[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: We have an away game (Sapporo) in a distant place this weekend, but tomorrow we have a home game nearby (Shonan) and we can adjust in the same way. How is the team's condition?
A, we have enough players. There is no problem because the team is composed of a large number of people. And I think the Levain Cup is a place to give young players a chance, and I also want to use it to help players who haven't had a chance to play in the league regain their sense of the game. Based on that, I want to select players and prepare for tomorrow's game.
Q: We just played against Shonan two weeks ago and conceded one goal. What improvements are you making?
A, we are also telling the players that the Levain Cup is more important than the league matches. We want to promote the improvement of our playing style. The pressure in the league matches and the Levain Cup is different. We want to take advantage of that environment and contribute to the team's growth. We believe that this is more important than the opponents or past matches. Of course, we are analyzing Shonan's play for tomorrow and practicing based on that, but both Shonan and us are expected to have different lineups from the match two weeks ago, so it is expected to be a new match. In that sense, I think the Levain Cup matches can have a different development from the league matches.
Q, recently, I think I was talking about the growth of the attacking part in the central area, but I think it is not easy to break through from the center and it will take time. Is it a point to level up in the future?
I don't think there are many secrets. First, it's important to build up practice with a clear playing style. We focus on details every day, making adjustments and improvements. Additionally, it's crucial to persuade and convince the players. This can be encouraged through individual conversations, as well as meetings using video. Another factor is time. We have only been three months into starting with a new style. In that sense, I don't believe a highly complete team can be created in an instant. It will take several months or even years. This season, we aim to accumulate points while being committed to winning, and to promote the growth of the team. Of course, there will be matches where we can fully express our playing style. On the other hand, there will also be matches that are far from that. Considering the unstable flow, we aim to grow while steadily accumulating points by being committed to winning every match. This change has been very difficult since the beginning of the season, so I hope the fans and supporters will watch patiently.
Q, In the previous discussion about using young players, you mentioned using Hirakawa player. Can you tell us your evaluation? Also, how do you feel about using young players in this game?
A, in my mind, there are some players that I am planning to use in several positions tomorrow. I hope you can look forward to it. While of course I am committed to winning, I want to encourage the growth of players who have not been given much playing time and young players, and approach tomorrow's game while maintaining a balance between both.
Q, What kind of play are you expecting from player Hirakawa?
A, (Rei) HIRAKAWA has good technical skills. However, when playing the anchor position, defensive balance becomes important. Defensive balance is an area he still needs to learn more about. He is focused on training and has been improving, so I expect further growth from him. I also expect growth and success from other players. I also have a desire to try out multiple players and use the Levain Cup to increase our options for player selection in the league.
[Player Interview]
Go HATANO
Q: The opponent is the same as the one we played against two weeks ago. What do you want to be cautious about?
A, we have conceded one goal in the previous match, but we have been able to make adjustments. In the game, we want to respond in a way that challenges cross balls and prevents shots from being taken.
Q, I don't think conceding goals is solely the responsibility of the goalkeeper, but did you make any adjustments to the team's organization?
A, personally, I would like to make adjustments to be one step faster because I was put in at a moment's speed.
Q: How do you assess the defensive maturity level while watching the league matches from the sidelines?
A, I think it would be better to improve raising the line when the opponent is facing backwards. I think I can make detailed adjustments with my voice in the Shonan match, so I want to lead the team while having leadership, even though the members will change significantly.
Q, what is the theme you usually set for yourself?
A, there is no particular theme, but if I play in the game, I want to be particular about winning as a team, and I have been hungry for games recently, so I want to do my best to fully demonstrate my strengths and receive high evaluations here. I want to play in a way that the team can win.
Q, what do you think is the factor that has allowed Go Hatano to accumulate points?
A, I think that the completion of the next game is increasing and the points are accumulating because we are challenging new things, discussing improvement points with everyone after the game, and being able to correct them in practice. Tomorrow, the members will change, but I want to overwhelm the opponent while demanding high standards.
Q, Coach Fujiwara has taken office, and there are many stimulating things. What do you think?
A, what's different from last season is not only the number of shots received during practice, but also the variety of menus related to second actions and third actions. It is fulfilling in a different way from last season, and I want to demonstrate the results in the game. I want to play with confidence in what I am preparing.
Q: I think Coach Fujiwara's cheerful personality is similar to Hatano player. Do you think you can also get along well with him emotionally?
A. Yes, I think so. I am motivated positively and I believe we have built a good relationship.
Q: Are there any growth or changes in the technical aspects compared to last season?
I haven't played in many matches, so I don't feel much change, but the scene where I stopped the middle shot in the Levain Cup match against Júbilo Iwata was a moment where I was able to overcome the challenge that I had been working on by taking many shots in practice, so I think that was good and I want to continue.
Q: What do you think of Kubo (Jakub SLOWIK) as a player?
A, even in my first year, there were players like Mr. Hayashi and Mr. Okubo who were more highly regarded than me, so I feel like I'm going back to the beginning and feeling the same way as back then. I'm playing with the intention of regaining my position, so I want to keep leveling up without showing any weaknesses. Player Kubo also plays at 100% from his daily practice and is always prepared to play in matches, so I want to learn from that.
