Q: What kind of preparations did you personally make for the opening match against Urawa?
A, I didn't make any special preparations for the opening match. When I was on the bench, I watched while thinking about what I could do when I entered the game from the middle.
Q: In the first half, Urawa had control of the game. What did you think was the key to changing the flow of the game as a substitute?
A, when the ball entered the front line, we were unable to create forward players. In my mind, I was thinking about receiving the ball while getting closer to the midfield. When I played, the situation had changed, so I focused on winning the ball and suppressing the opponent's attacks from the right side.
Q, I think multiple players were working together in the second half and were able to execute organized attacks.
Not only can we move in sync with good timing, but we also need to push ourselves to be able to do the same in bad timing. I think it's natural for us to be able to do it in our own timing. There are many times when we can't move in sync with the opponent's dominant timing, and there are also situations where we couldn't do it even in a good situation in the second half. Personally, I don't think it was good, and I think improvement is necessary.
Q, how do you feel about the next match?
I always want to go for goals this season and I am thinking about how to make the team win. I want to improve so that I can contribute no matter how I play. Whether it's good or bad, I think that when I play in a match, things necessary to overcome challenges will come up. Of course, the most important thing is for the team to win, but I want to prioritize what I should do.
Q, what do you think about the competition for the starting lineup? Do you feel motivated by it?
A, there is stimulation, and it's not like I wasn't focused on daily practice last season, but I have a strong desire and ambition to do more. Not being able to participate didn't change my feelings significantly, and I believe there are things I can do even if I can't play. I feel very fulfilled in various aspects now and it is pushing me to further improve myself.
Q, is it fair to say that in the opening game, the team was unable to fully express what they wanted to and that they want to improve from now on?
In a closely contested match, it is crucial to see how much control we can have over the ball and how much we can do what we want. It is common for any team to be able to score and dictate the pace of the game. However, there have been moments when we couldn't do anything and fell into the opponent's pace, so improvements are necessary. We have been able to defend patiently, but I believe there is more to improve in terms of ball possession and attacking strategies.
Q: Are there many mental aspects involved? I think there are more things that the team is able to do both in attack and defense.
A, of course, there is also the fact that it is the opening game, and we were playing the game in a high intensity between each other, but I think we need to reduce simple mistakes, including myself. I think that just reducing one or two mistakes can change the flow in a different way, so I realized that it is necessary to focus on that.
Q: Even though you weren't in the starting lineup, I believe you had a feeling of regret. Did that have a positive effect?
A, last season, I have been working on scoring goals in any situation, as I have never scored after entering the game. I think I have mentioned it before, but I really enjoy expressing myself as I change in those areas.
Q, how did you feel when your team scored the first goal?
A, the second goal was also mostly an own goal. It was good to see my name displayed on the scoreboard, and I think I was lucky as well.
Q, how do you feel about the away match against Kashiwa, while valuing the continuity of both the team and yourself?
A, I still have a good image of last season. I think if we can play even better, we can win.
Q: Was the away game against Kashiwa last season one of the best matches in terms of content?
A, although we conceded many goals, we were able to score a large number of goals and the way we scored them was also beautiful, so we have a good impression.
Q, I think there were expectations for plays to turn the tide since the beginning of the second half.
I was thinking of trying to be involved in plays with the ball as much as possible. What I thought was that we needed a player who could receive the ball in a difficult position during difficult times. Even if the ball doesn't come, just standing there can change the situation, and I think we lacked that kind of movement. When surrounded by three or four players, just receiving the ball can also change the opponent's defense, so I was watching the game thinking that I wanted to make something happen.
Q: You mentioned that you want to cherish each day during the camp. How has your time been spent up until now?
A, last season was fun to practice, and it continues now. I have a clear understanding of what I can do and what I need to do, and it feels great to be able to play soccer. I don't have any lingering doubts, and I feel that I have a clear sense of what needs to be done.
Q, do you also have a strong desire to lead the team more?
A, there are still times when I can only think about myself, but I am thinking about various things while wanting to gradually change as a person so that I can make choices in my play and actions while considering the team.
