<Match Preview>
Tokyo enters a congested schedule with three matches in three days. A three-match series against teams from Kansai: Gamba Osaka, Vissel Kobe, and SANGA S. First, they will face Gamba Osaka away.
The opponent was in 16th place in the playoff zone before the match and, in order to escape the relegation battle, they entered the final stages of the season and changed their coach. Although they lost to Sagan Tosu in the previous match, they had won consecutive matches against Nagoya Grampus and Avispa Fukuoka in the matches prior, steadily accumulating points since the appointment of coach Hiroshi MATSUDA.
The first half match was the first J1 League match held at the Japan National Stadium, where Tokyo won with two goals from Adailton and Leandro.
For Tokyo, regardless of the opponent's ranking, it is important to maintain possession of the ball and push towards the goal, sticking to our style of taking control of the match. Additionally, not only in terms of the match content but also aiming for a result, this will be a crucial game as we seek our third consecutive win since the start of this season.
In the previous match, we faced Yokohama F.Marinos, who are competing for the top spots, and we did not back down at all. We created many decisive chances with our passing work that took the initiative from the opponent, and we managed to equalize from a two-goal deficit from set plays, earning one point. Although we created some decisive chances that could have led to a win, we still have the challenge of converting those chances into goals. We want to use the motivation of overcoming that challenge in this week's match and bring home three points to Tokyo.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Will you put all your effort into the first match of the three consecutive games?
Of course, we are fully focused on tomorrow's match in terms of tactics and concentration. However, regarding player selection, we need to take into account that this is the third match in a row.
Q: G Osaka has changed their coach and the system may have changed since the last match, but what is your impression of them right now?
A, since time has passed, I think this match will be very different from the first half of the season. First of all, both teams have grown over time. I consider each match to be a completely different game. Also, as we approach the end of the season, the standings will have an impact on the match. In that sense, it is expected to be a very different game from the first half. However, I am focused on pushing forward in the direction we aim for. Whether the opposing team is Yokohama FM, Kawasaki, or G Osaka, that does not change, and I want to concentrate only on what we need to do.
Q: I think Tokyo is playing good football, but what is necessary to win matches and further grow?
A, I believe that mental factors definitely influence the growth of the team. In any industry or field, the feeling of improving and growing leads to results because it builds confidence in what you are doing. Naturally, we want to play well, but the reason for that is to win matches. However, I do not want to approach it with the mindset that we must win at all costs. Neither I nor the team feel the need to put unnecessary pressure on ourselves. There is necessary pressure, though. That is the pressure we must constantly feel as professionals to win against the opponent in front of us in each match and practice, to win this match, and to perform at our best in training. I believe that is how a professional should be.
Q: I think we can aim for the AFC Champions League with the results of the three consecutive matches. Do you have any particular commitment to that?
A, I am very interested in what can happen in the world of soccer, but do you think there are players who stand on the pitch wanting to lose when a match is right in front of them? Both the media and the fans and supporters want us, the coaches and players, to show and feel the desire to win, and I believe everyone naturally wants to win the match, so I think it is something that does not need to be stated. We have always played with the intention to win in past matches. However, when changing the soccer style, even if we want to win the match, the desire for the team’s growth can naturally increase the possibility and risk of losing the match. Still, the desire to win is naturally and obviously present in this world. I don’t think it needs to be restated or emphasized. Right now, there are 24 points ahead of us. If possible, everyone expects to take all 24 points in the next 8 matches. I believe all teams think this way, not just us. However, it is impossible for all teams to take all the points because each match has a winner and a loser. For example, if a fan or supporter says the team must win the match, the feeling of needing to win or wanting to win is something everyone naturally has. What I expect in the mid to long term is that if we can properly develop this playing style, this style will continuously and stably bring many victories to the team. But, to repeat, during the growth process, both the players and I want to win every match.
[Player Interview]]
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: How is your condition considering the three consecutive matches?
These will be three important consecutive matches, and regardless of whether I play or not, I want to maintain my condition and prepare to be able to compete fully in all three games.
Q: While maintaining possession of the ball, there have been many scenes where we skillfully break through the opponent's defense during attacks, and the number of goals scored in the last few matches has also increased.
A, I think the team is able to attack collectively, which adds depth to our offense. On the other hand, since we have been conceding more goals, that is an area the team needs to improve. While we are scoring goals, we want to raise our awareness in transitioning quickly after losing possession.
Q: What impression do you have of G Osaka?
A, I have the impression that there are fast players vertically and good players on the side halves. From there, we want to keep possession of the ball and play at our own pace so that we don't give them chances.
Q: What are the key points to winning the match?
A, I think the opponent is using a 4-4-2 formation, so if we can create a numerical advantage in the midfield against them, I believe we can advance. We have gradually been able to circulate the ball at the back, and I think the key in attack is how well we can get behind the opponent.
Q: I think there are many moments during the match when the ball settles at Watanabe's feet, creating chances.
A, there are still moments when we lose the ball due to simple mistakes. Since there were several instances in the match against Yokohama FM as well, we want to eliminate those and aim to make plays that contribute to scoring.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming match.
A, this is the first match of a three-game series, and I think it will be an important game that determines whether we can move up in the rankings based on the results of these three matches. First, we want to get 3 points in the match against G Osaka and build momentum for the team.
