[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Sanfrecce Hiroshima has been actively defending since the new coach took over, but how does Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA view Hiroshima's football?
A, I analyze it the same way. I feel there is a strong tendency to press actively by stepping forward rather than dropping back to defend in a defensive block. I expect that in tomorrow's match as well, they will come out aggressively to press from the front. I believe that one-on-one battles in key moments are important in every match, and we have been able to focus our training on that. The players have also prepared well and are able to concentrate on the match, so I hope for good play. To express it in tactical terms, it would be covering, but what is important is the awareness of supporting each other. We have a united group of players. In that sense, it is crucial for each individual to bring out their strengths and give their all both offensively and defensively.
Q, when you were the coach of Niigata, and in the few matches since coming to Tokyo, you have been using players like Watanabe, who have high technical skills as right backs. Does this mean that high technical skills are important for a full-back?
A, in the world of soccer, full-backs play an important role. When I was young, full-back was a position for less skilled players. However, in modern soccer, it has become a position with many tactical responsibilities. What is required from a full-back is not only technical skill but also a solid tactical understanding to participate in attacks from both the flanks and the center. In that sense, I am pleased with Watanabe's growth and very satisfied with his current performance. It is a crucial position for the style I aim for, and I expect further development. Not only Watanabe but also high-quality players like Nagatomo and Nakamura are part of the team. I trust all the players and am satisfied with their growth.
Q: There were injuries and expulsions among the midfield players in the match against C Osaka. Looking back, what are your thoughts on that?
A, I think the flow of the game until the sending off and before that can be divided into two major phases. Until the sending off, we firmly controlled the game and created multiple opportunities to score additional goals. Scoring those additional goals is an area for improvement. C Osaka's chances in the first half also came from mistakes in our build-up play. If we had avoided mistakes and capitalized on those chances, we could have managed the game calmly. However, the team is still in a growth phase. Although the sending off caused a significant change, ideally, we should have moved towards maintaining possession and controlling the game, but reacting in the opposite way is an area to improve. We have just started this new style. It is understandable that we couldn't respond appropriately after the sending off, and this is a point where the team wants to grow. On the other hand, the fact that the players played with a strong competitive spirit is commendable. It is also highly appreciated that the players clearly expressed their hunger for victory and success on the pitch. Although there are areas to improve in the last 30 minutes of the match against C Osaka, the mentality towards competition was excellently demonstrated.
Q: The positions of inside half players Abe and Matsuki changed between the Kawasaki and C Osaka matches. What was the intention behind this?
A, I like to have right-handed players play on the right side and left-handed players on the left side. However, in the match against Kawasaki, I reversed this. I expected Matsuki to take middle shots after winning the ball, and I thought he could make use of that, so I positioned him accordingly. However, I want the players to make their own decisions freely during the match. The two inside halves sometimes switch sides in more dynamic positions.
Q: There are times when we choose players with their weaker foot for the wings. Is it only the inside half that we want to play on their dominant foot side?
A, it changes depending on the situation and tactical factors. The way a player is used varies depending on whether they make runs into space or receive the ball at their feet to play. I acknowledge that the side they play on the pitch can change depending on the situation.
Q: This is a home game at Ajinomoto Stadium. Please share your enthusiasm.
A, I have been looking forward to meeting many fans and supporters at home. I would like to greet everyone. I recognize that this new project is starting to move forward together with all of you. And the team intends to give their all on the pitch. For that, support is necessary. The players' full effort will surely make the fans and supporters proud. I also believe professional football is a form of entertainment, so I hope the fans and supporters who come to watch will enjoy the high-quality entertainment expressed by the players.
Q: Leandro is injured, but are there players who will continue to be unable to sit on the bench for tomorrow's match due to the effects of COVID-19?
A, muscle injuries take time to recover from and are unfortunate. He had been training diligently and always showed play that pledged loyalty to the club, so I was satisfied with his performance. However, injuries are inevitable in both matches and practice. In a way, I think they are unavoidable. In any case, I hope he makes a good recovery soon. Once he returns, I believe he will contribute to the team.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, please review the game against Cerezo Osaka in the last round.
A, it was a match where we had both our good parts and the difficulties that arose after going down to ten players. One thing I can say is that we should have expressed our style throughout the match. After the game, I felt that this was a challenge for the team. Instead of easily giving up and just defending after going down to ten, I wanted us to continue expressing our style even in a numerical disadvantage. In that match, once we went down to ten, there was an atmosphere of not holding onto the ball from the start, so I wanted us to keep challenging ourselves to play the football we wanted.
Q: After participating in the Levain Cup matches against Fukuoka and C Osaka, don't you feel that the team's style has taken root more than you expected?
A, what we need to do is clear, so it's important to improve our level of completion. This is not a soccer where we focus on the opponent; rather, I feel that we are getting better day by day in terms of everyone being engaged. Additionally, as the opponent changes, our soccer style will also change, and I think there will be incidents like the one in the Cerezo match. I have a sense that if we accumulate experiences of how to handle situations like this, we will improve.
Q: Even if troubles or irregularities occur during the 90 minutes, it feels like you are able to handle them on the pitch.
A, I believe that is my role from the very back, to understand the team's situation during the match and to make adjustments within the game. I hope that the experienced players can take the lead and clarify things during the match.
Q: As for player Morishige, it has been a while since he was appointed captain. During the matches, do you feel any changes or differences compared to when you were captain before?
A, to be honest, what we are doing has not changed at all. However, if we are not sensitive to the changes in the team, the team can quickly go downhill, so I think we need to raise that somehow by being alert and ensuring that everyone is not satisfied with the current situation.
Q: It's the home game after three months. Fans and supporters have been eagerly waiting.
A, including the Levain Cup, we have played 3 matches so far, and I believe the fans and supporters watching expect a lot from us. In home games, I think we are required to deliver a match content and results that meet those expectations. I want to make sure we express that in our performance.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: The match against Cerezo Osaka was a team effort resulting in a shutout victory. What were the positive aspects of the defense that managed to hold strong despite the situation with a player being sent off?
A, regarding the first half, we were able to apply pressure from the front line, which allowed us to play defense that the opponent disliked. They only created one or two chances, and in terms of focusing on the outcome, I think we did a good job defending the goal and putting our bodies on the line.
Q: How do you feel about the first two matches since the opening?
A, as a team rather than as individuals, we have been able to show very good aspects of our tactics, such as ball movement, in these two matches, so I feel confident.
Q: I think the positioning of the defense in the box is good, but can it be improved further?
A, we practice positioning in defense, and as a team, we focus on boxing out to prevent opponents from entering the box. We strive to defend in a way that keeps the opponents out as much as possible, so I think we haven't given them many chances.
Q: In defense, I felt that the presence of Jakub SLOWIK was significant throughout the two matches. Considering the premise that he helps prevent shots, what is your awareness of defense, including the presence of SLOWIK?
A, I think you can feel that SLOWIK is a wonderful player by looking at his performance in these two matches. Both individually and as a team, when SLOWIK does not stand out in a good way, it means the defense is working well. He provides a sense of security by stopping shots from a certain distance, so we can defend boldly, and in that regard, he is a very reliable presence.
Q: If you can stop to some extent, do you think you can calculate your defensive stance as well?
A, first of all, we defend to prevent shots, but there are times when shots inevitably get through. In some areas, we can play with the mindset that it's okay to be shot at, which allows us to defend boldly.
Q: What are the achievements and challenges in the assembly process?
There are some mistakes in the assembly part, but it is important to play without fear. Using both short and long passes effectively to build up play is an area that has been improving through matches, so I believe we are gradually able to create build-ups that the opponents dislike.
Q: What impression did you have facing your former club, C Osaka?
A, this is the team where I started my professional career, and it is a club that helped me grow a lot over five years, so I was very grateful to be able to play a match against Cerezo Osaka, but above all, I was very happy to have won.
Q: Were there any aspects you were conscious of?
A, I played with some of the players together, and personally, there were parts where my emotions got involved. However, in terms of fighting for FC Tokyo's victory, although there were some feelings (thinking about my former team), I think the best thing was that I was able to focus on winning without letting those emotions get in the way.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the home opening match.
A, Due to the impact of COVID-19, it took a long time to play a match at home, but the team has come together as one. Having won the previous match, we are facing this game against Hiroshima, so we want to do our best to secure a solid victory at home as well.
Q: How is the atmosphere of the team right now?
A, the practice is very fulfilling, and we are able to switch between on and off modes. During the off times, everyone enjoys themselves together, so I think the atmosphere is good.
Q: Do you feel that the players have finally come together and that this is just the beginning?
A, I have finally recovered from COVID-19 and, despite the competition, I have been able to practice well. I think I am able to play the style of soccer I want throughout the matches, so in that sense, I feel very fulfilled.
Q: How do you feel about the offensive performance?
A, although we have only scored one goal, we have created many chances in these three matches, and I believe the short counterattack is one of our strengths. Whether through short counterattacks or maintaining possession, if we can create chances, we can become a team without weaknesses. Therefore, we want to continue improving the team without being satisfied.
Q: Do you feel that you have been able to play while holding the ball over several matches?
A, although it’s only been 3 matches, I think we have shown some really good aspects. We have been able to adjust our positioning while observing the opponent’s defensive setup and carry out our attacks accordingly. It’s not perfect yet, but being able to play as a team like this in just 3 matches is a good thing, and I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead.
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q: In the last match, we defeated C Osaka 1-0 with a goal from Konno, achieving our first victory of the season.
After the league opening match, the team had to suspend activities due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection, making it difficult to maintain good condition for the game. Even so, I believe the victory was the result of each player doing everything they could. Of course, I am happy to have scored a goal, but including enduring the tough times, I think the entire team earned these 3 points together.
Q: How has the response been so far regarding the possession football that new coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA aims for?
A, since the team has changed drastically from last season, there are still parts that have not fully settled in, but it is gradually improving, and playing is enjoyable. Especially in my position as a winger, I am required to take on one-on-one challenges, which I believe is a style that allows me to make the most of my strengths.
Q: Last season, Konno experienced a long-term absence of about 7 months due to injury. Doesn't that make his determination for this season even stronger?
A, it was my first time having such a serious injury, so I was worried about whether I could make a successful comeback, and I also felt frustrated not being able to play in matches. However, thanks to the trainer, my rehabilitation progressed smoothly, and now I am able to play in better condition than before the injury. I want to maintain this condition and perform even better to repay everyone who was worried about me.
Q: This match is the first home game of the 2022 season. Please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
A, first of all, we want to firmly show our style of soccer at home, the Tokyo soccer of this season. Personally, I scored a goal, so I can approach the match with confidence mentally. I want to play with a strong desire to achieve results, and above all, since it's a home game, winning is essential. We will prepare thoroughly and aim to deliver victory to everyone!
Official match day program is here!
