[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, how is the game at Japan National Stadium?
First of all, I would like many people to make teru teru bozu so that it doesn't rain tomorrow. I think it would be better if everyone could avoid the rain, especially for those who come to the stadium, although I heard that most of the stadium has a roof. And I hope that more people will come to the stadium. I heard that they have prepared many entertaining plans, so I hope you can enjoy them. I want everyone to enjoy the game at this wonderful stadium.
Q, (depending on the weather) there is a possibility of more than 40,000 people entering.
A, I hope that as many people as possible will come. If more people come and we have a good game, I think the charm of Tokyo will be further conveyed to many people in the heart of Tokyo.
Q, what is your impression of Gamba Osaka?
After the change of coach, Gamba Osaka this season seems to be steering towards emphasizing more on combination. I think the team that started the season with a new coach is in a growing stage, just like us. And especially when it comes to changing the playing style. It can be seen that we have been gradually growing in a positive direction since the start of this season. In that sense, I think this match will be an attractive one. Both teams will come out with clear weapons and characteristics, and it will be a battle. Soccer is a sport that competes in the number of goals, so the course of the game can change significantly depending on whether or not goals are scored. Lately, our shots have been hitting the crossbar or post, so I hope the post moves a few centimeters and the ball goes into the goal.
Q, Who is the player that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is particularly expecting?
A, player number 12. Seok Ho HWANG, the fans and supporters.
Q, how is player Kajiwara?
A, I will be out of action for about two weeks because I injured my knee in the recent game. It's really disappointing because I was playing well. Since I'm young, I think I will recover quickly and return to the team.Regarding player Morishige, we need to conduct a detailed examination to determine if he can make it to the game. On the other hand, it is good news for the team that player Leandro, who has recovered from his injury, and player Kashif BANGNAGANDE are available.
Q, I think you appreciate the player Yoshifumi, but what aspects do you think are good?
A, first of all, the point is that he is young. And I was pleasantly surprised by the level of his technique. He also has an attractive attacking style. As for his defense, I would like to see more of his performance and expect there to be room for improvement. He is very young and has potential for growth, so I will be paying attention to his play and checking it out. However, since he has been out of action for a long time, it will take some time for him to regain his game sense gradually.
Q: What will happen if Morishige is absent?
A, Henrique is here so it's okay.
Q, Tokyo has a good winning percentage in games at the Japan National Stadium, but does Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA care about numbers and data?
A, I don't place much importance on past numbers. However, I think it is worth paying attention to. If there is a tendency to win, I hope it continues.
Q: Are there any good luck charms or rituals?
I think that by doing a lot of work, we can bring about good luck. There is a flow that if we work hard, we will be more blessed with good luck, don't you think?
[Player Interview]
Yuto NAGATOMO
Q, do you have any memories of the J-League returning to the National Stadium after 8 years?
A, I only have memories (laughs). I saw the snow final round between Toho Fukuoka High School and Teikyo High School at the National High School Soccer Championship and admired Toho Fukuoka, so I went there with a dream. In our generation, we lost to Funabashi Municipal High School in the first match and couldn't make it to the Japan National Stadium, so we had a lingering feeling of frustration and a scar in our hearts. The moment I stood on the stage of the Japan National Stadium was during the Malaysia match of the U-23 Japan national team under coach Antoku, when I was still a student at Meiji University and was called up for the first time to represent the team. I scored a goal in that match, and it was the moment when the scar I had carried for a long time, for 3 to 4 years, healed.That's how much of a story there is, and when I first set foot on the pitch of the Japan National Stadium, I was in a trembling situation. There was pressure in carrying the country's name, and I still remember the joy and trembling sensation of standing here.
Q, the Japan National Stadium is also where you won your first title, right?
A, yes. The image of the Japan National Stadium is good from there. I scored in the debut match of the U-23 Japan national team and also scored in the A team against Belgium. I won the Levain Cup (formerly Nabisco Cup), so I have a very good image.
Q, Speaking of the Japan National Stadium, Sota HIRAYAMA is the image of the National Man, but will Yuto NAGATOMO become the New National Man at the new Japan National Stadium?
Aiming for a new National Men's team. First of all, I want to give everything to win as a team. It would be great if I could score goals and make assists.
Q, there is a possibility of more than 40,000 spectators, but will you be making noise as a festival man?
A, it's really noisy. The more attention I get, the more energy wells up from the bottom of my heart. I would be happy if there were more than 40,000 people. It's not even a representative match in the midst of the corona pandemic, and I've been through a really lonely and painful experience for over two years. Coming back to the Japan National Stadium and being able to perform in front of more than 40,000 fans and supporters is something that makes me happy as a soccer player.
Q, have you ever seen the new Japan National Stadium in a video? How do you feel about the excitement of stepping into it and playing, and the expectation that it will give you a new power?
A, the power or energy that comes from that land, it's a little different. When it comes to the Japan National Stadium, as soon as you step on it, the energy really comes through from the ground.
Q, in terms of good luck, you have scored goals in the past Japan national team's match against Belgium, and this time's match against Brazil will also be held at the new Japan National Stadium. How do you feel about playing the game?
First of all, as a full-back, I want to defend solidly. I want to keep the goals conceded to zero, and not only in the Brazil match, but also in tomorrow's game, I think it's important to not lose to the opponent in front of me, especially in one-on-one situations. I think if I can't show myself in those areas, it won't lead to the World Cup, and there are plenty of players in the J-League who are better than me. However, I don't want to lose in terms of defense and one-on-one situations, so first of all, I want to look at my feet and play my game firmly.
＜Player Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q, I have played in 8 matches in the league. How do you feel about your performance so far in your first year as a professional?
A, as I play more games in the J1 League, I am getting used to the soccer here and able to play the way I want. I see this as a positive thing. However, there are still parts that I am not satisfied with and younger players are performing well overseas. Personally, I feel more of a sense of crisis than satisfaction, so for now, I want to spend the season learning from the seniors in Tokyo and continue to grow.
Q: What are you consciously trying to absorb from your senior teammates?
A, I have a learning attitude from everyone, but especially during training, I pay close attention to the positioning of Yojiro TAKAHAGI and Keigo HIGASHI, who play in the same position. Also, I have a good relationship with Shuto ABE in my personal life, and we understand each other's play, so I want to further deepen our collaboration in the future.
Q, this round is a match at the Japan National Stadium. For player Kelly, it is the place where he won the National High School Soccer Championship in January this year. Is there anything special he is conscious of?
A, there is absolutely none. It doesn't change that it is a league match, and the determination to fight to win any match doesn't change. We are currently in a situation where we have drawn three consecutive matches in the league, so I think it is most important to win here and add three points.
Q, please tell the fans and supporters about your enthusiasm for this match.
I want to share the victory with the fans and supporters who come to the stadium. We have had good training so far and we are approaching the game with a good mentality, so we will do our best to achieve the result of victory. Personally, I am looking for plays that lead directly to goals, visible results such as goals and assists, so I hope you have high expectations for that.
