<Match Preview>
The Emperor's Cup, the third tournament of this season, is about to begin. Teams from the J1 League, including Tokyo, will appear starting from the 2nd Round and will compete in the opening match of the tournament.
The opponent in the first match is Fukushima United FC, which belongs to the J3 League. While FC Tokyo U-23 has a record of 8 matches against teams in the J3 League, this will be the first official match for the top team. For Tokyo, there is a connection with Fukushima as they have been selling the well-known "Imokuri Satataro" stadium gourmet from Fukushima at AO-AKA PARK during home games, as part of their support activities for the reconstruction after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Fukushima has played 12 matches in the J3 League this season, with a record of 3 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses, placing them 18th. They are focusing on solidifying their defense to repel the opponent's attacks and launching quick counterattacks after regaining possession. It is expected that they will first retreat to strengthen their defense against Tokyo's attacks, centered around the veteran Kaito YAMAMOTO, who has been entrusted with scoring goals at many clubs.
In Tokyo, it is expected that the time spent holding the ball will increase. Even when spaces are filled, we want to patiently move the ball in and out of dangerous areas, and immediately switch to counter-pressing after losing the ball. At the same time, we must not neglect to care for the spaces behind the defensive line, and we also want to pay close attention to the opponent's set-piece opportunities.
The fear of a one-off match in the Emperor's Cup has been deeply felt by the club through many experiences. Matches against teams from different categories require particular caution. An opponent who pours all their energy into a single chance will tighten their defense in front of the goal once they take the lead, aiming to hold on to that advantage. While battling the pressure of 'losing means elimination from the tournament,' which is different from regular league matches, we want to continue our style aimed at Tokyo and open the path to the 3rd Round.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, we will face the Emperor's Cup 2nd Round in 3 days.
As you all know, it is difficult to compete against teams from different categories in Group A. Of course, we aim only for victory. Considering the difficulty of the matches, we want to give opportunities to players who have not had much playing time and to young players.
Q: How do you perceive and analyze the match against Fukushima United FC?
A, if my memory is correct, Tokyo lost to university students in the 2021 season. Last season, we also faced university students, and it was a tough battle. The Emperor's Cup is a tournament where such things can happen. Naturally, there is a difference in the current categories, but they tend to challenge higher-category teams with more intense play than usual. That is why the matches become difficult. We want the players on the pitch to recognize that they must at least match the opponent's intensity from the start line with focused play and perform at a high intensity from the beginning. It will undoubtedly be a tough match.Fukushima tends to line up five players defensively to solidify their defense. Of course, through analysis, we recognize them as a wonderful team that values possession. Unlike the league matches, in a knockout tournament where losing means elimination, I believe there is a significant difference in atmosphere as well.
Q: Is it important to go for the ball with a high-intensity defense against Fukushima?
A, applying good pressing and quickly switching from defense to attack is one of the key points. Additionally, it is important to express our style better than the opponent. By pressing appropriately, we can prevent the opponent from playing as they intend, and by winning the ball through good pressing, it leads to our attack.
Q: Please tell us what is important to prevent upsets.
A, first of all, start the match with a high level of intensity. While it is important to play calmly over the course of 90 minutes, starting off too calmly will undoubtedly make the match difficult. Of course, tactics are important in a match. However, even more important is maintaining a good psychological state. Once the match begins, the game may unfold as expected and within the anticipated range, but sometimes it does not. In such cases, how you respond to the psychological impact is crucial. Starting with a good psychological state is essential.
[Player Interview]
＜Junya SUZUKI＞
Q: I want to make it a match where my strong crosses can shine.
A, I want to show bold and decisive play. Tokyo's forward line is filled with players who have height and strength, so I aim to deliver pinpoint crosses to connect with them.
Q: How do you want to deliver high-precision passes during the flow of the match?
By developing a style of soccer that carefully connects the ball as demanded by Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, I believe the opponents will come to steal the ball. At that timing, I want to supply the ball while observing the space behind the opposing defenders and the movements of the wing players on the opposite side. While executing the team tactics, I want to play without forgetting to make choices that leverage my strengths.
Q: Is the image of utilizing your own strengths while being aware of the collaboration with the winger on the same side?
A. By boldly making choices and decisions to bring out my strengths, I think Tokyo players can more easily align with my decisions, and half-hearted play only causes confusion. My teammates understand my characteristics, so by playing with a proactive attitude, I believe the relationships with players in front and beside me will improve. Until three seasons ago, I myself played in the J3 League. I want to demonstrate my strengths and show the difference. I don’t want the players of Fukushima United FC I face to think, "He can do it." I want to play with full commitment.
Q: Do you have a strong desire to make this match one where you can feel your own changes and growth?
A, of course, growth gained by adapting to the current Tokyo soccer scene is important, but at present, the players listed as starting members give the impression that they firmly express "their own style." I myself want to make it a match where I can clearly show the plays the team should execute while bringing out my own strengths. I believe this is necessary not only for tomorrow's match but also to break into the group of players involved in future games.
Q: I believe you have experienced a high level of motivation when facing higher-ranked clubs in the Emperor's Cup. What kind of motivation is best to compete with?
A, rather than focusing on the opponent, my strongest feeling is that I want to firmly achieve results here in Tokyo myself, so I have no intention of just accepting whatever comes. Personally, my top priority is to play boldly, but I do think there is a real difficulty in facing opponents from a different category as a team. However, many players who will participate in tomorrow's match are highly motivated with a strong desire to "achieve results," so I want each player to fully unleash their energy from the start of the game without mismanaging their pace.
