[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Sanfrecce Hiroshima has been actively defending since the new coach took over, but how does Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA view Hiroshima's football?
A, I analyze in the same way. I feel there is a strong tendency to actively press forward rather than just dropping back to defend. I expect that they will actively press from the front in tomorrow's match as well. I believe that one-on-one battles in various situations will be important in every match, and we have been able to focus our training on that. I think the players are well-prepared and able to concentrate on the match, so I hope for good performances. If expressed in tactical terms, it would be covering, but what is important is the awareness of supporting each other. We have a united group of players. In that sense, it is crucial for each individual to give their best while showcasing their strengths, both in attack and defense.
Q, when you were the coach of Niigata, and in the few matches since coming to Tokyo, you have been using players like Watanabe, who have high technical skills as right backs. Does this mean that high technical skills are important for a full-back?
In the world of soccer, full-backs play an important role. When I was younger, full-backs were positions for less skilled players. However, in modern soccer, they have become positions that take on many tactical roles. What is required of full-backs is not only technical skills but also a solid understanding of the situation tactically, allowing them to participate in attacks from both the flanks and the center. In that sense, I am pleased with Watanabe's growth and very satisfied with his current performance. It is an important position for the style I aim for, and I expect further growth. Not only Watanabe, but also players like Nagatomo and Nakamura are high-quality players. I trust all the players and am satisfied with their growth.
Q: There were injuries and expulsions among the midfield players in the match against C Osaka. Looking back, what are your thoughts on that?
I believe the match can be divided into two major phases: the flow of the game until the red card and what happened afterward. Until the red card, we were able to control the match well and create several opportunities to score additional goals. A key area for improvement is to convert those additional scoring chances. The chances for C Osaka in the first half came from our mistakes in build-up play. If we had capitalized on our chances without making mistakes, I think we could have managed the game in a more composed manner. However, the team is still in a growth phase. The red card changed the dynamics significantly, and ideally, we should have moved towards maintaining possession and controlling the game, but we reacted in the opposite way, which is an area for improvement. We have just started this new style. It is understandable that we could not respond appropriately after the red card, and it is a point we want to grow as a team. On the other hand, I think it is commendable that we were able to play with a focus on competition. The players expressed their hunger for victory and success very well on the pitch. While there are areas for improvement in our play during the last 30 minutes against C Osaka, the mentality towards competition was outstanding.
Q: The positions of inside half players Abe and Matsuki changed between the Kawasaki and C Osaka matches. What was the intention behind this?
A, I like to have right-footed players play on the right side and left-footed players on the left side. However, I reversed that for the match against Kawasaki. I expected Matsuki to take a middle shot after winning the ball, and I thought that would be effective, so I used him that way. However, I want the players to make their own judgments freely during the match. The two inside halves have a more dynamic position, and they may switch sides.
Q: There are times when we choose players with their weaker foot for the wings. Is it only the inside half that we want to play on their dominant foot side?
A, it varies depending on the situation and can also change due to tactical factors. Whether it's making runs into space or receiving the ball at feet affects how players are utilized. I acknowledge that the dynamics on the pitch can change depending on the situation.
Q: This is a home game at Ajinomoto Stadium. Please share your enthusiasm.
A, I was looking forward to meeting many fans and supporters at home. I would like to greet everyone. I recognize that this new project is starting to walk together with all of you. The team is also determined to give their all on the pitch. For that, we need support. The players' full effort will surely make the fans and supporters proud. I believe professional soccer is also entertainment, so I hope the fans and supporters who visit will enjoy the high-quality entertainment expressed by the players.
Q: Leandro is injured, but are there players who will continue to be unable to sit on the bench for tomorrow's match due to the effects of COVID-19?
Injuries related to muscles take time to recover, and it's unfortunate. He has been training diligently and has always expressed his loyalty to the club through his play, and I was satisfied with his performance. However, injuries are a part of both matches and practice. I believe they are, in a sense, unavoidable. In any case, I hope he returns in good shape soon. I believe he will contribute to the team upon his return.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, please review the game against Cerezo Osaka in the last round.
A, it was a match where we had both our good parts and the difficulties that arose after going down to ten players. One thing I can say is that we should have expressed our style throughout the match. After the game, I felt that this was a challenge for the team. Instead of easily giving up and just defending after going down to ten, I wanted us to continue expressing our style even in a numerical disadvantage. In that match, once we went down to ten, there was an atmosphere of not holding onto the ball from the start, so I wanted us to keep challenging ourselves to play the football we wanted.
Q: After participating in the Levain Cup matches against Fukuoka and C Osaka, don't you feel that the team's style has taken root more than you expected?
A, what we need to do is clear, so it's important to improve our level of completion. This is not a soccer where we focus on the opponent; rather, I feel that we are getting better day by day in terms of everyone being engaged. Additionally, as the opponent changes, our soccer style will also change, and I think there will be incidents like the one in the Cerezo match. I have a sense that if we accumulate experiences of how to handle situations like this, we will improve.
Q: Even if troubles or irregularities occur during the 90 minutes, it feels like you are able to handle them on the pitch.
A, I believe that is my role from the very back, to understand the team's situation during the match and to make adjustments within the game. I hope that the experienced players can take the lead and clarify things during the match.
Q: As for player Morishige, it has been a while since he was appointed captain. During the matches, do you feel any changes or differences compared to when you were captain before?
A, to be honest, what we are doing has not changed at all. However, if we are not sensitive to the changes in the team, the team can quickly go downhill, so I think we need to raise that somehow by being alert and ensuring that everyone is not satisfied with the current situation.
Q: It's the home game after three months. Fans and supporters have been eagerly waiting.
A, including the Levain Cup, we have played 3 matches so far, and I believe the fans and supporters watching expect a lot from us. In home games, I think we are required to deliver a match content and results that meet those expectations. I want to make sure we express that in our performance.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: The match against Cerezo Osaka was a team effort resulting in a shutout victory. What were the positive aspects of the defense that managed to hold strong despite the situation with a player being sent off?
A, regarding the first half, I think we were able to apply pressure from the front, which allowed us to execute a defense that the opponent found uncomfortable. The opponent only created one or two chances, and I believe we did well in defending the goal and putting our bodies on the line, focusing on winning the match.
Q: How do you feel about the first two matches since the opening?
A, as a team rather than as individuals, I feel a sense of achievement because our tactics, such as how we move the ball, have been very effective in these two matches.
Q: I think the positioning of the defense in the box is good, but can it be improved further?
A, we are practicing positioning in defense, and as a team, we are conscious of keeping opponents out of the box. I think we are focusing on defense to prevent the opponent from entering that area, which is why we are not creating many chances.
Q: In defense, I felt that the presence of Jakub SLOWIK was significant throughout the two matches. Considering the premise that he helps prevent shots, what is your awareness of defense, including the presence of SLOWIK?
I believe that if you watch the performances of Jakub SLOWIK in these two matches, you will feel that he is a wonderful player. Both individually and as a team, I think it is a good defense when Jakub SLOWIK stands out in a positive way. However, he provides a sense of security by stopping shots from a certain distance, allowing us to defend boldly, and in that regard, he is a very reliable presence.
Q: If you can stop to some extent, do you think you can calculate your defensive stance as well?
A, first of all, I focus on defense to avoid being shot at, but there are times when it can't be helped. In certain areas, I can play with the feeling that it's okay to be shot at, so I can make bold defensive plays.
Q: What are the achievements and challenges in the assembly process?
There are mistakes in the assembly part, but it's important to play without fear. Using both short and long passes effectively while building up play is something that has been improving as we play matches. I believe we are gradually starting to build up in a way that makes the opponent uncomfortable.
Q: What impression did you have facing your former club, C Osaka?
This is the team where I started my professional career, and it is a club that has helped me grow a lot over the past five years, so I was very grateful to be able to play against Cerezo Osaka, but first and foremost, I was really happy to win.
Q: Were there any aspects you were conscious of?
A, there were some players I played with, and personally, I had some emotional moments. However, in terms of fighting for FC Tokyo's victory, I had some feelings related to my former club, but I think the best part was being able to focus on winning without letting that affect me.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the home opening match.
A, it took a long time to play a home game due to the impact of COVID-19, but the team has come together, and after winning the last match, we are looking forward to this Hiroshima game. I want to do my best to secure a solid victory at home.
Q: How is the atmosphere of the team right now?
A, the practice is very fulfilling, and we are able to switch between on and off. There are parts during off time where everyone can have fun together, so I think the atmosphere is good.
Q: Do you feel that the players have finally come together and that this is just the beginning?
A, I have finally returned from COVID and am able to practice well while also competing. I believe I am able to play the football I want throughout the matches, so in that sense, I feel very fulfilled.
Q: How do you feel about the offensive performance?
A, we have only scored one goal, but we have created many chances in these three matches, and I believe that the short counterattack is one of our weapons. If we can create chances while holding the ball during short counterattacks, I think we can become a solid team, so I want to keep improving the team without being satisfied.
Q: Do you feel that you have been able to play while holding the ball over several matches?
A, although it's only three matches in, I think we have shown some really good aspects. We have been able to observe the opponent's defensive positioning and adjust our own positioning while attacking. We are still not perfect, but I believe it's a good thing that we have been able to play this way as a team in just three matches, and I am really looking forward to what comes next.
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q: In the last match, we defeated C Osaka 1-0 with a goal from Konno, achieving our first victory of the season.
A, it was a match under difficult conditions as the team had to suspend activities due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic after the league opening match. Nevertheless, I believe that the result of each individual doing what they could led to our victory. Of course, I am happy to have scored a goal, but I think the three points we earned were a collective effort, including enduring the tough times together as a team.
Q: How has the response been so far regarding the possession football that new coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA aims for?
A, since it has changed drastically from last season, there are still parts that have not yet permeated the team, but it is gradually improving, and I enjoy playing. Especially in my position as a winger, I am required to take on one-on-one situations, and I believe it is a style that allows me to showcase my strengths more easily.
Q: Last season, Konno experienced a long-term absence of about 7 months due to injury. Doesn't that make his determination for this season even stronger?
A, it was my first time experiencing such a serious injury, so I was anxious about whether I could return successfully, and I felt frustrated not being able to play in matches. However, thanks to my trainer, my rehabilitation has been progressing smoothly, and now I am able to play in a better condition than before the injury. I want to maintain this condition and contribute more to repay everyone who has been worried about me.
Q: This match is the first home game of the 2022 season. Please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
First, I want to firmly show our soccer at home, the soccer of Tokyo this season. As an individual, I have scored a goal, so I can approach the match with confidence mentally. I want to play with a strong desire for results, and above all, since it's at home, it would mean nothing if we don't win. I want to prepare well and deliver victory to everyone!
Official match day program is here!
