TOKYOism

[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]

Q: I think you told the players to increase their pace during halftime of the Shonan match. What did that statement mean?
In positional play, each individual's positioning becomes crucial. Even if you have a good position, if the pace of play is slow, it becomes difficult to effectively unsettle the opponent and break down their defense in the appropriate manner. In other types of play that are not positional, for example, the speed of the player who is evading the opponent's mark may be more important. However, for us to function well, a fast pace of play is essential. In that sense, I emphasize the importance of the concept to the players. I believe that the pace of play has a strong correlation with the speed of decision-making. You must make the right decision before receiving the ball. I think it is too late to look around and make a decision after receiving the ball.

Q: I think you have been able to gain an advantage in matches by taking control against strong opponents, but moving forward, is it important to increase the pace of play while maintaining possession of the ball?
A, the moment you win the ball and the speed of switching between offense and defense are important, and even in slow attacks, it is crucial to take proper positions. When breaking through an opponent's block, the speed of play becomes essential. If you can increase the speed of your passes, the opponent's defensive block will become misaligned. This allows for the construction of effective attacks, but it takes time to integrate this into the team. I believe it will improve with each practice and match.

Q: It seems that Yokohama often circulates the ball with three players, including the goalkeeper and center backs.
A, building up with the goalkeeper and three center-backs from the final line has been done by many teams for quite some time and I don't think it's anything new. By having the goalkeeper involved and circulating the ball with the three players at the back, it allows one field player to take a higher position, increasing the possibility of creating a numerical advantage in midfield and attack. On the other hand, the fact that the goalkeeper's active involvement in the build-up can lead to a decisive goal conceded in case of a mistake is also a double-edged sword. I think it is a very effective option, but it comes with various risks. Last season, Niigata also often built up with three players including the goalkeeper. I believe there are times when it works well and times when it does not.

[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞

Q: So far, we have achieved 5th place in the league and 2nd place in the cup group. Is the team able to confidently work on the new style of football?
A, achieving results is the minimum requirement. I feel that we are still far from the style we aim for. We want to increase the moments where we can play in our own time and with our intended approach.

Q: The members and opponents change with each match, and there may be times when things don't go well. What are the current challenges?
I believe that as we progress through the match while intentionally moving the ball, our passing accuracy, decision-making ability, and pace of play still need improvement. It is important to have options and solutions for each pattern of attack from the opponent, and I think accumulating experience is necessary.

Q: In April, we have a packed schedule with seven consecutive matches, but I want to take advantage of having games back-to-back to enhance the team's maturity.
Starting from April 2, we will be playing against strong teams in a three-match league series, and I want to see how well we can compete against them. I believe challenges will arise, but I want to use those experiences to grow as a team and finish April stronger.

Q: It has been said that there will be challenges in the three consecutive matches, but I think this is a good opponent to test the sense of achievement we are starting to grasp.
By playing against various opponents, I believe we can identify our shortcomings and strengths. Until now, we have managed to cope with individual abilities, but it will be a battle that requires the team's overall completeness. I think we need to improve our completeness.

Q: During halftime of the Shonan match, I believe Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA told you to increase the pace of play. What specifically does the pace of play indicate for you, and how was it implemented on the pitch?
In the match against Shonan, we were in a situation where we could maintain possession of the ball. If we become satisfied with that and focus solely on maintaining possession, the game won't progress. It's a new style aimed at scoring, so if we don't increase the passing speed while keeping the ball, the opponent's defense won't be afraid of anything. In that sense, we needed to quickly move the ball to the opposite side and exploit the gaps by shaking it left and right. I think the coach made comments about being satisfied with just holding the ball at the back during halftime.

Q: Since you often pair with Kimoto as center backs, and both of you have high technical skills with your feet, it seems that the receiving side is actively showing themselves. Do you feel that the team's condition has improved from the first camp to now?
A, Kimoto is originally a player with high technical skills at his feet, and from the matches so far, he can deliver vertical passes to the midfield and forward. If both center-backs can do that, I believe the opponent won't be able to narrow down their defensive focus. By having variations in how to act when starting from the center-back and facing forward in the midfield, I think it will confuse the opponent.

Q: What do you focus on while playing as a center-back? What is necessary to move the ball smoothly?
I feel that the players behind must build up while anticipating one or two steps ahead. By coming up with ideas, aligning intentions with midfield and side players, and communicating with each other to make adjustments one by one, I believe we can move the ball smoothly and automatically. I think there are many instances of knocking now, but I want to improve through mistakes and experiences.