[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, what is your impression of Kyoto's high-intensity soccer?
I expect tomorrow's match to be an attractive development for everyone. Based on the impression from last season, Kyoto seemed to come more aggressively to press at home, and in away matches, they fought more defensively and ended up conceding goals and losing on the counter. Therefore, it is expected that they will come even more aggressively in tomorrow's match. Having a high intensity is a characteristic of Kyoto. However, I believe we also have the same strengths. We want to exert equal or even greater intensity than them and dominate the match.
Q, where do you feel the gains were in the two home games?
A, of course there were gains.I have conveyed this to the players, but when it comes to player selection, I believe in my own instincts. In that sense, I have a good impression of the performance of players who have not had much playing time in the recent Levain Cup. Thinking about it, it wouldn't be surprising if there were players from that group who would be included in tomorrow's match. Especially at the beginning of the season, the team composition tends to be fluid, and I think it should be.
Q, I hope to be able to create delicious dishes using various ingredients.
A, the season has just begun. The road ahead is still long. We expect our players to give their all in every game and play with high intensity as the team continues to grow. Of course, mistakes will happen. Especially in this initial stage of taking on new challenges. It is during these times that mistakes occur, but we want to continue to grow without being discouraged.
Q: I think there were times during the Hiroshima and Iwata matches when the ball didn't move forward. If there were any adjustments made in the build-up for tomorrow's game, please let me know.
A, there were clear differences in these two matches, so there were also differences in the plays shown by the players. Especially in the Hiroshima match, there were parts where we struggled with the build-up against a team that came to press us with man-marking. On the other hand, in the Iwata match, as our own challenge, I felt that the awareness of moving forward was particularly weak in the first half, and I think that is an area that needs improvement. As I always say, I think this is part of the process of the team's growth. The challenges we face in the game will vary depending on the opponent team's game plan, so we want to overcome them one by one and continue to grow. In addition, whether we are leading or in a tie situation also affects the flow of the game, so we want to control the game in a good way taking that into consideration. The players have been able to accumulate good training this week. Therefore, I think they are able to prepare for tomorrow's match with a good sense.
Q, I think Kyoto is also a team that comes to press from the front. When considering that, what are the points where we can apply the lessons learned from the Hiroshima match?
A, as the team plays more games, they will grow, so I want to overcome the challenges of the Hiroshima match and prepare for tomorrow's game. In order to grow, we must encounter difficult challenges to overcome. Therefore, I believe that overcoming the challenges that arose in the Hiroshima match will contribute to the team's growth in tomorrow's game. I trust the team. I would be happy if we can thoroughly digest the challenges that have emerged in recent games and show our growth on the pitch tomorrow to the fans and supporters.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Kazuya KONNO＞
Q: Your jersey number changed to 17 this season. Do you have any sentimental attachment to it?
A, there is nothing in particular, but as I entered my third year as a professional and thought about changing my jersey number, I decided on number 17 after asking my parents and friends among the available numbers.
Q: Do you want to create an image of player Konno as number 17 in Tokyo?
I want to make a significant contribution that leaves a lasting impression.
Q: I think you have overcome a major injury from last season and have entered this season smoothly. Can you please share your enthusiasm for your third year as a professional?
A, the first goal of this season is to play without injury. To achieve this, I am taking care and being more cautious than ever. My condition is not 100 percent, but I believe that the secret to maintaining a good state is taking care, so I want to continue and cherish each day as the key to whether I can perform well in the game in my third year.
Q, how do you feel about the improvement in accuracy of your left foot kicks?
A, I don't think the feeling is bad, but I think I can improve it by one or two steps, so I want to pursue it further. The condition is somewhat good, so I think if I continue to work on the sense of body movement and ball touch through voluntary practice, I can reach 100 percent.
Q: Last season, it seems like you were able to overcome the pressure after scoring goals. Did it also have a significant impact on your mental state?
A, not being able to score as a professional was a turning point for me. In the past season and the season before that, I couldn't participate in the games, so I had confidence that I could produce results if given the opportunity. This season, I have had more chances to play in the games, and although I have only scored one goal so far, I feel that I can score more. I believe that I can contribute to the team not only through scoring goals but also in other ways, and I want to continue playing in the games.
Q, it seems like you have a good sense of shooting.
When I have the ball in a good position, I have the image of looking at the goal and taking a shot. I think the fact that I have no hesitation is the reason why I can shoot with a good feeling.
Q, do you feel that you are able to fully demonstrate your own strengths?
A, because dribbling is my weapon, if I lose in that aspect, I think there is no point in being selected. I have confidence in my dribbling and I also have a pride that I absolutely do not want to lose. So, I am conscious of it and play every game.
Q: There were times during the Hiroshima match when the ball didn't reach the front line. As a side player, what were you conscious of while playing?
A, Hiroshima game was the first time this season to play against a three-back team, so we imagined the movement to the space assuming a four-back. However, it was difficult to find the space and we tried to improve it while talking during the game, but it didn't work well. Through the practice after the game, we were able to discuss within the team how to play against a three-back opponent, so I think we can respond when we play against the same system opponent next time.
Q, Kyoto is expected to press hard from the front line. Where do you think we can apply the lessons learned from previous matches?
In the previous match, as a team, we were too focused on defending from the front and ended up playing a lot of long balls. I believe that if we play with confidence in our own skills without fearing the opponent's defense, and consider the distance between players while playing, we can break through the opponent's defense.
Q, we are aiming for a third consecutive victory.
A, as the coach also mentioned, this is an important match in order to ride the momentum as we have consecutive matches. There are few teams that have been winning consecutively, so if we can achieve three consecutive wins, it will be a chance to rise to the top. Therefore, I believe tomorrow's match is crucial.
Q, how do you feel about the cooperation with Adailton?
A, he always looks at the opposite side and the coach also tells him to be aware of it. Adailton is always ready on the opposite side whenever he has the ball.
Q, what is your impression of Kyoto?
A, I have an aggressive image coming from the front line. I want to play with the awareness of not allowing Peter UTAKA, who is the most dangerous player in the front line, to give a good pass to the opponent by defending from the front line.
Q, what is the appeal and fun of playing on the side?
I am asked to receive the ball on the sideline, dribble or make chances from running behind. It's a soccer where I can play happily by showing my own characteristics.
Q, what kind of play is the coach expecting?
A, the coach has told us to play with freedom and creativity in our attacks. When we have the ball, we value our moments of inspiration.
