match against Kyoto Sanga F.C., and I consider that to be the first practice match. The first three practice matches before that are included in the practice as a part of the preseason training.
Q, where did you want to confirm in today's practice with the actual combat format?
A, there were three important points that we emphasized to the players. It is linked to what they have been training for. The first is to hold onto the ball, the second is for each individual and the entire team to take the appropriate positions, and the third is the intense transition between offense and defense after losing the ball. I am very satisfied with what the players expressed today. This is because it was clear that everyone has the motivation to learn the new playing style. From the first day of the preseason until today, the players' attitude towards learning during each training session has been fantastic, and that is the aspect that I am most satisfied with. In addition, I am also satisfied that we have been able to create a good atmosphere within the team, which we have emphasized as important.
Q, was there any particular intention behind the order of players appearing in the first, second, and third matches?
A, of course, we formed three teams considering various factors, but there is no special meaning behind that. Throughout this preseason, I myself need to understand the characteristics of each player, and the players also need to express their own characteristics. In that sense, there is no special meaning to today's team formation. There is still plenty of time left.
Q, regarding the emphasized "positions," are there any points you want to improve for tomorrow's practice in a match format?
A, I think that in a broad sense, the entire team was able to maintain their positions and positional balance, and in that regard, it was very encouraging to see the players' eagerness to learn and absorb. However, it is natural that we need to delve much deeper into the finer details. Nevertheless, I am very satisfied with this as a starting point.
Q: It was notable that you were loudly giving instructions on how to press on the wings.
A: As I mentioned at the very beginning, today was part of a match-like training session, so we ask the players to make tactical improvements there. Therefore, I will refrain from commenting on the finer details. Of course, what I am seeking is not defending by dropping the defensive block, but defending as high up the pitch as possible.
<Keita YAMASHITA>
Q: You scored the first goal, but how did you feel during the first 20 minutes of today's match?
A: This was the first time this season that we played in a match-like format, so I focused on getting to know my teammates, letting them understand my characteristics, and, since it was a game, being conscious of scoring goals. Although there were opportunities to score a second and third goal, I am not satisfied with just one goal. I also reflect on the need to finish properly when the chance arises and to score as many as possible. But overall, I think it was a good game.
Q: Were there any requests from Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA?
A: Since we are still in the process of implementing things across the entire team, there are not many individual instructions yet, but it has been strongly emphasized that we need to focus on the final box, or rather, the finishing moments. There are important aspects to positional play, but we are told that positional play is done to score goals. I believe I am the one responsible for that final part, and finishing is crucial, so I am truly committed to working on it with full awareness.
Q: When the team keeps pressing forward, the space in front of the goal disappears. How do you feel about scoring goals even in such tight spaces?
A: Of course, I had watched their play before, but by actually playing together, I have also felt their characteristics on a more intuitive level. Besides that, I am also communicating well with the foreign players off the pitch. I am actively trying to make them understand my strengths outside of the pitch as well, so I believe building trust quickly before the season starts is very important.
Q, I heard that you were inspired by Hisato Sato's attitude of demanding a lot from those around him.
A, that aspect has changed a lot. I thought I had been doing it until then, but by demanding more, I was able to be better understood, which led to better combinations, and I realized in a short time that what you see changes with just one of those demands. So from now on, I want to keep demanding more and deepen it further.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, how was your first practical training session?
A, it was a short time of 20 minutes, but there were many things to think about, and there were also times when my position overlapped with Leandro's, so after it ended, I talked to Leandro and also went to ask the coach. I was able to create scenes where I could go into the goal area and take shots, so I think the feeling was good.
Q, did you balance your position according to the surrounding players?
A, yes. Leandro can deliver decisive passes, so I took a position that allows Leandro to face forward in a good condition. I also supported Leandro while being conscious of letting him face forward freely. There were also scenes where the opponent's defensive midfielder was able to mark both me and Leandro alone, so I think we need to communicate more and consult with the coach to coordinate better.
Q, many players also receive the ball in the half-space while connecting the ball from behind, and it feels like a glimpse of positional play is emerging.
A, I do feel like dropping back to touch the ball, but if I do that, it loses its meaning, so I held back and we talked about how it’s better to trust others and move forward.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, what was your goal in participating in your first practice match in a real game format?
A, first of all, I aimed to express the team concept that we have been practicing, and personally, since it was my first time playing with the same team, I focused on playing in a way that would help my teammates understand my strengths and bring out their best qualities.
Q, how do you feel about your progress so far?
A, today we had a long time in possession of the ball, and it became clear which parts of what we practiced we were able to show and which parts need improvement, so I want to continue playing with high awareness starting from practice.
Q, how is your condition?
A, I am doing tough training with the ball, but I feel my condition is steadily improving. I think it is important to have practice matches even when the body is tired, so I will continue to work hard to gradually reach top condition.
