<Match Preview>
Entering a congested schedule with three matches in three days, we first face Gamba Osaka on the 10th. Although there were many moments approaching the opponent's goal, we ended in a 0-0 draw without breaking through.
In this round, we will face Vissel Kobe in two consecutive away games. Just as Gamba Osaka was in 16th place in the playoff zone during the match, Kobe is currently in 17th place, continuing to compete with teams fighting for relegation.
There is no consistent data on the opponent's ranking and Tokyo's performance, but looking at the battles in the second half of the season, there is a tendency to struggle against lower-ranked teams, such as losing 0-2 to Shimizu S-Pulse. Especially when the opponent plays a defense-oriented style of football, they tend to close down space, making it difficult to find attacking opportunities, and often suffer counterattacks from unexpected mistakes while trying to maintain possession.
Kobe drew with Nagoya Grampus in the last match, stopping a troubling streak of three consecutive losses in official matches. In this home game, the desire to accumulate three points to escape the relegation battle is immeasurable. Especially when looking at the individual players, many of them are Japan national team players or have represented the national team, and they are expected to showcase top-class abilities in one-on-one situations.
Against the momentum of their opponents, Tokyo wants to maintain their own pace and take control of the match without becoming passive. While keeping possession of the ball, they aim to vary the tempo of their attacks, mixing short and long passes according to the situation to keep their opponents on the back foot.
Especially in the match against Gamba Osaka, there were several instances where we lost the ball due to the opponent's pressing and had to retreat back to our own half. We need to assess the opponent's movements, ensure the entire team has a shared understanding, and choose the best course of action to seize the victory that eluded us four days ago.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: The match will be against Vissel Kobe, who are also fighting to avoid relegation like Gamba Osaka in the previous round. Do you think it will be a tough match?
A, due to the situation, I think they will focus well and play high-intensity defense. Because of that, I believe it will be a very difficult match for us. In the previous match against Gamba Osaka, we had an issue with losing the ball frequently at the start of the game, and we want to improve on that as we approach tomorrow's match. Also, we want to start playing in a way that clearly expresses our style.
Q: In the interview after the last match, you mentioned that you need to improve on the defensive part.
A, the defensive issues we are considering include frequent ball losses and the defensive responses following them. There are also challenges in one-on-one defensive situations. As a whole team, I think we were able to execute good tactical defense, but finer details remain as issues. Losing in one-on-one situations or easily losing the ball, which forces us into defensive situations, is a scenario we want to avoid.
Q: What is your impression of Kobe?
A, indeed, Kobe has been changing. Unlike before, they are demanding high-intensity defense and tend to seek quick play. Of course, there are times when they maintain possession, but more than that, I think their awareness of quick attacks, rapid transitions between offense and defense, moving quickly toward the goal, and targeting the space behind the opponent's defense has become stronger. Therefore, at least in terms of intensity, we must express the same level as them. At the same time, it is important for us to firmly express our style from the start of the match, even more than they do, during the game.
Q: In the last match, you used player Nagatomo as a left back. What was the intention behind that and how do you evaluate it?
A, what he said after the Gamba match truly reflects his attitude towards football, serving as a model for young players. The Japanese player who has probably played the most matches at great clubs in Europe is likely Yuto NAGATOMO. And he will probably play in his fourth World Cup this time. Even now at 36 years old, he is full of eagerness to learn. Many experienced 36-year-old players might think, "What more can I learn now? I've learned enough," but he is different. It is precisely because he is full of eagerness to learn and at the same time has a strong mentality focused on competition that he has continued to perform wonderfully. Therefore, I hope young players will refer not only to his play but also to his actions and words. Because without a mentality focused on competition, it is impossible to compete at a high level. At the same time, the eagerness to learn can also be expressed as humility. It is because he has this humility that he continues to learn and grow. It is a great honor for me to be able to serve as the coach of the team he is on. I sincerely hope many Japanese players will take him as a role model.
[Player Interview]]
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: What improvements have you made since the last match against Gamba Osaka, and what is your impression of Kobe?
A, Kobe has not been getting results, but the quality of their play is high, and if we give them any openings, they will gain momentum. By learning from the previous match's reflections, if everyone stays focused from the start and maintains possession without showing any gaps while attacking, we can control the game at our own pace and create many chances.
Q: Which players should we pay attention to?
A. Since there are national team-level players in each position, rather than focusing on any one player, I think it is important that everyone does not lose to the opponent in front of them, and we must win there.
Q: It is expected that the opponent will play fiercely in the relegation battle during the three consecutive matches.
A, regardless of the opponent, we must play with high intensity ourselves, and this is something that should be done naturally before tactics come into play. We must not lose at this point.
Q: How is the team's condition and the completion of the new style?
A, I think the team is gradually improving, so while continuing the current soccer style and making fine adjustments, it is necessary to enhance accuracy through repeated trial and error and accumulate experience. By doing so, I believe the team's completeness will increase and we will get closer to our goal.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the match against Kobe.
A, we have had two consecutive draws recently, so I want to play to bring home a win. I feel the team's growth along with the victories. I will do my best to aim for a win this match as well.
