Q: Do you feel that you have grown in these two matches?
A, last week's game was a part where I feel that both the result and the content have grown a lot. I think the team is growing and moving in a good direction, but as a defensive player, I am concerned about the situation where we have been conceding multiple goals in the past few games on a personal level.
Q: How do you plan to improve the part of conceding goals from crosses?
A majority of the goals we conceded came from crosses, and we all understand that. We are working together to come up with ideas and practice to improve. I think we are gradually getting better, but in the previous match, there was a situation where a cross ball hit a teammate and changed its trajectory while I was near it, which caused me to hesitate in my decision-making. I should have cut off the path myself, so I believe that dealing with crosses is still a challenge for both the team and me individually.
Q, (The Yokohama FM match) I think the game development was completely different in the first and second halves, but was it because you were able to make a lot of adjustments during the game?
A, in the first half we were pushed back by the opponent's pressure from the front line, and the distance when we had the ball was also far. The Kashiwa game was really good in the first half, but the opponent came back strongly in the second half. This time, we turned around with a 0-2 scoreline, and we had to do it at home in a situation where we had no choice but to win. We had a strong mentality, not only in terms of tactics but also in terms of emotions, and we were able to catch up to a tie with the feeling that we couldn't afford to lose. We were able to create chances to turn the game around, so I think it was good in that sense.
What kind of things do you want to work on for the Q, G Osaka match?
A, we need to continue and do what we have been doing. It is important to keep the ball moving and we have been able to score on the counter, so I think it is crucial to continue attacking. Defensively, we have a strong desire to keep a clean sheet. The opponent may be lower in the standings, but I don't think they are a team of that ranking based on the quality of their players, so we must not let our guard down and aim to secure all 3 points. I believe if we can do that, we still have a chance to move up in the standings. I want us to approach each of these three consecutive matches with importance and fight for victory.
Q, if we continue to win the remaining matches, I think we can also see the possibility of finishing within the top 3 and qualifying for the AFC Champions League. How are you setting your goals?
I think if we keep winning, we can see the ACL, but I think we must not lose sight of the foundation we have built up until now and the soccer we will continue to play. While it is a realistic goal to achieve results while continuing, I still want to show games that will lead not only to this season but also to the next season.
Q, I think there was a break before the Kashiwa game, what kind of things were organized as a team?
During the break after the Shimizu game, we discussed with the players about the sense of distance with their teammates and the positioning of support towards the ball holder.
Q, has it become easier to pass the ball from the center back during the build-up?
In the first half of the A, Kashiwa match, the distance between the players was good, and it was very easy to play using short passes and long balls. However, in the Yokohama FM match, the distance was bad, and it became a vicious cycle where I couldn't kick short passes or long balls at a good timing, resembling the beginning of this season. I still think that support and the distance between players are important.
Q, how do you see the presence of player Tsukagawa from the center back position?
A, Tsukagawa player is very skilled because he played for Kawasaki Frontale, so it is very helpful to have him return the ball after passing it or to have him continue the play after passing it.
Q, is there a basic attitude of focusing on attacking without fear of conceding goals and constantly moving towards the goal?
A, it may be said that success is achieved by scoring more goals, but as a defender, there is a part that is not happy even if you win because the number of goals conceded increases, and I think there is a slight difference in thinking between attacking players and defensive players. However, it is a good thing to be able to score a lot of goals, and I think we are moving in a good direction.
Q, is it correct to say that while maintaining the ability to score in the attack, the goal is to improve the defensive aspect and ultimately get closer to the desired outcome?
A, while scoring points in attack, I think the defense has also increased in difficulty, such as countermeasures and cross measures. I think if we can level up in those areas, we will become a team that is constantly aiming higher.
Q, can you improve your play by judging it yourself while watching the opponent's situation on the pitch?
A, there are also instructions from the coach, but there are also parts where the players on the pitch are making fine adjustments and thinking for themselves, which I think is contributing to the results.
Q, is the soccer you are aiming for an image that mixes both holding the ball and using the counter as a weapon?
A, I think the short counter is still disliked by the opponent, and it is also a characteristic of our team to be able to attack with counters, which is also a characteristic of our team to mix attacking while passing the ball. I think that the goal from now on is to bring both to a high level.
