[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, Sanfrecce Hiroshima has been playing an aggressive defense since the new coach took over, but how does Coach Albert Puig Ortoneda view Hiroshima's soccer?
A, I am also analyzing in the same way. I feel that the tendency is stronger to actively come forward and press rather than lowering the defensive block and defending. I expect that we will come out aggressively to press in tomorrow's match as well. I think that one-on-one battles will be important in any match, and we are able to focus on that in our training. I think the players are well prepared and able to concentrate on the match, so I hope for good plays. If I were to express it in tactical terms, it would be covering, but what is important is the awareness of supporting each other. We have a united team. In that sense, it is important for each individual to bring out their strengths and give their all in both offense and defense.
Q, even when I was the coach of Niigata, I have been using players with high technical skills like Watanabe on the right side back in the few games since coming to Tokyo. Is it important for a side back to have high technical skills?
In the world of soccer, the role of the fullback is crucial. When I was young, fullbacks were considered to be played by less skilled players. However, in modern soccer, it has become a position that plays a very important tactical role. What is required of a fullback is not only technical ability, but also a solid understanding of the situation tactically, and the ability to participate in attacks from both the side and the center. In that sense, I am very happy with Watanabe's growth and his current performance. It is an important position for the style I aim for, and I expect further growth. Not only Watanabe, but also high-quality players such as Nagatomo and Nakamura are gathered. I trust all of the players and am satisfied with their growth.
Q, How was it looking back on the game against C Osaka, with players in the midfield being substituted or sent off due to injury?
A, I think the game can be divided into two major phases before and after the expulsion. Until the expulsion, we were able to dominate the game and create multiple opportunities to score additional points. One improvement point is to be able to score additional points more consistently. The chances for C Osaka in the first half also came from our mistakes in build-up play. If we had been able to convert those chances without making mistakes, we could have controlled the game in a more calm manner. However, our team is still in a growth stage. After the expulsion, there was a big change and we should have moved towards controlling the game by keeping possession of the ball, but instead we had the opposite reaction. This is an area for improvement. We have just started this new style of play. It is possible that we were not able to respond appropriately after the expulsion, but it is a point where we want to continue growing as a team. On the other hand, it is worth noting that the players were able to play with a strong mentality and hunger for victory. The last 30 minutes of the game against C Osaka had areas for improvement in our play, but the mentality towards winning was expressed wonderfully.
Q, In the Kawasaki and C Osaka games, the positions of inside half players Abe and Matsuki were switched. What was the intention behind this?
A, I like to play right-handed players on the right side and left-handed players on the left side. However, in the Kawasaki game, I did the opposite. I also expected Matsuki to take the ball and make a middle shot, so I used him in that way. However, I also want the players to make their own decisions during the game. The two inside halves may also switch sides in the more active position.
Q, There are cases where we choose a player with a reverse foot as a wing. Is it only the inside half that we want to play on the dominant foot side?
A, it will change depending on the situation and also tactically. The way of playing will also change depending on whether you jump into space or receive the ball at your feet. We acknowledge that left and right can change on the pitch depending on the situation.
Q, This is a game at Ajinomoto Stadium. Please give us your enthusiasm.
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 with all of you. And the team will do their best on the pitch. For that, we need your support. The players' full effort will make the fans and supporters proud. I think professional football is also entertainment, so I hope that the fans and supporters who come to visit will enjoy the high-quality entertainment that the players will express.
Q, Is Leandro injured and will he not be able to be on the bench for tomorrow's game due to the effects of Corona?
A, Muscle injuries take time to recover and it's unfortunate. He had been training diligently and always showed his loyalty to the club, and I was satisfied with his performance. However, injuries are inevitable in both games and practices. I think it's something that can't be avoided. In any case, I hope he will return soon in good shape. I believe he will contribute to the team upon his return.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, please review the previous match against Cerezo Osaka.
A, It was a game where we had both our good parts and the difficult parts after losing one player. One thing I can say is that we should have expressed our style throughout the entire game. After the game, I felt that was a challenge for our team. Instead of giving up easily and only focusing on defense when we were down one player, I wanted us to continue expressing our style even in a numerical disadvantage. In that game, it felt like we gave up on keeping possession as soon as we lost one player, so I wanted us to continue challenging ourselves to play the soccer we wanted to play.
Q, don't you feel like you have a lot of momentum in terms of the team's style after playing in the Levain Cup against Fukuoka and C Osaka?
A, We know what we need to do, so it's important to improve our completion. It's not about how the opponent plays, but I feel that we are getting better day by day in terms of everyone being able to work together. Also, as the opponent changes, the style of soccer will also change, and there may be accidents like the Cerezo game. However, I have a feeling that we will get better by accumulating experience and finding ways to deal with it.
I feel like I can handle any troubles or irregularities that may occur during the 90 minutes on the pitch.
A, I think that is my role as the one watching from the back, to understand the team's situation during the game and make adjustments during the game. I hope experienced players will take the lead and make it clear during the game.
Q, As a player, Morishige was given the captaincy for the first time in a while. Do you feel any changes or differences from when you were captain before as you go through the game?
A, honestly, nothing has really changed in what we are doing. However, if we are not sensitive to the changes in the team, the team can quickly go downhill. So, we need to raise our antennas and make sure that everyone is not satisfied with the current situation.
Q, it's been 3 months since our last home game. Fans and supporters have been eagerly waiting.
A, We have played three games so far, including the Levain Cup, and I think the fans and supporters who have been watching are expecting a lot. In home games, we are expected to deliver both a good performance and results. We want to make this game a solid representation of that.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, The Cerezo Osaka match was a complete victory as a team. What was the good point of the defense that was able to hold on in a situation where a player was sent off?
A, Regarding the first half, I think we were able to defend against the opponent's press from the front line. We only gave them one or two chances and were able to defend well by focusing on winning and sacrificing ourselves to protect the goal.
Q: How do you feel after playing two games since the opening?
A, as a team rather than individually, we have been able to demonstrate good tactics such as ball circulation in these two games, so I feel a sense of accomplishment.
Q, do you think the positioning of the defense in the box is good, or can it be improved even further?
A, we are practicing positioning in defense, and as a team, we are conscious of not letting the opponent enter the box. We are trying to defend in a way that does not allow the opponent to enter, so I think chances are not being created.
Q, In defense, I felt the presence of Jakub SLOWIK was significant throughout the two games, but how is the defensive awareness, including his presence, when there is a premise of preventing shots?
A, I think you can feel that Jakub SLOWIK is a great player by watching his performance in these two games. Both individually and as a team, I think Jakub SLOWIK is able to make good defensive plays without standing out in a good way. He gives us a sense of security by stopping shots from a distance, so we can defend more boldly. In that sense, he is a very reliable presence.
Q, Do you think you can calculate your defensive stance while stopping to some extent?
A, first we defend to prevent shots, but there are times when we are inevitably shot. Depending on the area, we can play with a sense of being okay even if we are shot, so we can make bold defenses.
Q, where are the rewards and challenges in the assembly process?
A, There may be mistakes in the assembly process, but it is important to play without fear and to build up while using short and long passes effectively. This is an area that has improved during the game, so I think we are gradually able to build up in a way that the opponent dislikes.
Q, What was your impression of the match against C Osaka, your former team?
It was a team that started my professional career, and I spent 5 years growing as a player, so it was a great feeling to be able to play against Cerezo Osaka. But first and foremost, I was really happy to win.
Q: Were there any specific areas you focused on?
A few players I played with were there, and there were also parts where I got emotionally involved. However, I think the best thing was that we were able to focus on winning without being affected by emotions (towards my former team) for the sake of FC Tokyo's victory.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the home opening game.
It took a long time to play a game at home due to the influence of Corona, but the team is united and we were able to welcome this Hiroshima match after winning the previous match, so we want to do our best to win at home as well.
Q, How is the atmosphere of the current team?
A, we are practicing very hard and we are able to switch between on and off. There are also parts where we can have fun during our off time, so I think the atmosphere is good.
Q, is it finally time for the players to come together and start?
A, finally returned from Corona and able to have good practice while also having competition. I think we are able to play the soccer we want through the game, so I feel very fulfilled in that sense.
Q, how is the momentum on the offensive side?
A, although we have only scored one point, we have created many chances in these three games and I think the short counter is one of our weapons, so if we can create chances even while holding the ball in the short counter, we can become a team without any weaknesses, so I want to continue improving the team without being satisfied.
Q, do you have a sense of being able to play while holding the ball through several games?
A, I think we have been able to show some really good parts in the first three games. We have been able to attack while adjusting our positions based on the opponent's defensive positioning. It's not perfect yet, but I think it's a good thing that we have been able to play as a team in these three games, and I'm really looking forward to what's to come.
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q, Last week, we defeated C Osaka 1-0 with a goal from player Konno, achieving our first victory of the season.
After the opening match of the league, the team was forced to suspend activities due to the impact of the new coronavirus infection, and it was a difficult game with difficult conditions. However, I think that each and every one of us did what we could and that resulted in a victory. Of course, I am happy to have scored a goal, but I also think that we won all three points as a team, including enduring through tough times.
Q, What is your impression of the possession soccer that new coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA aims for so far?
A, There are still some parts that have not yet permeated the team because it has changed completely since last season, but it is gradually improving and it is fun to play. Especially in my position as a wing, I am asked to make one-on-one attacks, and I think it is a style that makes it easy to demonstrate my strengths.
Q, Player Konno experienced a long-term absence of about 7 months due to injury last season. Don't you have strong feelings for this season as well?
A, It was my first time having such a big injury, so I was worried if I could make a successful comeback and also frustrated that I couldn't play in games. However, thanks to the trainer, my rehabilitation has been going 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 was worried about me.
Q, this game is the first home game of the 2022 season. Please give a message to the fans and supporters.
A, first of all, we want to show our football and Tokyo's football this season firmly at home. Personally, I scored one goal, so I can challenge the game with confidence mentally. I want to play greedily for results and above all, if we don't win at home, it doesn't mean anything. I want to prepare well and deliver victory to everyone!
Official Match Day Program is here!
