Q, how many players returned after the Avispa Fukuoka match, and how much did the options expand?
A, fortunately, most of the players have returned, and there are only about 3 or 4 players who still cannot play. Everyone will be back next week. However, we are now able to select a good team for tomorrow's match. Of course, the physical condition is not yet 100%, but as shown in the Fukuoka match, I think we can fight firmly even if the condition is not 100%.
Q: There was talk of the opening match having a completion rate of 20%. What aspects are you currently focusing on?
A, I commented that the completion level was 20% after the opening match, but let me explain it in more detail. When the completion level reaches 100%, please think that it also has the power to win the AFC Champions League, and that level is 100%. Based on that, I think it can be considered successful enough if the completion level reaches 60% by the end of this season. And if we can raise the completion level from 60% to 80% in the second season, I think we can say that we are growing smoothly. The reason why we can rapidly improve the team's completion level this season is because the individual quality of the players is high, and many players have a mentality that is committed to winning. Furthermore, the players have the motivation to learn a new playing style, which accelerates the improvement of the team's completion level.
We have been preparing for about 5 weeks for the opening match against Kawasaki Frontale, and I think there were many new concepts for them. After the opening match, another 2 weeks have passed, but unfortunately, there were also infection situations, so we focused on recovering physical condition and reviewing the concepts learned in the preseason rather than adding new concepts. The results of the previous 2 matches were not what we wanted, but we were able to surpass the opponent in other aspects. However, since we lost in terms of goals, we must calmly accept the reality that we have not won the game.
If we lose the game and fail to create many clear chances, it would be a big problem, but that was not the case in reality. In the Fukuoka game, we had multiple shots that hit the post and created many clear chances. There were also several situations where the opponent cleared the ball right on the goal line. Of course, our goal is to win the game, but even if we can't, it is positive to see that we have created many clear chances that are reflected in the statistics. To further improve the team's completion, it is important to work on new concepts. It is important to deepen mutual understanding within the team and increase maturity so that we can play more automatically. However, the season has just begun. It is natural to make big mistakes at this stage, which can affect the game results.
Q, even though there were restrictions on player selection, we used Diego OLIVEIRA in the opening match and Keita YAMASHITA in the Fukuoka match. What are the key points in selecting players for that position?
A, both players are of high quality. There is no doubt that both of them will contribute greatly to the team throughout the season. Choosing between the two of them is not specific to any position, but rather, I think it will be a choice made based on my sense of the players' performance that week, rather than considering the characteristics of the opposing team.
Q: What tasks does the coach expect from their position?
AFirst of all, it is important to continue making movements that disrupt the balance of the opponent's defense. It is a job that requires scoring goals more than anything else, but it also requires movements to bring depth to the attack and movements between the lines. In other words, we expect the center forward to do everything. I think it is natural in this day and age.
Q: Are there any specific points you are paying attention to regarding Cerezo Osaka, tomorrow's opponent, who has many players with experience in the Japanese national team?
A, of course, I recognize that there are many high-quality players. It is natural for them to play well if given the opportunity. And I think our team values combination play. We also value combination play, but we want to demand more aggressive play than the opposing team. We also have multiple high-quality veteran players. In addition, there are several young players who play boldly, so we want to continue giving them opportunities. In that sense, I hope tomorrow's match will be attractive for everyone. We want to create more decisive chances than the opposing team and score more goals to win.
Q: There is an impression that young players are actively being used.
A, I used (Matsuki) Kuryu as a starter in the Kawasaki game without considering the impact of the new coronavirus infection at all because I felt that he was suitable as a starter. It is noteworthy that young players are given opportunities, but I think that age becomes important outside the pitch. Outside the pitch, you must respect your superiors. However, age does not matter the moment you step onto the pitch, and I also make player selections without worrying about age. In that process, there will be opportunities for veteran players, and the same can be said for young players. While maintaining that balance, I want to make good choices. If young players playing in Japan want to grow even more, I hope they will gather at FC Tokyo.
