<Match Preview>
In the last match, we lost 0-2 against Shimizu, missing out on a third consecutive win. Yasuki KIMOTO expressed his frustration about dropping points at home, stating, "As professionals, we must be focused on results. It is very difficult to achieve results while building the foundation of our playing style, but with two-thirds of the league completed, our fans and supporters will not wait any longer."
Furthermore, Ryoma WATANABE stated, "It is important for us to accumulate points against lower-ranked teams and see if we can earn points against higher-ranked opponents," discussing the challenges we need to overcome.
The point difference between 3rd place C Osaka, the opponent for this match, and 7th place Tokyo is 6. Given that it is still possible to aim for the top positions, the result of this match becomes crucial. C Osaka is currently on a three-match winning streak in the league and advanced to the Semifinal Round of the Levain Cup by defeating Kawasaki on Wednesday. How Tokyo will compete against a team that shines with its strong performance will test their true value.
In the match in March, we secured victory by defending the single goal scored by Kazuya KONNO in an away game. We hope for a similar intense battle as in the last match to seize victory.
The match day program is here!
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Tomorrow, there is a typhoon forecast. Are there any preparations being made?
A, Naturally, rain, wind, or poor pitch conditions can obviously affect the match.
Q: After the match against Shimizu in the last round, what kind of adjustments have you made this week?
A, we have now entered a different phase. We have continued to emphasize training on confidently maintaining possession of the ball this week as well. Of course, we have also picked up several points for reflection from the previous match against Shimizu and worked on improvements. In the previous phase, we had started focusing on holding the ball. Now, we want and expect growth in confidently maintaining possession, so we are emphasizing this.
Q: When I spoke to the players, they mentioned that in the match against Hiroshima two games ago, they were able to move the ball because the opponent came out to defend from the front. However, when facing a solid defensive block like Shimizu's, they found it difficult to move the ball. What impression does Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA have on this?
A, I think there was a completely opposite reaction at the start of the season. Of course, in the growth process, you encounter various situations, and growth is encouraged by overcoming them, and you must overcome them. Shimizu's aim was to lower the defensive block in a 4-4-2 formation and quickly switch between defense and attack after winning the ball. That is because it is that kind of playing style. As we continue to grow, more teams will lower their defensive blocks and defend by closing down space. Currently, many teams facing Kawasaki tend to close down space and strengthen their defense. Whether that is an advantage or a disadvantage, a plus or a minus, depends on how you perceive it. Cerezo Osaka has characteristics similar to Hiroshima as well as Shimizu. I hope we can successfully break through and play against Cerezo Osaka, which has such mixed characteristics.
Q: What specific areas do you want to improve in terms of offense?
A, it is important for the team to adapt to the characteristics of the players regardless of the system. This also applies to the new signing Luiz PHELLYPE. Naturally, there are parts where the player must adapt to the team. On the other hand, there are parts where we must adapt to Luiz's characteristics. In that sense, adding new players allows us to incorporate different details than before. However, regarding Luiz, he joined us without having properly completed the preseason, so now he is in a situation where he needs to improve his condition as if it were preseason. I have told Tsukagawa to skillfully provide his characteristics to the team. Ultimately, it is not the coach but the players who play on the pitch, so there are many things that must be resolved during the match. Even if the playing style is the same, the team's play will naturally change depending on whether the center forward is Ibrahimovic or Messi. That is why we want to skillfully integrate the characteristics of each new player into the team and make adjustments to the finer details of the team. The most important thing is to further bring out the players' strengths, not to cover their weaknesses.
Q: Was Luis the center forward that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA was looking for?
A, that's right. I believe he has the characteristics of the type of center forward I was looking for. If Luis scores a lot of goals, I want to say afterward that this is the player I wanted (laughs). From what I've seen in practice, his technical level is excellent, which meets my expectations. Also, I think he has very good finishing quality. He is a player who can play both on the sides and in the center. However, his physical condition is not yet at the expected level, so he needs to train hard in that area. Therefore, he is working on physical conditioning training with a separate program. I think by September, he will be able to compete in matches at his best physical condition. In any case, he is the type of center forward I expect, with high technical skills, quality, and finishing ability, which gives me a good feeling. However, I think it will take a little more time to see if he can adapt well to the team. We also need to observe a bit more whether he can perform defensively on the pitch as we require. We have not yet confirmed all of his abilities. I think more time is needed to evaluate him further.
[Player Interview]
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: What adjustments has the team made since the Shimizu match in preparation for the game?
A, rather than making corrections, we all talked about going back to playing the style of soccer we aim for once again.
Q: How is the penetration of the football style that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is seeking?
A, it is not perfect yet, but compared to the beginning of the season, I think we are more aware of connecting plays and not losing the ball easily. The team is growing, and I believe everyone trusts this style of football.
Q: What impression do you have of C Osaka?
A is currently the most in-form and strongest team in the J1 League. Their position near the top of the league standings, along with still being in contention for both the Emperor's Cup and Levain Cup, demonstrates this. The team is well-organized and in good form, making them a very strong opponent.
Q: How do you feel about facing your former club?
A, I have a very strong desire not to lose. I am grateful to CACA and it remains an important club to me, but precisely because it is such a team, I don't want to lose. Our ranking is lower than theirs, so it is very frustrating, and if we win this time, there is still a chance to break into the top ranks. In that sense, I believe we must have a strong mindset, focus on the quality of our soccer, play our own style, and at the same time, be particular about the results.
Q: What kind of play do you want to pursue as a team and as an individual?
A, personally, since we conceded 2 goals in the previous match, I want to keep a clean sheet and make a stronger presence in defense. In terms of attack as well, I think I need to distribute the ball effectively from the back to enable more effective build-up play. In the last match, the team lost possession poorly and couldn't defend aggressively, so we couldn't show our strengths. It is important to bring out our good qualities in both offense and defense.
Q: The remaining league matches are decreasing, but please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
A. Since we only have league matches left this season, we must put everything into those games while also ensuring the team continues to grow. I believe we need to play football that our fans and supporters can recognize and appreciate, so we want to make sure we don't waste the remaining matches. I think we can still aim higher and want to achieve good results.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q: It seems that Tsukakawa has played as a full-back, winger, and forward in the past. What does he consider to be his strengths?
A, I believe my strengths are my dynamism, the intensity when going to win the ball, and the presence I show when entering the goal area. Because of my height, I think opponents dislike it when I play that way, so I consider that my greatest strength and something I want to continue to demonstrate.
Q: During the 2020 season, I scored 9 goals while at Matsumoto Yamaga FC.
A, at that time, I entered the area in front of the goal more frequently. I think I also scored goals when playing as a double defensive midfielder, but there were several times I played as an inside half, which meant I got closer to the goal. Another factor was that my teammates provided good passes, so many of my scoring scenes were just about making runs into the box.
Q: Does it mean that you have the characteristic of entering the goal area and scoring when there is a chance?
A, I think I have that feeling within myself as well. In the teams I have been with so far, I often played defensive positions like anchor, and I usually played more towards the end of matches. While considering the team's situation, I had various tasks that were not just about myself. Since I was holding myself back in some ways, although I joined mid-season this time, if I get the chance to play in a more advanced position, I want to push forward actively.
Q, please review the game. Since joining, you have participated in two matches, the Hiroshima match and the Shimizu match, coming on as a substitute. I think both were difficult situations where a goal was needed. Please reflect on your play.
A, on a personal level, I feel there are still parts that are not quite in sync. I think I need to choose plays that bring out the best in my teammates, and there are still areas where I need to delve deeper into what might be improved. There are slight mismatches, and my sense and everyone else's sense are not yet aligned, so I believe these are areas that need to be adjusted and aligned.
As a team, the style of soccer we are aiming for now is one that focuses on connecting passes, but I also believe that counterattacks are a threat to the opponent. It’s good not to be fixated on just connecting passes; depending on how the opponent plays, having that strength is beneficial. The coach also emphasizes this—not just connecting passes, but because we connect well, the opponent pushes forward, creating space up front. If we can maintain control and play that kind of soccer, I think we will become an even better team.
In fact, the coach said that the parts we are trying to do are coming together, and I hope to be able to firmly be a part of that as well.
Q: Connecting and moving quickly vertically. That means making judgments while observing the opponent.
A, that's right. After all, if the inside half and side back players can better share with everyone "what kind of situation the opponent is in now," "whether the opponent is coming to take the ball or not," "where they want to win the ball," and "what they dislike being done to them," I think the whole team will change overall.
I believe the more we share common understanding, the more the team will come together, and the overall movement will be determined accordingly. I hope we can communicate more while discussing and observing the situation, and convey information when the ball is played. Since I haven't played much in matches yet, I want to participate properly in games and better grasp that kind of atmosphere.
Q: While it's easy to get caught up in discussions about tactics, in the end, it's the players on the pitch who must create the game of soccer.
A, the feeling you get from watching outside and the pressure you feel inside are completely different. In that context, I think it is very important to sense how many players on the pitch are connected and whether you can feel that connection. I still have a lot to learn myself, so I hope we can grow together while learning from each other.
Q: Please tell us about your impressions of your teammates. Since joining FC Tokyo, are there any players who have made an impact on you, such as thinking, 'This player is interesting' or 'I want to make this kind of pass to this player'?
A, I think it's amazing that inside halves Abe and Matsuki can run that much and maintain such intensity, and I believe they still have room to grow. Even when practicing together, I often talk with the two of them, and I think the team changes depending on how those two inside players perform.
Q: Cerezo Osaka is on a three-game winning streak and in good form, and considering they are in 3rd place, I think they are a team FC Tokyo wants to take down. Please share your enthusiasm for this match.
A, I think Cerezo is in good form, and when they are in good form, it feels like everything they do goes well, or that there is a good flow. First, it is important not to let the opponent play comfortably. Whether it's high pressing or maintaining possession firmly after winning the ball, if we can take control, the opponent won't be able to play comfortably. I think it's important to make an impact at the start that says, "Today is different from usual." So, it's crucial to be aggressive from the beginning and to do things that the opponent dislikes and prevent them from playing comfortably. I believe it's very important to value the first 10 to 15 minutes and try to take control then.
Q: If you participate, what aspects would you like the fans and supporters to pay attention to?
A, I want to become a player who can join the team and help us win. I want to fight to achieve results for the team, and I believe that delivering results is what brings joy to the fans and supporters. I will work hard and focus on achieving results so that we can celebrate together.
