Due to production scheduling, the MATCH PREVIEW & INTERVIEW for the Avispa Fukuoka match on May 3 (Wednesday, holiday) and the Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo match on May 6 (Saturday) will be on break.
The next Mecha Koma will be the MATCH PREVIEW & INTERVIEW for the Kawasaki Frontale match on May 12 (Fri).
<Previous Match - Albirex NiigataMatch Review>
"We do not intend to build the same style as Albirex Niigata," said coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA. Based on the characteristics of the players on the roster, the way of fighting that maximizes the players' strengths is the 'Tokyo style' that coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is trying to instill.
It was a match where the differences were clearly evident. Niigata consistently connected passes, showing a determination to push forward with short passes as their base. On the other hand, Tokyo did not back down, applying thorough pressure on the ball side, and once they recovered the ball, they utilized long balls without hesitation if there was space. When it was time to calm down and slowly build their attack, they maintained possession while fending off Niigata's press and pushing the opponent back.
Both goals scored were impressive and spectacular, but it was also evident that Tokyo was trying to advance the game with many options.
The first goal was scored by quickly moving the ball forward after winning it in our own half during a counterattack, with Teruhito NAKAGAWA delivering a beautiful shot before the opponent's formation could settle. The second goal came from exploiting space on the side with a series of short passes, utilizing Shuto ABE who found the space, pushing the opponent back to the goal. Although Diego OLIVEIRA had a powerful strike, there was a shared understanding within the team on how to handle the ball, making the flow leading to the shot very smooth.
As the second half began, Tokyo's attacking posture and diversity became more pronounced, creating more chances than the opponent while maintaining a one-goal lead, achieving their first consecutive league victories of the season.
<Preview>
Last season, at the same timing, during a series of matches in the long holiday, we faced off on May 3rd, and although Kuryu MATSUKI scored his first professional goal, the result was a loss with a score of 1-5.
Since then, we have drawn in home games, so it should not necessarily mean that the team has a negative mindset or image. However, we have also faced each other in the Levain Cup, and since we have two losses in two matches in Fukuoka, we hope for a match that can dispel that impression.
Tokyo and Avispa Fukuoka are currently tied with 15 points, with Tokyo slightly ahead in 6th place due to a goal difference of +2. Matches against opponents with close point differences are said to be worth 6 points. This match is truly a '6-point match' where we want to secure a lead in points or be left behind, and we must win to distance ourselves from our rivals.
With large center forwards like Wellington and Lukian, the versatile Yuya YAMAGISHI moves around them like a satellite, creating depth in the front line. Most importantly, Kazuya KONNO, who was with Tokyo until last season, is now part of the team. In Fukuoka's solid defense and quick counterattack style, KONNO's dribbling serves as a switch for the attack.
Last season, in the match against Fukuoka held at Ajinomoto Stadium, player Kono scored a stunning volley. We definitely want to avoid the opposite scenario. However, since we know the characteristics of the team Tokyo and its individual players, they are undoubtedly a challenging opponent. We want to control the game at our own pace by shutting down the players who work near the goal and the former teammates who can create decisive plays leading to goals.
In the match against Albirex Niigata, the team maintained a common understanding while alternating between quick and slow attacks to gradually take control of the pace, creating opportunities to push the opponent back in the second half. In this match, while taking care of the opponent's powerful attacks, we want to create pathways to the goal by committing more players when we go on the offensive, adjusting the tempo of our attacks according to the situation.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: It seems that the team has struggled in away matches against clubs from Kyushu even before Coach Albert's appointment. What kind of match do you want to have in this week's game against Avispa Fukuoka?
A, we do not place much importance on past match results. However, there is no doubt that Fukuoka has a very solid defense and will be a tough opponent. Naturally, since it will be a home game for Fukuoka, their defensive intensity is expected to increase even more, making it a challenging match. As you can see from Fukuoka's matches this season, I believe it is very difficult for any team to secure a victory against Fukuoka.
Q: How will you break through Fukuoka, who shows strong defense against the team holding the ball?
A, once again, I think Fukuoka's strength lies in their solid defense and counterattacks, which are dangerous for us. For them, it will be a home game, and tomorrow's match will undoubtedly be a tough one. On the other hand, we are also in good condition. In the closely contested J1 League, the details greatly affect the match outcome. For example, which team scores the first goal, or how a small mistake can drastically change the flow of the game. I trust the team, and although it is an away game, we will of course fight aiming for victory.
Q: Regarding the last match against Albirex Niigata, please provide your evaluation of the play in terms of intensity and speed from the coach's perspective.
A, I am satisfied with the current pace of play, and based on that, I developed the game plan for the Niigata match. I recognize that we created nine chances in the Niigata game. Niigata has been playing in their current style for four seasons, and when facing such a club, I anticipated it would be very difficult to win the ball and surpass them in possession rate. The reason we want to maintain possession is to create decisive chances. Not only through counterattacks, but also by controlling the ball and having players make dynamic runs into the penalty area. I think Niigata started the match well, but by exploiting the space created when both fullbacks positioned themselves high, we were able to score the opening goal.
The ball possession rate in this match was about 40 percent, but we were able to express ourselves well in creating many decisive chances that we expect. If we had scored the third goal, Niigata would have played even more aggressively. By doing so, I believe the result could have easily been 4-1 or 5-1. The important thing is to play wisely and effectively while grasping the flow of the game. I think it was an exciting game for all the soccer fans who watched the match against Niigata.
Q: Please tell us the key points to win against Fukuoka.
A, we must firmly withstand high-intensity defense and eliminate mistakes in our defense. It is also important to utilize our strengths according to the situation, such as maintaining possession, quickly switching between offense and defense, and aiming for counterattacks. In each situation, choosing the appropriate solution is crucial.
Q: If Shuto ABE participates in the Fukuoka match, he will achieve a total of 100 matches in the J1 League, and Teruhito NAKAGAWA will achieve a total of 150 matches in the J1 League.
A, I am very satisfied with Abe's growth and performance. Having come from FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi and FC Tokyo U-18, I hope he will continue to play a central role in this club for a long time. With various expectations in mind, he has been appointed as one of the 3rd captains this season. We look forward to his further development. Also, it was big news for us that the experienced and high-quality Nakagawa joined Tokyo. We expect the young players to learn a lot from him, a true professional. We sincerely wish both players continued success.
[Player Interview]
<Shuto ABE>
Q: You will achieve a total of 100 matches in the J1 League by participating in the Avispa Fukuoka match. Please share your current feelings.
A, On one hand, it felt like the 100 matches milestone was reached in no time, but on the other hand, it still feels like only 100 matches. There are many players in Tokyo who have achieved 300 or 400 matches, so I want to work hard to get closer to those players even a little. If I play, I think the match against Fukuoka will be a kind of milestone, so I want to aim for goals and victory.
Q: Kazuya KONNO, who joined Fukuoka at the same time as in Tokyo, is on the team.
A, it feels strange to compete against players I played with for the past three seasons, and they are tough opponents. Because of that, I also know many of their tendencies. I want to focus on plays and defense that Konno dislikes.
Q: What kind of play do you focus on in an attacking position against a solid defense?
A, I want to skillfully target the space that becomes the opponent's pocket. I will always be conscious of this and aim to break down the opponent's formation.
Q: Do you think playing in the opponent's deep area will be a key point?
A, that's right. If the opponent falls back, I believe that will create more space. I want to actively aim for that.
Q: Are there any matches that left an impression on you?
A, it was my first appearance as a special designated player in 2019 against Vissel Kobe. I remember playing at Ajinomoto and having the chance to compete against Iniesta from Kobe, which left a strong impression on me.
Q: We will have consecutive matches from here, how will you fight?
A, I am the type of player whose condition improves as I play more matches, so I think my sharpness will be better in the Fukuoka match compared to the previous game.
Q: Do you have an image of the playmaker role that player Abe envisions?
A, I myself have a very strong desire to score goals. I believe that the attacking midfielder position offers many opportunities to create chances. I always have the intention not only to score but also to increase the number of passes and movements that lead to goals.
Q: Including player Abe, there is an impression that Tokyo has a wealth of players with high physical activity.
A, the midfield is filled with players who have high stamina and can play at a high intensity for the full 90 minutes. I believe this style of play has contributed to our consecutive wins in the league matches. We want to continue playing with this high intensity going forward.
