[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Although the members are different from the last Levain Cup, I think Iwata's attack was quite powerful. By solidly focusing on defense, wouldn't it be possible to come up with a strategy?
A, from watching Iwata's matches over the past few years, I analyze that they have a stronger defensive tendency. They defend with more players behind the ball and use counterattacks as a major weapon. Set pieces are also dangerous, and they are good at attacking from the sides. Additionally, they have several high-quality players. They tend to proceed cautiously in matches, but when they concede goals and are losing, or when they need a win, they tend to boldly switch to a more attacking style using more direct play to change the flow of the game and aim for victory.
However, what is more important to me than the opponent is ourselves. At this stage of the team's growth, we have moved to the next phase, where the team is increasingly able to retain possession of the ball and control the game with it. In this growth process as we move to the next phase, various issues may arise. We accumulated points at the beginning of the season. Not being able to do that is also a possible development in the growth process. I believe that was the case in the match against Tosu.
For example, in the away match against Kyoto at the beginning of the season, we achieved victory, but I don't think the quality of our play was good. We may be evaluated positively because we earned 3 points, but the match content and the result were not necessarily linked. There are often times when the parts of the team that are growing in the current process of development are not properly reflected in the match results. In training, the players have been expressing better play. They are gradually becoming able to apply that play successfully in official matches.
Q: Although we lost to Iwata in the away game of the Levain Cup, I think there were parts where our combination was good.
A, the team is gradually developing good combinations in the matches against Iwata and Tosu. However, this has not necessarily been reflected in the match results. Although we played well, we lost those two games. On the other hand, in the matches against Kyoto and Hiroshima, we did not necessarily play well, but we secured victories. I believe that experiencing the struggles of growth now is a valuable process for achieving significant growth and continued success in the future. My role is to nurture this club so that it can continue to win more matches in the future.
Q: Is it because you have a good image that you are thinking of letting those players participate in the match?
We prioritize my own feeling from the recent few days of practice over the sensation from the match against Iwata when selecting players.
Q: Is the team able to make detailed adjustments?
A, until now Tokyo was not accustomed to pressing the opponent and continuously attacking into tight spaces. They were required to play faster in more open spaces and quickly move towards the goal.
Just like in the match against Tosu, the periods where we can control the game and push the opponent back are increasing as I expected. The fluid attacks and well-timed assaults when we push the opponent back are exactly what we are training for, and at the same time, because we are pushing, it becomes important to train our defense to prepare for the opponent's counterattacks the moment we lose possession.
Q: I think the key is how to connect the longer possession of the ball to scoring goals. What is the most emphasized point for the players right now?
A, we emphasize playing with composure. I believe that in the recent matches, the team as a whole has been able to build up play more calmly than at the start of the season when in possession of the ball. This composure is also required to be expressed even better in front of the goal. It is necessary to continue training diligently and take the time to develop this.
Q: What do you feel is lacking right now, skills or judgment? Which one would you like to develop more?
A, of course I want to improve both, but I think the technical aspect is still lacking. Since there will be many plays in tight spaces, the players are used to fast attacks in open spaces, and of course, we must utilize that as our strength. We don't need to lose that; on the contrary, we must continue to make the most of it. I believe it is important to adapt to every situation without fixating on one thing and make the best choice each time.
Q: It is said that players should take on more challenges, but is it also important to have an attitude of taking on challenges?
A, that is exactly right. However, it is precisely when pressing forward that it is required to take risks with well-timed plays. When done well, even if the ball is lost, it is possible to quickly regain possession.
Q: Is creating the shape of a goal through repetitive practice or improvisation?
A, to effectively utilize imagination, it is important to gain composure. I believe confidence makes that possible. In that sense, not only the football aspect but also the mental part, training to play with confidence is conducted in daily practice.
Q: The concept of 'pausa' (meaning 'pause' or 'break' in Japanese) has recently begun to take hold in Japan. How many players in Tokyo are able to practice this?
A, first of all, I think it is something that everyone must have. However, as a characteristic of the players, for example, Shuto ABE struggles to have pausa. Based on their own playing styles, I think Leandro and Yojiro TAKAHAGI have pausa. However, Shuto ABE contributes greatly to the team in terms of winning the ball more than the two who have pausa. On the other hand, the two do not contribute as much in that aspect as Shuto ABE. In that sense, it is important for the whole team to maintain a good balance.
[Player Interview]
＜Adailton＞
Q: You will be facing your former team, Jubilo Iwata, for the first time. How do you feel about the upcoming match?
A, since it is an away game against my former team, I am really excited and emotionally invested. I am looking forward to seeing the players I fought alongside before, but I want to prepare well and achieve good results.
Q: Do you have any memories of Yamaha Stadium? Don't you have the desire to score a goal as well?
I spent five years at A, so I have many good memories. Although this is not our home game, I think we can approach the match with a positive mindset, play well, and earn 3 points to return to Tokyo.
Q: What is necessary to change the team's bad momentum?
A, we haven't seen results yet, but our feelings have not changed. I believe that if we can achieve results, the team's atmosphere will improve even more, and we want to fight together to reach a higher position.
Q: I think you were involved in chances during the match against Tosu, such as taking a shot that hit the post. How is your performance level?
There were also moments when the ball hit the goalpost and did not go in, and conversely, in the match against Gamba Osaka, the ball hit the opponent and resulted in a goal. So, of course, luck plays a part, but I believe that the process leading up to the goal is important, not just luck. My condition is good, and I think I just have to keep going continuously.
Q, what do you think is required from Adailton for the new soccer style to deepen further within the team?
A. With the change of the coach and the team playing a new style of football, I think everyone, including myself, is somewhat confused, but there are parts that we are managing well. Personally, I am talking with the coach to resolve the areas of confusion, and I hope to deepen my understanding, play better, and contribute to the team.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the fans and supporters who continue to support you positively.
A, we also feel the strong support from all the fans and supporters. Although we have not been able to win matches recently and we understand that fans and supporters may need to be patient, our determination remains unchanged. We look forward to winning the title or finishing in the top ranks so that everyone can celebrate together.
