<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, we scored a goal on a set piece, but this season we want to aim for more set pieces.
A, I think that set plays will be key points in both offense and defense depending on the game. Regarding the attack, it is important to express our own style through the results, and set plays can also determine the outcome in close games, so I believe it is necessary for everyone to focus on defending together.
Q, it seems like we are trying to improve by pursuing the details this year.
A, I think that it is a very important point to aim for the top by reducing unnecessary goals and simple mistakes, as it can be changed by the consciousness of the members who play regardless of tactics. I think we can be conscious of it from the camp, and we should do it with a high consciousness, such as not conceding against opponents like today.
Q, did you expect to score by pushing in?
A, of course, it is also a difficult development in sports to play even if the categories are different, so in that sense, everyone was able to play in a good form. Not only the goals, but also the parts of defense where we go for the ball and the intensity, it becomes difficult when the opponent's level goes up, so we want to focus on that and continue to do well today.
Q, I think we didn't let the opponent play freely while attacking.
A, as a team, we are aiming to play high-press and control the game in the opponent's territory, so there are areas where we need to improve in terms of intensity and communication among players. Therefore, we want to build a foundation where we can express our style of play against any opponent, and as the opponent's level increases, there will also be times where we need to defend well. But we want to continue building on this foundation.
Q, What do you think is the irreplaceable role of an anchor, and what responsibilities and contributions do you need to bring to the team?
A, I want to defend in a wider range, and there may be mismatches like today depending on the opponent's formation, so I think it's okay to press forward from my position, not just in front of the two center backs. When going to the front line, I think it's important to be aggressive and increase the variety of attacks by increasing passes to the back or through passes, not just side changes. So I hope we can level up in that aspect.
Q, Today, you received the ball in a relatively low position and I don't think there were many scenes where you were under pressure. However, in official matches, it is expected that the opponent will put a lot of pressure on you, Jean. How do you plan to deal with that?
In the J1 League, I think there will be more teams that will catch the anchor, but even in the second half of last season, when I couldn't move forward without facing forward, I had to increase variations by having the inside half come down. The way the opponent defends also varies, so I think it's important to both create our own shape and play while watching the opponent.
Q, What do you want to pursue at the Miyazaki camp?
A, Since there are many matches, it is easiest to do it together while practicing, and we also change formations in the first and second half, so there are better options and it is very interesting to see various options come out. The five substitutions are also interesting, so it depends on the coach how to make use of them, but in terms of increasing options, I want to create a situation where the coach is troubled by being able to play good soccer no matter which player comes out. If we don't do that, I think it will be difficult to win the league title this season, so I want to make it that kind of camp.
Q, how do you feel about the team's performance in the competition with about two teams?
A, without competition there is no stimulation, and there is also a sense of tension that is born from competing for positions. I think that players who fight their way up through competition are strong, so if there is no competition for positions, the team will not become stronger. For myself as well, there is a sense of tension in fighting for my position in each game throughout the full season. I believe that everyone shares this feeling.
Q: How do you feel about scoring in practice matches?
A, as we aim to be an attacking team, we have to do that as a basic premise, and we will have more games where we have to break through against opponents who sit back. I think we need to raise our sense of deception and feeling.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q, How was the feeling of the practice match today, where there were also points scored?
A, I think the condition is still 60 percent, 70 percent. However, since we are able to score, I think it is good in terms of results. I hope we can create more opportunities to shoot.
Q, Has your teamwork improved after the Okinawa camp with your teammates?
A, we are talking and filling in the gaps during the game, such as when we break through. I think the positioning relationship with the side back and inside half is important on the side, so I played while instructing my position, but I think we are able to coordinate well.
Q, are you fitting in with the team?
A, do you say you're used to it now, maybe you can tell by watching the practice. I've been doing it for a while now.
Q, is Nagatomo still energizing the team?
A, yes. Long's remarks are also interesting, so I sometimes add a few words to it, and others besides me also add a few words, but it's a good atmosphere and it's fun.
Q, we will enter the Miyazaki camp from tomorrow.
A, We are scheduling matches with the assumption of consecutive games, so we need to adjust accordingly. We also expect the weather to be cold in Miyazaki, so we need to be careful of injuries as the opening is coming up soon. In terms of soccer, we need to score more and dominate the game, so we hope to play high-quality soccer in Miyazaki.
Q, I was also focusing on taking the pocket during the Okinawa camp.
A, I think it would be great if anyone could freely enter their pockets, and if it's a 2-on-1 situation, I would like to use players who can easily use inner wraps and overlaps.
Q, are you in opening mode?
A, Today as well, after going to Miyazaki, I want to raise one or two gears for each game so that we can quickly welcome the opening, and I want to improve my accuracy and raise my own condition more.
Q, Are you approaching your maximum state in terms of momentary intensity?
A, not yet. I am gradually feeling good, so I want to be more involved in the decision-making process of whether to cut in or attack vertically, as well as in the finer details of breaking down the opponent's defense. To be honest, I don't feel satisfied with just one point, so I want to be more aggressive.
Q, Is it about building up from here and completing it?
A, I think it's a good thing that we've come this far in just 2-3 weeks since we started. My condition is gradually improving, so even though playing for 45 minutes felt long, I think there will be games where we play for 90 minutes, so it will be important to see how well we can play at a high level during those times.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, Were you okay with the tough defense from the opponent?
A, although there is pain, I think it's inevitable since the opponent is also preparing for the opening game with a practice match.
Q, it seemed like they were able to continue playing immediately after a tough defense.
A player who does not fall will be evaluated. I think it is necessary to play in a way that avoids obvious dangerous tackles. It is also a technique for soccer players to fall and calm down the team. It is best not to fall, but I think it is also important to take such a passive approach.
Q: He said he wanted to be involved in scoring as an inside half. He was actively involved in scoring in today's game, but please review the game.
A, Today there were two assists, but there were also scenes where I could have shot with my right foot, so I want to improve. I feel that individual improvement is necessary to make the team stronger.
Q, do you think it's natural to become a threat to the opponent by participating in the attack from the inside half?
A, of course, it is an evaluation for the opening game, and the inside half is a position that is required to play, so I want to continue in the future.
Q, How do you feel about the current level of completion in terms of holding the ball as a team?
A, there is no completion and there are still parts that have not been completed. However, with the addition of new players and the flow from the camp, we were able to get good results in practice matches. There will also be matches at the Miyazaki camp, so I think we need to improve our quality in front of goal, as well as our ball control and transitions.
Q, What are your thoughts and relationships with the players around you regarding the quality of the team's performance in front of goal?
A, there are also parts where I am allowed to do as I please. Including myself, the inside half players can also enter the goal area, which can be used to lure the front line players. On the other hand, I think there are also times when we become the bait and the front line players become active. I want to increase our cooperation in that area.
Q, Do you set specific numerical goals for goals and assists?
A, I am not standing. I hope to contribute to as many teams as possible.
Q, Are there any training exercises that have shown results through muscle training?
A, I have been working on pull-ups a lot since my condition has improved. My whole body moves just the way I want it to now.
Q, are the number of pull-ups also increasing?
A, Last season, I was only able to do it once or twice, but now I can do it a lot more, and my physical condition has improved from there.
Q, was the play you assisted from the left side as you imagined it?
A, when I received the ball from the side back, I entered the shooting motion, but the opponent came into the course and there was no support from my teammates, so I imagined avoiding the opponent and played in a good way to connect to the goal.
Q: How do you feel about the increasing number of scenes like that leading to more goals?
A, I think the team will become stronger when individuals can show their differences, so I want to continue to grow.
Q: How is the completion rate?
A, the completion level is still far from perfect, but the players are communicating well with each other and I think everyone is making a good impression, so I hope we can create a good condition together.
Q, I think there were more movements to move teammates and support last season than before.
A, I have more room to play and can see my surroundings better. Not only myself, but my relationship with other players has improved, so I want to raise my condition even more for the game. As I become more visible, I think I will have more opportunities to hold the ball, but I want to make sure I don't get it taken away.
<Player Kumada>
Q, he said that it is necessary to score more points in order to take the starting lineup at the opening. How do you feel about today's results after scoring?
A, It wasn't a flashy goal, but I think it was good that I was able to score the first point with my favorite left foot. The speed and trajectory of the shot were good, but it was a normal goal in terms of situation.
Q, do you have any conscious thoughts about actively entering the goal area without fear of contact with the opponent?
A, especially young players, are being asked by the coach to play like that. I want to show a greedy attitude to fight because I am also strong in physical strength.
Q, I think the defenders of the opponent also dislike plays that put their bodies on the line.
A, I don't know if I can compete at a higher level yet, so at the Miyazaki camp, I want to play against strong opponents and gain experience. I think what I need right now is to play in games and gain experience, so I want to experience many things.
Q: After playing with Diego Taba for a month, he has been evaluated for his defensive play in addition to scoring and has been playing in games. What are your thoughts on Kumatada's performance?
A, Personally, defense is not my strong suit and it has been pointed out as a challenge many times. However, tactically, I think forwards cannot play without defending properly, so while being conscious of defense, I want to be able to make plays that lead to goals.
Q, how did you feel about the system changing during the game?
A, I am not conscious of the formation, but I think it is required to defend firmly and achieve results in attack regardless of the formation, so I think it is best to do what I should do.
