In the season's J-League opening match on February 18th, Kawasaki Frontale faced a tough 0-1 defeat. However, under the guidance of new coach Albert Puig Ortoneda, the team showed a style of football that focuses on ball possession and dominating the game. They also outperformed Kawasaki in terms of possession rate and number of shots, leaving a clear mark of Tokyo's transformation on the pitch.
However, immediately after finishing the opening game, difficulties awaited. Many players and staff members tested positive for COVID-19, and the team had to suspend activities from the 20th to the 26th.
During that time, the home games scheduled for the 23rd and 26th were postponed, and tomorrow, March 2nd, will be the second game of the season for the YBC Levain Cup. The preparation period since resuming activities on the 27th has been only three days. There are still players and staff members who are in the process of recovery, and not everyone is fully present. Nevertheless, the team has been preparing to win with the current strength.
Pre-match comments from Coach AlbertAs mentioned in yesterday's comments, tomorrow's match against Avispa Fukuoka is also aimed at adjusting the players' condition. However, as the coach says, "We will not compromise our determination to win," Tokyo will take to the pitch with a strong focus on winning.
Who is on the team and how will they play? Fans and supporters may have many worries. However, the coach Albert Puig Ortoneda's thinking remains unchanged regardless of the situation. "We will continue to focus on establishing our playing style and growing."
Even in Fukuoka, we will stick to Albert Tokyo's way. We want to bring back a souvenir that will connect to our first battle at home on the 12th, showing the Tokyo style.
▼Albert Tokyo's Attractive Writer Column
Albert Tokyo, betray me more and more!
(Daisuke Suga / El Golazo, FC Tokyo Correspondent)
Behind there is a "compass"
(Satoshi Hojo / Soccer Writer)
The true identity of excitement and his interior
(Atsushi Iio / Sports Writer)
