[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Last season, Ricardo RODRIGUEZ's tactics took hold, and in the second half of the match against Urawa, Tokyo was completely outmatched. What do you think of Coach RODRIGUEZ's approach to the game?
A, I think Coach Ricardo did a wonderful job leading Tokushima for four seasons. Regarding Urawa last season, I believe they played well, and the summer reinforcements also worked effectively. Although they are struggling at the start of this season, there is no doubt they are a tough opponent to face. Urawa this season has an even more congested schedule than us, and starting next week, they also have the ACL, so they are competing under a difficult schedule. In any case, I recognize them as one of the great clubs in J1. However, as I always say, our own play is more important than the opponent. Without being influenced by the opposing team, we want to make daily efforts to improve our own level, and that applies equally to both practice and matches.
Q: What positive effects do you think performing well in the match against Kobe will have for the upcoming match against Urawa?
A, there were many positive aspects in the match against Kobe. There were also several points for improvement. For example, at the start, we ceded control of the game to the opponent, and that is something we want to improve. Our attacks through the center were also weak, so we want to work on that. However, with each match, the team is leveling up to play more smoothly and automatically. Based on the Kobe match, we want to pick up the points for improvement and use them to level up. Taking into account Urawa's characteristics, we hope the team will grow throughout the matches.
Q: It seems that Watanabe understood well what position he should take during the interview. He felt that there were times he made mistakes, which was a challenge for him, but do you feel that the understanding of each player's position has been progressing as a whole?
Team A has only been started for three months. I believe it is commendable that players who have never played in the current playing style have grown this much. However, on the other hand, we must understand that because it has only been three months, there are daily points to be corrected. I am glad that the players take it for granted and are positively working every day for the team to mature. They are strongly motivated to learn, and we have a group of high-quality players. They have a mentality that focuses on winning, so their growth speed is faster than expected. At the same time, the wonderful atmosphere in the team also supports this.
It is also positive that there is a wonderful relationship between the team and the fans/supporters. In the match against Kobe, we conceded a goal in a way we did not expect, and the game progressed while we were in a losing state. Even in that situation, the fans/supporters in the stands supported us calmly without becoming nervous, which had a positive effect on the team. The fans/supporters give confidence to the team. It is a very important boost for us. I believe that professional sports are entertainment. The fans/supporters who come to the stadium pay for tickets to see something wonderful. In that sense, we have an obligation to express compelling play. However, there are wins and losses in matches, and sometimes we may lose, but I believe it is our mission to express something compelling. Additionally, I think the fans/supporters appreciated our continued aggressive play, seeking additional goals without becoming passive, even when we were leading 3-1 against Kobe.
Q, please tell us what you expect from Kuryu MATSUKI, who is returning from suspension.
A, I want everyone to understand that Kuryu is still a young player at just 18 years old. He is also a player with great potential for further growth in the future. One of his strengths is that he possesses the mentality suitable for performing at the top level. He is full of eagerness to learn the tactical aspects of the game. The fact that he already has a winner's mentality is a highly commendable point. When selecting players, I do not consider age. In that sense, every player has a chance. I want to decide tomorrow's members based on an equal evaluation of all players.
Q, in the draw for the World Cup finals, Japan was placed in the same group as Spain. How do you feel about that?
AIn terms of soccer, I think this group includes two of the greatest countries in the world. Therefore, it is clear that it will be a very difficult battle for Japan. One more team has not been decided yet, but what is important for Japan is the match against that final team. The key point for the Japan national team will be to bring back as many points as possible from the two matches against Spain and Germany. Since I am currently in Japan, I am wishing Japan good luck. I will be cheering for Japan.
Q, you mentioned improving the start of the game, but are there any specific measures to address conceding the first goal in the last two matches?
A, the matches against Yokohama FM and Kobe were clearly different. In the Yokohama FM match, conceding first was not part of our game plan, but our plan proceeded as expected. We created many chances in the first half, so it would have been good to score an additional goal then, but we couldn't manage that. We analyzed that Yokohama FM's most dangerous weapon was their wing attacks with speed. On the other hand, we approached the Kobe match with a different game plan. If we gave the ball to Kobe, who have many high-quality players, there was a risk they would press us and control the play. Our plan was to prevent that, but the start did not go as planned. The team is still in a growth phase. Allowing Kobe to dominate the game at the start is a major point for improvement. However, in both matches, after conceding, the team regrouped well, equalized, and reacted to take the lead. That is a highly commendable aspect. A team that can continue to play with a strong competitive spirit is very pleasing for a coach.
Q, you emphasize the importance of possessing the ball, but there are matches, like the one against Yokohama FM, where you intentionally allow the opponent to have the ball. You mentioned that the goal is not just to possess the ball, but to score goals. With that in mind, do you have any metrics, such as ball possession rate?
AI am more particular about positioning rather than possession rate. Taking good positions, moving the ball skillfully, and creating more good chances. Delivering the ball appropriately to players in the right positions to create opportunities. Playing both offense and defense effectively while doing this is the kind of play I expect. However, for example, when facing a mature team that has played with the same style for four seasons, if the opponent attacks while leaving a large space behind their defensive line, I think it is a valid strategy to exploit that space in attack. What I focus on is effective ball possession. Effective ball possession means being able to attack effectively while maintaining possession. I understand that as ball possession. For instance, even if the possession rate is 80%, if effective attacks are not built from that, then an 80% possession rate is not effective possession. On the other hand, like in the first half against Yokohama FM, even if the possession rate was 35%, if seven decisive chances were created and seven shots were taken from that, then I understand that 35% as very effective ball possession. Ideally, possession rate is high and many effective chances are created. However, since we have just started, the game plan naturally changes depending on the characteristics of the opposing team's play.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryoma WATANABE＞
Q: You have conceded the first goal in two consecutive matches. What do you think is the reason for that?
A, I believe that if we can maintain better control of the ball, the opponent won't be able to attack. When we do get attacked, it's usually because of poor ball recovery or bad positioning of players during positional play. Of course, I think the opponent is scouting me since I play as a side back. When deciding where to target, if the defense has four players, it will likely be me, so how I prevent the opponent from making plays is the most important factor.
Q: You mentioned that your positioning was not very good when receiving the ball from Kimoto in the 21st minute against Kobe. Were you hoping to position yourself a bit more inward and face forward?
A, at that stage, I really did not want to drop back that far, but when the distance between the player wide open and Kimoto was far, I inevitably had to get in between, which meant receiving the ball facing backward. I think the ideal scene was for me not to move inside from my initial position but to stay wide, and for the wide player to move inside. If I could look more broadly, not only at the players involved in the situation but also at the opponent's defensive midfielders, forwards, and attacking midfielders, I believe I could have avoided that mistake.
Q: In the second goal scene, the pass you made to Nagai after getting past Iniesta, as well as the pass to Nagai after getting through Makino's legs in the first goal scene, both were delivered accurately close to the opponent's feet. Is your ability to get past opponents while dribbling more of a target or a sense?
A, I think the sequence is that you aim for it because you instinctively know it will break through. Since you can't defend with your whole body, even the goalkeeper can be targeted at the feet, and I believe I have statistical evidence within myself that this can be targeted. That's why I aim for it.
Q: In the scene where you passed Iniesta, you closed your legs well and since Iniesta turned his body vertically, it felt like you took advantage of that. Did you feel a sense of success at the moment you passed him?
A played defense by pressing along the line with their whole body, so that caught my eye for a moment, and I instinctively switched to a nutmeg. The nutmeg also felt like it turned into a backdoor move because the opponent pressed their body in too much.
Q: In the early part of the second half, there was a scene where you pushed the opponent on the right side and while passing the ball, the shot went wide to the right. You were making a movement to receive the ball from Nagai when it came in a negative angle. Were you anticipating the ball coming from Nagai's angle and preparing for it?
A, I anticipated and prepared, but I think I was waiting with the wrong foot. I was waiting with my right foot, but I believe Nagai wanted to pass the ball to the left foot, and Nagai himself said he moved forward. I realized I need to keep my body neutral so I can pass the ball regardless of which foot it comes to.
Q: You mentioned that if the opponent targets you, you will be ready. I believe that your defensive skills and awareness have been improved since the camp. Do you have any advice from the coach or staff on how to acquire defensive techniques?
A, while watching the footage, we discussed that this part could be done better, and that the midfield players are still defending in their usual way. Including challenges for the ball, they are currently playing out of habit, so we need to consciously work on improving this going forward.
Q, in the scene where player Osako skillfully got past you, it was a situation where you went to poke the ball and were taken the other way, right?
When I tried to poke at the ball or crush it, the opponent skillfully turned around in front of me.
Q: I think there are many opportunities for throw-ins as a side back, even more than in midfield. What is your awareness regarding throw-ins? I believe that is also required in Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's tactics.
A, throw the ball so that it comes back to you, and it's fine if it is returned with one touch. Just be careful not to lose the ball when throwing it directly sideways.
Q: What do you feel is the biggest difference and challenge in the way you defend in midfield compared to how you defend as a full-back?
A. In the midfield, when contesting a 50-50 ball or trying to take the opponent's ball, always defend in a way that ensures you can gain possession. For example, even when it's unclear who will get the ball in a close contest, defend so that the ball spills forward, or near the sideline, defend so the ball doesn't go out of bounds and becomes ours. It's a small detail, but in my case, I try to go for the ball reactively. If you wait to respond after the opponent acts and then try to take the ball, as a defender you have to increase your intensity and challenge the opponent aggressively. Assuming you want to gain possession, you need to defend with enough intensity that it's okay if the ball goes out. If you can defend like this, I believe the defense will evolve into a more effective defender's defense.
<Keita YAMASHITA>
Q: It seemed like you were able to play with a very good feeling in the last match against Kobe, but how did you feel yourself, Yamashita?
A, I think this was the best game so far. Although I played a bit longer this time, I was able to take shots and had many touches on the ball, so I felt good about it.
Q: It became a phantom goal, but did your joy explode in that moment?
To be honest, I don't remember much. But since transferring this season, I feel like I'm having experiences I've never had before.There was frustration and impatience from not being able to participate in matches, and it was a time when I wanted to create a trigger within myself and break through. Although it wasn't a cool moment that shook the net, it was a gritty and true-to-myself play, so I think that's why I took that action.
Q: All my teammates came running over to me.
At that time, I didn't understand at all, but looking back at the footage, I was really happy.Little by little, I thought I might be getting recognized, and I felt once again that I want to score goals and become a strength for this team.
Q, I hope this can be a good opportunity for something.
A, that's really true. Although it was ruled no goal, when the forward players shake the net like that, it makes a 180-degree difference in their mindset. I also feel a sense of progress in a positive direction myself, so I want to score a real goal soon at Ajinomoto and work hard to be recognized by the fans and supporters in Tokyo.
Q: I think Urawa is a team that Yamashita has a good compatibility with. Please share your enthusiasm.
A, I scored goals in two matches last season, so I think we have a good compatibility. Since I am playing as a FW, I believe that scoring goals is expected of me, and of course, I am aiming for that. But first, I want to give my all to run for the team's victory.
<Takuya AOKI>
Q, After winning against Kobe in Sec. 7, we have 4 wins in the last 6 league matches and are in good form. Don't you feel a sense of accomplishment?
A, we have the confidence that if we can play our own style of football, we can win. The team has been playing well, and even in the matches we lost against Kawasaki and Yokohama FM, I think the content was not bad. However, without the ability to at least secure a draw in such matches, we cannot rank among the top teams. In that sense, I feel there are still many challenges ahead.
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA says, "We are still in a growth phase," but how do you evaluate the current team, Matsuki?
A, it is not that the current situation is unsatisfactory, but rather that we are always working with the word "growth" in mind. There are times in matches when we can express our style of football, and times when we cannot, so the goal is to bring that to 100%. However, the players are gaining confidence through consecutive victories, and it is certain that they are able to train well with focus.
Q: What kind of play is the coach asking for?
A, I think I am required to maintain the team's balance. I adjust my position so that there is not too much open space, and when the rhythm is off, I try to calm the ball down once, being conscious of ensuring the whole team can play smoothly. When the flow of the game is bad, there is more work to do, but so far there have been many good moments, so I am able to play naturally.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the match against Urawa with the fans and supporters.
Team A, Urawa won last season's Emperor's Cup, and they seem to be improving every time they play. However, we absolutely cannot lose at home, Ajinomoto Stadium. Especially this match, there are no restrictions on the number of spectators, so we expect to play in front of a large crowd of fans and supporters, which motivates us even more than usual. We definitely want to win so that everyone can go home feeling good!
Official match day program is here!
