<Match Preview>
After achieving a 3-0 victory at home against Sapporo, the subsequent away match against Urawa ended in a 0-3 defeat. The record for the last 5 matches is 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 losses, showing instability with 12 goals conceded in those 5 matches. It is urgent to make corrections to the defense.
Amid ongoing struggles, Shuto ABE, who had been sidelined with a right calf injury, rejoined the team's full training on July 13. His return as a reliable midfield dynamo is great news. ABE stated, "Having missed three league matches, I have gained some objective insights. Once I step on the pitch, I want to increase my intensity compared to before my absence and have a positive impact on those around me," expressing strong words aimed at uplifting the entire team.
In this match, the opponent we welcome at home is Iwata, who has returned to the J1 League this season. Tokyo has already faced them three times, including the Levain Cup, with one draw and two losses, without a victory. Iwata is currently struggling with three consecutive losses in the league, but it should not be an easy match. The focus of the game will likely be how to break down an opponent that solidifies their defense with a five-back formation.
Given the many injuries and the tough situation, the strength of the entire team, including the young players, is being tested. We hope for the birth of a new hero to energize the team for the future.
The matchday program is here!
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: I felt that today's practice session was longer than usual.
A, today we conducted sprint training in coordination with finishing. That might be why it took longer.
Q: Given that there were no goals scored in the last match, did you focus on shooting practice and drills aimed at the goal this week?
A, no, we focused on training to emphasize ball possession. I also conveyed to the players how valuable it is to have the ball, and I believe that if throughout this season the players can fully understand and express that, it can be considered a great success. One of the major goals for this season is exactly that. Of course, many people might think it is easy to understand, but truly understanding and expressing it from the heart is never easy.
For example, in the match against Urawa, we lost the ball too many times, which allowed them to create chances. I believe the players still do not fully understand how important it is not to lose possession, which is why mistakes occur. It takes time to improve. Therefore, we have been emphasizing that aspect in our training.
Many players have long expressed a style of play that values rushing, so they struggle to calmly and securely maintain possession of the ball. For example, when it comes to what good defense is, it is difficult to make players who understand defense as either narrowing the space and playing solid, tight defense or pressing aggressively realize that maintaining possession of the ball is a better form of defense. To me, the most excellent way to defend is to not lose the ball. In addition to improving that aspect, many players have longer playing times due to numerous injuries, leading to accumulated fatigue. Perhaps because of that, there were many instances where we lost the ball frequently. I think you can see this if you look back at Urawa's goals. Most of their chances came from our mistakes.
Q: I believe that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's philosophy of maintaining possession in soccer was cultivated in Spain. How did he teach the locals about the importance of maintaining possession in Spain?
A, I think there are some misunderstandings. Both Liverpool and Bayern Munich value possession of the ball. I also believe Paris Saint-Germain values possession. It's not only Spain that values the ball. To express modern football, you must understand the importance of holding the ball. With that understanding, there is the task of bringing out the strengths of the player in front of you. At the same time, if there is a player who is good at making forward runs, it is important to play in a way that brings out that characteristic. However, for that, holding the ball is still crucial. Not losing the ball easily is emphasized in every country and region. I believe many teams in the European leagues value possession of the ball.
For example, in Spain, players who are good at making runs into space are not necessarily common. Therefore, a characteristic is to break through with precise short passes. In Germany, the tendency is that there are many players who excel at making runs into space and taking mid-range shots. While making use of that, they also value possession of the ball. As in the recent match against Urawa, if we lose the ball easily ourselves, we cannot perform the expected plays. Losing the ball is mainly due to simple mistakes, and that is something we must learn as a fundamental.
Q: This will be the 4th match against Iwata this season.
A, I have informed the players, but Iwata is a team that significantly changes its playing style depending on the flow of the match. They are good at both maintaining possession and combination play. They are also skilled at dropping their defensive block and launching counterattacks. On the other hand, when they want to score, they tend to use more direct play. I think they are a very dangerous team that drastically changes their playing style depending on the match situation. Therefore, they are a difficult opponent to face. However, our players have been able to recover well and in good shape. Also, since we have been able to perform well and achieve good results in home games this season, we want to have a good match tomorrow as well.
Q: I believe you have been associated with Coach Ito since his time in Kofu.
A, that's right. I have faced Coach Ito many times, so I am well aware of his characteristics. When he was managing Kofu, there were several matches where they scored in the final stages of the game. However, with Niigata, they also scored late goals to win matches. I think he is a good coach. I hope it will be a good match.
[Player Interview]
＜Shuto ABE＞
Q: You returned from your injury in a short period of time, but what were you focused on during this time?
A spent the time away working to recover from the injury as quickly as possible and return to the pitch.
Q: How is your condition?
A, there was sufficient rest during the rehabilitation period, so I believe the condition is well-prepared and I can approach the match in perfect shape.
Q: We won the Sapporo match with a large number of goals, but lost the Urawa match with a large number of goals conceded. I think there are extremes in winning and losing, but what factors contribute to this?
A. When the team is in good condition, multiple goals can be scored. In matches that do not go well, I think it is very important to think about how to avoid conceding multiple goals and improve in a positive direction while playing.
Q: You have faced Jubilo Iwata many times this season. What impression do you have of them?
Team A moves the ball starting from player Endo, sometimes using long passes. They also deliver crosses and have multiple patterns, making them unpleasant to face in a match.
Q: What plays must the team execute to achieve victory?
A, first of all, each player must not lose to the opponent in front of them. When the opponent uses long balls, I think the battle comes down to who can pick up the second ball that drops. I believe it is very important to bring the game to our own pace, so I want to play with a focus on winning the second ball.
Q: With the return of player Abe, I believe we can increase the time spent attacking as there will be more plays to win the ball in midfield and pick up second balls.
A, I want to make the most of my strengths and play in a way that contributes to the team. Having missed three matches and caused trouble for the team, I feel I must perform well in the match against Iwata. While showcasing my strengths, I also aim to score goals.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
A, since it is a home game, I believe many fans and supporters will come rushing to Ajinomoto Stadium. For their sake, I want to deliver 3 points as a gift, and since there will be a gap until the next match at Ajinomoto Stadium after the game against Iwata, I want to secure a victory firmly before heading into the next away game.
<Yuki KAJIURA>
Q: You made your J-League debut in the home game against Sapporo and started in the following match against Urawa. How do you reflect on these two matches?
Regarding the match against Sapporo, I felt that I was able to play my own game from the start. In the match against Urawa, one mistake disrupted my rhythm a bit and led to a goal against us. I believe that if I had been able to quickly correct and switch my mindset after the mistake, the result might have been different. I want to use this experience to improve moving forward.
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA always emphasizes giving opportunities to young players. Do you feel hopeful about this?
It's not just the young players who are valued; I believe that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA gives every player a chance. However, if you don't deliver results, you cannot continue to play in matches. I think this is quite normal in the professional world.
Q: What kind of play is the coach asking for?
A, it’s not just me, but inside half players are primarily required to have a high defensive intensity. I am good at anticipating defensively, so in matches I want to play with strong intensity and become a player who can show my own style.
Q: This week's opponent, Jubilo Iwata, is the team against which player Kajiura scored his first professional goal in an away game of the Levain Cup. Don't you think we can approach this match with a good mindset?
A, I was happy to have scored a goal, but that made the frustration of losing the match even greater. It was a game that made me keenly aware of the harshness of being a professional.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
When I stood on the Ajinomoto pitch during the match against Sapporo, I got goosebumps and felt that we absolutely could not lose. The team is certainly not in a good situation right now, but we will never hang our heads. We will stick to our current style, play matches that make everyone want to support us even more, and as a united team, we want to deliver victory.
The matchday program is here!
