<Match Preview>
The J1 League will resume after a two-week break due to the activities of the Japan national team. Tokyo will face Sanfrecce Hiroshima in an away game. Hiroshima is currently in 6th place, and for 7th place Tokyo, which is 3 points behind, this is a direct confrontation against a closely ranked opponent. As the season enters its critical phase, a victory in this match against a rival in close standings holds significant importance for breaking into the upper ranks.
The first half of the match was the stage for Tokyo's first home game of the 2022 season. Hiroshima's coach Michael SKIBBE, who took charge this season, had only recently arrived in Japan and was in his second match. Despite the short time since he started coaching, SKIBBE's influence was clearly reflected in Hiroshima's performance.
At the start of the match, Tokyo struggled to build up play against Hiroshima, who applied intense pressure from the front. In the second half, Tokyo took the lead with a goal from Masato MORISHIGE from a set piece, and added another goal just one minute later. Although they faced a fierce attack from Hiroshima towards the end of the match, Tokyo managed to limit the counterattack to just one goal and secured the victory.
Compared to the first half of the season, the number of matches has increased, and Hiroshima's tactics should be more refined. On the other hand, Tokyo has also been advancing the penetration of a new style under coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA. Although there are fluctuations in form depending on the match, Tokyo has also evolved compared to the beginning of the season.
Especially in Tokyo, this match will be crucial for overcoming the inability to build up play against opponents who apply intense pressure from the front, often leading to being pushed back. We want to create numerical superiority by focusing on our positioning and evade Hiroshima's pressing net to approach the goal. Although injuries have made the situation difficult, we aim to secure 3 points with the full strength of Tokyo, including the newly joined players.
Additionally, as a team active in the atomic bombed area, Hiroshima will hold the match on July 30 as a "PEACE MATCH" to promote the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of world peace through soccer. Tokyo also agrees with the purpose of the "PEACE MATCH" and on the day before the match, Naohiro ISHIKAWA, the club communicator representing the club, will visit Hiroshima City. Together with Hiroshima team officials, he will lay flowers at the memorial for the victims of the atomic bomb and pay a courtesy visit to Mayor Kazumi Matsui.
Respect each other in the match and fight the "PEACE MATCH".
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: A new player has joined the team. How do you feel about this through practice?
We are pleased to welcome the three players to the team. They are already making efforts to properly adapt to the team. Moreover, they are wonderful individuals as people. We highly appreciate that they possess the high level of skills we expect. Of course, they still need to further adapt tactically to the team, which will take a little more time. In any case, we are very happy with the addition of these three players and are satisfied with their professionalism and their actions over the past week.
Q: I believe all three players have played football that is close to Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's philosophy in their previous teams.
First of all, Luiz PHELLYPE has a very high level of technique and is a player we expect to perform as a center forward. He is a player who provides the team with the finishing ability in front of the goal that we needed, and he also contributes in the play that connects the ball.
Regarding player Tsukagawa, his original characteristics might have been different, but after playing for a year and a half at Kawasaki, I believe he has fully acquired the playing style we expect. Also, his polyvalent abilities will be a great asset to the team.
Regarding player Kimura, he played for Yamagata this season and has a playing style that values ball possession. In that sense, it is easy to imagine that all three players have played in a style close to the one we aim for. Naturally, mid-season summer reinforcements are quite difficult for any team. This time, acquiring three players with the characteristics we expect is very wonderful news.
Q: In the last match against Hiroshima, we struggled with defense from the front line. What are the key points for this match?
A, I think Hiroshima is facing the same challenges as they approach tomorrow's match. The question is how to break through our high press. Indeed, regarding tomorrow's game, I believe it depends on how each team overcomes the opponent's high press. We are one of the teams applying the most high press in J1. We aim to maintain possession of the ball, but we are currently at a stage where we are still struggling a bit while continuing to grow.
Q: You had a two-week preparation period before the Hiroshima match. Where did you spend your time?
A, since the schedule had been very tight, we first prioritized the players' recovery from fatigue. Additionally, during the break period, we trained aiming for further tactical growth. Throughout this week, we continued to emphasize training so that the players can play with confidence and avoid losing the ball easily.
Q: As we enter the final third of the league matches, what are your goals and what do you want to focus on?
A, we want to place importance on ball possession. In the first third of this season, ball possession was not necessarily a top priority. If we focus too much on ball possession from the start, while our level of completion is low, the number of times we lose the ball increases, leading to conceding goals. Since there was a risk of not achieving good match results, we did not emphasize ball possession that much at the beginning. After all, to continue progressing in growth, confidence is necessary. For that, points are needed. However, this is not just about match results. People’s emotions are influenced by match outcomes, but I was not fixated solely on the results. Of course, I understand that match results are important, but I am not a coach who values only that.
Q: During the summer, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA mentioned that the team's phase has improved, but are you considering raising it one more phase in the last third?
A, I mentioned the other day that we have moved on to the next phase. However, since then, there have been player transfers. Also, several players have been injured. Because of the departure of such players, for example, Kashif BANGNAGANDE has been able to get playing time with the team, and this week, new players have joined as well. Because various things like this happen, it is never accurate to think that adding a specific player will directly lead to winning matches. Soccer is not that simple. One of my most important tasks is to promote the growth of the team. I recognize that the team is steadily growing, so I can calmly watch over the team. This is not something that depends solely on match results.
Q: Tsukakawa said he is versatile. How do you plan to utilize him?
First of all, regarding him, we are considering using him as a defensive midfielder. Playing as a lone defensive midfielder in Japan is very difficult, and it is also hard to find players for that role. Therefore, the idea of trying him in that position is in my mind. He is also at a good age of 28, and since we have high expectations, we want to try him in this challenging position first. Of course, there are other positional options, so we will keep those in mind as we consider how to utilize him.
[Player Interview]]
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: What preparations did the team make for the match against Hiroshima?
A, with the break since the Tosu match, my physical condition is good, and including the three new players, we were able to train in a good atmosphere over the past week. I believe we have prepared well for the league restart.
Q: How do you analyze Hiroshima?
A, we all agree that the team is developing a very good flow, and they apply a lot of pressure from the front line. If we can bypass them in the build-up, it will create opportunities, and I think that will be crucial. If I can take one opponent away from my position, I believe we can effectively use the space on the sides and behind to attack, so I want to be mindful of that.
Q: You have been getting more starts; how do you feel as you continue to play in matches?
A, while being given the chance to participate in matches, I want to bring out the play that the team demands and also showcase more of my own strengths.
Q: What kind of plays do you want to show?
A, my strength lies in offensive plays, but although I have been able to participate in matches, I have not yet been able to fully demonstrate it. I want to actively show it and contribute to the team's victory.
Q: How is the collaboration with the team?
A, we are improving with each match, and I feel we are able to play well even in practice.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm.
A, I think this will be an important match to see if we can move up to the top from here. The whole team will unite, and we definitely want to win against Hiroshima and share the victory.
