<Match Preview>
The first Levain Cup match of April will be the group stage Sec. 3, where we will face Gamba Osaka away. In the previous match against Kyoto Sanga F.C., we mixed players who had limited playing time with those who had been given opportunities. Naoki KUMATA scored his first professional goal, leading to a resounding 5-0 victory, and the home Ajinomoto Stadium was filled with excitement during the goal show.
In this rain-soaked match, Kuryu MATSUKI, who participated as a member of the U-20 Japan national team in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023, made an immediate starting appearance after returning to Japan and played a key role in the two goals scored in the first half. Additionally, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, making his first home game appearance, contributed to the team with assists while repeatedly moving up and down the left side. PEROTTI made his presence known by scoring the opening goal that energized the team and executing a skillful shot that went through the back of his standing foot in a difficult position.
Naoki KUMATA, who won the tournament's top scorer at the U-20 Asian Cup, came on in the second half. With a skillful header, he finally scored his long-awaited first professional goal, concluding this match filled with many goals and new hopes.
Tokyo and Gamba Osaka both faced tough results in their recent league matches away from home. In this short preparation period, how much can the team recover both physically and mentally? The results and achievements of this match, which is expected to feature a lineup centered around young players, will undoubtedly contribute to Tokyo's future in the upcoming league match against Shonan Bellmare this weekend. Heroes emerged in each position in the last match. We look forward to the emergence of new heroes in this match as well.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: In the Levain Cup match against Cerezo Osaka, we rotated the members, and in the match against SANGA S, we used some of the league members to compete. How will you approach tomorrow's match?
Regarding the Levain Cup Round 2 match against Kyoto Sanga F.C., we used a lineup similar to the league match, but included many young players on the bench. This time as well, we want to successfully blend veteran players with young players and compete. We especially see this as an opportunity to give chances to young players, so we want to continue doing that. We do not intend to change our approach while competing in the Levain Cup. However, when using young players, if the lineup consists too much of only young players, it can sometimes have a negative effect, so we want to maintain a good balance in selection. To perform well, a good blend is important. Also, if players perform well in the Levain Cup, we plan to use them in the league matches as well.
Q, PEROTTI and Naoki KUMATA both scored goals in the last match, so I think it’s a tough decision on which one to use.
A, of course, we welcome the happy dilemma. We want to continue giving opportunities to players who have performed well, including Kumada. We aim to give chances to young players, and if they play well, we plan to use them in league matches as well.
Q, with many young players being utilized, isn't it difficult to assemble the squad for this week's match against Gamba Osaka?
A, we currently have many injured players. In certain positions, there are no substitute players available. However, at the same time, there are young players we want to give opportunities to, as well as players who need longer playing time. We are considering player deployment that balances these factors well. I believe balance will become very important.
Q: There are differences between league matches and cup matches, but in the previous match against Sagan Tosu, there were moments when we couldn't break through in front of the opponent's goal.
A, since the opening match against Urawa, we have been facing issues with the depth of our midfield players. We have not been able to play with the same lineup for two consecutive matches. Of course, we understand that winning and losing is the most important thing. In the previous match, we started Terayama. We gave a young player a chance, but there were moments when his legs stopped moving from the middle of the first half. We deployed Nagatomo and Tokumoto as fullbacks. While there were good plays, they did not have the attacking qualities like Nakamura or Yoshifu. Watanabe is a unique player who moves from the side to the center with a distinctive style. Abe is a player skilled at making forward runs from the inside half position. Aoki has been out of action for over eight months.In such team circumstances, SLOWIK made a mistake that he normally would not make. However, as professionals and as part of our job, we must accept such situations and move forward. Ending the Tosu match in that manner was a blow to me as well. It was a very unbelievable development.
However, it became an opportunity to clearly define our ideas once again. I reaffirmed that taking charge in Tokyo is to change the team's playing style, give chances to young players, and promote generational change. We have been making gradual changes so that fans and supporters can calmly watch over the team. We intend to continue this approach and push forward with what needs to be done. Rather than focusing on the current situation, we want to prioritize what the team can leave behind in the future and approach our daily work with that mindset. We will continue to hold onto that idea and adapt to the players we select for each match. Some may find this difficult to understand, but we must utilize the strengths of the players available and approach each game accordingly.In the recent match against Tosu, there were several chances in the first half. There may have been comments about building up play from deep in our own half with an 80% success rate, but since the game did not develop that way, it was not a topic of discussion. Many people tend to focus solely on the match result. Similarly, in the Tosu match, despite some players being inexperienced with building up from a low position, they performed well. However, many players who have dropped out of the frontline are in midfield positions, resulting in a thin squad. Tsukagawa is a player who can demonstrate his strengths in positions other than midfield, and Terayama is still a young player. Koizumi did all he could given the team circumstances. The only midfielder on the bench who could be brought on as an option during the match was Aoki. In such a limited situation, as realists, we will fight for victory together with the existing players.
However, there were also positive aspects. For example, the build-up play from a low position has improved, and it is good news that Tokumoto, who played as a left-back, performed well. The 18-year-old Tawaramizuki is showing better performances with each match, and Kumada is also gaining playing time and progressing in a positive direction. I make it a point to focus on such positive aspects, as I believe they are connected to the future of this club. I believe without a doubt that this will lead to great success, and I want to continue on that path while working towards the future of this club. Once again, I hope to see more young players play in the Levain Cup. However, for young players to perform well, the support of veteran players is necessary.
Q: We saw players returning from injury in today's practice. How did the coach view the returning players?
Regarding player Watanabe, the focus is on improving his condition and restoring his physical fitness. Player Aoki needs to both improve his physical condition and regain his ball touch skills. Players Nakamura and Abe are in the final phase of their recovery. I believe they will regain the precision of their ball touch as they accumulate official match experience. As for Matsuki and Higashi, since their injuries are not muscle-related, there are no issues at all. Player Yoshifu is making every effort to return as soon as possible. If all players can participate and we can field younger players on average, and continue to build consistency in our matches, I believe this will lead to the team's maturation. Currently, many negative factors are overlapping. However, it is precisely because of these difficult circumstances that players like Tawara Tsukida and Kumada have been given opportunities, which has contributed to their growth. Player Nishido is also progressing well, and the same goes for Arai and Nozawa. Player Terayama is beginning to mature as a professional player through increased playing time. If these difficult situations are leading to the growth of young players, then I think we can view this situation positively.
[Player Interview]
＜Seiji KIMURA＞
Q: What kind of play will you show in this match?
A. Not losing in physical strength and speed. Furthermore, I want to skillfully participate in the attack through build-up play.
Q: Have you gained more options in your play after experiencing a three-back formation with the U-20 Japan national team?
A, there were many scenes where he played in deep positions, such as carrying the ball forward and making inner overlaps. Although it can't be said that his range of skills has significantly increased, I think the good point was that he was able to express plays that he had hardly experienced since turning professional.
Q: In the match against Sagan Tosu, there were moments when the team struggled to advance the ball, but there were also instances where a skip pass created opportunities.
A, the coach originally wants to play a style of football that builds from the back, so I want to communicate while being mindful of the distance and play accordingly. I am not particularly focused on providing an assist with a single pass from the defensive line. I want to challenge myself so that the players up front can play comfortably, and the players at the back can smoothly circulate the ball without slowing down, allowing us to advance forward.
Q: It is important for player Kimura to play calmly for 90 minutes, isn't it?
A, ideally, I believe the best situation is when the center backs have no standout moments. I want to fulfill my role as a center back, focusing mainly on risk management during attacks. Regarding offense, I trust the forward players and want to be involved in attacks through set pieces and such. If I can score in those situations, I think it will help lead the team in a positive direction, so I want to play without pressure.
Q: If we can perform well in the Levain Cup, I believe we can also see opportunities to participate in the league matches.
A, of course, I think it's possible. There were many matches in the league where we couldn't secure a victory, so if we can achieve a good result in this week's Levain Cup, I believe the chances to play in matches will increase. In Sec. 1 against Cerezo Osaka, I was able to show good individual play, but the team couldn't win, and I didn't get opportunities to play in the following matches. As a defensive player, leading the team to victory without conceding goals is absolutely necessary to get playing time in future matches.
Q: It seems that there are few instances of building up from the center-back position.
A. After the players in the last line receive the ball from the goalkeeper, it is important to recognize when there is no space and to close down the distance. There are times when the team's build-up does not go well, but we want the players on the pitch to make adjustments effectively. Nothing goes perfectly from the start, but if we can successfully circulate the ball throughout the 90 minutes, I believe we can demonstrate the team's shape.
Q: What kind of play do you want to show in the Levain Cup, which is mainly composed of young players?
A, I think it is important to play greedily and take on challenges. Experienced players will cover for us, and our willingness to challenge will be inspiring, helping the team become even better. For young players, it is crucial to seize opportunities, so I want to focus on taking on challenges with a positive mindset.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Gamba Osaka, the team we will be facing tomorrow.
A, they give the impression of carefully connecting passes from the back. If we can skillfully capitalize on simple mistakes that occur when connecting passes, I think the chances to score will increase. Since we have players with high technical skills at their feet, there will be times when the opponent controls the game. However, I believe we can defend well, especially with the members of the back line, so we want to endure the tough moments firmly and seize our chances. If we can win, the young players will gain confidence that they can compete in the league matches, so we aim for victory.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: This round is the Levain Cup, but what kind of match do you want it to be?
A, the previous match against Sagan Tosu was not a very good performance. First, we want to fight for the team's victory in the Levain Cup.
Q: I want to shape it well so that it connects to the next league match.
A, that's right. The young members, including myself, will do our best to perform well and connect that to success in the league matches.
Q, in the Levain Cup, I believe that Matsuki's extensive experience and leadership are needed as young players take the lead.
A, showing leadership is important, but above all, I want to focus on achieving results.
Q: There were some issues in the transition from midfield to the front in the match against Tosu. In terms of carrying the ball and connecting plays, what kind of play is Matsuki focusing on?
A, I focus on plays that directly lead to goals, but the connecting part before that did not go well in the Tosu match. I want to become a player who can fulfill the role of a connector and game maker, and by being part of the lineup, I aim to enhance the team's attack even more.
Q: I think you played as an attacking midfielder for the U-20 Japan national team. It seems that your experience in that position is coming into play.
In the national team activities, I was allowed to play in positions close to the goal. I gained valuable experience personally by playing in positions where I could receive the ball and see the entire field.
Q: I think Gamba Osaka is a team that connects the ball well. If the high press works, do you think it will lead to scoring opportunities?
A, I think Gamba Osaka is a team that makes many passes connecting through the center. In that context, winning the ball in the center and using short counters as a weapon to score goals, while also playing with consideration for goal difference through high scoring, as in the previous match, since this is the group stage.
Q: I think tall players, including PEROTTI and Kumada, will be a threat in set plays.
If players with unique characteristics participate, I believe there will be scenes where simple plays, such as crosses from the sides, can lead to victory. I also think simple play is important, so I want to firmly control the game centered on myself.
Q: Do you want to bring a tailwind and momentum to the team again?
We aim to achieve solid results in the Levain Cup, and with the weekend match against Shonan Bellmare, which was a tough game last season, approaching, we want to pursue good results that will also connect to the league matches.
Q: As mentioned earlier, what do you think are the reasons for the difficulties in build-up play?
A, I think it is when a player becomes isolated and the sense of distance becomes too far. However, I believe this is something that can be resolved individually, and the passing dynamics change depending on one person's sense of distance. I want to play while adjusting myself on the pitch.
Q: Do you feel that your field of vision has expanded compared to last season, Matsuki?
A, the visible aspects are completely different from last season. Since this is something acquired through a lot of experience, I want to compete in the Levain Cup to make it even better.
Q: Does this mean that you are becoming able to make corrections individually in a positive way?
A, I believe that things that can be resolved individually will also be a plus for the team. To further enhance the team's strength, it is important to improve individual abilities, so I will aim to achieve solid results in this Levain Cup to level up even more.
