【Player Interview】
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q, This season was the first real match with a J-League team. How do you feel individually and about the cooperation with your teammates?
A, As the camp has progressed and we have been practicing a lot, I don't think there will be any problems with coordination. Personally, I am focusing on the intensity aspect. I believe that if we can win in terms of intensity, there is no doubt we will win. Also, I think my position requires a lot of intensity, so if I lose in that aspect, I don't think there is any point in playing. Therefore, I am trying to be conscious of it. This is not just for today, but something I am conscious of in every game.
Q, as a characteristic, is it a play that aggressively goes to steal from the front?
A, Today's opponent was a good team, with each player being skilled and coming together to connect the ball, so not everything went smoothly. However, it's also important to be clever and adapt to Tokyo's style of soccer, so I hope we can increase the individual aspect of stealing the ball rather than just fitting in with Tokyo's soccer.
Q, In terms of the team, I think that this season, with the base from last year, ideas, patterns, and accuracy will be required in the attacking third. From the perspective of player Koizumi, how was that aspect?
For players like Adailton and Teruhito NAKAGAWA, I think it's important to be conscious of not getting too close, as it can make it difficult to make plays. We also need to support them while considering their individuality. If we can maintain a good distance while playing soccer, I think it will be frustrating for the opponent and we will be able to smoothly move the ball. Looking back, I feel like we could have been a bit more daring and aimed for more mid-range shots or done more bold things when pushing forward.
Q, Do you have a sense that the soccer you learned there is alive, while understanding that it is completely different, and that Tosu was also aware of its position?
A, it's quite big. There are many things in Tokyo that are similar to what I did in Tosu. Especially in terms of formation, I played several games in Tosu, and also played in the same position. The defense and attack that Tokyo is trying to do also match what was said and attempted in Tosu, and the training menu is also the same, so I think the year and a half in Tosu was big for me.
Q, Where are the similar points?
A. First of all, the defense is high press, which is the same as before. The way we value the ball is similar, and although there are some differences in how we connect, the way we play with a good sense of distance is similar to what was said about Tosu. It's a big advantage for me to be able to play soccer smoothly.
Q, I think you have experienced various types of soccer in both Niigata and Kashima, haven't you? It seems like your range has expanded.
A, I have experienced various teams, but there are teams like Tosu that are looking for good football content, and teams like Kashima that will not be evaluated unless they win titles. In the end, I learned at Kashima that it is meaningless if we do not win in today's practice match and future practice matches. It is ideal to only focus on results in these practice matches, but in official matches, it is important to have good content and win. Even if the content is not good, it is important to become a team that can win, and I think it is good to have many good players and continue to grow.
Q, There was a scene where you took the ball in the early stages of today's game and shot it. Do you have the impression that you want to do more plays involving the finish?
A, the position over there is a position where you have to be involved in scoring, so I think the results will change in official games depending on whether you finish it or not. Instead of considering it a good play, I want to focus on those small details because it didn't end up in the goal.
Q, is it because you have had success in Tosu that you have the foundation to be able to play like that?
A, personally, I need to increase the number of times I steal the ball from there, and in the end, I think it's about whether I can contribute to goals and assists individually, or whether I can steal the ball individually. I hope I can show more of that aspect.
Q, I think we need to reposition ourselves based on our positioning with our teammates, but in that sense, I think our teammates are taking good positions and that's why we're able to do it.
A, Keigo HIGASHI told me before the game that I can do what I want in terms of defense and attack, so I can hear the voice behind me and Keigo HIGASHI is the closest person behind me, so I can play with all my might because he is there. He also creates an environment that is easy for me to play in, so I am really grateful for that.
＜Hotaka NAKAMURA＞
Q, From watching today's game, the attacking aspect seemed to stand out more than the defensive aspect, but as you enter your second season under the guidance of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, are there any things you are keeping in mind, consciously focusing on, or changing?
A, What I am aware of is to be a threat on the attacking side. The coach has been telling me to be more aggressive as a side back and to be involved in assists and goals. This season, I am conscious of becoming a personal threat on the attacking side, and so far in the practice matches, I have been playing against university students. This is our third match, and I have been playing boldly while gathering various information.
Q, I think it's the end of the first half, but the scene where you made a vertical attack with your left foot, which was not often seen before, is the part where you are challenging, right?
A, yes. As a team, we are working on aiming for pockets and incorporating it into our team's style of playing soccer. First, I want to get involved in that and when he enters the side, the cross will always come up, and we want to earn the trust of our teammates to be able to break through vertically and go deep. So, if there are opportunities to make plays, I want to make them more and more. If we don't increase the number of times we do this, it won't lead to more crosses or goals, so even if we make mistakes, we are constantly challenging ourselves.
Q, did you consciously work as a team to use combinations and go for pockets while coordinating with players in the half space by keeping it outside?
A, last year, we were able to spread the ball in a U-shape on the opposite side, but there were parts where we lacked fear and stagnated in the final moments. After talking to Nakagawa, we realized that instead of someone always going to the fixed pocket, it's important for someone to always be in that position and create a different space, which can lead to chances by shifting the opponent's focus. Last season, there wasn't a set idea or someone always being there, so this season, while playing both roles of entering and passing as a passer, we are seeking quality and trying to increase the number of runs and passes to get a feel for it. It's already time to finish, so today we played against a high-level Ryukyu and gained new information, so we hope to incorporate that and continue to do our best.
Q, do you feel like it was a new approach to aim for the opponent's shallow line by flying out with the wing player during the game?
A, there are various players with different characteristics in the wing, and each player has their own characteristics, and it is a threat for the opponent to continue creating a situation where we can bring out each other's strengths, so in that sense, it was our first game against a professional team, so there were definitely parts where we were feeling each other out, but we have a better understanding of each other's strengths, so first and foremost, we want to bring out each other's strengths and not erase them.
Q, What was your state of mind when a long ball came from the player on the opposite side?
When we create opportunities on the side, the far side always opens up, so I think someone has to make a run. Today, I was focusing on passing to the player on the opposite side, as that area is difficult for the opponent to defend, and I believe it leads to chances, so I was always aiming for it. However, making a run also carries the risk of a counterattack, so I want to continue to aim for that while assessing the situation.
Q, what about the build-up aspect until we get to the final target of the pocket?
When it comes to carrying the ball to the attacking third, I may not have been confident, but I am thinking of building on the foundation from last year and going further this year. Right now, it's also a time when I have to get to know the new players, so it's a situation where I have to feel my way around.
Q, Is there any effect of Nakagawa joining the team?
A, there is. Since there is a high possibility of playing together in terms of position, I went to communicate at the first practice and got a big realization from talking about various things from the beginning, and I came from Marinos who won the championship, so there is no doubt. There is only stimulation. Just thinking that Nakagawa is on the wing is psychologically reassuring, and I think it will be a weapon for the team as well.
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q, although it was offside, there was a wonderful through pass with the left foot.
A, I want to increase the number of plays that actively aim for the back. It is important this season to be able to create opportunities to pass to the back from the midfield, so we can always pass from the defensive line, but I think the opponent will hate it if the midfield players have more time to look forward and raise their faces, so I want to increase it even more.
Q, As a team, did you focus on your positioning to control the ball last season? Is the final scene the theme for this season?
A, I think so. In the midst of pushing in a lot of time like today, we need to focus on how to finish and aim for the goal by distributing the ball to places where the opponent dislikes. It is important to create time to push in, but we also need to increase the chances of scoring and finishing. We may be able to hold onto the ball, but if we can't win, we need to do more. It's a difficult part, but it's also a fun part, so I want to improve my accuracy.
Q, Newcomer Nakagawa has experience winning the league, and Koizumi has also played for Kashima and said that we have to win these practice matches. Do you have any expectations as captain for these players joining?
A, of course, I want them to contribute their experience to the team. We can't just rely on them, we also need to think about how we can support them and bring out their strengths. We need to absorb and understand their thoughts and express them ourselves, otherwise we will always be stuck with the same Tokyo color. We have brought in new blood, so we need to make use of that while creating a strong new Tokyo color.
Q, Did you have any stimulation or realizations at this stage, as a result of the player who was watching Tokyo from the outside coming in and becoming new blood?
A, we are still in the process of adjusting our condition. I think we will be able to coordinate during the game, so I want to work hard for each game. I don't think there is anything special at this stage.
Q, Was there any suggestion from the transferred players to improve the team?
A, there is still none. Also, I don't want to put too much pressure on them by expecting too much, so I hope we can bring it out throughout the season.
Q, in order to dominate the game, it is necessary to control the ball, but it was mentioned that it is okay to score even if it is dirty, what do you think?
In order to increase the number of chances, it is necessary to have quality when distributing the ball to dangerous areas for the opponent. It takes time, but I think it is an important part of football, so I always want to increase the number of scary actions for the opponent. Also, I think it is important to synchronize the players' breathing and know their characteristics well.
Q, Although we conceded a goal in the early stages of the match, our defense was very stable afterwards. What do you think was the reason for this?
A, I think it is important to increase the time of holding the ball and decrease the time of defending, because the time of holding the ball is the same as the time of defending. It is also important to improve the system when holding the ball and increase the time of holding the ball. I think it is also important to be able to immediately regain the ball when it is taken away, as it is a basic skill at a high level.
Q, will we now enter a stage where we improve the quality?
A, now that the framework is in place, I want to improve the accuracy of variations and last passes. Whether or not the shot is successful can greatly change the flow of the game, so I want to improve its quality.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q, how was the game looking back?
A, I tried to go forward from the beginning of the game, but I couldn't get in a good shape. As a result, it was good to end with a win, but I think we need to push ourselves further in terms of content.
Q, How do you feel about playing with confidence on the left side of Kashif player, based on the accumulation since last season?
A, I feel confident and can aggressively move forward, but the fact is that I haven't been able to produce results yet, so this season I want to focus more on producing results.
Q, speaking of results, is it about crosses and shots?
A, yes. Clear numbers of assists and goals.
Q, the basic positioning has become higher, hasn't it?
A, yes, the position to enter depends on the players who make up the front line, but I think there were few attacks from the fullbacks last season, so if we can increase them this season, I think the team's overall score will also increase. We have been talking about this with the fullbacks, so we are conscious of it from practice.
Q, do you feel like the calling movement is starting to come out?
A, I feel like my movements have become clearer, and depending on the players in the front line, my movements may differ. However, even if the ball doesn't come out when I start moving, there may be space available or it may create a chance if I run into a good position. So, I think I am able to make my movements clearer.
Q, Do you want to take a shot if you have a chance?
A, there were many chances to cut in with the ball on the inside and with the quality of the right foot, but it didn't go well, so I want to increase those plays and improve the quality. I think it will be difficult for the opponent to defend and the team's width will also come out, so I want to work on that.
Q, I felt that the speed of returning was fast even when taking a high position.
A, I think it's my own strength, and since I'm basically a defensive player, I absolutely can't let that happen, so if I can take a high position and get good conditions, I think it's important to be conscious of that and play.
Q, are you able to play in coordination with other players as expected?
A, yes. There are many challenges, but in terms of expanding our scope, I think we are able to challenge ourselves with various players around us.
Q, Do you have a sense of including the full-backs as part of the combination while thinking about positioning and entering and exiting?
A, I think it is important for the side back to take the lead and break through with the surrounding players and combinations, so last season I often moved forward by having the front line players move for me, but it is probably easier to break through if the side back moves voluntarily and the surrounding players move and take combinations, and now we have a good combination, so I think it is important for the side back to start moving.
Q, I feel like the starting lineup is going to be okay.
A, Personally, I am not yet satisfied with the combination, so in practice, there are scenes where Nagatomo or Tokumoto players show more defensive tenacity than me, so I think I can't lose there. I think it is important to see how much results we can achieve in practice matches. First of all, I want to play with a focus on not losing to the players in front of me.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
I think we were able to make good moves against the Q and J League teams.
A, I can do dribbling itself, but I think it's not enough to increase the number of times. I think I have to do it 10 or 20 times.
Q, is that situation your position, or is it the combination part?
A, that's one possibility, but I have confidence in one-on-one situations, so it's important for me to improve my positioning and create more opportunities in those moments.
Q, The cut-in and subsequent shot were also fantastic.
I was only looking at the goal even after cutting in, so I thought I could score, and I took the shot without hesitation.
Q, Did playing in the youth league and having those experiences broaden your playing abilities?
A, yes. When playing inside half, enemies come from 360 degrees. On the side, it's only 180 degrees, so I think that experience is helpful.
Q, in that sense, it's thanks to the youth team's coach Okuhara and coaches.
When I was in my youth, there were times when I questioned myself, but now I am nothing but grateful.
Q, I think you gained confidence with two consecutive goals.
A, I have gained confidence, but I still don't think I am satisfied with my performance, so I need to continue to play better and make a strong appeal.
Q, I think it's amazing to keep trying over and over again without giving up even if it's taken away by the opponent.
A, I think it's not good as a professional if you break there, and I also have pride, so I want to keep going without breaking there.
Q, in terms of dribbling, do you think you are good at taking advantage of your opponent's weaknesses? Is that your strong point?
A, I can also do the opposite of the opponent, but I honestly play by instinct.
Q, do you have the mindset of following through once you start something?
A, there are also good situations for passing, but now it's camp and it's my first year after high school, so I'm thinking I need to play my own game.
Q, Is your experience in youth football significant?
A, individual strength is amazing in youth, and I think the experience there is important because it has been tested.
Q, I thought he was a player who reminded me of Mito player a little, but did you also get influenced by the World Cup?
Player A, Mimitsu, had amazing dribbling skills in the J-League, but I didn't consciously try to imitate or learn from him. I just watched him play.
Q, do you have any dribblers you are referring to?
A, I don't have it, but I've watched videos of various dribblers such as Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, and Hazard since I was young, so I think that has influenced me. I mixed various players and arrived at my own dribble.
Q, I thought there were various variations of dribbling and good course selection.
A, it's all about the feeling.
Q, is it the feeling that comes from being ingrained?
A, I think the style of dribbling changed in junior high school. At that time, I didn't have much physical strength, and even now I am thin, but I didn't have a sense of my body, so I used kick feints to shake off my opponents. But since becoming a youth player, my physical strength has caught up with everyone, and I have been able to use my speed to turn the tables and do things my way.
