<Match Preview>
The last two away games ended in a 0-0 draw against G Osaka and a 1-2 loss to Kobe. Although the ball possession play style has taken root, failing to avoid the opponent's press can lead directly to danger. The content revealed challenges due to the advanced play style.
In the match against Kobe, we fell behind in the early battles for the ball and were down by two goals at halftime. Near the end of the match, Leandro scored a goal, but Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA reflected, "The reaction was too slow." Keigo HIGASHI stated, "We need to play with the same intensity again. We want to discuss among ourselves and raise our motivation even higher."
Kyoto, which will compete this round, is demonstrating its competitiveness under the leadership of CHO Kwi Jae, utilizing hard work as its weapon. If Tokyo's theme is its fighting spirit and strength in ball contests, then Kyoto is the perfect opponent. To advance to the top this season, we cannot afford to drop any more points.
The second match of the season at the "sacred place, National" is also a battle to demonstrate Tokyo's earnest attitude and commitment to competition on the pitch.
The match day program is here
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: There was an issue with the press not being applied in the match against Kobe, but has it been corrected in the past few days?
A, the message I conveyed to the players was to regain our strengths. We did not play poorly in the early stages of the match against Kobe. However, after conceding the first goal, there was a long period of inappropriate play, so we want to properly improve that and approach tomorrow's game with that in mind. Matches have wins and losses, and various factors influence that, so we cannot fully control it. However, I told the players that we must not lose sight of what we need to do and our strengths. We want to recover the parts we have somewhat lost and return to our original team form. I hope that tomorrow's match against Kyoto, in a wonderful setting, will be that opportunity.
Q: I believe the strength lies in high-intensity play. Kyoto is also a team with high intensity, but do you think surpassing that will be the key point in the match?
A, of course, one of our strengths is intensity. And we must approach tomorrow's match with the same level of intensity. While maintaining high intensity, we want to express our style and high-quality play.
Q: If we can maintain possession of the ball and regain our strength, does that mean we can become a strong team with good balance?
A, balance is indeed important. However, because balance has not yet been maintained, there have been unstable matches this season. There are increasing instances of focusing too much on maintaining possession and not moving toward the goal. Conversely, rushing toward the goal often results in losing possession, which is also a sign of poor balance. That is why we must take time to grow so that we can always maintain a good balance. The balance between aggressive defense, the awareness to move toward the goal, and maintaining possession.
Q: I think that gradually, after the summer, the team's foundation has been established, and we were able to play well in matches like the second half against Kashiwa and Yokohama FM. I felt we entered a phase where we could start realizing what we want to do. However, I also think that we faced challenges in the matches against Gamba and Kobe. Was that something you could have anticipated as part of the growth process, or was it a bit unexpected?
A, the 2022 season is a season of growth. I believe everyone can understand that there has been clear progress compared to the beginning of the season. However, the team is still in an unstable state. Even within a single match, there are periods of good play and periods that are not as good. This was originally expected for the first season, so it is within our assumptions. Some people might mistakenly think that once the team has grown, we can win every match, but soccer is not that simple. There are also those who fall into the extreme thinking that if we lose a match, everything is the worst. Of course, one of the attractions of soccer is the passion of the fans and supporters. However, as players and coaches, as professionals, we must approach this sport seriously and continue steadily in the direction we aim for. Naturally, the team still faces instability. But, keeping that in mind, we must focus on what needs to be done. First, I demand more from myself. I also demand more from the players.
Q: Tomorrow we will have a match at the Japan National Stadium. Last time we played, we talked about wanting to play here more often. What are your thoughts on playing at the National, considering the weather as well?
Regarding the National Stadium, what I mentioned before is that as a team representing Tokyo, I thought it would be better to play matches in the heart of Tokyo where the stadium is located. Of course, we are supported by the people in the area around Ajinomoto Stadium, and we are very grateful to them and the community, and we are satisfied.
We are in the world of professional sports. I believe that professional sports are a form of entertainment. Since we carry the name Tokyo, I personally think that playing matches in the heart of a major city is a more fitting place for professional sports and entertainment. Naturally, it is better for the stadium not to have an athletics track, but of course, I do not think the location can be changed in the short term. However, from a long-term perspective, I personally believe that the future of FC Tokyo should be in the center of Tokyo. That said, I think time and patience are necessary.
[Player Interview]
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: There was talk that the team has undoubtedly built up after the Gamba match, but I feel there are still fluctuations this season, like in the match against Kobe. As we enter the final stages of the league, what is the current state of the team?
As I mentioned after the match against Gamba, the entire team has definitely established a better foundation compared to the start of the season, and I believe we are certainly improving. However, football is a difficult sport; Kobe was highly motivated, and with the strong support from the home crowd, they played very aggressively. Conceding two goals in the first half made it a tough match. Still, I feel that the foundation of our football is steadily being built.
Q: With only a few matches left this season, what is important for us to consistently express what we want to do?
A, it is of course important to maintain possession of the ball, but I feel that if we cannot apply pressure from the front line and win the ball through aggressive defense, we cannot achieve advantageous possession in the opponent's territory. In the match against Kobe, even when we tried to press from a bit further up, there was no coordination, and because we couldn't press effectively there, the whole team gradually dropped back. Even when we win the ball, each player is exhausted, and the distance to the goal remains too far, which are challenges we need to address. We want to demonstrate our strengths in possession and attack while playing aggressive defense.
Q: This season, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has made growth a major theme and has been emphasizing the importance of building a foundation. On the other hand, I think he has not set specific goals. What aspects would you like to focus on for motivation in the remaining matches?
A, the motivation remains constant, so of course the possibility, including within the ACL zone, still remains. If we can firmly show the foundation we have built, I believe the results will naturally follow. It is not easy to bring out what we have accumulated, but that becomes a great motivation, so I want to approach it with a high level of awareness for the sake of our growth.
Q: Please share your thoughts on standing on the pitch at the Japan National Stadium last time and your enthusiasm for tomorrow.
A, the moment I saw the pitch, I was really impressed by how beautiful the grass was, as if a carpet had been laid out. Not only in appearance but also when actually playing, the turf was stable during the game, and I was left with the impression that it was very easy to play on. The atmosphere was, of course, also fantastic. As I have said many times, having experienced high school soccer, this is a dream stage for me, and I have always wanted to play at the National Stadium, so in that sense as well, I felt it was a wonderful stadium. In the previous match against Gamba, we played good soccer, and we believe that the fans and supporters who came enjoyed it. Tomorrow, before the match, there will also be 1,500 fireworks, and since something wonderful is prepared as entertainment, we want to make sure to enjoy it with our soccer and secure the victory.
Q: The club aims for the highest attendance, but how does playing in front of a large crowd and loud cheers motivate you, Nagatomo?
<div>A, if you look at my professional career so far, I think everyone knows that the more spectators there are, and the bigger the stage, the more I thrive under pressure. When even one more person comes to watch, it gives me a tremendous amount of energy. So, at a J.League match, and especially at my beloved FC Tokyo's home ground, where there might be over 50,000 people, it’s going to be an incredibly thrilling experience. I’m really looking forward to it.
Q: You have played on both sides this season; please tell us what you keep in mind for each side.
A, in his 15th professional year, is playing as a right side back for the first time this season. He is really enjoying playing as a right side back. What he has learned by playing on the right has allowed him to perform in ways he never did before when playing on the left, and he feels that this growth within himself has also improved his left-side play. Additionally, depending on the combination and the characteristics of the surrounding players, he changes his position, and the range of choices—whether to move inside or stay wide—based on the match content and situation has greatly expanded, making the games very enjoyable.
Q: Is there any particular difference in awareness between the right and left?
A, there is no difference in awareness. I don't really feel there is any significant difference. Depending on the players present and the situation at the time, my position might change, but other than that, I don't feel any discomfort within myself.
Q: What is the significance of the capital club FC Tokyo being able to play matches at the Japan National Stadium?
A, it is very gratifying not only for soccer players but for all athletes, and for FC Tokyo, the capital club, to be able to play at the Japan National Stadium, which represents Japan. Of course, playing there is important, but I want to perform wonderful soccer and show plays that captivate the fans and supporters in Tokyo, as well as the fans and supporters of the J.League and soccer in general.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: What is necessary to control the game against an opponent that applies high-intensity pressure like Kobe did in the previous match?
A, sometimes positioning alone cannot overcome that intensity, so individual adaptation and movements to shake off the opponent's marking become important. In the match against Kobe, there were actually moments when we couldn't advance, so if we can firmly position players between the opponents and add depth going forward, I think the team situation will return to how it was when we were performing well.
Q, I think it is also important for Matsuki to be the starting point for vertical passes and attacks from the front line.
As an inside half, I believe it is my role to switch between defense and attack. However, I think if I can create a bit more time on the ball, it will add more depth to our attack, so I want to actively work on that in the remaining matches.
Q: Tomorrow's opponent will be Kyoto. What kind of preparations will you make to face them?
As the home team, we hope to play our own soccer firmly without over-respecting the opponent or becoming complacent.
Q: The opponent is also in the relegation battle, and like Tokyo, they have 1 win and 1 draw in their last 3 matches. It is expected that they will play with a strong determination.
A, of course, I think we feel more pressure than usual, especially in pressing and mentally. We obviously can't win unless we have the mentality to overcome that. We haven't been doing well in recent matches, so we want to secure a solid win in this game to build momentum and continue winning the remaining matches.
Q: This time, there are many instances of wearing the third uniform and various events and performances. What impact does this have on the players?
A, last season we wore it in 3 away games, and this season I heard it will be for one game against Kyoto. We have the joy of playing while embodying the value and significance of the uniform even more ourselves. I think fans and supporters will also be able to watch soccer in a different way than usual, and we ourselves are really looking forward to playing soccer wearing that uniform.
Q: Once again, please share your enthusiasm for tomorrow's match and a message for the fans and supporters.
Since it's a home game, we want to secure a solid win and build good momentum for the remaining matches. As I always say, I want to approach it with even more determination than usual.
