[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, happy birthday. Excuse me for speaking in Japanese (lol).
A, (Thank you in Japanese). It's okay to use Japanese. It would eliminate the need for interpretation work (laughs).
Q, in the Shonan match, you used many young players. Please tell us the intention and evaluation of using Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who returned from a long-term absence due to injury.
A, first of all, I would like you to focus on improving your game sense and condition, taking into account Kashif's current situation. He has been playing well in training and has shown that he has a very good touch with the ball, which I find attractive. However, he has just returned from a major injury, so I think we need to wait for his condition to improve carefully and calmly. I also want to see how he adapts to the team tactics. In any case, I am happy that he has been able to join the team.
Q: I think there is a very abundant talent in the side back position. You have been talking about the importance of side backs before, so isn't this a very good situation?
A, I am truly happy as a coach to have many options. At the same time, it is necessary to understand the strengths of each player and use them at the appropriate timing. I hope to be able to make the best choice for player selection based on the characteristics of the opposing team. There are many fullbacks, but each one has different characteristics. Some players can contribute more in defense, while others can contribute more in attack. There are also players who are good at side attacks and players who are good at playing in the center position.
Q: Diego OLIVEIRA player said that he is not satisfied with only 2 goals so far this season. Although it is a time to promote the team's growth, does the coach expect him to score goals?
A, there is no doubt that Diego is a very important player for us. This is true not only on the pitch but also off the pitch. As a center forward, he is considered one of the best players in the J-League. Since the start of the season, he has proven that he can contribute to the team not only in attack but also in defense. Off the pitch, he is also a great person. He is a great leader. For these various reasons, he is an important person for us. Of course, we also expect him to score more goals and provide assists. And by recording goals and assists, we hope that his pressure will decrease even a little.
Q, I understand that we need to focus on ourselves rather than the opponent, but I also think that Sapporo's coach, Petrovic, has a very distinctive tactical approach. What is your impression of him?
A, I met him in the preseason for a training match. It was clear that he is a wonderful person. I don't think I need to comment on the fact that he is a great coach. You all know that he has achieved great success in Japan for a long time. I am truly proud to be able to compete against him in an official match tomorrow, and I am very happy to be able to compete against a coach with such a great career as him. I hope it will be a good game for both of us.
Q: How are the conditions of Ryoma WATANABE, who was substituted due to injury in the Urawa match, and Yasuki KIMOTO, who was absent?
A, including them, everyone is in good condition. Since there are no issues with their physical condition, I would like to determine their usage based on tactics.
Q: I think this is the first time we will be playing against a team with a style like Sapporo. Do you have any impressions or images of how they play?
A, we predict that tomorrow's match will be intense and tactically challenging. It is likely that both teams will have many opportunities. Of course, we want to win while sticking to our playing style. However, it will not be an easy match. We expect it to be an entertaining game with a lot of excitement for football fans. Amidst the hopes for a good match, we hope to play more effectively and earn 3 points along with our playing style.
Q: While it is important to express our own style, it was mentioned that there are times when we have to adapt depending on the opponent due to the lack of perfection. Are there any specific points to consider when making this decision?
A, it is important to stick to our own playing style and maintain a balance of adapting to the flow of the game. This season, maintaining a good balance is crucial. The players are trying to adapt to new tactics and still lack maturity. In that sense, we also expect the team to grow and accumulate more points. So, maintaining a balance is important in that aspect as well.
Q, is it safe to say that there is nothing more important than victory in order to increase the growth rate?
I don't think winning is a medicine for the team to grow. I believe that winning will bring stability to the club and reduce pressure. In that way, the team can have the stability to grow. In that sense, I see winning as necessary for growth.
[Player Interview]
Diego OLIVEIRA
Q: Last season, we played against Sapporo four times and couldn't win any away games. In the first match at home, Diego TABA scored a fantastic goal. How do you feel about the compatibility with the opponent?
A, Sapporo has high-quality players and plays under a fantastic coach, so every match seems to be difficult. Rather than saying it's difficult, it's more of a feeling that if the opponent has high quality, we also need to fight well to make it difficult. We drew with Urawa at home in the previous match, so I think this week's match is one where we have to get 3 points after preparing well.
Q, Coach Albert often talks about the importance of both the opponent and our own growth. Regarding the point that there are times when we can and cannot show our style in the game, is the factor within ourselves?
A, of course, as the coach says, it is important for us to focus on how we play and whether we can give our best, rather than focusing on the opponent. It is also very important to analyze the opponent and understand their characteristics. However, I personally believe that no matter what the lineup is, it is most important for the team to give their maximum performance at the moment.
Q, how well do you adapt to the style you are working on this season?
A, I think I have been able to adapt well. However, as a forward, I have a strong desire to score goals, so I feel frustrated about the parts where I haven't been able to score yet. At the same time, I believe that I can contribute not only by scoring goals but also by running for the team, which is a fundamental aspect. If I can score one more goal, I think I can ride the momentum, so I want to fulfill my role.
Q: Is scoring 2 goals in 7 matches considered low for Diego Taba?
A, I am not satisfied with this situation. If I were satisfied, I don't think I could perform as a center forward, so I am not satisfied with the number of goals. However, I am able to play calmly without much dissatisfaction while running for the team and trying to do my best for the team. At the same time, there have been times when I haven't been able to score goals, but I believe that if I can score one goal, I can ride the wave and continue to do well in the future.
Q: There was a talk about running for the team, but is there anything else you do for the team?
In addition to running for the team, I am taking the lead in tactical aspects such as eliminating the space in the midfield and directing where to go. While I have the desire to score goals, I believe I am contributing to the team, so I can play without pressure.
Q, this season's two goals were impressive in not missing a momentary timing inside the penalty area, but it seems that your concentration in crucial situations has greatly increased.
A, of course, in the case of forwards, the momentary judgment in the scoring opportunity becomes important, so I think that I can play with concentration because I can make good judgments for both goals. However, I train myself every season to prepare for such situations, and I understand that there are scenes where I need to improve myself more, so I want to prepare myself to connect goals in other situations as well.
Q: The team's main focus is on side attacks, but Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has also mentioned wanting to increase attacks from the center. What are your thoughts on the team's offensive structure?
A, I think it is important to have various options when it comes to building attacks, so we should not only rely on the side or the center, but also search for the opponent's weaknesses while having different options. I believe that this is also the intention of the coach, and I think that this idea is also being embraced by the players. If it spreads throughout the team, I think there will be more scoring opportunities.
Q, what do you think needs to be improved in terms of attacking from the center to increase scoring opportunities?
A, it is important to attack in a balanced manner and find spaces, but I think there is a risk in attacking from the center. The coach also mentioned that if we easily lose the ball to the opponent while attacking from the center, it increases the risk of conceding a goal through their counterattack. I think attacking from the center means that the entire team has to drop back if the ball is lost in the center, so it is important to consider not losing the ball easily in situations where we struggle and choose based on the circumstances.
Q, in terms of defense, how do you perceive the role of Diego Taba player, who is not always the first defender of the center forward, but sometimes the wing presses first and Diego Taba player eliminates the space in the midfield?
A, what was symbolic in the Yokohama FM and Urawa matches was the wing pressing the opponent's center back and eliminating myself from the midfield position. However, I believe that I should do what is required by the team in any form, as I adjust to the staff's analysis and the opponent's characteristics.
