<Previous Match - Hokkaido Consadole SapporoMatch Review>
The result presented was extremely harsh. We were overwhelmed by Sapporo's momentum at the start and allowed them to score first, going into halftime at 0-3. In front of the many fans and supporters who rushed to the northern land, we cannot afford to give up. We cannot lower our arms, which are poised in a fighting stance.
"I will never give up, no matter the situation"
The eyes of the man sent onto the pitch at the start of the second half spoke of that.
From the start of the second half, we chased the ball with maximum effort, and even when the overall output of the team was not high, we pursued the ball from the front line, pressed back to chase the opponent's ball holder, and when we regained possession, we ran forward.
Immediately after the start of the second half, they conceded another goal, widening the gap to four points, but the man's eyes remained unchanged, like a hunter keenly aiming for the goal.
The goal that was born from that came in the 28th minute of the second half. With a lot of time spent on defense, Adailton launched a quick attack, ran a long distance to get in front of the goal, and pushed the cross ball to break through the Sapporo goal.
From here, the entire team's gear was raised, and Hunter had numerous chances, but they could not capitalize on those opportunities. However, after scoring one point, they immediately returned the ball to the center circle and, without showing any joy upon returning to their own half, were focused on 'first, the next point.' Hunter is the one entrusted with the upcoming counterattack from Tokyo.
Preview
After winning against Albirex Niigata at home in Sec. 10, the team suffered consecutive losses away against Avispa Fukuoka and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. Masato MORISHIGE expressed the current situation of the team, stating, "We are being half-hearted in both offense and defense." Regarding the match against Sapporo, where five goals were conceded, he mentioned, "If we want to achieve stable performance and results as a team, I feel that defensive adjustments are necessary," emphasizing the importance of improving defense as a critical issue.
This match welcomes Kawasaki Frontale to Japan National Stadium for the 41st "Tamagawa Classico." The rivals across the Tamagawa River have faced a series of injuries early in the season. Although they have struggled in previous matches, they have recently achieved three consecutive wins and are improving, with more instances of smoothly connecting passes in the opponent's territory. For Tokyo, this match will be a test of how much they can correct their defensive issues.
In direct confrontations in the league, Tokyo has suffered seven consecutive losses. However, the stage is the Japan National Stadium, where Tokyo boasts a 100 percent winning rate (after renovations). To change the current flow, Tokyo aims for victory as they take on this crucial match.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Please reflect on the previous match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and share your enthusiasm for the upcoming match against Kawasaki Frontale.
A, the match against Sapporo was a painful defeat for us. We have been encouraging the team during this week's training to regain confidence in our play. First, we need to direct the focus inward and, as a team still in the growth phase, we must give our all in the upcoming match to have a chance to win. To effectively cover the mistakes we made, having a fighting spirit and a strong commitment to victory is extremely important. We have communicated well with the players and have prepared thoroughly so far. We fully understand that Kawasaki is a tough opponent and a highly mature team. We have also prepared confidently for this match. I believe tomorrow will be a great game.
Q: Please tell us the role you expect from Keigo HIGASHI.
A, I want you to focus on each duel in both offense and defense and fight hard.
Q: Is there anything in particular that the coach emphasized this week?
A emphasized once again the importance of regaining confidence. Kawasaki has played with the same style for a long time, giving an impression of high maturity. We have also been preparing tactically to effectively neutralize their strengths, and during this week's training, we have been working on expressing our own style in the match.
Q: I believe there are many plays you want to express in both offense and defense, but I felt there were moments when it became half-hearted with too many things to focus on.
A emphasized the importance of always having the awareness to move towards the goal. It is not enough to just maintain possession of the ball; it is crucial to advance towards the opponent's goal and create decisive scoring opportunities. This season, there were matches where we created more than 10 decisive chances and others where we did not. We absolutely cannot allow unstable performances to continue in the future.
Q: Please tell us your impressions of the Tamagawa Classico as felt by the coach.
Last season, against a highly mature Kawasaki, although we played good matches in both games, the strong impression is that we lost at the final stage that leads to victory. To surpass Kawasaki, who has a strong mentality towards winning, I believe it is necessary to show even greater determination and a commitment to victory. Kawasaki has won many titles, and because of that, they are full of confidence. When facing them, I think it is important to be more focused and maintain a strong commitment to winning.
Q: Please tell us the significance of this match after two consecutive losses.
A, every match is important, and this league is very competitive. Each game is a tough battle, and it is necessary to accumulate as many points as possible from the matches ahead.
[Player Interview]
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: After the match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, player Morishige commented, "Both offense and defense are half-hearted." Does this indicate concerns about the team's unity of purpose and organization rather than the quality of individual plays?
A, it cannot be simply said either way. If the team's condition is good, individual performance improves, and if individuals perform well, the team's condition also improves. There are various factors, but I think the match turned out that way because what we needed to do was not clear and we played with hesitation.
Q: What kind of encouragement or awareness did you provide to your teammates to switch your mindset after consecutive losses?
A, of course, there were times when we couldn't do what we wanted to do, but even before that, there were fundamental aspects such as the desire to win, the fighting spirit, and fighting for the fans and supporters that we were lacking. So, we talked about regaining those things together once again. The tactics and soccer style are based on that foundation. First, we play with the important feelings necessary for playing soccer. That conveys to the viewers and becomes a threat to the opponents. We reaffirmed that part within the team.
Q: How is Morishige's condition now, considering he had limited playing opportunities at the beginning of the season due to injury?
A, there is no problem. I believe we are competing with good motivation and a good sense of tension. I want to reflect that not only in myself but also in the team's results, so especially at times like this, I want to firmly demonstrate my experience and what needs to be done for the team.
Q: I would like to ask about the Tamagawa Classico. You are currently on a 7-game losing streak (in league matches) against Kawasaki Frontale and have not been able to win. Are you aware of the poor compatibility?
A, you could say it was a matter of bad compatibility, or simply that Kawasaki was in good form. We respect the opponent, as they have been a team running as champions for a long time. However, what we need now is not to focus on Kawasaki, but to focus on showing our own spirit, so I think it would be good if we can express that.
Q: The Japan National Stadium is home for Tokyo, and many supporters gather there. How do you feel about holding events at the National?
I think many fans and supporters will come to see us at National Stadium, and it is an opportunity for us. Playing at National Stadium suits us well, so we want to approach it with confidence. Also, the pre-match performances and other exciting elements naturally boost our motivation. Having many supporters on our side is very encouraging.
Q: Finally, please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
A, we have been playing disappointing matches in the past few games, so we will prioritize the results above all. However, we also want to show plays that convey our feelings and make our fans and supporters feel satisfied and want to cheer for us. We will do our best to show that kind of attitude. Thank you for your support.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: This match of the round will be a special match for the 30th anniversary of the J League.
Facing the high-level Kawasaki Frontale in the Tamagawa Clasico at the Japan National Stadium, I am more focused and motivated than ever.
Q: In the many scenes that have unfolded in the Tamagawa Classico, are there any matches or moments that stand out to you, Yuto NAGATOMO?
A, I don't focus on just one match; I can vividly recall every game. It's difficult to pick out "this match," but each game throughout the season has become an unforgettable battle.
Q, What kind of stage is the Japan National Stadium for player Nagatomo?
As someone who came from high school soccer, it has been a sacred place and a dream stage since my high school days. It is a stage I have admired since I was a student, and no matter how many matches I play at the Japan National Stadium, that feeling never changes.
Q: How does player Nagatomo want to contribute to the team with his play on that dream stage?
A, I want to enter the match with a focus on competing and my own characteristic aggressive defense. I aim not to lose in one-on-one situations and to show plays that make the most of my strong points.
Q: As the team faces two consecutive losses, what do you think is necessary to break this bad streak in this match?
Of course, everyone is feeling regret. I believe this applies not only to the players and staff but also to the fans and supporters. Especially the players feel this regret strongly, and I think the only place they can express their feelings is on the pitch. In tomorrow's Tamagawa Clasico, we want to firmly show our pride on the pitch.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: What preparations have you made for the match against Kawasaki Frontale?
A, in the previous match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, we suffered a heavy defeat and held a meeting among the players. Although there were some difficult aspects such as the schedule, the players must express themselves on the pitch without making excuses. We reviewed what needs to be done once again and worked on it during this week's training.
Q, this is a highly anticipated match expected to attract many fans and supporters. What kind of game do you want it to be?
A, Having many people come to the stadium naturally boosts motivation, and as a player, it is a pleasure to be able to play in such a wonderful environment. Kawasaki Frontale is also gaining momentum, and we absolutely want to win against such an opponent. We want to win on this great stage and build momentum.
Q: What aspects have you particularly emphasized in your play?
A, I think the basics such as mindset, switching between offense and defense, and strength in one-on-one situations are important. We have talked among the players to raise our awareness once again and are approaching practice with that mindset. We have suffered consecutive losses, so the atmosphere was by no means good, and I believe we are going through a very tough period. That is precisely why we want to fight desperately against a strong opponent like Kawasaki and, by winning, shake off the nervous atmosphere.
Q, I think the Japan National Stadium is a stadium that has a good compatibility.
A, I want to skillfully use such superstitions to create an opportunity for the team to improve.
Q: What kind of play are you focusing on this match, Player Higashi?
As an individual, I want to show good play in front of about 50,000 spectators, an experience that is rare in my soccer career.
Q: Is there a consciousness to put forward a fighting spirit and encourage the team?
A, I believe that such feelings are conveyed within the team, and by watching Yuto NAGATOMO, I feel that the basics such as strength in one-on-one situations and switching between offense and defense are the most important. Yuto's passionate feelings naturally spread to me as well, and I am inspired by them. Whether in practice or matches, I want to become the one who conveys these feelings from now on.
Q: Do you feel that there was an atmosphere of not being able to create the same picture on the pitch, which led to the two consecutive losses?
A, I believe there are quite a few. The fact that we haven't been able to complete the same picture means that everyone in the media here today, who regularly watch football, probably feels the same way. This is one of the current challenges we face. While tactical aspects must be shared as a team, each player plays with various thoughts and ideas. I think players should communicate thoroughly among themselves, always make necessary choices, and play accordingly.
Q: It is expected that there will be many times when Kawasaki takes control of the game. Do you think the first goal will be the key to the match?
A, I think scoring the first goal is very important. We want to focus on how to effectively prevent the opponent's chances and how we can score ourselves. Even if we concede the first goal, it is not the end. Looking at the conceded goal scene in the Sapporo match, we had enough players in the defensive area. How we defend during tough periods, including the goalkeeper, will also be crucial.
