<Match Preview>
After defeating Kyoto 2-0 at the Japan National Stadium and winning the away game against Kashima 1-0 in the previous match, the team has achieved two consecutive league victories and has risen to 6th place. Shuto ABE, who scored the crucial goal in the Kashima match, expressed gratitude to the Tokyo fans and supporters who fought alongside the players, saying, "It was reassuring to see the away seats filled. I was happy to share the joy with the fans and supporters."
Only 4 matches remain this season. Kashif BANGNAGANDE says, "I will fight as if every match is the Final Round," while Seiji KIMURA states, "It is important to stick to our style." The attitude of seeking both quality of play and results will not change until the end.
This match will welcome Shonan at home. Currently struggling in 15th place, they have drawn their last three matches. As they are steadily accumulating points for survival, it is unlikely to be an easy game.
Kashif BANGNAGANDE commented on the previous match against Shonan, saying, "We lost because our play intensity dropped, so we absolutely cannot lose there again." To show the progress made this season, we will directly challenge the Shonan style and aim for our third consecutive league victory.
The match day program is here
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Is the current expression of football in Tokyo what the coach envisioned?
A, of course, what I always envision is maintaining possession of the ball and controlling the game. When I first came to Tokyo, I felt that the team was in a somewhat difficult mental situation. As a team, direct play towards the goal was deeply ingrained, and the players were accustomed to that style. At first, even connecting three passes was difficult. We kept losing the ball we had won very easily. Initially, while maintaining possession, we fought by making many attacks targeting the space behind the defense without suppressing the individual characteristics of the players. And we steadily accumulated points.
However, as the next phase of the new style involves more ball possession, there were times when confusion arose among the players, causing us to drop points. But since we accumulated points at the start of the season before entering this confusing period, we were able to proceed through the season with a bit more calm. I believe that because we initially gathered points, people around us had high expectations, which later led to some disappointment, but that is not the case. For me, that was natural, and I can say that we have been progressing smoothly through the process. I think you can see it both in training and in matches now—the level at which the team can express itself has improved. After last season's mental breakdown, I felt the team needed to regain motivation and ambition, and it seems that this is gradually being restored.
The style Tokyo is currently expressing is something I have gradually built up and must further refine while moving the ball. It is about controlling the match. This season, we established a foundation for the team. Our goal is to be a team that controls the game while maintaining possession and fights aggressively. The base includes making runs into space and quick transitions in attack even while holding the ball. Next season, we need to attack properly in a way that fits our style. What I value most about the team this season is that the players gave their all in 99% of the matches. I believe no one can criticize that.
Q: This will be the fourth match against Shonan this season. How do you feel about that?
A, this will probably be the most difficult match among the next four games. Shonan is fighting to avoid relegation. They are a good team, and we have lost to them away. They can change their style of play according to the situation. The players also understand what the coach expects from them. Tokyo's players are in a calm zone when looking at the standings. However, they must express on the pitch whether they have ambition beyond that state.
Q: Shonan has only lost to Yokohama FM since entering September, what do you think about that?
A, it will be a very difficult match, so we need the support of fans and supporters. The team had good practice this week, so we want to play a good game.
[Player Interview]
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: As we approach the last four matches, how do you reflect on your performance so far?
With the last four matches approaching, the entire team understands that the next match against Shonan Bellmare is extremely important. We believe that if we do not fight seriously in each match, there will be no future for us, so first, we want to prepare well for the match against Shonan and have a good fight.Regarding my performance this season, I struggled with an injury to my foot during camp, and even when I was able to play in matches, I had to endure the pain in my foot, making it a difficult season. I am not sure if I was able to perform better than last year. However, I believe I was able to do what I could for the team, such as running for the team.
Q: Has your playing style changed in any way since the coach changed last season?
Of course, I understand that the approach varies depending on the coach.However, regarding this season, we aim to hold the ball for a longer time and surpass our opponents in terms of technique. At the beginning of the season, we faced difficulties and had many moments that didn't go well, but as we continued to play matches, we have gradually adapted, and I believe we are able to love the ball and play with it effectively.I think the fact that the players are satisfied means that we are able to play football that satisfies not only the staff but also the fans and supporters.
Q: As the vice-captain this season, has there been any change in the way you interact with the other players compared to before?
First of all, being chosen as the vice-captain means that I have been evaluated based on how I have spent my time and played over the past few years, so I am very happy about it.I believe I was chosen as vice-captain based on my past actions, so becoming vice-captain this year does not change how I interact with others. If there is a need for communication on the field, I will communicate, and I have continued as I always have.In that context, in the last match against Kashima Antlers, Seiji KIMURA was selected as a starter. He is a player with quality, and I knew that if he could express that on the pitch, he would contribute to our victory. I spoke with him a little before the match to help him play more calmly, and he entered the game in good condition, helping the team to win. In that sense, I think that kind of communication was important.
Q: What kind of encouragement did you give?
A, as I mentioned earlier, I encouraged them to "play calmly." We always practice together, and the entire team recognizes that he has the ability, so we talked about entering the pitch calmly to showcase that ability.Additionally, I encouraged them to work hard to run together for 90 minutes and ultimately finish with a victory.
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA always says, "This season's team is still in the process of being built, and it will get better from here on out." Do you feel the same way as a player?
A, the soccer we have been playing until now is very different from the soccer we are aiming for this year, so this year has been a year of change.In that sense, I think it has been very difficult. However, the coach has been saying since camp, "We want to play this kind of soccer," and I believe the players have adapted well, growing more with each match, and are now able to win against strong opponents. Moreover, whether at home or away, I think we have shown a strong attitude of maintaining possession of the ball and fighting. Even in the matches we lost, I believe we demonstrated the attitude of not giving up and trying to maintain possession of the ball, so when I reflect on this season as a whole, it has been a difficult year, but I think it has been a year where we successfully overcame challenges while adapting. I am confident that it has undoubtedly been a year that will lead to next year.
Q: This season, cheering with voices has gradually been allowed, and we can now hear the voices of fans and supporters in the stands. Does it feel different?
A, I believe the cheers from fans and supporters are a great source of strength. Even when the match becomes very difficult, the support from fans and supporters transforms into our energy, allowing us to overcome many challenging games. Therefore, vocal support from fans and supporters is truly a powerful force. I think all the remaining matches this season will have vocal cheering, and I would be happy if vocal cheering is allowed in every game from now on.
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: How did you feel about the match against Kashima without player Morishige?
A, as a team, we have been able to perform what we need to do with increasing precision as the matches progress, and I think it was a good game because we were able to clearly express how we want to play rather than focusing on the opponent.
Q: I think we have faced Shonan in the Levain Cup and understand their style of play to some extent, but what kind of impression do you have?
A, while the opponent pulls back to block, we have the challenge of how to break down the opponent in front of the goal. I think the opponent will also defend tenaciously, but we want to enjoy playing while figuring out how to score.
Q: How is the team's situation in the second half of the season?
A, having struggled in various ways during the first half of the season, things have become clearer and are improving. With each match, we hope the team’s level will rise through repeated trial and error.
Q: I feel that the movement of the players around the defense line when they have the ball has also improved.
A, we have shared the image of the build-up well, and not only the defensive line but also the coordination with the midfield is going smoothly, so I think the whole team is able to move the ball and switch to attack smoothly.
Q: What is necessary to establish a newer style among them?
A. I think it is important for individuals to showcase their unique characteristics within what the team needs to do. Simply doing what the team is supposed to do has its limits, so I believe it is about making a difference individually.
Q: How do you plan to approach the remaining four matches of this season?
A, we must properly do what we need to do to level up ourselves. Rather than focusing on the ranking, we want to work while thinking about improving the team's completeness.
Q: I think we are in a position to aim for the ACL as well.
I believe that if we keep winning, things will naturally become clearer, so I want to play well with good motivation.
Q: It will be a while since the last match at Ajinomoto Stadium, so please share your enthusiasm.
A, we have often been able to play well in the second half of the season, so I want to do my best to win in front of the fans and supporters at home Ajinomoto Stadium.
