INTERVIEW2022.1.23

Post-Practice Game Interview 1/23

<Albert PUIG ORTONEDA>

Q, it was a training match in the rain. How do you look back on the overall performance?
A, I think they expressed good soccer. However, it was a difficult situation to play as expected due to the pitch condition. However, even in such a difficult situation,we were able to challengeto connect passes, which I think was a good training.Overall, I think today's practical training was also a wonderful training.

Q, I think there will be a game in the rain like today even in a long season.
A, Regardless of the pitch condition, we always want to express our playing style, but it is a competitive world, so I think we need to adapt to the pitch condition and weather at that time and play well.

Q, why were the game times different between yesterday and today?
A, As part of the overall preseason planning, we would like to gradually increase the playing time, intensity, and condition.



<Kazuya KONNO>

Q: How do you feel about the effectiveness of practical training?
A, I have been able to demonstrate the content I have been practicing for this week's match several times, so I think I am starting to understand the soccer that Coach Albert wants little by little, and the whole team is able to do it with a common consciousness. 

Q, Have you had individual conversations with Coach Albert?
A, I talked about it twice, but first of all, I was told to attack everything when it becomes one-on-one, and there was a discussion about luring the opponent outside and stealing the ball inside on defense, so I want to be more conscious of that. As for dribbling, I attacked all one-on-ones in today's practice match, so I was able to create several chances and there were also good opportunities, so I want to attack more and connect them to goals and assists.

Q, I think there will be more and more scenes where player Konno takes the initiative.
A, it's really easy to play. There are many opportunities to receive the ball freely on the line, so if I receive it there, I want to attack without hesitation, and if I can win in a one-on-one situation, it will increase the team's chances, so I want to focus on doing it. 

Q, it seems like there are many enjoyable parts as we challenge ourselves with new ways.
A, practicing is fun, and although the level of completion is not high yet, it will become even more enjoyable as it continues to improve. The players who are doing it are also having fun, and I think it is a soccer that the spectators can enjoy as well, so I want to improve the level of completion as soon as possible. I think it would be great if we could win while playing beautiful soccer, so I want to aim for that.

Q: If there are any parts you want the fans and supporters to look forward to, please let us know.
A, I think my role is to connect firmly from behind and use the ball that has been connected to attack the opponent and contribute to goals and assists, so I hope you can look forward to that.

Q: Why did you change your jersey number to 17?
A, I wanted to start again, even though I didn't start from scratch, as the team changed significantly and I changed my jersey number. I was torn between 17 and 19, but after asking various people, I decided on 17. The influence of my family and friends' voices is stronger than my own strong attachment.

Q, I think there are high expectations from fans and supporters.
A, I want to improve the completeness even a little during the camp and return to Tokyo, and my goal is to play in the game from the start and contribute, so I want to aim for the starting lineup at the opening.



<Junya SUZUKI>

Q: How was today's training in the tough conditions due to the rain?
A, of course the pitch condition was not good, but there are situations like this in the season. While coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has been trying to incorporate his ideas into the team during the camp, there are still parts that cannot be done due to the influence of the pitch. In such a situation, we have to think about what we can do as a team and how far we can go in dealing with this pitch condition. It was a difficult match that we had to do while thinking about it.

Q: Were there any challenges you were considering before the game?
I wanted to do what the coach, Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, said, which was to challenge more and more for the side back to go inside. I played with the intention of bringing out my strengths while considering the characteristics and relationships of the players in front of me and the defensive midfielders next to me.

Q: Please tell us your enthusiasm even though there is a tough competition for the position of side back.
A, the competition is fierce, but I want to play with a strong determination to win for the team. Throughout the season, through training camps, I think there will be various situations, but I want to do my best to be prepared and contribute to the game in any situation.