＜Coach Albert＞
Q, please give us your honest impression after the first practice match has ended.
A, what we did today is not considered a practice match at all. For me, it is practice itself. Fighting against each other like in a red and white match within the practice is also part of the training, and playing against other teams is also part of the practice. I want you to understand that clearly. Including today, the fourth match will be a practice match against Kyoto Sanga F.C., and I consider that to be the first practice match. The first three practice matches before that are included in the practice as a part of the preseason training.
Q, where did you want to confirm in today's practice with the actual combat format?
A, there were three important points that we emphasized to the players. It is linked to what they have been training for. The first is to hold onto the ball, the second is for each individual and the entire team to take the appropriate positions, and the third is the intense transition between offense and defense after losing the ball. I am very satisfied with what the players expressed today. This is because it was clear that everyone has the motivation to learn the new playing style. From the first day of the preseason until today, the players' attitude towards learning during each training session has been fantastic, and that is the aspect that I am most satisfied with. In addition, I am also satisfied that we have been able to create a good atmosphere within the team, which we have emphasized as important.
Q, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, was there any intention behind the order of the players who came out?
A, of course, I have formed three teams considering various factors, but it does not mean that there is any special meaning to it. Throughout this preseason, I myself need to understand the characteristics of each player, and the players themselves need to express their own characteristics. In that sense, there is no special meaning to today's team formation. There is still plenty of time.
Q, do you have any points you want to improve on for tomorrow's practice in terms of the emphasized "positioning"?
A, I think the team as a whole was able to maintain their positions and position balance in a broad sense, and it is a very pleasing point that the players' motivation to learn and their willingness to absorb have been conveyed in that sense. However, it is natural that we need to delve deeper into the details. But as a start, I am very satisfied.
Q, it was characteristic that he gave instructions on how to press the wings with a loud voice.
A, as I said at the beginning, today's training was part of a practical format, so we will be asking the players for tactical improvements. Therefore, I will refrain from commenting on the details. Of course, what I am asking for is not to lower the defensive block and defend, but to defend from a high position as much as possible.
＜Keita YAMASHITA player＞
Q: You scored the first goal, but how did you feel during the first 20 minutes of today's match?
A, it was the first time this season that we played in a real game format, so I approached it with the intention of getting to know my teammates, making them aware of my strengths, and focusing on scoring goals since it was a match. Although there were scenes where we could have scored the second and third goals, I am not satisfied with just one goal, and I also reflect on the need to score decisively when given the opportunity and to score as many goals as possible. However, I think it was a good game.
Q, were there any requests from Coach Albert?
A, at this stage, it is still focused on the entire team, so there are still few individual aspects, but it is strongly emphasized that we are looking for the final box, or the area where we make decisions. While there are important things in positional play, it is said that positional play is done to score goals, and I think I am the one who takes responsibility for the final part and it is important to finish it, so I really intend to approach it with awareness.
Q, as the situation continues to push in, the space in front of the goal will disappear. What do you think about scoring in that narrow space?
A, I have certainly seen him play, but I have also played with other players to actually feel their characteristics and sensory aspects. I also communicate well with foreign players outside of the game. I am actively trying to make others understand my strengths not only on the pitch but also in other areas, so I think it is important to build trust within the limited time before the opening.
Q: I heard that you were inspired by Sato Jin's attitude of demanding excellence from those around him in the past.
A, that part has changed a lot. I thought I had been doing it before, but I realized in a short period of time that by demanding more and getting to know more, better combinations will be born and what can be seen will change. So, I want to keep demanding more and make it even more intense.
Shuto ABE player
Q: How was your first training in a real game format?
A, it was a short time of 20 minutes, but there were many things to think about, and there were also times when my position overlapped with Leandro's, so after it ended, I talked to Leandro and also went to ask the coach. I was able to create scenes where I could go into the goal area and take shots, so I think the feeling was good.
Q, did you balance your position according to the surrounding players?
A, yes. Leandro can make decisive passes, so I positioned myself in a way that Leandro can face forward in a good condition, and I can support Leandro. I also did it while being conscious of Leandro being able to face forward freely. There were scenes where the opponent's defensive midfielder could mark both me and Leandro alone, so I think it would be good to communicate more and consult with the coach to adjust.
Q, many players also receive the ball in the half-space while connecting the ball from behind, and it feels like a glimpse of positional play is emerging.
A, I do have the desire to drop back and touch the ball, but if I do that, it becomes meaningless. So, I was told to be patient, trust my teammates, and move forward.
＜Yasuki KIMOTO player＞
Q, what was your goal in participating in your first practice match in a real game format?
First of all, I tried to express the concept of the team that we have been practicing, and personally, since it was the first time playing on the same team, I made an effort to understand my own strengths and bring out the good points of my teammates.
Q, how do you feel about the progress in that?
A, today we had a lot of possession of the ball, but we clearly understood the parts where we were able to show what we have been practicing and the parts that need improvement, so we want to continue playing with a high level of awareness from practice.
Q, how is your condition?
A, I feel that my condition is improving as I continue to do intense training with the ball. I think it is important to have practice matches even when my body is tired, so I will continue to work hard to gradually reach top condition.
