[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, Coach Lewis of Kobe seemed to be playing defense in a zone in the Kyoto match. If they don't come from the front line again this time, the theme will be to break through the opponent's zone defense. What do you think?
A, the coach has changed and to be honest, we haven't been able to gather much information. We know him well. I think he is good at using the 4-4-2 system to defend compactly and then attack from there. We will defend by narrowing the space and are also good at counterattacks. Of course, we haven't forgotten to value the ball. However, the dangerous element for us is that the coach has just changed and the team is in a concentrated state. They also have high-quality players. Of course, every team wants to win in the upcoming match, but as Kobe, who has not been able to earn points at the beginning of the season, we definitely want to earn points. We are also hungry for victory, but I think Kobe is even more hungry. Each team will grow with their own playing style, and we are in the growth stage with our playing style. We hope that this match will help us grow.
Q, I think we saw progress in terms of content in the Yokohama FM match. I think we will approach it with a desire to improve the content, but how do you feel about your enthusiasm for the Kobe match?
A, the team also showed growth in the Yokohama FM match. I think the signs of growth were more clearly shown in the first half. Yokohama FM's most dangerous attack is the counterattack, but they also have the ability to possess the ball as a weapon. In the first half, I think we were able to successfully neutralize their counterattacks and also create our own counterattack opportunities. The difference between Yokohama FM and Kawasaki is that it is quite difficult to break out of being pushed back by Kawasaki. On the other hand, even if we are pushed back by Yokohama FM, there is a possibility to create chances after winning back the ball. If we are out-possessed by Kawasaki, it becomes a difficult game. Against Yokohama FM, by intentionally giving up possession, we were able to successfully execute our plan and create counterattack opportunities in the first half. It would have been great to score another goal in the first half, but unfortunately, we conceded a second goal from a mistake at the start of the second half, which is one of Yokohama FM's biggest weapons, the counterattack.
In any case, I think the team has grown through the Yokohama FM match, and I hope that the team will continue to grow continuously as we play more games this season. Both Kawasaki and Yokohama FM have been playing with the same play style for multiple seasons. Naturally, it is difficult to play against a team that is highly developed and mature. However, I am satisfied with the team and players' performance. I am proud that we were able to compete equally with Kawasaki and Yokohama FM, even though we have only been playing with a new play style for a few months. The team's growth is clearly evident not only in games but also in daily practices. What we can do in practice cannot be immediately expressed in games. It takes time to be able to express it, so it is important to patiently wait. Once we can express it, I believe we will be able to dominate the game regardless of the strength of our opponents.
Q, The match against Yokohama FM was a strategy to deliberately let them have the ball and aim for a counterattack, but it didn't work against Kawasaki. Can you explain why this strategy works against Yokohama FM as an opponent?
A, each team has a different playing style. For example, Kawasaki has a characteristic of maintaining a high ball possession rate and pushing the opponent to create chances. However, I don't think they always play positional play on the entire pitch. One of their biggest weapons is to immediately regain possession and continue attacking after losing the ball when pushing the opponent. The characteristic of Yokohama FM is their attack utilizing the speed of their wings rather than ball possession. When there are wings who can use their speed as a weapon, it requires space. The typical play was the scene of our second goal conceded. We were able to launch a counterattack with space in front of the wing, which is the most dangerous play for Yokohama FM, and we ended up conceding a goal from there. On the other hand, while Yokohama FM's counterattack is dangerous, it was a game where creating chances from counterattacks against them was also a key factor. A typical example is the first half of the game. We created many chances from counterattacks against an opponent who is good at it. However, because we conceded the second goal at the beginning of the second half, we had to take the initiative and develop the game. From there, Yokohama's counterattack started to function and the game became one where they created more chances in the second half than in the first half.
The Kawasaki game had a different flow. They are not good at being pushed back. In that sense, when they pushed Kawasaki back while holding the ball high, they were able to create many chances. However, the game plan changes from game to game. I think the players' appropriate judgment in each moment determines the outcome of the game. Each team approaches the game with a clear game plan, but ultimately it depends on whether the players can make the appropriate decisions on the pitch and play according to the game plan. However, even if they can play with appropriate judgment, if they lack finishing power in the end, they cannot win in this sport. A typical game of this is the Kyoto Sanga F.C. game. Soccer is a competition of goals, so I think finishing power in front of the goal is one of the important points. That is the reality of soccer.
Q, In April, due to consecutive games, it was mentioned that young players would be actively used in the cup matches, but the past three games have been league matches. How are you considering player selection in this busy schedule?
In cup matches, we plan to change players. I don't think it's possible for the same players to play in this tight schedule. Our team has a lot of high-quality players. We also have some great young players. In that sense, we want to give young players a chance to play in cup matches. There are not many teams in the world that can continue to play at a high level while competing in two or three tournaments at the same time. In both the American Major League Soccer and the J-League, I feel that teams participating in tournaments like the AFC Champions League struggle to maintain good performances throughout the season due to the tight schedule. Looking at Europe, I think there are only 10 to 15 clubs that can consistently perform at a high level in multiple tournaments, including the UEFA Champions League.
Q, What have you emphasized in preparation for the Kobe match, despite the short preparation period?
A, rather than how to adapt to the opposing team in a short amount of time, we focused on how to improve our play and utilized video during practice. In modern football, it is important to use video for analysis meetings. There is a limit to the amount of time we can practice on the pitch. This is especially true with a tight schedule. Therefore, we spend time using video to reflect on our areas for improvement and good plays, and incorporate new concepts to carry over to the next game.
Q, I think there are great players on the opposing team.
One of the greatest players who has left his name in the history of football is in Kobe.
Q, What are your memories and thoughts on the presence of Iniesta as a player for coach Albert?
A, I think he is a legend in the world of soccer. He is also one of the few players who have proven that they do not necessarily need a high level of physicality to excel at the top level of the world. He is also a player who has turned soccer into an art form. He has continued to play great plays without needing to explain how great of a player he is. He has also proven that he can continue to excel at the top level of the world while maintaining a humble attitude. He is also a player who has broken the mold of what it means to be a top level player in the world of soccer. He is a great player who is loved by soccer fans all over the world. I have heard that he is also enjoying his life in Japan. I am proud to be 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, which I love and consider my hometown.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Takuya Aoki＞
Q, It is expected that Iniesta will play in a position similar to a second top for Kobe, what kind of image do you have for the defense to grab that position?
A, there are also parts that you won't understand until you get into the game. However, since he is a dangerous player when he is close to the goal, someone must always confront him. Rather than focusing on which player on the opponent's team, it is more important to be conscious of doing what we want to do.
Q, I think our main focus is ball possession, but as an anchor, how do you feel about that?
A, I don't do anything special from my position, but I always keep in mind to help the team play smoothly.
Q: What are the areas where the team as a whole has improved?
A, both in attack and defense, it feels like the whole team is coming together. The most important thing is the players' sense of distance. Since we are playing positionally, instead of being scattered, each player is able to be in a good position, allowing the team to play together.
Q, what is the most important thing that is required from the position of anchor by coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA?
A, balance. Calmness as well. I try to look around well and play so that no holes are opened.
Q, do you think your role is more diverse compared to a double pivot? Have you noticed an increase in frequency of moving your teammates around?
A, the PREMIST player in the inside half moves a lot, so it's easy to play and I'm thinking about what to do after they go (forward). It's important to make decisions like looking at the space they left behind or following the inside half in reverse.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, I have scored in two consecutive official matches, but I feel like I am starting to calm down in front of the goal.
A: I didn't feel that way myself. In the home game against Hiroshima, Adailton scored a goal, but before that, I missed a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. After the game, Takahagi gave me advice, saying, "In that situation, the goalkeeper can't reach the near side, so aim for the near side." I remembered that and in the Yokohama FM game, a similar situation came up, so I was able to calmly aim for the near side.
Q, you remained calm even after scoring a goal.
A, the Yokohama FM match was still tied, so I thought, "Let's calm down and keep going," so I was calm. In the Kobe match, I want to score a goal that can make my emotions explode as well. On the goal side where Tokyo fans and supporters are.
Q, The Yokohama FM match was a game where we were outmatched in terms of strength, but I think we are gradually able to show what we have been working on in practice. Do you feel like you are improving with each game?
There are scenes where things go well and scenes where things don't go well. I still have a sense that I haven't done enough, but I think everyone has the will to express what the coach wants on the pitch, so I want to increase that will and improve my play.
Q, Tomorrow's Kobe match. There is a senior from the academy, Kento HASHIMOTO, who plays in the same position. What kind of presence is HASHIMOTO for player Abe?
I still remember when I played together as a special designated player when I was a fourth-year university student. He was my ideal midfielder who could steal the ball, handle it, and score goals. At that time, he was also on the Japan national team, and I thought that players who could achieve such results would go up to the top.
Q, Do you have a desire to win even though you may not be consciously aware of it?
A, I'm not consciously aware of it, but when there are players from the national team, I also feel motivated to "do my best". However, as a team, we definitely want to win here. If we can dominate the midfield with players like Hashimoto and Iniesta, I think it will naturally lead to the team's victory and also contribute to my own growth, so I want to play with a strong mindset.
Q, Abe's J1 debut was against Kobe at Ajinomoto Stadium. Please tell us about your thoughts going into this match.
A, Kobe is a team with many great players besides Hashimoto and Iniesta. However, Iniesta is one of the special players in the world, so it is a great honor to play with such a player. However, he is still an opponent, so we want to take away his freedom and take control, and win at Ajinomoto.
Q, tomorrow's game will be played at 100% capacity. Please give a message to all the fans and supporters.
A, Although it is held on weekdays, I think many fans and supporters will come to Ajinomoto Stadium. I think it is our responsibility to win for those fans and supporters, and to play in a way that makes them want to come and watch FC Tokyo's games again. We want to win and get results. The more fans and supporters there are, the more motivated we will be, so I am really looking forward to it. Thank you for your support tomorrow as well.
<Hirotaka MITA>
Q, We had a decent start with 3 wins in the first 5 games of the league. How do you feel looking back on the battles so far?
Under the guidance of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, we are currently in the process of expressing a new style centered around positional play. At this point, we must not only seek results, but also pursue the content and improve the areas that are lacking. However, I feel that the direction the team is aiming for is a positive one for Tokyo.
Q, In Albert Puig Ortoneda's "love for the ball" soccer, Mita is being used in various positions such as midfield and wing. What role do you think is expected of him?
A, my role is to move the ball and create rhythm, and control the pace of the game. I don't mind playing in any position. If it's Tokyo's style this season, I have confidence that I can play anywhere. Depending on the situation, I think being able to naturally switch my play according to my position is my strength.
Q: What are you conscious of when approaching the Kobe match this week?
In order to improve the completeness of the team, it is necessary to play each game and connect it to growth. Kobe is a team with high-quality players. We must cherish each game and show our own soccer against such opponents. I think it will be a game that tests our strength.
Q, Please share your enthusiasm for the game with the fans and supporters.
Finally, with the lifting of restrictions on the number of spectators, I am excited to see Ajinomoto Stadium filled with fans and supporters. I hope everyone enjoys watching Tokyo grow with each game this season, and I will do my best to contribute to the team's success. We will show you an attractive style of football, so please come and support us!
Official Match Day Program is here!
