＜Coach Albert＞
Q: How was the camp after it ended?
I think the players have been able to express that they are positively embracing the change in playing style today. It is not easy to build a foundation, but there is a good sense of accomplishment in being able to start building it sufficiently. I think it will require diligent efforts to improve the level of completion from now on.
Mistakes are bound to happen in difficult situations. There was a big mistake today that led to conceding a goal, but I don't really mind. There were also mistakes in the attacking phase. Although we created many clear chances in the first half, we couldn't convert them, which can also be considered a mistake in a way. It becomes important to avoid mistakes in both defense and attack. Mistakes that lead to conceding goals are more memorable, but we must not forget the mistake of not converting the clear chances we had in the first half.
In any case, we are currently in the preseason. We have been able to clearly demonstrate the direction we want to aim for in these three weeks. However, we are still at the stage where the groundwork has just begun.
Q, it seems like they are seeking simplicity when watching the practice.
A, I think that soccer is a sport where simplicity is sought after and playing simply is actually difficult. Generally, humans tend to overcomplicate things.
We are trying to build up with the goalkeeper, but we want to keep things simple and ask the goalkeeper to play simple as well. If the goalkeeper can be involved in the build-up in a simple way, it may appear as if the team has completed a complex build-up, but I think that is achieved by continuing to play simple.
In the finishing zone of the front line, each individual's imagination and creativity become important. There are very few things that the coach can do about finishing in front of the opponent's goal.
Q: It seems that you have been fighting with a certain fixed number of members, but is it important to play with the same members in order to build a base?
A, we don't have much time left. In addition, we need to have a deeper understanding of each player's characteristics in this short period of time. We will have the opening match in 2 weeks. Of course, we have already formed the team to some extent and have been preparing for these 3 weeks, but it is not a definite decision, and we have been doing this approach to improve the team's completion level. In the future, I think we will gradually make modifications and changes to the team.
I have high expectations for the growth and success of young players. I hope to encourage the success and growth of young players by making good use of opportunities such as the Levain Cup.
Q: How does the coach perceive the fact that Nagatomo was unable to participate in the camp to build the base?
A, although it is a minus that he is not at the camp, he is a great player with wonderful experience and quality of play. Therefore, I think he will adapt to the team's play in a short period of time. And, just like he has contributed to the national team with the experience he has accumulated so far, he will also make a big contribution to Tokyo.
There is no doubt that he is an important player for me, an experienced person with a clear strong personality. He will contribute greatly to us. However, we must treat all players equally, just like him, and it is the duty of the coach to ensure that the players who should perform well actually perform well.
However, I think it is a big plus for us that there are still players like him who are absent but are great players in a sense.
In addition, I am looking forward to the growth and success of young players whose potential has not yet been fully understood. I believe there are hidden gems in the development department. Although I have not been able to see them play yet, I am very excited.
Having competition for positions within the team is a very positive thing.
Not having any major injuries during the camp is also a big plus for us. Thanks to the good work of many staff members, we were able to avoid major injuries and have a successful preseason.
Masato MORISHIGE
Q, what will be necessary to further improve the quality?
A, I think there is no choice but to repeatedly understand what phenomena are occurring on the pitch during the game, practice while being conscious of it.
Q, how do you feel about the penetration of new soccer?
I think that we have been able to perform more smoothly from the second game than the first game, and from the second game to the third game. We are also closely adjusting while watching the footage to understand what the coach is asking for in today's game. I think that by continuing this repetition, everyone will be able to imagine what the coach intends. Playing the game and analyzing it is the most understandable repetition for us as well.
Q, I play multiple positions even during camp.
A, I think it was good to start with a difficult position (laughs). It's easy to drop back, but it's tough to go from the back to the front. When I moved to the back position, I could see the whole picture of the team's balance, how to move the ball, and things that I thought were difficult in the midfield. So, I felt that the way I see things varies depending on the position, and I think that was a very positive thing during these three weeks of camp.
Q: What points were emphasized during the camp regarding ball possession?
A, because we value rhythm and tempo, when we can move quickly, we move quickly, and if the opponent is not approaching, we carry the ball with dribbling. As we play more games, we understand that we can make decisions on such plays, such as turning forward and using dribbling. So, we want to continue to work on coordination like that.
＜Ryoma WATANABE player＞
Q: Recently, there have been opportunities to play on both the left and right sides during matches. How do you feel about actually playing in those positions?
A, the scenery is different on the right side and the left side, and the plays I can make are also different, but I will continue to work on improving the quality of my play while practicing.
Q: How do you feel about your understanding of tactics?
A, there are times when I feel it's difficult, and there are also things that I can think of as a plus alpha to what the coach is saying. I feel that I am quick to understand the coach's soccer, and I hope to continue working on improving the technique and ability to incorporate it into the game from here. Also, since the full-back position requires defensive play, I would like to work on that aspect as well.
Q: Originally, you played mostly in the midfield position, but recently you have been playing as a full-back. Do you have any unique strengths or advantages that other players don't have?
A, perhaps, but I think the player who has only played as a full-back has fewer turnovers and a wider field of vision. Including the aspect of negotiation with the opponent, I think that is a strength.
Q: Do you have any desire to play in a more forward position, despite currently playing mostly as a fullback?
A, I don't have a desire to play in the front line originally. For better or worse, I don't really understand which position is suitable for me, so I don't have any preferences or dislikes for any position. I just do my best in the position given to me by Coach Albert.
Q, do you feel that you are able to quickly take up positions and have a high understanding of the coach's tactics? Is there anything you feel while playing?
A, I don't know about other players, but for myself, I think that because I can organize the fundamental aspects of soccer, I don't have any doubts and it leads to confident play. I want to fulfill my role firmly.
