Q: What kind of response did you feel as a team in the Kashima game?
A, in the previous match against Kashima, we were able to play the kind of soccer we wanted and had a good game. With 5 matches remaining, the coach talked about playing each match as if it were a final, and we had a really good preparation as a team for the Kashima match during the week. Despite not being able to play due to accumulated fouls, there was also a change with Kimura playing, but we had a good practice, so before the match, the team had a good atmosphere and believed that we could definitely win.
Q, I think we have been able to create good opportunities to move the ball well in the past few matches.
As we continue to play more games, both myself and the players feel that we are increasingly able to control the ball and progress in the game. I think the team has improved a lot. I no longer hesitate when in possession and I understand the movements of those around me. I have also talked and communicated with my teammates, and they understand my movements. In the beginning, I often got caught in the opponent's defense, but recently I feel that we are able to pass the ball quickly and the number of vertical passes has also increased.
Q: What are the differences between a game that is played well and a game that is not?
When the team is not able to play together, it affects every position and the game does not go well. I think that happens when a certain position is not in sync and we are unable to control the ball ourselves.
Q: How do you feel about scenes where you are passionately shouting or making victory poses during the Kashima game, and your emotions are starting to show on the surface?
A, yes. I didn't want to concede more goals than usual because I was playing with Kimura in the Kashima game, and I wanted to win, so I was highly motivated for the match.
In the previous match against Kashima, I stood on the same pitch as my teammate Kimura.
It was one of my goals to become a professional. I'm glad that I was able to achieve one of my goals by playing good soccer and winning the game together.
Q: What kind of conversation did you have before and after the match?
A: "If we concede a goal from the left side, we'll be told that we're no good, so let's make sure it doesn't happen and let's raise each other's evaluation," we were talking about. After the game, there was a big sense of relief.
What are you learning from player Q Nagatomo?
A, I learn by watching the positioning of defense and preparation off the pitch. He answers anything when I ask, so I ask various things, but among them, I often ask about cross handling. There have been scenes this season where I conceded goals because my cross handling was bad. I asked Nagatomo where to position myself when the ball is on the opposite side, and I made adjustments based on that.
Q: Is the presence of Nagatomo a big one?
A, I think I'm really fortunate to be able to practice in the same position as Japan's top players and in the same environment.
Q, I think there will be many opportunities to participate in matches this season, but what do you feel is improving and what do you need to do to continue growing in the future?
A, I have been playing the most games since joining the professional league this season. I feel that playing more games and fixing the issues that arise from them leads to the most growth. I am grateful to be able to play soccer in such an environment, and I am able to challenge myself and make trial and error decisions based on my instincts. I feel that I am improving as I continue to do so.
Q, what part do you feel has grown the most?
A, the defense is the most important. At first, my positioning was completely bad. During the game, honestly, I don't really notice it, but when I watch the game footage with the coaching staff after the game, I can see that my positioning has changed and improved. By improving with each game, I can naturally take the correct position, and I feel a little bit of growth.
Q: Do you feel the need to grow more?
A, players like Nagatomo and Nakamura have something that I don't have, and they often observe players in the same position during practice. However, I still feel that there are many points that I am lacking, so I want to study more.
Q: What will be the key points of the Shonan match?
A, in the previous match, we were defeated because the intensity was low, so first of all, we must not lose there, and then we must dominate the ball and score when we have the chance, I think we can definitely win. I want to approach the final round with the same mindset as the Kashima match.
Q, does the battle on the sides seem to hold the key?
I think Shonan is also focusing on one-on-one situations on the side. If I can control that and attack without allowing the opponent to attack, I think we can naturally play advantageous soccer, so I want to keep challenging.
Have you continued to play in Q matches and has the joy and responsibility of winning increased?
A, I am happy if I win the game and I think it is my responsibility as a defender if I lose. I think that sense of responsibility has increased more than when I first started.
