Review of the previous match against Shonan>
In this match, New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Okada Kazuchika made a guest appearance. Titled "A Rain of Goals Falls at Ajinomoto!!" inspired by Okada's catchphrase, it was the "Tokyo Rainmaker" who scored the goals.
When Teruhito NAKAGAWA dribbles past the opponent and makes a pass, Kuryu MATSUKI enters the penalty area at the perfect timing to receive the ball and finish. Even if the net doesn't shake on the first attempt, NAKAGAWA, who made the pass, is right there in front of the goal, ensuring that the player who needs to score does so.
The opening goal in Tokyo was in an ideal form.
There were times when we struggled a bit during the build-up phase, but we utilized individual skills to break the deadlock in a closely contested match. Although we were once turned around in the second half, Matsuki became the catalyst for Henrique TREVISAN's equalizing goal from a set-piece opportunity.
Although they couldn't secure a win, this is a significant point and two goals for a team that has suffered two consecutive losses and no goals in official matches, changing a negative trend. Whether they can make the most of this point depends on tomorrow's match against Cerezo Osaka.
The "Rainmaker of Tokyo" will bring a rain of "goals" to Ajinomoto tomorrow.
Match Preview
In the last match, we drew 2-2 with Shonan Bellmare, but Hotaka NAKAMURA, Shuto ABE, and Ryoma WATANABE, who had been sidelined due to injuries, have all returned to the squad. The fact that they each created opportunities by utilizing their respective strengths is a positive sign for the future. Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who scored his second goal of the season, also said, "In the last few matches, the changes in the lineup caused some discrepancies in our play. With the return of injured players, we can now compete with sufficient strength. Each individual's quality is high, so we want to refine our combinations and pose a threat to our opponents," reflecting the team's positive outlook on their current situation.
This match will be against Cerezo Osaka at home. The focus is on the "friendship showdown" between Shinji KAGAWA, who has returned to his former club Cerezo Osaka after 12 and a half years this season, and Yuto NAGATOMO from Tokyo. Ahead of their matchup, the first since March 20, 2010, in the J-League, NAGATOMO stated, "I have received a lot of inspiration from Shinji and have grown because of it. I want to showcase that growth in front of him. However, Tokyo will win."
The long-supported rivalry of two figures in Japanese football will take place on the J stage. Both are determined to win, but of course, Tokyo will come out on top.
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: In the last match, the 4-2-3-1 formation worked well and improved the flow of the game. Will this system be used in future matches as well?
The difference between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 is very slight. There are minor differences in defensive tactics, but we intend to continue using them appropriately depending on the situation.
Q: In the last match against Shonan Bellmare, Shuto ABE was functioning in the attacking midfielder position.
A, I think it is related to the fact that his technical skills have leveled up. Until last season, Abe often showed scenes of winning the ball, but there were also moments when he lost it. However, now he shows calm play. When asked if he is a typical attacking midfielder, there are parts where he is not. In my opinion, a typical attacking midfielder is a player who touches the ball for a long time and plays between the lines for an extended period. Regarding Abe, I think he is the type of attacking midfielder who actively dives into spaces. His movements to break behind the opponent or into spaces also function as a weapon for the team. Considering the players' characteristics, breaking behind is effective. Also, if an attacking midfielder focuses too much on offense, the attacking and defensive positions tend to split into two groups. We do not want players to be separated on the pitch; we seek coordination, and to avoid division, the presence of a high-work-rate attacking midfielder like Abe is necessary.
Q: I think the members who have returned from injury have improved our teamwork. Did you feel a sense of connection during this week's practice?
<div>A. I think it will take a little more time for the players who had been sidelined to regain their match fitness. In the previous match against Shonan, Ryoma WATANABE, Abe, and Hotaka NAKAMURA returned, but these three players also need a bit more time. There are some other clubs with fewer injured players, but if we had been able to continue fighting with the same members as those clubs, our teamwork would have improved even more. The players who had been sidelined have returned at this timing. We expect them to regain their match fitness in good form. At the same time, the young players are also showing great energy. We naturally have high hopes for their growth as well.
Q: I think playing between the lines is also important to make the most of excellent wing players.
I believe there are broadly two types of wing players. One type is the speed-based wing who needs space. The other type is the wing who can break through situations even in tight spaces. I have the impression that the latter type of player has not existed in this club until now. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA and Ryoma WATANABE fit this type. To make the most of their strengths, we need to control the midfield well and extend the time we press the opponent. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA is a wing who can break through situations with changes of pace in tight areas, and the team is required to play in a way that brings out the best in players like him. The team is progressing step by step, but unfortunately, the growth speed has somewhat stagnated due to the long-term absence of midfield players from the frontline. In the soccer world, memory is recognized as something short-term. Many of you may only remember recent events, but we have been growing continuously since last season. I think there was a big difference compared to last season's matches, such as the opening game against Urawa Reds. Injuries are unavoidable. From here, we want to reset properly and promote further growth.
Q: Please tell us what will be brought about by the return of players Watanabe and Abe.
A, of course, their return is great news, but they also need time to regain their match sharpness. This is not about physical condition, but about ball touches and the ability to read the flow of the game on the official match pitch. I believe they are currently in that process.
Q: Have you ever had a match day coincide with your birthday in your past experiences?
A, it seems like it never happened, and it is probably the first time. Rather than my birthday, I want to celebrate my daughter who shares the same birthday. My daughter was born on the same day and in the same time zone as me.
Q: What kind of match do you expect in tomorrow's Cerezo Osaka game?
A, Cerezo Osaka has players with technique and attacking power. Especially when facing teams that defend by dropping back, that ability stands out remarkably. Against such opponents, we must effectively utilize our strengths. We want the midfield players to play with high intensity and a sense of speed in particular. If we do not approach the game with a strong awareness of attacking the opponent's goal, Cerezo Osaka's strengths will shine brightly, making the match situation difficult. We want to make good use of Tokyo's players' characteristics and express the points I mentioned earlier.
[Player Interview]
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: This weekend, you will be facing Shinji KAGAWA, who belongs to Cerezo Osaka. It will be your first match against him in the J-League in 13 years. How do you feel about it?
A, a recent memorable match against Kagawa was a friendly match held in the United States, when he belonged to Manchester United and Inter respectively. Personally, it feels almost like the first time playing on a J.League pitch. Kagawa and I were selected for the Japan national team around the same time, and we have a good relationship. Throughout this process, I have been greatly inspired and have grown thanks to Kagawa. I want to show that growth in front of him, and I want to win.
Q: What kind of presence is Kagawa for Nagatomo?
A, a close friend and comrade, someone who has shared both hardships and joys together.
Q: How many years has it been since we last met in person?
After the Qatar World Cup, I went to meet player Kagawa.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, The match against Shonan Bellmare in Sec. 7 ended in a 2-2 draw, but it seemed like a difficult game with many challenging moments. How do you reflect on it?
A, throughout both the first and second halves, Shonan was simply superior as a team in terms of doing what they wanted to do and preventing us from doing what we wanted. In that sense, we managed to catch up and somehow earn 1 point, but since it was a home game and we were aiming for 3 points, there is a feeling of regret.
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA mentioned after the match that there were issues with the build-up.
A, not only in the Shonan match but throughout this year, there have been difficulties with building up play from the back, and I feel responsible for that. While individual skills are certainly a factor, we also need to make adjustments in terms of team spacing, support, and positioning. Since build-up play relies more on the team's positioning than on individual efforts, I believe we have been able to make corrections in these areas during this week's training, and we have had discussions as well. I hope things will gradually improve.
Q: Indeed, in build-up play, the unity of awareness as a team is more important than individual skills.
For example, in the Levain Cup match against Gamba Osaka, I don't think our quality is low. Considering that teams like Gamba Osaka and Shonan are able to build up well, I believe it's important not only for individuals but also for the team to work well together.
Q: In that sense, could the impact of having many injuries in the early stages and not being able to fix the lineup be a factor?
A, I think there are quite a few, but that cannot be used as an excuse, and I believe we have a player roster strong enough to make up for it. Injured players have returned, which has been a positive, but I don't want to use that as an excuse.
Q: However, isn't it a positive aspect that young players are getting opportunities as substitutes for injured players?
A. The success of young players not only raises the overall level of the team but also represents the future of Tokyo's football. Their achievements serve as motivation for us, the more experienced veteran players. We believe it is also our role to create an environment where these young players can play freely and comfortably. We need to work on that aspect simultaneously as well.
Q: As for player Kimoto, he has started in every league match so far. As he enters his second season in Tokyo, has there been any change in his mindset?
A, I am more conscious of leading the team compared to last season. I believe I have been able to express myself by firmly raising my voice and leading the team, but I feel that I have not been able to show my strengths in terms of performance, and I think I am struggling a bit this season.
Q: What aspects do you want to further promote?
A, there is a role to firmly establish the rhythm in the build-up phase, but the inability to create rhythm from the back has shown in the results, and I feel that it has given momentum to the opponent. I also sense that we have allowed the opponent to feel "they can do it." In that sense, I think it will become tougher going forward unless we make plays and build-ups that trouble the opponent more.
Q: Cerezo Osaka, the opponent this round, is a former club where you spent 5 seasons. Do you have any special feelings when facing them?
Ah, that's right. It has been three years since I left Cerezo Osaka, but there is something special when we face them. I'm looking forward to it.
Q: You haven't lost at home this season yet. Please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
A, the fact that we haven't lost at home is definitely supported by the cheers and atmosphere created by our fans and supporters. Even in the previous match, despite difficult circumstances, we were able to catch up because of the home atmosphere. We hope to create a great atmosphere again for the Cerezo match and definitely deliver a victory, so we appreciate your support.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, please review the game against Shonan Bellmare in the last match after returning from injury.
A, I was able to play honestly and enjoyably. It has been a long time since I experienced a period of about a month when I couldn't do anything. I was able to play for 45 minutes feeling the gratitude and joy of being able to play soccer. Regarding the second goal conceded, the place where I lost the ball due to a minor mistake was unfortunate. I think it is necessary to thoroughly work on this from now on.
Q: In the previous match against Shonan, you played for 45 minutes shortly after your return.
A, I played for a longer time than originally planned. However, once on the pitch, I just have to give it my all, and if asked "Can you go?", the answer is yes. I stepped onto the pitch with determination.
Q: How did the team appear from the outside?
A. When the team is doing well, the ball moves around without much thought, goals are scored, and I believe we can win. However, I felt that our ability to make corrections when even one problem arises is still lacking. After my return, I once again realized that I need to think more and play football more thoughtfully.
Q: What aspects will you focus on in the upcoming match against Cerezo Osaka?
A, in the match against Shonan, I was aiming to score myself as well. There was a moment when that shot could have gone in. Even as a substitute, if I can thoroughly pursue my chances, I believe it will lead to goals. This season, I have set a goal to improve my scoring ability, so I will continue to work hard.
Q: What kind of play do you want to show as a team?
A, the players who had been absent have been returning one after another, so I think we can do more now. Of course, we must win. If we are particular about the small details such as communication during practice without compromise, I believe the results will follow.
Q: Is there a specific approach to change things for the better from here?
A, I believe the first thing I can do for myself is to demonstrate play that maintains proper distance and does not lose the ball. If I don't lose the ball easily, smooth play can be created, and I think opportunities will increase. Since Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA also demands that we play without losing the ball easily, I want to play with that awareness in mind.
Q: I don't think we were able to make the start we envisioned, but what will be important from here on?
A, I think it is important to demonstrate through goals and assists.
Q: In a situation where the number of goals and shots is stagnating, how do you want to help the team?
I think it is important to finish with a shot. Before tactics, there are many things we can do, and I want to thoroughly pursue the fundamental aspects of football.
