The match against Júbilo Iwata, which was supposed to be the first home game of the Levain Cup, has been postponed due to the impact of the new coronavirus infection. It will now be played just two days after the J1 League home opener.
The first match of the tournament on March 2 against Avispa Fukuoka was approached with a scramble formation, including players registered in the second division on the bench. The team, consisting of both veteran and young players, fought well by possessing the ball and pushing the opponent, although the result did not follow. This proved that the team is gradually establishing a tactical base, regardless of the composition of the members.
With the middle game of a back-to-back and back-to-back-to-back match, Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, the coach, has stated that he will actively use young players, and it is expected that the lineup will be changed for the last two league matches.
If you only focus on certain words, it may sound like Albert Puig Ortoneda is treating the Levain Cup as an experimental field. However, as a coach, he believes that it is natural to focus on winning in every game and there is no need to constantly talk about it. It is a difficult approach, but he is working towards the mission of balancing the use of young players for the future of the team and club, and the pursuit of victory.
In the Fukuoka match, which was a hybrid of veteran players and young players, Shuto OKANIWA was selected as a starter and Yuta ARAI, who was registered as a second type, was brought in in the second half and demonstrated his strengths. In addition, Yuki KAJIURA, who made his debut in his rookie year, showed his extraordinary talent by finding spaces that the opponent disliked and heading towards the goal. In this match against Iwata as well, we hope that the young players who have been given the chance will show their strengths without fear of making mistakes, and adapt to the play model even more.
In particular, player Okanohara, who was substituted in the first half of the Fukuoka match, is burning with a desire for revenge in the next opportunity. Their intense motivation should elevate the Iwata match from an experimental field to a real battle.
First night game at home this season.
We want to bring you a hot night where you can see the future of Tokyo.
