Q, please look back on the Kashiwa game.
A, when attacking, I played while being conscious of picking up second balls near Diego, but in the first half, I couldn't get involved with the ball well. In the second half, we were able to increase the time to play soccer in the opponent's court, but not being able to score was a challenge, I think.
Q. Do you think you are aiming to play a more offensive style of football than last season, and have the expectations changed?
A, I think that there is a demand for more forward momentum and intensity in play compared to last season. While it is important to consider the balance of positions and play, personally, I felt that it was better to push into the opponent's territory rather than passing the ball around in the previous match. In the match against Kashiwa as well, I was conscious of continuing to play by pushing into the opponent's territory. In the future, I hope to be able to adapt well depending on the flow of the game and who is playing.
Q, the opening match started from the bench and the match against Kashiwa was played as a starting member. What do you want to focus on in the match against Kyoto?
A, since player Matsuki is not available for national team activities and player Abe is also injured, I think whether I can seize this opportunity or not is my own problem. I believe that players who are determined to achieve results and can lead the team to victory will be able to play on the pitch, and I want to play with the awareness of playing for the team.
Q: Do you want to be involved in scoring?
I think it is a result where the goal is visible in the first place. If I continue to produce results, I believe that I will be seen as a player who can produce results from those around me and become a threatening presence to the opponent. I want to strongly emphasize that.
Q: After scoring two goals last season, I seized the opportunity to become a starter.
I think it's really attractive to be able to score as an inside half. It will be a big plus for the team, and even if it's not a starting lineup but a substitute appearance, I think the opponent will recognize it as an unpleasant presence and I want to give that impression.
Q: Did you have any prepared patterns for scoring scenes as a team?
A, Nakamura made a good throw-in, and I was able to break away when the opponent became a ball watcher. Watanabe closed in well, and the ball was passed to Adailton, who was able to score. I want to thank Nakamura.
Q: What is the secret to being able to make good plays in an instant?
I think it's important to think about how to connect to the goal. I'm always watching Diego TABA and thinking about how to directly contribute to the goal.
Q, I think Tsukagawa has strength in heading as well.
A, it is also my strength. Even in J2 era, I can score goals with headers. I think the opponents dislike it the most when a player with my physique jumps in from the second row. I always aim for it and it is also my strength, so I want to always aim for it.
Q, the Levain Cup is starting now, and the number of matches will increase.
A, I am a player who focuses on the game in front of me. I cannot think about the future, so I want to produce results in the current game and fight for the team.
Q: After the match, the coach said that all the players who returned to the locker room seemed disappointed.
A, towards the end when we were one player short, I think normally we would have pulled back to maintain balance, but everyone was pushing forward to score. When we are one player short, there is a tendency to become defensive. However, this season, we have set our sights on winning the championship and we have a team of players who can make that happen. In that sense, I think it is a very positive thing that we were able to unify our attitude of going for goals even when we are one player short. Having the mentality to score and win even with 10 players is important. We are heading in a very good direction and the competition within the team has become more intense compared to last season. I think everyone's hunger is pointing in a very good direction.
