【Player Comment】
＜Masato MORISHIGE Player＞
Q, today marks the end of the camp. Please take a moment to reflect.
A, I think our tasks have become clear. It is important to thoroughly pursue them throughout the season as we have recognized our weaknesses and challenges.
Q, in the match against Zweigen Kanazawa held on the 2nd, there were many words of reflection. Is it because of that point that you were able to overwhelm the opponent today?
A, we have to win every game, and instead of looking for excuses, we have to aim for victory from the moment the whistle blows, no matter what the circumstances or environment. In that regard, I think we were able to learn from our weaknesses in the match against Jo KANAZAWA and apply that reflection today.
Q, including the realization, it was a fulfilling camp, wasn't it?
A, we were able to work together to address the challenges that arose from playing a lot of games. Everyone approached the direction the coach was aiming for with enthusiasm and we were able to go above and beyond, so it was a good camp.
Q: We have two weeks left until the opening. What kind of things do you want to build up?
A, it is to work harder on ourselves.
＜Player Hotaka NAKAMURA＞
Q, how did you feel about the defense?
As a team, we were able to hold the ball for the first 15 minutes without getting frustrated. It was good that we were able to score in our own style. Although I was focused on strengthening the defense, my side was still lacking compared to the destructive power of the opposing side, so I want to take it as a good material back to Tokyo.
Q: Is it fair to say that the offensive aspect remains as a reflection for the future?
A, it's a good reflection. It's about my involvement in the build-up from the inside, my involvement when spreading wide, and although I've been gradually grasping it, I couldn't fully execute it on my side. I want to watch the video and study it again.
Q, it was a good impression that the build-up was not bad, such as using the center back calmly before being overwhelmed by the opponent.
I don't think I can handle it well, so I stand in the appropriate position and go out into space at the appropriate timing. By changing the opponent's perspective and receiving playful passes, the side becomes open, so I think the only way to grasp the feeling is to keep doing it. The purpose of connecting is not just for the sake of connecting, but to score goals, so the goal is to create an attack with thickness by utilizing the wings. I want to work on it while keeping an eye on the future.
Q. Please give us an overview of the entire camp.
A, both sensually and intuitively, it is getting better, and with new players like Kei KOIZUMI and Nakagawa, we are able to grasp their characteristics firmly. We are also able to communicate well in terms of relationships. The next step is how much we can make use of our strong individuals. I also want to look back and reflect on that by watching the footage.
Q: Based on today's match, were you able to build up as a team over the past week?
A, there were times when I was pushed in difficult situations and missed chances to score goals. I couldn't finish it off in the end. I personally reflect on the fact that I was under pressure and momentum when fresh players entered the game around the middle of the second half. In such situations, I want to confirm where we should stand as a team.
Diego Oliveira player
Q, how is your condition?
A, now, it is a very happy thing for me to be able to play without pain. In that, the camp was also the last day, but personally and as a team, we are finishing in a good shape. I think Diego, whom you all know, will come back.
Q: Don't you feel a sense of accomplishment when you can have a game like today against the opponent in the J1 League?
A, the opponent is Hiroshima, which is a wonderful team. I think everyone understands that our matches with them are always difficult. Among them, we are happy that we can play well. However, today is just a practice match and not an official game. What we are thinking about now is being able to have a good match against Urawa in the opening game.
Q, there are 2 weeks left until the opening. What do you want to achieve?
We have been training hard over the past two weeks and are in good condition, so we would like to continue preparing for the opening.
Q: Do you feel that the team is able to break down the opponent's defense?
A, we have been practicing and playing matches in good form, and I think our combination is gradually improving. In the process, I feel that the team's style is getting better with each game.
Q, PEROTTI player expressed gratitude for Diego's support.
A, I also remember the time when I came to Japan. I was able to adapt to Japanese soccer with the help of various people, mainly Brazilians, when I came here at the same age as him. Perotti is a very high-quality player, but I think there are also areas where I can help him, and I want to support him so that he can adapt to Japanese soccer as soon as possible.
＜Player Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q: How do you look back on today's game as a whole team?
A, the intensity was very high throughout the 90 minutes, and I think it was because they gave me good instructions from behind and we were able to continue pressing from the front. I hope we can maintain this intensity throughout the season.
Q, it is now 2 weeks until the opening.
A, the starting lineup has not been decided yet, and I also want to appeal myself during the remaining period.
Q, did you feel that you could contribute to the games if you were able to play your own game in the second year, after playing in the matches from the first year?
A, I think the result is expected. I have confidence that I can do it, so I want to continue working on it.
Q: As a team, how is the penetration of the motto "one more goal"?
A, I am very conscious compared to last season, and I am playing with the intention of scoring many points while ending the game without conceding any goals, so I also want to contribute to that.
Q: Regarding the practice match against Zweigen Kanazawa on the 2nd, the entire team took it very seriously. Did today's match reflect that reflection?
A, today I definitely said that I would press from the front, and Hiroshima is a type of defense that follows man-to-man, so I entered with the intention of not losing to that and focusing on the base of the switch. In the first half, we were able to start well and score goals from there, so I think it was a good harvest.
Q, Coach Albert Pobor said he wants to instill a winning mentality in the team this season. How do you perceive the emphasis on winning?
A, there was a similar story last season as well, but this season it seems like everyone is doing it consciously. I don't want to lose, and I think individual improvement is necessary to make Tokyo a better team. I want to contribute myself as well.
Q, Are you feeling an increased expectation towards the team and yourself?
A, it's already getting excited (laughs).
＜Player Leon NOZAWA＞
Q: please review the game.
A, it was a 1-on-1 on the side, so I continued vertically and scored towards the far side. Speed is my strength, so I used my explosive power to create a gap with my initial speed while varying the pace. The feeling was so good that I knew it would go in from the moment I kicked it, so it felt great.
Q: The first training camp took some time to merge, but how was the effort in the second training camp?
A, it couldn't be helped that the return was delayed, but I was frustrated. I couldn't participate in the first practice match at the Miyazaki camp, and when I saw the team lineup for today's match, my playing time was limited. I thought it would be shorter than expected, but it actually became a short time. However, I thought I had no choice but to do my best and entered the game with a strong desire to appeal. Personally, I feel that my scoring ability, which is my characteristic, is effective in this team, and I think today's match was proof of that.
Q, I think that producing results will open up the way.
A, I didn't have any achievements or numbers, so I started from scratch with this team. In that regard, I think I can only build up from here, and I have no worries, only excitement. If I keep building up, I think it will be reflected in playing time and numbers, so I am excited and confident as well.
Q, what kind of play do you want to show in the upcoming appeal?
Among the teams in the top level of the J1 league, there are top-level talents. The significance of my existence lies in my characteristics, such as scoring ability and initial speed. There is no similar type, and I strongly feel that I don't want to give up the seat left by Kensuke NAGAI (current Nagoya Grampus). I think there are many appealing points, not only in terms of results and numbers, but also in terms of defense and breaking through to the back. However, I think the most important thing is the numbers. I want to build up my presence from practice matches and demonstrate my significance.
Q, it seems that you have a more intense presence than other players because you started late due to injury. It is likely to strongly affect your comeback in the future.
A, I'm really fired up inside and since I'm starting from the bottom, I have the desire to take my position. I returned to the actual game on the last day of the Okinawa camp and also played in the practice match in Kodaira, but my performance didn't improve and I felt really frustrated. Today is not different from usual, but I have this intense feeling inside me and I think it led to today's game.
Q, I think there is a part in the camp where everyone starts from a relatively flat state, including practice matches.
A, even at S.C.Sagamihara where I was last season, I was in a similar situation, and I think of myself as starting from the bottom. I was doing it while thinking that it's natural to be left out with my current ability. However, in order to turn around what I think is natural, I want to continue without rotting. I am a man who doesn't give up easily, so I want to produce solid results and be told "welcome back".
