[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: It seemed that Coach Ryuis of Kobe was defending in a zone during the match against Kyoto. If the opponent does not press from the front again this time, the theme will be to break through a team that defends in a zone. What are your thoughts on this?
<div>A. Honestly, with the change of coach, we haven't been able to gather much information. We know him well. I think he excels at using the 4-4-2 system to defend compactly and then launch attacks from there. They defend by tightly closing down space and are also good at counterattacks. Of course, they do not forget to value possession of the ball. However, the dangerous factor for us is that the team is highly focused right after the coaching change. They also have high-quality players. Naturally, every team wants to win the upcoming match, but Kobe, who has struggled to earn points early in the season, surely wants to secure points at all costs. We are hungry for victory as well, but I think Kobe is equally, if not more, hungry. Each team grows along with their playing style, and we are in a growth phase with our playing style. We hope to see growth through this match as well.
Q: I think there was progress in terms of content in the match against Yokohama FM. I believe we will approach the next match with the desire to improve in that aspect, but what is your enthusiasm like for the match against Kobe?
A, the team showed growth even in the match against Yokohama FM. I think the signs of growth were more clearly visible in the first half. Yokohama FM's most dangerous attack is their counterattack, but maintaining possession is also one of their weapons. We managed to effectively neutralize that, and in the first half, I believe we were able to aim for counterattacks ourselves. The difference between Yokohama FM and Kawasaki is that when Kawasaki presses you, it is quite difficult to break free. On the other hand, even if Yokohama FM presses, there is a possibility to create chances after regaining possession. When playing against Kawasaki, if they surpass us in ball possession, the match becomes difficult. Against Yokohama FM, by deliberately conceding possession, we were able to regain the ball and transition into counterattacks as planned, and I think we played well in the first half. It would have been good to score additional goals in the first half, but things didn’t go smoothly, and unfortunately, at the start of the second half, due to a mistake, we conceded the second goal from one of Yokohama FM’s major weapons, their counterattack.
In any case, I believe the team has grown from the match against Yokohama FM, and I hope that the team continues to grow consistently as the season progresses. Both Kawasaki and Yokohama FM have been playing with the same playing style for multiple seasons. Naturally, their level of completion is high, and it is difficult to compete against a mature team. However, I am satisfied with the team's and players' performances. It has only been a few months since we started a new playing style, and I take pride in the fact that we were able to compete on equal terms with Kawasaki and Yokohama FM. The team's growth is evident not only in matches but also in daily practice. What we can do in practice does not immediately translate to matches. It takes time to be able to express it, so it is important to be patient. Once we can express ourselves, I believe we will be able to dominate matches regardless of the strength of our opponents.
Q: In the match against Yokohama FM, you intentionally allowed them to have the ball to aim for counterattacks, but that strategy did not work against Kawasaki. Please explain why that strategy is effective against Yokohama FM.
A, each team has a different playing style. For example, Kawasaki is characterized by maintaining a high ball possession rate to press the opponent and create chances. However, I don't think they are always playing positional football across the entire pitch. One of their major strengths is that when they lose the ball after pressing the opponent, they immediately recover it and continue the attack. Yokohama FM's characteristic, I believe, is an attack that leverages the speed of their wingers rather than ball possession. When there are wingers who use speed as a weapon, they need space. A typical play of this is the scene of our second conceded goal. They launched a counterattack with space opening up in front of the winger, which is Yokohama FM's most dangerous play, and we conceded a goal from there. On the other hand, while Yokohama FM's counterattack was dangerous, the match was one where creating chances through counterattacks against Yokohama FM was two sides of the same coin. A typical example was in the first half. Against an opponent good at counterattacks, we also created many chances from counterattacks. However, because we conceded the second goal at the start of the second half, we had to take the initiative and control the game. From there, Yokohama's counterattack began to function effectively, and the match developed with more chances created in the second half than in the first.
The match against Kawasaki had a different flow. They struggle when being pressed. In that sense, when we maintained the ball high up the pitch and pressed Kawasaki, we were able to create many chances. However, the game plan changes from match to match. I believe what determines the game are the players' appropriate judgments in each moment. Each team approaches the match with a clear game plan, but ultimately it comes down to whether the players can make the right decisions on the pitch and play according to the game plan. However, even if they can play with appropriate judgment, if they lack decisiveness at the crucial moments, they cannot win in this sport. A typical match of that is against Kyoto SANGA F.C. Since soccer is about competing for the number of goals, I think decisiveness in front of the goal is one of the important points. That is the reality of soccer.
Q: In April, due to consecutive matches, it was mentioned that you would like to actively use young players in the cup matches, but the last three matches are league matches. How do you consider player selection in this congested schedule?
A, we plan to rotate players in the cup competitions. First of all, I think it is impossible for the same players to play throughout this congested schedule. Our team has many high-quality players. We also have some wonderful young players. In that sense, we want to give young players opportunities to play in the cup competitions. Looking at the world, there are not many teams that can maintain high-quality performance while competing in two or three tournaments simultaneously. What I feel in Major League Soccer in the US and the J.League is that teams participating in tournaments like the AFC Champions League struggle with the congested schedule and find it difficult to maintain good performance throughout the season. Looking at Europe, including the UEFA Champions League, I think only about 10 to 15 clubs can consistently demonstrate high quality across multiple competitions.
Q: What have you emphasized in preparation for the match against Kobe, despite the short preparation period?
A, with limited time, we focused more on how to develop our play rather than how to adapt to the opposing team, and practiced using video. In modern football, it is important to hold analysis meetings using video. The time available for practice on the pitch is limited, especially with a congested schedule. Therefore, we spend time reviewing our areas for improvement and good plays through video, connecting them to the next match and embedding new concepts.
Q: I believe there are great players on the opposing team.
A, indeed one of the greatest players who have made their mark in the history of soccer is in Kobe.
Q: What are your memories of and thoughts about player Iniesta for coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA?
A, I believe he is a legend in the world of soccer. He is also one of the few players who have proven that it is not necessarily required to have a high level of physicality to succeed at the top level worldwide. He is a player who transformed soccer into a work of art. He has continued to perform so brilliantly that there is no need to explain how great a player he is. Furthermore, he has proven that it is possible to remain active at the top level in the world while maintaining a humble attitude. He is also a player who broke the mold of what a top-level player in the soccer world is supposed to be. And he is a great player loved by soccer fans all over the world. I have heard that he is also enjoying life in Japan. I am proud to be able to compete against him here in Japan. At some point, the time will come for him to retire as a player. When that time comes, I sincerely hope that he will return to FC Barcelona, which I love deeply and consider my hometown club.
[Player Interview]
＜Takuya AOKI＞
Q: It is expected that Iniesta will play in a position similar to a second striker for Kobe. What kind of image do you have for the defense to handle that?
A, there are aspects that you won't know until you get into the match. However, if a player gets close to the goal, they become a dangerous player, so I believe that someone must confront them. Rather than focusing on which opponent to target, we are more focused on doing what we want to do.
Q, I believe what we want to do is maintain possession of the ball, but as an anchor, how do you feel about that?
A, there are few special things I can do from my position, but I am always conscious of ensuring that the team can play smoothly.
Q: What areas are improving for the team as a whole?
A, whether in attack or defense, it feels like the whole team is increasingly connected. The key is probably the players' sense of distance from each other. Since we are playing positional football, we are not scattered; each player is able to be in a good position, allowing the entire team to play as if we are connected.
Q: What is the top priority that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is looking for in the anchor position?
A, it's about balance, I suppose. It's also about staying calm. I try to keep an eye on my surroundings and play in a way that avoids any gaps.
Q: I think the role is more complex compared to a double pivot, but hasn't the frequency of moving the surrounding players increased?
A, the inside half players move a lot, making it easier to play, and I play while considering what happens after those two go (forward). It's important to make judgments about seeing the space they leave or, conversely, following them as I move into the inside half.
<Shuto ABE>
Q: You have scored in two consecutive official matches, and it seems that you are becoming more composed in front of the goal.
A, I don't really feel that way myself. In the home match against Hiroshima, when Adailton scored a goal, there was a scene before that where I missed a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. After that match, I remember receiving advice from Takahagi, who said, 'In that situation, the keeper can't reach the near side, so it's good to aim for the near side.' In the match against Yokohama FM, a similar situation came up, so I think I was able to calmly aim for the near side.
Q: You remained calm and didn't celebrate much after the goal, didn't you?
In the match against Yokohama FM, the score was still tied, so I was calm thinking, "Let's stay composed from here on." In the Kobe match, I want to score a goal that can also unleash my emotions. On the goal side where Tokyo's fans and supporters are.
Q: The match against Yokohama FM was a game where we were overpowered in terms of strength, but I think we are gradually starting to show what we have been working on in practice. Do you feel that we are improving with each game?
There are scenes where things go well and scenes where they don't. Although the feeling of having achieved it is still limited, I believe that everyone has the will to express what the coach demands on the pitch. I want to strengthen that will and improve our play as well.
Q: Tomorrow's match against Kobe. There is Kento HASHIMOTO, a senior from the academy who plays the same position. What does Kento HASHIMOTO mean to Abe?
A, I still remember when I became a special designated player and played together during my senior year of university. He could steal the ball, distribute it, and also score goals, which made him my ideal defensive midfielder. At that time, he was also part of the Japan national team, and I thought that players who could achieve such results would advance to higher levels.
Q: I don't think you are very conscious of it, but do you have a feeling that you don't want to lose?
<div>A, I haven't been consciously thinking about that much, but when there are national team-level players, I get fired up and feel like "I'll do it." However, as a team, we absolutely want to win here. If we can dominate the midfield with players like Hashimoto and Iniesta, I believe it will naturally lead to the team's victory and also contribute to my own growth, so I want to play with a strong mindset.
Q: Abe's J1 debut was in the match against Kobe at Ajinomoto. Please tell us your thoughts on this match.
A, Kobe is a team with many wonderful players besides Hashimoto and Iniesta. However, among them, Iniesta is one of the world's most special players, so it is a great honor to be able to play with such a player. That said, they are still the opponent, so we want to take freedom away from Iniesta, seize control there, and win at Ajinomoto.
Q: Tomorrow's match will be held at 100% capacity. Please share a message for the fans and supporters.
<div>A, although it is a weekday match, I believe many fans and supporters will come rushing to Ajinomoto Stadium. For those fans and supporters, we must deliver a victory, and I think it is our responsibility to play in a way that makes people want to come watch FC Tokyo's games again. We want to win firmly and produce results. The more fans and supporters there are, the higher our motivation, so I am really looking forward to it myself. Please support us again tomorrow.
<Hirotaka MITA>
Q: You started the league with a decent record of 3 wins in the first 5 matches. How do you feel about the battles so far?
Under the guidance of Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, we are at the stage of trying to express a new style centered on positional play. At this point, we must not only seek results but also pursue the quality of play and improve the areas that are lacking. However, I feel that the direction the team is aiming for is a positive one for Tokyo.
Q: In Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's soccer philosophy of "loving the ball," player Mita has been utilized in various positions such as midfield and wing. What kind of role do you think is expected of him?
Basically, my role is to move the ball, create rhythm, and control the pace of the game. I don't mind playing in any position. With Tokyo's style this season, I am confident that I can play anywhere. I believe my strength lies in being able to naturally switch my play depending on the situation and position.
Q: What will you be mindful of as you approach the match against Kobe this round?
A, in order to improve the team's completeness, it is necessary to play matches now, so we must value each game and use it to foster growth. Kobe is a team with high-quality players. I believe this match will test our ability to play our own style of football even against such opponents.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the match with the fans and supporters.
A, I am excited to finally see Ajinomoto Stadium filled with fans and supporters now that the attendance restrictions have been lifted. I hope everyone enjoys watching Tokyo grow with each match this season, and I will also work hard to improve myself and contribute to the team. We will show you attractive football, so please cheer for us!
Official match day program is here!
