<Match Review>
This season's Levain Cup has already seen the team eliminated in the group stage, making today's match the final game. Hosting at Ajinomoto Stadium is Avispa Fukuoka, who are looking for 3 points to advance to the playoffs. The two teams have faced each other twice this season, with Tokyo losing both times. For Tokyo, this match is an opportunity to repay the debt at home.
As Coach Alber has stated, in this match, young players and those with limited playing time in the league were lined up in the starting lineup. Kojiro YASUDA made his first professional start. Additionally, Renta HIGASHI and Naoki KUMATA, who are registered as U-18 players, started the match, while Kanta DOI made the bench for the first time. Yuta ARAI, who is also registered as a U-18 player and is set to join next season, made the squad for the first time since the match against Júbilo Iwata on March 15.
In a development where both teams shared ball possession, from around the 25th minute of the first half, Tokyo began to hold the ball and gradually pushed the opponent back. Towards the end of the first half, they built up a thick attack by pressing the opponent in the vital area and bringing it to a finish, also recovering second balls. However, in the finishing moments, they either failed to make contact with the shot or could not hit the target, ending the first half at 0-0.
Even in the second half, Tokyo continues to maintain possession of the ball. While pushing the opponent back, they struggle to break through the opponent's defensive block, which is set deep in their own territory. Without getting impatient, Tokyo continues to press the opponent and creates a chance from a set piece in the 26th minute of the second half. Renta HIGASHI heads the corner kick from the left at the far side, but the shot is blocked by the opponent's goalkeeper's excellent save. Tokyo continues to press without giving the opponent a chance to counterattack, moving the ball and searching for a path to goal. In the closing stages, Hirotaka MITA breaks into the penalty area and creates a near chance, but they are unable to shake the net and the match ends in a 0-0 draw.
Although we could not achieve victory, the young players firmly expressed the team's playing style, while the veteran players supported them to boost their performance. Strengthening the team's unity, we maintained control of the match and continued to press towards the goal, which serves as a positive factor for the league matches ahead. This match provided us with a sense of accomplishment as we prepare for the upcoming game against Kashiwa Reysol in two days.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review the game.
A, today, I would like to reflect on the growth of our young players in particular. During the first 10 to 15 minutes, the young players struggled to get used to the pace of the game, resulting in a chaotic period. Although the opponent did not create any chances, I don't think we played as expected. When we repeatedly lose the ball easily in unnecessary situations, we cannot perform the play we expect. Naturally, in the zones close to the opponent's goal, the attack zones, bold plays involving risk-taking are required. However, until we approach those zones, we must play more accurately and carefully.
Morishige stood on the pitch for the first time in a while, and with a 17-year-old player playing beside him, it is natural that he couldn't quite find his rhythm at the start of the match in that sense as well. There was also the intention to try Keigo HIGASHI as a defensive midfielder.
For various reasons, we were unable to build up from the back well in the first 10 to 15 minutes. However, I believe the match progressed differently after that. Even in the first half, we were able to create two clear chances. I think we showed good play at the tempo we expect in various moments. Morishige, who returned from injury, was scheduled to play only the first 45 minutes to regain his match fitness, so he was substituted at halftime. He was able to play well for 45 minutes, which I believe will lead to further opportunities.
There were several dangerous players on the Fukuoka bench. When such dangerous players were brought on in the second half, we changed to three center-backs to better support 17-year-old Renta HIGASHI. It is indeed difficult for a 17-year-old center-back to face Lukian. Therefore, we switched to a three-center-back formation to cover any mistakes effectively. However, I understand that the system is not particularly important. The most important thing is the playing style, and I believe we were able to express ourselves well even with positional changes. I think the young players adapted well to the changing situations. In the second half, we were able to create several chances and even situations that could lead to a penalty kick. Of course, this is not a criticism of the referee.
In the second half, there was a long period when three 17-year-old players were on the pitch at the same time. I think Fukuoka had many key players in their team. Against a difficult opponent, the young 17-year-old players boldly showcased their individuality, which I believe is commendable. In that sense, I am proud of the young players who were on the pitch. Additionally, I think it is also commendable that veterans like Keigo HIGASHI, Mita, and Kodama supported the young players in playing boldly.
I believe it was a match that highly evaluated our academy's ability to develop players well. There were similar situations when I was serving as the academy director at FC Barcelona. If there are talented players among the young players, we must give them opportunities. As long as I am at FC Tokyo, I want to continue to provide chances to talented young players.
Q: Please evaluate Keigo HIGASHI as an anchor.
A played well. Of course, I think he is a player with attacking strengths, and I also believe he can contribute defensively. While watching his play during training, I evaluated not only his footwork skills but also his ability to distribute the ball effectively. He can also contribute defensively in aerial duels. Another strength is his ability to position himself well. For these various reasons, I wanted to try him as a defensive midfielder, and I think that tryout went well. You could say that we have gained an additional option for the defensive midfield position.
I also told him directly that our defensive midfielder's role is not so much to run himself but to make Shuto ABE and Kuryu MATSUKI in front of him run and maintain balance. The defensive midfielder behind the inside half is a player who can bring calmness to the team. In that sense, I think players like Aoki and Keigo HIGASHI have such strengths. I believe Keigo HIGASHI as the defensive midfielder today deserves a good score.
Q: The Levain Cup, which has provided opportunities for young players, has ended. What kind of attitude do you want to see from young players moving forward?
<div>A, I want to look for opportunities to give young players a chance. It becomes difficult to boldly give many chances to young players in league matches. However, training with the top team and participating in training matches set by the top team are also great opportunities to promote growth. In that way, I want to continue giving young players chances and encourage their development.
The Levain Cup does not guarantee the first 10 matches. It is a format where teams play 6 matches in the group stage and then advance to the playoffs. If a team aims for a higher ranking upon advancing, many coaches may prefer to use more experienced players over younger ones. In that sense, even if a team advances, it cannot be said that younger players will necessarily have more opportunities.
That was a good question, and it gave me a great idea. For example, how about having the group stage of the Levain Cup involve more teams? Also, what if we added a rule that requires at least five U-23 players to be in the starting lineup? Japan does not have a reserve league. In that sense, I think we need to encourage the development of young players.
[Player Interview]
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: You played as a defensive midfielder. What expectations did the coach have for you as you entered the match?
First of all, rather than focusing on positions, there was a request to bring the team together since there were many young players. Rather than giving detailed instructions, I was told to be mindful of maintaining the balance of positions as much as possible.
Q: In the league matches, I believe that while the members and formations change, you played a central role by being attentive both in the front and the back throughout the 90 minutes.
A, today I started as a defensive midfielder for the first time. Although there are challenges, I want to play in any position by showing my strengths and fighting hard to help the team win.
Q: What areas do you want to further develop as an individual from here?
I believe I can deliver decisive passes even as a defensive midfielder, and I think that is one of my strengths. In terms of defense, since I am not originally a defensive player, I need to improve my intensity and awareness of danger. I am 32 years old this year, but I still want to grow and get better. With a new coach, I am learning many things, so I want to absorb more and contribute to victory with my play when the next opportunity comes.
Q: How did you feel about your performance as a defensive midfielder?
A, it is a position with a major role in risk management and ball recovery, and I think I was able to do it several times. From now on, I want to adjust my position while playing and improve my reading skills through practice.
In terms of distribution, I believe it is a position that creates team circulation by improving the accuracy of kicks and vertical passes. There were parts I could do well and parts I couldn't, but I think it was good to be able to play as a defensive midfielder for 90 minutes. My condition is good, and I have been able to perform well in practice, so I want to continue and meet the coach's expectations.
Q. I think it was a hint for other players that if the ball is moving well and you have it in a good position, it's okay to make a vertical pass.
A, even when the opponent is forming a block to defend, you have to make vertical passes to break down the block, so I think this is a necessary play for defensive midfielders to utilize those around them. Also, regardless of position, as a team, we want to increase the number of scenes where we can break through more with combinations.
Q: Are there any areas for improvement with U-18 player Kumada making his first professional starting appearance and many young players participating?
A, although I have not been able to practice together especially with the U-18 players, I think he is a player who shows his strengths if he can distribute the ball well, so it is important for those around him to support and bring out his potential.
<Manato SHINADA>
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has stated that the Levain Cup is a place for developing young players, but what kind of requests did the coach have for player Shinada in today's match?
A. In the pre-match meeting, the instructions given to Watanabe and myself as inside halves were to "run as many kilometers as you can," and for the younger players, there were two instructions: "play boldly."
Q: You usually have an image of calmly distributing the ball, but today I felt there were many dynamic plays. How did it feel?
A, in the first half, there was a scene that could be called the best chance of the day, from carrying the ball myself to taking a shot, and I am frustrated that I couldn't score there. I believe that if I don't produce results, I won't be selected for J1 League matches. However, since I had been imagining and playing that kind of play even in practice matches until now, I think it was good that I was able to show it in one form.
Q: Did you get a feel for the inside half in today's match?
Regarding Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's method, there were certain rules to follow, so we played while thinking about them. However, as we were told before the match, the young players were encouraged to play boldly, so keeping that in mind, we aimed to play with freedom in the game. I think we were able to show good qualities both in the connecting plays and in advancing forward.
Q: Among the many players from U-18 and the academy, did you have the awareness to take the lead?
A, today I thought it was my last chance as well, so I didn't have the composure to lead the team that much, but it was easier to play.
Q: There was a strong performance right from the start of the match. Please tell us about your mindset going into today's game.
A, I hadn't been able to get involved in matches much until now, so I approached this game with the feeling that if I couldn't perform here, there wouldn't be a next time. I wanted to firmly prepare my mindset and leave some numbers behind, and I think I was able to show a bit of my play.
Q: I didn't lose my motivation until the end.
As long as I wear the FC Tokyo emblem, that is the minimum requirement, and since I have been wearing the number 18 since last season, I wanted to achieve results both personally and as a team, keeping those aspects in mind.
<Renta HIGASHI>
Q: How was it playing for 90 minutes in a professional match?
<div>A, today I was able to play next to Morishige, a player I admire, and it became the biggest experience for me so far. Morishige has played on the world stage, so I tried to learn various detailed aspects from him. I have been carefully watching and learning from his play during practice, but today I was able to experience top-class play up close, such as drawing the opponent in and switching the play to the opposite side, which was really great.
I was completely off in the first half. I made many passing mistakes, but players Higashi, Mita, and Morishige encouraged me a lot, so I was able to switch my mindset in the second half, play well, and finish the match. In the second half, Mita delivered a great ball from a corner kick, but I couldn't finish it myself. If I had scored there, I believe we could have won, so finishing chances remains a challenge for me today.
Q: How was it playing in front of many fans and supporters at Ajinomoto Stadium?
A, today my mother came to watch the match. I am always motivated, but in that sense, it was a special feeling different from usual, and I was able to show her for the first time that I am standing at Ajinomoto Stadium. She is my biggest supporter, so I played with all my effort to meet her expectations.
Q: How do you feel about your performance and challenges so far this season?
A, gradually the challenges have increased, and while I have addressed some of them, I still fall short in the professional world, and there are areas where I can't compete even at the U-18 level. Since I am gaining valuable experience, I believe I need to clearly identify my issues and raise my awareness starting from training.
Q: The Levain Cup has ended, and the league matches will continue. What are your thoughts on this?
With players like Morishige and Kimoto, and Henrique also returning, I need to develop enough strength to be able to join them. I'm still far from their level, but by absorbing and learning from Morishige's play in today's match, making it my own, and increasing those opportunities, my goal is to surpass them someday. I want to work hard to become not just an admirer but a rival.
<Naoki KUMATA>
Q, this was your first start with the top team. Please review the game.
A, I knew it would be a difficult match, but personally, I was aiming for a result. Of course, I'm frustrated that we couldn't win, but what frustrates me the most and leaves me with regrets is that we couldn't score.
Q: Please tell us your thoughts on playing at Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time.
A, many fans and supporters also came, which really gave us strength and created an environment that was easy to play in.
Q: Has playing for a long time with the top team today made your future goals more realistic?
A, without thinking about such things, I want to continue to approach training and matches with 100% effort and aim to reach this stage again.
Q: After experiencing today's match, have you identified any challenges for the future?
The matches and intensity at the A and U-18 levels were completely different. So, getting used to this intensity is important, and I want to use this experience to lead my team at the U-18 level.
