<Match Preview>
In the previous match, Kazuya KONNO's superb goal helped secure a 2-2 draw against Fukuoka, stopping the losing streak. However, coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA expressed disappointment after the match, stating, "There was a possibility to go from 2-1 to 3-1, so it's unfortunate that we were equalized by a penalty. While it is an important point, we wanted to secure all three points."
This match aims for victory after four games, welcoming Sapporo to our home at Ajinomoto. With Tokyo in 8th place and Sapporo in 10th, this is a crucial match that cannot be lost in order to aim for the top positions.
The team is led by coach PETROVIC, who is in his 17th year in Japan. He has a career of over 500 matches in J1 as a head coach and maintains an attacking style of play using a unique variable system. In the previous match held in April, both teams showcased their strengths but ended in a 0-0 draw. Tokyo aims to demonstrate the improvements made over the past three months on the pitch and wants to secure victory with an aggressive approach, taking advantage of the home field.
Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA stated, "The longer we can maintain possession of the ball during the summer, the more advantageous it will be," and it seems that the team's focus on "ball control" will be a key point in the competition.
On summer nights, Tokyo's attacking football heats up Ajinomoto even more.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Tomorrow's match will have vocal support.
A, Since coming to Japan, I have only experienced one match in two and a half years where I could cheer out loud. The last time I played a match with voices echoing was the away game against Gunma in the 2020 season two years ago, so I am really looking forward to tomorrow. I believe that the cheers are truly one of the greatest pleasures of soccer.
Q: Do you think the voices of fans and supporters positively influence the team?
First of all, we do not believe that we are in a bad condition. If we were in a bad condition, I think almost all the managers of the teams ranked below us would be in a crisis situation leading to dismissal. Of course, the recent match results have not been as expected. However, I do not think we are in a dangerously bad state. Also, the cheering voices at the stadium are always a great support for us, no matter the situation. They are an important part of the entertainment.
Q: I believe you have built relationships with fans and supporters through social media.
One of the wonderful points I feel in Japan is the warm support from fans and supporters. This creates a good relationship where players can perform better, which is one of the great aspects of Japan. Even though we haven't built a close relationship with everyone in Tokyo, I still feel supported by fans and supporters despite the ongoing situation where we can't make noise since the start of the season. This allows me to feel the love even now. I believe social media is effective for me because it allows me to send messages directly to fans and supporters.
Q: What is something that stood out to you in the message?
A, it's not about specific comments, but rather the fact that many warm comments are left regardless of the team's situation is what truly surprised me.
Q: Why are you using social media?
A, of course, while understanding that (SNS) is only a part of real society, in the past there was no tool for me to send messages directly. However, now that it exists, I want to use it effectively. I believe that when used appropriately, it is a tool that can have a sufficiently positive impact.
Based on my experience, I believe it is important to communicate and explain in any situation. For example, if we do not continuously explain how difficult this season will be, many people will only have a simplistic perspective of evaluating based solely on match results. To prevent that, I hope to provide a clear explanation of what awaits us this season and the reasons for what might happen, so that fans and supporters can understand more deeply.
In summary, I believe we have built a wonderful relationship with the fans and supporters in Tokyo from day one, and I hope this continues. I think they are wonderful people.
Q: Aoki, Abe, and Nakamura were not present.
Player Aoki has been sidelined due to an injury and it may take a bit longer for him to return. While managing fatigue well, he got injured during yesterday's practice. Player Nakamura was injured during the match against Fukuoka. We expect him to return in about 3 to 4 weeks. Player Abe is likely to rejoin the team next week.
Q: With injuries in the team, will the strength of young players be necessary during the consecutive matches?
A, I have high expectations for the players. I also have expectations for player Kajiura. I have no hesitation at all about giving opportunities to young players. However, I ask the players for two things. First, to deliver a solid and good performance. And second, to have a mentality that is committed to winning. Mistakes are allowed. For example, I want to give young players more and more chances. But I believe there is no value in giving chances to players who do not firmly demonstrate these two aspects.
Q: You have been conceding more goals lately; how do you perceive that situation?
Excluding the 5 goals conceded in the away match against Fukuoka and the 5 goals conceded in the away match against Tosu, the numbers are not bad at all, and the number of goals conceded has been kept low. However, I think the large number of goals conceded in those two matches remains memorable. In the previous match against Fukuoka, there was a tactical mistake that led to conceding 1 goal. For the second goal, whether luck was not on our side or not, a penalty was awarded against us due to a whistle.
I think we can discuss the number of goals conceded, but on the other hand, I believe we can also discuss the fact that there are few goals scored. After all, you cannot win without scoring, and even if you concede goals, you can achieve victory by scoring more than that. While we can focus on the goals conceded, I think another perspective is to focus on improving the lack of goals scored.
Of course, I think fatigue is also having an impact. Additionally, the lack of center-backs is contributing to the accumulation of fatigue. The transfer of player Ogawa has also had an effect. Naturally, we are not yet a perfect team. Just like us, other teams are also fighting for victory, so it is only natural that the matches are difficult. Upon reconsideration, excluding the two matches where we conceded a large number of goals against Fukuoka and Tosu, I interpret that our number of conceded goals has been kept sufficiently low.
Q: I believe the term 'box out' has been used before, but is that still being continued? Or has defense changed along with offense?
A, indeed, in the recent match against Fukuoka, one of the reasons for the first conceded goal was the failure to box out properly during defense. However, we are human, so mistakes do happen. Except for the heavy loss against Tosu, the three goals conceded in the Nagasaki match and the first goal conceded in the Tosu match were all incredible goals—super goals that might only happen once or twice in a lifetime. Still, such wonderful goals are scored from limited chances, and conceding goals is something that can certainly happen. Of course, our defensive shape has not changed. However, we continue to correct and reduce mistakes and maintain proper defense. That said, I think the thinning of our player roster is having an impact. Ogawa has left, Henrique has left, Aoki is out of action, and Abe is injured. Various players have dropped out of the lineup, but the team must adapt and respond to that.
Of course, the match result is determined by the number of goals, and while I understand that, I am focusing on the content of the match as a coach. I believe we played well enough in the first half against Tosu, and we created several decisive chances. The same goes for the match against Nagasaki. We created opportunities where we should have scored multiple goals within the first 15 to 20 minutes of the match. That’s why I think there is a discussion about whether it’s better to reduce the number of goals conceded or to increase the number of goals scored. Of course, that balance is important, but reducing the number of goals conceded is a crucial point. However, as a team, we must also be committed to increasing the number of goals scored.
[Player Interview]
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: What preparations did you make in the three days since the last match against Fukuoka?
A, I took good care of my body and prepared to perform well in the Sapporo match.
Q: What impression do you have of Sapporo?
Since Mr. Misha (Mihailo Petrović) became the coach, Sapporo.D has become more offensive, effectively using the sides and breaking through with combinations. Defensively, I think they will play man-to-man, so we want to be cautious about that while making sure to bring out our strengths properly.
Q: What kind of play is expected from player Higashi?
A. Since the opponent will come to defend from the front line, I think space will open up behind them, so I want to skillfully distribute passes into that space and make use of players with speed.
Q: Is it important to play patiently when things are not going well in possession-based soccer?
A, that's right. In the match against Fukuoka, there were periods when we had possession of the ball but struggled to create chances. However, since we went into halftime trailing 0-1, the opponent started to stretch out in the second half, and when the game opened up somewhat, we were able to turn the score around. Although we were caught at the end, if we had conceded 2 or 3 goals in the first half, it would have been a difficult match. In the previous match against Tosu, we lost composure and fell apart, so while we may be pressed defensively, we want to play patiently in the match against Sapporo as well.
Q: In the last few matches, we haven't been able to score in the league, but we were able to score multiple goals in the match against Fukuoka. What factors contributed to this?
A, I think there are various factors, but whether a player can finish when given a chance comes down to their final decision. However, I believe that by increasing the number of chances, goals can be scored, and it is important to get to the point of taking a shot.
Q: The vocal support for the Sapporo match will finally begin. What do you think about that?
A, there is nothing more joyful than this. Since it's a home game, and we have been supported and energized by the cheers of our fans and supporters so far, I am very happy to think that we will receive that power again.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm.
A, the team has not been getting good results lately, but I believe a better world awaits once we overcome this period. I want everyone to believe and follow along, and the environment is changing so that we can cheer out loud. I think winning at home will boost the team's momentum, so I want to play a good match and secure a solid victory.
<Jakub SLOWIK>
Q: The previous match against Fukuoka ended in a frustrating result, drawing after leading 2-1.
Considering the situation of consecutive away losses, I think we were able to achieve at least the minimum result, but of course, we are not satisfied with just 1 point. Everyone involved with the team now—players, staff, fans, and supporters alike—strongly desires victory. We want to express that feeling in this match against Sapporo.
Q: What kind of play is required from the goalkeeper in the soccer style of "loving the ball" that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is aiming for?
In the style of soccer the coach aims for, footwork skills are required. I am working on daily training to adapt myself as well. However, the most important job for a goalkeeper is to stop shots and firmly protect the goal. This does not change regardless of the style.
Q: Jakub SLOWIK has been using Japanese to coach his teammates, but when did this start?
A, when I came to Japan in 2019, I learned enough Japanese to give basic instructions. However, what is more important than language is that the players understand each other and protect the team as an organization. If we communicate well during practice, the language used during matches is not much of an issue, I believe.
Q: In this match against Sapporo, a "Cheering Area" will be set up in part of Ajinomoto. What kind of support do you expect from fans and supporters?
In the 2019 season before the COVID-19 pandemic, I played against Tokyo as a Sendai player, so I know the true atmosphere of Ajinomoto Stadium. I am really looking forward to hearing the wonderful chants and cheers from Tokyo's fans and supporters. Even when the results are not good, I am always grateful to everyone who warmly supports us. This match, I will do my best so that I can hear your victorious cheers.
