Q, what kind of conversation did you have with Coach Albert when you became captain?
When asked, "What do you think about being the captain?", I answered, "It is an honor, so I will gladly accept."
Q, how did the experience of being a captain once affect you?
A, as the captain of Tokyo, there is responsibility and I think I should be a captain worthy of it. Until last year, Mr. Higashi fulfilled that responsibility and did a wonderful job. As the team and the company are becoming new, I am personally happy to be the captain again and have a new challenge. I think I have to do it firmly in terms of responsibility.
Q: How do you think about the role as a representative player and the balance as an individual player, based on your past experiences?
A, it's not because we did it before, but now we see it as another new challenge that we can take on.
Q, how do you feel about Diego OLIVEIRA being chosen as the vice captain and the possibility of additional players being added in the future?
A, Diego TABA, who has already been decided, is suitable as the captain considering his behavior and contribution to the team. (Normally) Japanese players and foreign players are divided into groups, but in order to realize the soccer that the coach is aiming for, they must cooperate as one group, so it is reassuring to have Diego TABA as the captain in that sense.
Q: Is this your interpretation of the phrase "unity" that the coach mentioned?
As the captain, I want to support each player so that they can demonstrate their abilities in their respective positions.
Q: It has been a few days since the camp started, have you made any new discoveries?
First of all, it feels best for us to be able to train with a good tempo, a good atmosphere, and without stress. It may take time to explain the details of the practice, but I think you will understand if you come and see. I feel that it is not complete without using your head and accompanying it with technique. Of course, it will take time, but each and every one of us, including myself, can level up more and we are doing training that makes us feel like we have to level up, so it's fun to do.
Q, how was the meeting with Coach Albert?
A, we also have meetings with humor, and we align the team's intentions by discussing the details while watching videos. In addition, we can practice training today after having the content of the training in mind from the meeting beforehand. The use of videos and the use of systems are being carried out in a way that is up-to-date or rather, in a way that has never been done before.
Q: Are there any specific expectations from the coach for you as a center back at this stage?
Although not as a center back, we train to pass the ball quickly as a team, find space and move towards the wider side... Rather than relying on players' movements, we focus on delivering the ball from person to person, so we enjoy training in that aspect as well.
Q: When you were captain before, I think you were the type to lead by example, but now that you have gained experience, please tell us what kind of captain you envision.
A, at this stage, I don't have anything specific in mind, but I would like to become a captain who speaks more while learning various things (laughs).
Q: I think you will be more involved between the coach and the players. I think you will be able to handle it well with experience. What do you think?
A, I don't intend to stretch myself, but I have to do what I have to do, and I think there will be many occasions where I have to stand between the coach and the players in order for the team to improve its atmosphere and level. I think there will inevitably be a gap between what the coach is seeking and what the players think, so I want to create an atmosphere where we can exchange opinions with each other, even on small things, and create something better together.
Q: Please tell us about the interesting aspects of football that you can see at this point, as well as the difficulties.
A, technology and judgment speed are required, so if you don't improve in those areas, this soccer will not be complete. I think being able to do the obvious things as a matter of course leads to a high level of soccer. It's just exciting.
Q: If there are any keywords that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has been emphasizing in the past few days, please let us know.
A, although it is not related to soccer, I feel that the coach values the idea of achieving things together as a team and as a family, regardless of whether the players are Japanese or foreign.
Q: Please tell us the difference between the football played during Mr. Popovic and Mr. Jofuku's time and the football that Coach Albert aims for.
There are similarities to what Mr. Popo and Mr. Shirofuku have done. Coach Albert is more about not moving too much, taking a solid position, and if the player who took that position can carry the ball to other players, it will lead to better attacks and better soccer. Rather than people moving and ball possession, it is about having people in the right place and delivering the ball there, aiming for goals in that continuous process, which I think is a new discovery.
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