On the 31st, after the 20th day of training at the Okinawa training camp, Genki Haraguchi participated in a press conference and answered questions from the media.

(I get the impression that you lead the team in all training, including running. Do you consciously try to cheer up the team?)
"That's right. It was a long training camp of three weeks, and each player was tired, stressed, and in various situations, so I was always thinking about how to make each training session as good as possible. Looking back after three weeks, I think we had some very good training sessions, and it was a good time for the team."

(What do you think will be necessary in the next two weeks to build a strong group?)
"There are no official games coming up right now, so I thought it was important to build team unity while we can, both during this training camp and afterwards. Once the games start, there will be much more stress and pressure, and it will be difficult to recover, so now is the time. I think we need to win the opening game to build true confidence and strength as a team, but I also think it's important that we build as much unity as we can now."

(It is true that you lacked scoring power in the second half of last year, but Haraguchi said that it couldn't be helped because you were playing defensively. How do you view the changes and improvements in the offensive and defensive balance as you train in a flat environment before the start of the season?)
"In terms of our style, I think we have a strong defense, and in order to get points it's important not to concede any goals, so we need to keep that up while also scoring some extra points, and in the final stretch individual strength will be important. We've added some strong players this season, and I'm in better condition than last year, so I think we can make a difference this year. I want to make a difference in key areas."

(With the addition of new players, the attacking variety has increased and I think there is good competition, but what do you think Haraguchi is feeling, and what kind of attacking moves can the Reds show?)
"We've been trying out a variety of things during this training camp and we're feeling good about it, so I'm not too worried myself. Last year we felt a bit stuck, and because I joined the team mid-season it was hard to make adjustments, but this year we've been doing it right from the start. The manager returned to the Reds at the same time as me, and now that we have more time we've been able to try out a variety of things in terms of offense, and I think we'll start to see results."

(What are Haraguchi's thoughts, determination and resolve to win the league?)
"This year is really the deciding factor for me. If I don't do well, there's no point in me being with the Reds. I think this year will be important for whether I'm successful or not, so I'm working on it as if it were my last year."

(How does Haraguchi intend to show the difference between when Thiago Santana is in the forward position and when Matheus Savio is in the forward position?)
"Today was the first time we played with Savio in the lineup, so I don't have a clear image of it, but it won't be much different. No matter who plays, it all comes down to my own condition and feeling. I'll try a lot of different things, but in the end it's all about me. If I'm in good condition and feeling good, I can perform well, so when it comes to offense, I'll focus on myself and think only about how I can make a difference."

(What kind of performance do you want to show in the opening game against Vissel Kobe?)
"We're playing away against an opponent who has won the championship two years in a row and is probably the toughest and strongest this season, so I imagine it will be a very difficult game. Nevertheless, our goal is to win the league title, and I don't think we can achieve that unless we beat them. Simply put, it's about whether the team can work together as one to achieve that goal, so I want to show that attitude from the opening game, and I myself want to make a difference in my offense so that we can definitely beat Kobe."

(Even as you aim to win the championship, I think there is a certain ego that the fans and supporters don't want you to lose, so how do you think about balancing that?)
"I think ego is important. You have to have the feeling that you are going to decide the game, and I don't think a player who doesn't have that feeling can decide the game. However, as in the last game (a training match against Gamba Osaka), if there is a player around me who looks like he can score freely, I will pass the ball to him. I have the strong desire to help the team win and the confidence to play well as a team player, so I think both are necessary."

(Last year you played as a defensive midfielder, but you said that the way you build your body is different for a defensive midfielder and an attacker. How did you feel about your fitness during the training camp where you were prepared for an attacker?)
"I think it's much better. This year my body is moving better and I'm feeling much better, so if I keep going like this I think I'll be able to put up some good numbers."

(I think this was your first training camp in Japan in over 10 years. How was it staying behind to train with the young players?)
"Some players are naturally motivated, while others feel they need to be led, so I thought carefully about the timing of when to talk to them and what to say to them. As the training camp progressed, I don't think the media has seen it, but more and more players are moving around and training before the whole team training, and I could feel many such small changes even just during this training camp. We are not Urawa Reds of the past, so we are a team that cannot win unless each player grows, so I think growth is one thing that the Reds need now."

(Watching the training sessions, you seem to be vocal and making demands, but what does Haraguchi think about the mentality of a winning team? In comparison, are the Reds still lacking, or are they getting into a better shape?)
"I think it's feeling good. However, the key point is whether I can continue when the pressure and stress of an official match comes on. So far I'm feeling very good, and I think the key will be how long I can maintain that feeling."

(Watching the training camp, you seem to have been playing in a way that suited you for this season, but how did you spend the off-season?)
"The key is running ability and sharpness. I definitely lacked those areas when playing as a winger or attacker, so I really tried to improve my stamina to be able to run repeatedly and the sharpness to be able to get past opponents and make a difference in the final phase, and although I was off-season I trained almost every day through trial and error, so I am gradually seeing the results. Even at my best, there are still times when I can't move like I did in my 20s, but there are also times when I can move close to that, so I want to keep going."

[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]