Q: The entire schedule of Kunigami Camp has been completed. How do you feel about the results?
I am satisfied because I felt the players' enthusiasm to absorb new tactical concepts. When you want to change something, you must believe in that change and reform. Actually, I felt the players' consciousness to believe in it, so in that sense, the first 10 days were meaningful. So far, we have been focusing on training to improve physical condition, and it is progressing as planned. Of course, the players are accumulating fatigue, but I am not worried because it is calculated. If fatigue accumulates, they will not be able to reach top speed, but that is also within expectations.
As I have commented many times since the first day, building something new is not an easy journey. Recognizing that, we are accumulating day by day. In order to grow into a greater club in a few years, we must now endure and create the foundation for a new era. During today's (January 26) practical training, there were times of struggle. I believe there will be more difficult times ahead. However, I think it is necessary to achieve something great.
Q, from the start until now, it is the period to improve physical condition, but most of the training menu of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is done with the ball.
A, I think it is clear that the players are being pushed physically when training with the ball. I believe that the necessary physical condition in modern soccer can only be obtained through training with the ball. In high-level clubs in Europe, regardless of playing style, it is mainstream to train comprehensively in terms of physical and tactical aspects. From this time, we are also conducting training in a form that is linked to the playing style I envision. What I am seeking is intense and dense training. It will take 3 to 4 weeks of preseason to get used to this training. By the time the season starts, the players should be accustomed to this training and their bodies should have adapted.
Q: Players often say that practice is enjoyable and mentally exhausting. What do you keep in mind when planning practice menus?
A, what I expect is a collection of smart soccer and smart players, so it's natural for the brain to get tired during training. We are working on a new tactical concept, so the players may feel mentally exhausted. I also think there is a aspect of not being accustomed to playing while using the brain. But they should get used to it soon. Right now, I want to tire my brain a lot (laughs).
Q, in the practical training on the 22nd, the players were emphasized on "holding the ball", "taking the correct position", and "immediately trying to regain it if lost". Please tell us about the results and challenges of these.
A, I felt that the players were conscious of these three things and played. However, it is true that we lost a lot of balls in today's practical training. If we can hold the ball for a long time as expected, even if we lose the ball, we can quickly switch and regain it. However, if we lose the ball many times like today, the players also get tired. It becomes difficult to switch quickly when you are tired. The road is long, but it is certain that the team is definitely growing in these few days.
Q, is the reason for losing the ball frequently due to fatigue? Or is it a problem with technique or positioning?
It wasn't a technical issue. Rather than a positioning problem, I think each individual held onto the ball too much, which allowed the opponent to trap us. When the number of touches for each individual increases and the tempo slows down, the opponent becomes easier to defend against. The tempo of passing in the defense line, centered around the center-back, was slow today. To increase the playing tempo, continuous positional game training is necessary.
Today, there were moments when each individual was slow to get into the appropriate position or went to steal the ball without coordinating well, which led to being countered. However, since the preseason has only just started 10 days ago, it is understandable. That said, we cannot simply wait to improve our completeness; once the season starts, we must accumulate points. Alongside pouring energy into securing victory in every match, I want the entire team to enhance the completeness of this play style.
Q: What is the specific focus you would like to work on at the Itoman Camp?
A, next I want to train on the defensive side as well. While working on improving the offensive side, I will also focus on how to steal the ball. I have also been able to grasp the individuality of each player, so I want to explore the best defensive way to start the opening game and connect it to a good start. In addition, the pace of play is an important point in our style. It can only be leveled up through daily accumulation, so we will continue to do it in the Itoman camp.
Q, it seems that you have been having individual conversations with the players during this camp. What kind of conversations have you been having?
A, I like to talk to players individually and I think it is very important, so I try to make time for that.
Q, what is the content...
A, it's a secret, that's why I'm talking about it individually (laughs)
Q: Why was Masato MORISHIGE chosen as the captain and Diego OLIVEIRA as the vice-captain?
A, they judged that both of them have the qualities suitable for a leader. I hope they can contribute to the team as my right-hand and I have conveyed this to them as well. I hope they will strive to create a good atmosphere both on the pitch and in the locker room. The season is long, so there may be times when problems arise within the team. I also expect them to bring the team together and quickly resolve any issues.
text by Atsushi Iio
