[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: It seemed that Coach Ryuis of Kobe was defending in a zone during the match against Kyoto. If the opponent does not press from the front again this time, the theme will be to break through a team that defends in a zone. What are your thoughts on this?
Honestly, we haven't received much information since the coach changed. I know him well. I believe he is good at utilizing the 4-4-2 system to defend compactly and then launch attacks from there. They defend by narrowing the space effectively and are also good at counter-attacks. Of course, they do not forget the importance of keeping possession of the ball. However, I think the dangerous factor for us is that the team is in a focused state right after the coach has changed. They have high-quality players as well. Naturally, every team wants to win in the upcoming match, but for Kobe, who has struggled to earn points at the start of the season, they must be eager to secure points at all costs. We are also hungry for victory, but I think Kobe is even more so. Each team grows with its own playing style, and we are in a growth phase with our playing style. I hope this match will contribute to our growth.
Q: I think there was progress in terms of content in the match against Yokohama FM. I believe we will approach the next match with the desire to improve in that aspect, but what is your enthusiasm like for the match against Kobe?
In the match against Yokohama FM, the team showed growth. I believe the signs of growth were more evident in the first half. Yokohama FM's most dangerous attack is their counterattack, but they also have ball possession as one of their weapons. I think we managed to effectively neutralize that and aimed for counterattacks in the first half. The difference between Yokohama FM and Kawasaki is that once you are pushed back by Kawasaki, it is quite difficult to break free. On the other hand, even when pushed back by Yokohama FM, there is a possibility to create chances after regaining possession. If we are outmatched in ball possession against Kawasaki, it leads to a difficult match. Against Yokohama FM, by intentionally conceding the ball, we were able to execute our plan well in the first half, regaining possession and turning it into counterattack opportunities. It would have been great to score an additional goal in the first half, but unfortunately, at the start of the second half, we conceded a second goal from a counterattack, which is one of Yokohama FM's major weapons, due to a mistake.
In any case, I believe the team has grown from the match against Yokohama FM, and I hope that the team continues to grow consistently as the season progresses. Both Kawasaki and Yokohama FM have been playing with the same playing style for multiple seasons. Naturally, their level of completion is high, and it is difficult to compete against a mature team. However, I am satisfied with the team's and players' performances. It has only been a few months since we started a new playing style, and I take pride in the fact that we were able to compete on equal terms with Kawasaki and Yokohama FM. The team's growth is evident not only in matches but also in daily practice. What we can do in practice does not immediately translate to matches. It takes time to be able to express it, so it is important to be patient. Once we can express ourselves, I believe we will be able to dominate matches regardless of the strength of our opponents.
Q: In the match against Yokohama FM, you intentionally allowed them to have the ball to aim for counterattacks, but that strategy did not work against Kawasaki. Please explain why that strategy is effective against Yokohama FM.
A, each team has a different playing style. For example, Kawasaki has the characteristic of maintaining a high ball possession rate to push the opponent back and create chances. However, I don't think they are always playing positional play across the entire pitch. One of their significant weapons is immediately regaining the ball and continuing the attack after losing it when they have pushed the opponent back. Yokohama FM's characteristic, I believe, is an attack that utilizes the speed of the wings rather than ball possession. When there are wings that use speed as a weapon, they require space. I think the typical play is seen in our second goal conceded. We were counter-attacked when there was space in front of the wings, which is Yokohama FM's most dangerous play, and we conceded from that. On the other hand, while Yokohama FM's counter-attacks are dangerous, creating chances against Yokohama FM through counter-attacks was a two-sided aspect of the match. A typical example is the play in the first half. We created many chances from counter-attacks against an opponent that excels in counter-attacks. However, because we conceded the second goal at the beginning of the second half, we had to take the initiative in the match. From there, Yokohama's counter-attacks began to function, leading to a match where they created more chances in the second half than in the first.
The match against Kawasaki had a different flow. They struggle when being pressed. In that sense, when we maintained the ball high up the pitch and pressed Kawasaki, we were able to create many chances. However, the game plan changes from match to match. I believe what determines the game are the players' appropriate judgments in each moment. Each team approaches the match with a clear game plan, but ultimately it comes down to whether the players can make the right decisions on the pitch and play according to the game plan. However, even if they can play with appropriate judgment, if they lack decisiveness at the crucial moments, they cannot win in this sport. A typical match of that is against Kyoto SANGA F.C. Since soccer is about competing for the number of goals, I think decisiveness in front of the goal is one of the important points. That is the reality of soccer.
Q: In April, due to consecutive matches, it was mentioned that you would like to actively use young players in the cup matches, but the last three matches are league matches. How do you consider player selection in this congested schedule?
In the cup competitions, we plan to change players. First of all, I think it is impossible for the same players to play in this congested schedule. Our team has high-quality players. We also have wonderful young players. In that sense, I would like to give young players opportunities to play in the cup competitions. Looking at the world, there are not many teams that can continue to play at a high quality while competing in two or three tournaments simultaneously. In both Major League Soccer in the United States and J-League, I feel that teams participating in tournaments like the AFC Champions League struggle with congested schedules and find it difficult to maintain good performance throughout the season. Looking at Europe, I think there are about 10 to 15 clubs that can consistently perform at a high quality across multiple tournaments, including the UEFA Champions League.
Q: What have you emphasized in preparation for the match against Kobe, despite the short preparation period?
Rather than focusing on how to adapt to the opposing team with limited time, we focused on how to grow our play while utilizing video in practice. In modern football, it is important to hold analysis meetings using video. There is a limit to the time we can practice on the pitch, especially with a congested schedule. Therefore, we spend time using video to reflect on our areas for improvement and good plays, connecting them to the next match and incorporating new concepts.
Q: I believe there are great players on the opposing team.
A, indeed one of the greatest players who has etched his name in the history of soccer is in Kobe.
Q: What are your memories of and thoughts about player Iniesta for coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA?
I think he is a legend in the world of soccer. He is also one of the few players who has proven that it is not always necessary to have a high level of physicality to perform at the top level in the world. He is a player who has transformed soccer into an art form. There is no need to explain again how great a player he is, as he continues to deliver magnificent performances. Furthermore, he has proven that it is possible to continue performing at the top level in the world while maintaining a humble attitude. He is also a player who has broken the mold of what a top-level player in soccer should be. He is a great player loved by soccer fans all over the world. I hear he is also enjoying his life in Japan. I take pride in being able to compete against him here in Japan. There will come a time when he will retire as a player. At that time, I sincerely hope that he will return to FC Barcelona, a club I love deeply and recognize as my hometown.
[Player Interview]
＜Takuya AOKI＞
Q: It is expected that Iniesta will play in a position similar to a second striker for Kobe. What kind of image do you have for the defense to handle that?
A, there are aspects that you won't know until you get into the match. However, if a player gets close to the goal, they become a dangerous player, so I believe that someone must confront them. Rather than focusing on which opponent to target, we are more focused on doing what we want to do.
Q, I believe what we want to do is maintain possession of the ball, but as an anchor, how do you feel about that?
A, there are few special things I can do from my position, but I am always conscious of ensuring that the team can play smoothly.
Q: What areas are improving for the team as a whole?
A, whether in attack or defense, it feels like the whole team is increasingly connected. The key is probably the players' sense of distance from each other. Since we are playing positional football, we are not scattered; each player is able to be in a good position, allowing the entire team to play as if we are connected.
Q: What is the top priority that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is looking for in the anchor position?
A, it's about balance, I suppose. It's also about staying calm. I try to keep an eye on my surroundings and play in a way that avoids any gaps.
Q: I think the role is more complex compared to a double pivot, but hasn't the frequency of moving the surrounding players increased?
A, the inside half players move a lot, making it easier to play, and I play while considering what happens after those two go (forward). It's important to make judgments about seeing the space they leave or, conversely, following them as I move into the inside half.
<Shuto ABE>
Q: You have scored in two consecutive official matches, and it seems that you are becoming more composed in front of the goal.
A, I don't feel that way to that extent. In the home game against Hiroshima, when Adailton scored, there was a moment before that where I missed a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. After that match, I remember receiving advice from Takahagi, saying, 'In that situation, the goalkeeper won't reach for the near post, so it's good to aim for the near post.' When a similar situation arose in the match against Yokohama FM, I was able to calmly aim for the near post.
Q: You remained calm and didn't celebrate much after the goal, didn't you?
A, since the match against Yokohama FM was still tied, I thought, "We still have a long way to go, so let's stay calm," and I was composed. In the match against Kobe, I want to score a goal that can unleash my emotions. In front of the goal where the fans and supporters from Tokyo are.
Q: The match against Yokohama FM was a game where we were overpowered in terms of strength, but I think we are gradually starting to show what we have been working on in practice. Do you feel that we are improving with each game?
There are scenes that go well and scenes that do not go well. I still feel that there are few moments when we are doing well, but I believe everyone has the intention to express what the coach demands on the pitch, so I want to amplify that intention and improve our play.
Q: Tomorrow's match against Kobe. There is Kento HASHIMOTO, a senior from the academy who plays the same position. What does Kento HASHIMOTO mean to Abe?
I still remember when I played together with him as a specially designated player during my fourth year of university. He can take the ball away, distribute it, and score goals, which made me think he was the ideal defensive midfielder in my mind. At that time, he was also part of the Japan national team, and I thought that players who can achieve such results would move up.
Q: I don't think you are very conscious of it, but do you have a feeling that you don't want to lose?
A, I don't consciously think about it that much, but when there are players of national team caliber, I feel fired up and have the mindset of "I will do it." However, I absolutely want to win here as a team. If we can dominate the midfield with players like Hashimoto and Iniesta, I believe it will naturally lead to the team's victory and contribute to my own growth, so I want to play with a strong mindset.
Q: Abe's J1 debut was in the match against Kobe at Ajinomoto. Please tell us your thoughts on this match.
A, Kobe is a team with many wonderful players besides Hashimoto and Iniesta. However, among them, Iniesta is one of the special players in the world, so it is a great honor to be able to play with such a player. However, that does not change the fact that he is an opponent, so I want to take away Iniesta's freedom, seize the initiative, and win at Ajinomoto.
Q: Tomorrow's match will be held at 100% capacity. Please share a message for the fans and supporters.
Although it is a weekday match, I believe many fans and supporters will come to Ajinomoto. I think we must deliver a victory for those fans and supporters, and it is our responsibility to play in a way that makes them want to say, "I want to watch FC Tokyo's match again." Therefore, I want to win and achieve results. The more fans and supporters there are, the higher our motivation, so I am really looking forward to it. Please continue to support us tomorrow as well.
<Hirotaka MITA>
Q: You started the league with a decent record of 3 wins in the first 5 matches. How do you feel about the battles so far?
Under Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, we are in the stage of trying to express a new style centered on positional play. At this point, we should not only seek results but also pursue content and improve the areas that are lacking. However, I feel that the direction the team is aiming for is a good one for Tokyo.
Q: In Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's soccer philosophy of "loving the ball," player Mita has been utilized in various positions such as midfield and wing. What kind of role do you think is expected of him?
Basically, my role is to move the ball to create rhythm and control the pace of the game. I am confident that I can play anywhere this season in Tokyo's style. I believe my strength is being able to naturally switch my play depending on the situation and position.
Q: What will you be mindful of as you approach the match against Kobe this round?
To improve the team's completeness, we need to focus on playing matches now, valuing each game and connecting it to our growth. Kobe is a team with high-quality players. I believe this is a match that will test whether we can showcase our soccer against such opponents.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the match with the fans and supporters.
I am excited that the restrictions on the number of spectators have finally been lifted, and I will be able to see Ajinomoto filled with fans and supporters. I hope everyone enjoys watching Tokyo grow with each match this season, and I will also work hard to grow more and contribute to the team. We will show you attractive soccer, so please support us!
Official match day program is here!
