<Match Preview>
The match against Cerezo Osaka scheduled for August 13 has been postponed due to the impact of the typhoon, marking Tokyo's first official match in three weeks since August 7. The opponent is Kashiwa Reysol, currently in 5th place. They are only 1 point behind 3rd place Kashima Antlers and are in a position to aim for a spot in the AFC Champions League.
With the current situation where Tokyo has two fewer matches played, the point difference is "8". They are well within range to catch up, and this is a match they must win to get into the upper ranks. In the previous encounter in May, they struggled to build up play smoothly against Kashiwa's sharp pressing and man-to-man defense, revealing issues in their ball possession style.
Three months have passed since the last match, which was about two months into the effort to establish a new soccer style. Tokyo's style has also evolved and become more refined. How will they break through Kashiwa's intense pressing and move the ball towards the Kashiwa goal? The hints lie in the match against Hiroshima played on July 30.
In this match, while facing intense pressure from Hiroshima at kickoff, the players began to function in their build-up play, mixing exquisite distances and varying lengths of passes as time went on, creating multiple decisive chances. Despite conceding the first goal, they patiently retained possession, moved the opponent, created space, and paved the way to the goal, ultimately securing victory with a comeback goal in stoppage time.
In tomorrow's match against Kashiwa, there will likely be moments when the ball gets caught in a tough pressing net. The question is whether the team can adapt flexibly, such as by targeting behind the opponent. We want to secure three points through a patient fight and build momentum for the home game, which will be our first in about a month, on September 3.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, is it correct that you joined on Wednesday?
It's Wednesday.I am currently in my third season and have been living in Japan for about 1000 days. Surprisingly, I have been able to return to my hometown for very few of those days. This time, I returned home temporarily due to the break. I was able to spend 6 days with my family. Even during my absence, the team has been training steadily with the trusted staff. For about the last 2 months, we have been able to maintain possession of the ball and control the game. I have been growing well in playing confidently with the ball, and I am promoting the team's growth by further developing that aspect, which is progressing in a good direction and I am satisfied with it. I see the match against Shimizu away as the start of the second phase. The second phase, which involves confidently maintaining possession of the ball, is also coming to an end.
And now, we are starting to train for the next phase, which involves taking more risks to move towards the goal. It is indeed difficult to deliver high-quality passes in the final finishing zone without confidence. In that sense, I believe that playing with confidence was the first thing we needed to master. The team has been able to train well over the past few days. Recently, we arranged a training match with FC Machida Zelvia. We were able to play well to maintain our match sharpness. Including all of that, I am very proud of the team's growth at this moment. Of course, matches have wins and losses. However, regardless of the match results, I am very satisfied that the team is maintaining good ball possession, being conscious of playing well, and gradually expressing that on the pitch.
Recently, many young players have been included in the starting lineup. This is a significant difference compared to the team from a few months or years ago. We prepare for every match, and I believe we have made good preparations for tomorrow's game this week as well. Rather than focusing on the characteristics of the opposing team, we believe it is most important to express our own strengths. If we can play the way we expect, it will be very difficult for the opposing team to defend against us. In that sense, expressing the style of play we want is more important than devising strategies based on the opponent's characteristics, although it is also true that this is challenging.
Q: Have you been able to refresh yourself properly in Spain?
A, I am truly grateful from the bottom of my heart to everyone who showed understanding for my temporary return to Japan this time. The detailed reasons why I had to return temporarily are honestly delicate matters, so I cannot explain them. Of course, I believe that explaining in detail would lead to better understanding, but since it is not something I can explain, I think it is inevitable that anxiety and suspicion arise due to the lack of detailed explanation. I returned because of an important family matter, and once again, the days spent apart from my family have become very long. If possible, I would like you to understand how difficult this is for us. In that sense, I am truly grateful once again to the fans and supporters who showed their understanding. It was not that I needed time off, but I hope you understand that I returned for a different reason.
Q. It was a practice match without the coach present, but I think the content was good. What are your thoughts after receiving the report from the staff?
A, first of all, I believe our team is made up of wonderful players. Currently, we also have four captains who are outstanding professionals, serving as role models for any team. In that sense, I was never worried during my absence and had complete trust in them. Regarding the staff, many members were working together for the first time at the start of this season, but as I got to know them over time, I realized that, like the players, they are also wonderful individuals. They are very professional people. They are sincere as well. That is why the team functioned even when I was not present. I believe this is proof that we have gathered exceptional people.
Q: You mentioned that this season you have progressed step by step and have now entered a phase where you confidently connect passes. What is the most important thing to have confidence?
A, first of all, it is important to face reality. For example, let's take the start of Manchester United's season as an example. I think they have a wonderful coach. And I believe they have a great lineup of players. However, from the start of the season, it seems they are focused on clearly expressing their playing style and are quite particular about it. Without a doubt, if given enough time, I believe they can build a fantastic new Manchester United. But in the world of football, if good match results don't come, people become nervous. This season, we had to accumulate points first to build the players' confidence. I think that leads to the players gaining confidence. In that sense, at the beginning of the season, we accumulated points while effectively utilizing the characteristics our team has had so far. Ultimately, we want to confidently maintain possession of the ball, but first, to gain confidence, it is necessary to bring in points.
If the current points were 20, how would the players' confidence be? I believe that the players' confidence could not necessarily be secured. Honestly, I don't think we played badly in the home match against Shimizu. On the contrary, I think we played well. However, when we lose, the evaluations around us change, which can lead to a loss of confidence. Even if we play with such determination from the start of the season, without accumulating points, we cannot gain confidence. We continue to convey to the players the importance of loving the ball. But even if we convey that, if we cannot accumulate points and gain confidence, I believe we would not be able to maintain possession, and only time would pass. The team has gradually gained confidence, but that does not mean we can keep winning matches easily; soccer is not that simple. There is still a long way to go to improve the team's completeness. That is why we are building the foundation for this season.
[Player Interview]
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q: What preparations have you made for the match against Kashiwa?
A, first of all, I was thinking about maintaining my condition steadily. Since there was a practice match, I talked with players in nearby positions after the match and practice about combinations and such, and I have a very good image of it, so I hope to show the results of that in the game.
Q. In aiming for soccer that maintains ball possession, how much were you able to build that foundation?
In the practice match, we had the ball for a long time and were able to create many good opportunities. We also scored goals, so I think everyone has a positive image, but it is important whether we can show that in tomorrow's game, and I believe the results will change accordingly.
Q. The previous match against Cerezo Osaka was postponed, so this will be the first league match in a while.
A, the start of the match may be challenging, but I believe it will gradually improve as time goes on. However, it is important to avoid conceding goals at the beginning of the match and to focus on starting with solid defense.
Q. How do you analyze Kashiwa?
A, there is an impression that they have good players up front. Defensively, they mainly form a block and fall back, and offensively, they quickly counterattack after winning the ball. Therefore, we need to be very conscious of how we lose the ball and make sure to follow through with our attacks up to the shot. We also need to properly manage the transitions between offense and defense and the defensive risks, or else the opposing forwards will be able to operate freely. I believe the entire team needs to be aware of this.
Q. What kind of play does player Konno want to bring out?
Since we are required to attack by positioning on the sides, we aim to create chances from there. Recently, there has been an increase in good combinations with the fullbacks, inside halves, and center forwards maintaining good distances. We hope to showcase our characteristics by incorporating these elements as well.
Q. You want to score goals as well, right?
A, I have only scored 2 goals this season so far, so I think it's definitely not enough. Whether it's scoring or assisting, I just want to increase plays that lead to goals.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm.
A, I believe everyone is well prepared. In away games, the support from fans and supporters gives us strength, and we want to fight together as one and win.
