[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Last season, Ricardo RODRIGUEZ's tactics took hold, and in the second half of the match against Urawa, Tokyo was completely outmatched. What do you think of Coach RODRIGUEZ's approach to the game?
I believe that Coach Ricardo had a wonderful tenure at Tokushima for four seasons. I think they played well last season with Urawa, and the summer reinforcements worked effectively. They are struggling at the start of this season, but there is no doubt that they are a difficult opponent to face. This season, Urawa is fighting through a challenging schedule with a congested calendar, especially with the ACL starting next week. In any case, I recognize them as one of the great clubs in J1. However, as I always say, our own play is more important than the opponent's. I want to strive daily for our own improvement without being influenced by the opposing team, whether in practice or in matches.
Q: What positive effects do you think performing well in the match against Kobe will have for the upcoming match against Urawa?
In the match against Kobe, there were many aspects that could be evaluated. There were also several areas for improvement. For example, at the start, we conceded control of the match to the opponent, and I would like to improve on that. The attacks from the center were also weak, so I want to work on that. However, as we play more matches, the team is leveling up and able to play more smoothly and automatically. Based on the match against Kobe, I want to pick up on the areas for improvement and connect them to our development, and I hope the team will grow throughout the match, taking into account the characteristics of Urawa.
Q: It seems that Watanabe understood well what position he should take during the interview. He felt that there were times he made mistakes, which was a challenge for him, but do you feel that the understanding of each player's position has been progressing as a whole?
A, the team has only been started for 3 months. So far, I think it is commendable that players who have not played in the current playing style have grown this much. However, we must understand that because it has only been 3 months, there will be points for improvement that arise daily. I am glad that the players are positively working towards the team's maturation, taking it as a matter of course. They are strongly motivated to learn and are equipped with high-quality skills. With a mentality focused on competition, their growth speed is faster than expected. At the same time, the wonderful atmosphere within the team is also supporting this progress.
It is also positive that there is a wonderful relationship between the team and the fans/supporters. In the match against Kobe, we conceded a goal in a way we did not expect, and the game progressed while we were in a losing state. Even in that situation, the fans/supporters in the stands supported us calmly without becoming nervous, which had a positive effect on the team. The fans/supporters give confidence to the team. It is a very important boost for us. I believe that professional sports are entertainment. The fans/supporters who come to the stadium pay for tickets to see something wonderful. In that sense, we have an obligation to express compelling play. However, there are wins and losses in matches, and sometimes we may lose, but I believe it is our mission to express something compelling. Additionally, I think the fans/supporters appreciated our continued aggressive play, seeking additional goals without becoming passive, even when we were leading 3-1 against Kobe.
Q, please tell us what you expect from Kuryu MATSUKI, who is returning from suspension.
A, I want everyone to understand that Kuryu is still a young player at just 18 years old. He is also a player with great potential for further growth in the future. One of his strengths is that he possesses the mentality suitable for performing at the top level. He is full of eagerness to learn the tactical aspects of the game. The fact that he already has a winner's mentality is a highly commendable point. When selecting players, I do not consider age. In that sense, every player has a chance. I want to decide tomorrow's members based on an equal evaluation of all players.
Q, in the draw for the World Cup finals, Japan was placed in the same group as Spain. How do you feel about that?
A, in terms of soccer, I think this is a group that includes two great countries on a global scale. Therefore, it is clear that it will be a very difficult battle for Japan. One more team has not been decided yet, but what is important for Japan is the match against the last team that will be decided. The key point will be for the Japan national team to bring back as many points as possible from the two matches against the Spain national team and the Germany national team. Since I am currently in Japan, I wish for Japan's good fortune. I will support Japan.
Q, there was a discussion about improving the start of the game, but do you have specific improvement measures for the fact that we have conceded the first goal in the last two matches?
A, the matches against Yokohama FM and Kobe were clearly different. Conceding the first goal in the Yokohama FM match was not part of our game plan, but our plan progressed as expected. We created many chances in the first half, and it would have been good to score an additional goal there, but we couldn't manage the game that way. We analyzed that Yokohama FM's most dangerous weapon was their attacks utilizing the speed of their wings. On the other hand, we approached the Kobe match with a different game plan. If we gave the ball to Kobe, there was a risk that their high-quality players could push us back and play effectively. Our plan was to prevent that, but the start did not go as intended. The team is still in a growth phase. I think it was a significant point of improvement that we allowed the opponent to control the game at the start of the Kobe match. However, in both matches, after conceding a goal, the team managed to regroup, equalize, and react to take the lead. I believe that is something to be highly valued. A team that can continue to play with a focus on winning is very pleasing for the coach.
Q, you emphasize the importance of possessing the ball, but there are matches, like the one against Yokohama FM, where you intentionally allow the opponent to have the ball. You mentioned that the goal is not just to possess the ball, but to score goals. With that in mind, do you have any metrics, such as ball possession rate?
A, I am more focused on positioning rather than possession rate. Taking good positions, moving the ball well, and creating more good chances. Distributing the ball appropriately to players in the right positions to create opportunities. While doing that, I expect to see better attacking and defending play. However, for example, when facing a mature team that has been playing with the same play style for four seasons, if that opponent attacks while leaving a large space behind their defensive line, I think it is a valid strategy to exploit that space for our attacks. What I focus on is effective ball retention. Effective ball retention means being in a state where we can execute effective attacks while maintaining possession of the ball. I understand that to be ball possession. For instance, even if the ball possession rate is 80%, if we are not building effective attacks from that, then an 80% possession rate is not effective possession. On the other hand, if, like in the first half against Yokohama FM, we have a ball retention rate of 35% but create seven decisive chances and take seven shots, then I understand that 35% to be very effective ball possession. Ideally, we want to have a high possession rate and create many effective chances. However, since we have just started, our game plan will naturally change depending on the characteristics of the opposing team's play.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryoma WATANABE＞
Q: You have conceded the first goal in two consecutive matches. What do you think is the reason for that?
If we can hold the ball in a better condition, I think the opponent won't be able to attack. I believe that being attacked is caused by poor ball recovery or bad positioning of players during positional play. Of course, I think the opponent is scouting me as a fullback. When they decide where to target, I believe it will be towards me among the four defenders, so how I can prevent the opponent from doing their job will be the most important factor.
Q: You mentioned that your positioning was not very good when receiving the ball from Kimoto in the 21st minute against Kobe. Were you hoping to position yourself a bit more inward and face forward?
At that stage, I actually didn't want to drop back that much, but if the distance between the wide player and Kimoto was too far, I inevitably had to step in, which meant I would end up receiving the ball facing backward. I think the ideal scenario would have been for me to stay wide at my initial position while the wide player moved inside. If I could have looked more broadly at the situation, not just the players in the immediate area but also the opposing defensive midfielder, forwards, and attacking midfielders, I believe that mistake could have been avoided.
Q: In the second goal scene, the pass you made to Nagai after getting past Iniesta, as well as the pass to Nagai after getting through Makino's legs in the first goal scene, both were delivered accurately close to the opponent's feet. Is your ability to get past opponents while dribbling more of a target or a sense?
I think the order is to aim for it because I intuitively understand that I can get through. Since I can't defend with my whole body, even the goalkeeper can be targeted at my feet, and I believe I have statistical evidence that shows that area can be targeted. That's why I'm aiming for it.
Q: In the scene where you passed Iniesta, you closed your legs well and since Iniesta turned his body vertically, it felt like you took advantage of that. Did you feel a sense of success at the moment you passed him?
A, I felt the defense closing in on me with their bodies, so it caught my eye for a moment, and I quickly changed to a nutmeg. It feels like the nutmeg happened because the opponent closed in too much, leading to a change to the back alley.
Q: In the early part of the second half, there was a scene where you pushed the opponent on the right side and while passing the ball, the shot went wide to the right. You were making a movement to receive the ball from Nagai when it came in a negative angle. Were you anticipating the ball coming from Nagai's angle and preparing for it?
I had anticipated and prepared, but I think I was waiting with the wrong foot. I was waiting with my right foot, but I believe Nagai wanted to play the ball with his left foot, and he himself said he moved forward. I realized I need to keep my body neutral so that I can play the ball with either foot.
Q: You mentioned that if the opponent targets you, you will be ready. I believe that your defensive skills and awareness have been improved since the camp. Do you have any advice from the coach or staff on how to acquire defensive techniques?
While watching the video, we talked about how it would be better this way, and the way the midfield players are currently defending has become a habit, including their play at the ball, so I think we need to consciously improve this going forward.
Q, in the scene where player Osako skillfully got past you, it was a situation where you went to poke the ball and were taken the other way, right?
Well, when I tried to poke the ball or crush it, I was skillfully turned around in front of me.
Q: I think there are many opportunities for throw-ins as a side back, even more than in midfield. What is your awareness regarding throw-ins? I believe that is also required in Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's tactics.
A, it would be good to throw the ball so that it comes back to me and to have it returned with one touch, and I just make sure that it doesn't get intercepted when I throw it directly sideways.
Q: What do you feel is the biggest difference and challenge in the way you defend in midfield compared to how you defend as a full-back?
In the midfield, when going for fifty-fifty balls or trying to take the opponent's ball, I always make sure to defend in a way that allows me to turn it into our ball. For example, even when it's unclear whether the ball will go to us or the opponent during a challenge, I focus on ensuring the ball spills forward, and I defend in a way that keeps the ball in play along the sidelines. It's a subtle point, but in my case, I try to react to take the ball. If I wait for the opponent to act before responding to try to claim the ball, I have to increase my intensity as a defender and go after them. Therefore, I believe I need to defend with the premise of turning it into our ball, even to the extent that it's okay for the ball to go out. If I can defend like that, I think it will transform into a defender's defense.
<Keita YAMASHITA>
Q: It seemed like you were able to play with a very good feeling in the last match against Kobe, but how did you feel yourself, Yamashita?
I think this was the best match so far. Although I had a bit more playing time, I was able to take some shots and had many touches on the ball, so I felt good.
Q: It became a phantom goal, but did your joy explode in that moment?
To be honest, I don't remember much. But since transferring this season, I feel like I'm having experiences I've never had before.There was frustration and impatience from not being able to participate in matches, and it was a time when I wanted to create a trigger within myself and break through. Although it wasn't a cool moment that shook the net, it was a gritty and true-to-myself play, so I think that's why I took that action.
Q: All my teammates came running over to me.
At that time, I didn't understand at all, but looking back at the footage, I was really happy.Little by little, I thought I might be getting recognized, and I felt once again that I want to score goals and become a strength for this team.
Q, I hope this can be a good opportunity for something.
Yes, that's really true. Although it ended up being a no-goal, shaking the net like that makes a 180-degree difference for the forward players in terms of their mindset. I also feel that I am progressing in a good direction, so I want to quickly score a real goal at Ajinomoto and do my best to be recognized by the fans and supporters in Tokyo.
Q: I think Urawa is a team that Yamashita has a good compatibility with. Please share your enthusiasm.
A, last season, I scored goals in 2 matches, and I believe I have a good compatibility. Since I am being allowed to play as a FW, I think results in the form of goals are expected, and I am certainly aiming for that as well. However, first and foremost, I want to focus on running with all my strength for the team's victory.
<Takuya AOKI>
Q, After winning against Kobe in Sec. 7, we have 4 wins in the last 6 league matches and are in good form. Don't you feel a sense of accomplishment?
I feel that if we can play our own football, we can win. The team is performing well, and even in the matches we lost against Kawasaki and Yokohama FM, I don't think the content was bad. However, if we don't have the strength to at least draw those matches, we won't be able to reach the top. In that sense, I still feel there are many challenges ahead.
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA says, "We are still in a growth phase," but how do you evaluate the current team, Matsuki?
It is not that the current situation is unsatisfactory, but rather that we are always working with the word "growth" in mind. There are times when we can express our football during matches, and times when we cannot, so our goal is to bring that to 100%. However, the players are gaining confidence by accumulating victories, and it is certain that we are able to have focused and good training.
Q: What kind of play is the coach asking for?
I think we are required to maintain the balance of the team. I adjust positions to ensure that there are not too many open spaces, and when the rhythm is off, I try to calm the ball down, keeping in mind that the entire team can play smoothly. When the flow of the game is not good, there is a lot of work to do, but so far there have been many good moments, so I can play naturally.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the match against Urawa with the fans and supporters.
A, Urawa won last season's Emperor's Cup, and they seem to be becoming a better team with each match. However, we absolutely cannot lose at home at Ajinomoto Stadium. Especially this match, there are no restrictions on the number of spectators, and I believe we can play in front of a large number of fans and supporters, so we are more motivated than ever. I want to ensure everyone can go home feeling good, so we will definitely aim for victory!
Official match day program is here!
