[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, Speaking of last season, Ricardo RODRIGUEZ's tactics have been well received and Tokyo was unable to keep up with Urawa in the second half of the game. What do you think of Ricardo's coaching style?
I think Coach Ricardo did a great job for 4 seasons in Tokushima. Regarding last season's Urawa, I think they played well and their summer reinforcements worked well. This season, they are struggling, but there is no doubt that they are a difficult opponent to fight against. This season's Urawa is playing in a difficult schedule, with the ACL starting next week, and 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. We want to continue to work hard every day to improve our own level, whether it's in practice or in games, without being influenced by the opposing team.
Q, What positive effects do you think will come from performing well in the Kobe match for the upcoming Urawa match?
A, there were many aspects that could be evaluated in the Kobe match. There were also multiple areas for improvement. For example, there were times when we gave up control of the game to the opponent at the start, and I would like to improve on that. We also want to improve our attacks from the center. However, as we continue to play more games, the team is automatically improving and playing smoothly. Based on the Kobe match, we want to pick up on areas for improvement and continue to level up. We also hope that the team will grow throughout the game, taking into account the characteristics of Urawa.
Q, During the interview with player Watanabe, it seemed like you had a good understanding of what position to take. Although there were times when you made mistakes depending on the situation, do you feel like there has been progress in understanding each player's position as a whole?
A, it has only been 3 months since the team started. I think it is worth evaluating that the players who have not played in the current play style have grown this much. However, on the other hand, we must understand that there will be daily corrections because it has only been 3 months. I am happy that the players are positively working towards the team's maturity, understanding that it is natural for these corrections to occur. They have a strong desire to learn and there are high-quality players. They have a mentality to strive for victory, so their growth speed is faster than expected. At the same time, the team's great atmosphere is also pushing them forward.
In addition, it is positive that there is a great relationship between the team and the fans and supporters. In the Kobe game, we conceded in a way that we did not expect and the game progressed while we were losing. Even in that situation, the fans and supporters in the stands calmly supported us without getting nervous, which had a positive effect on the team. The fans and supporters give confidence to the team. It is a very important boost for the team. And I think that professional sports is entertainment. The fans and supporters who come to the stadium pay for tickets to see something great. In that sense, we have a duty to express impressive plays. However, there are wins and losses in games, and sometimes we lose, but I think it is our duty to express something impressive. In addition, I think the fans and supporters appreciated that we continued to play aggressively, seeking additional points without becoming passive while we were winning 3-1 in the Kobe game.
Q, Please tell us what you expect from Kuryu MATSUKI, who will be returning from suspension.
A, I want everyone to understand that Matsuki is still a young player at 18 years old. He is also a player who can be expected to further grow in the future. And one of his strengths is that he has a mentality suitable for performing at the top level. He is full of motivation to learn the tactical aspects. It is very commendable that he already has a winner's mentality. When selecting players, I do not pay attention to their age. In that sense, every player has a chance. I want to decide tomorrow's lineup after evaluating all players equally.
Q, Japan was placed in the same group as Spain in the World Cup main tournament draw. How do you feel about that?
A, In the football section, I think it is a group that includes two great countries in the world. Therefore, I think 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 other team that will be decided last. And for the Japan national team, the key point will be to bring back as many points as possible in the two matches against the Spain national team and the Germany national team. I am currently in Japan, so I am praying for Japan's luck. I will support Japan.
Q, There was talk of improving the start, but do you have any specific improvement measures for being scored first in the last two games?
A, The games against Yokohama FM and Kobe were clearly different. In the Yokohama FM game, being scored first was not included in the game plan, but our plan went as expected. We created many chances in the first half, so it would have been good if we could have scored more goals there, but we couldn't carry the game. We analyzed that Yokohama FM's most dangerous weapon is their attack with speed on the wings. On the other hand, we approached the Kobe game with a different game plan. If we gave the ball to Kobe, there was a danger of them pushing us back and playing with their high-quality players. It was a plan to prevent that, but the start didn't go as planned. The team is still in a growth stage. I think it was a big improvement point to give up game control to the opponent at the start of the Kobe game. On the other hand, in both games, the team responded well after conceding and equalized, and then reacted to turn the game around. I think that is a highly commendable aspect. As a coach, it is very pleasing to have a team that can continue to play with determination.
Q, while it is important to possess the ball, there are also games like the Yokohama FM match where you intentionally let the opponent have the ball. In other words, the goal is not just to possess the ball, but to score. With that in mind, do you have any indicators such as ball possession rate?
A, I have a strong focus on positioning rather than possession rate. I aim to have a good position, move the ball well, and create more chances. I distribute the ball to players in appropriate positions to create chances. This is the type of play I expect. However, for example, when playing against a mature team that has been playing with the same play style for four seasons, if they attack with a large space behind the defense line, it would be a strategic move to take advantage of that space. My focus is on effective ball possession. Effective ball possession means being able to maintain possession while also being able to attack effectively. I understand this as ball possession. For example, even if the possession rate is 80%, if we are not able to build effective attacks from there, then the 80% possession rate is not effective possession. On the other hand, in the first half of the Yokohama FM game, even though our possession rate was only 35%, we were able to create 7 decisive chances and take 7 shots. In that case, the 35% possession rate was very effective. Our ideal is 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, How do you think about the cause of being scored first in two consecutive games?
A, I think the opponent cannot attack if I can hold the ball in a better condition. The reason for being able to attack is that the way the ball is taken away is bad or the positioning play is bad. Of course, I think the opponent is also scouting that I am playing as a side back. When it comes to where to aim, I think it will be my place if there are four defenders, so it is most important how I can prevent the opponent from doing their job.
Q, After 21 minutes of the Kobe match, you mentioned that your positioning was not very good when receiving the ball from player Kimoto. Did you want to take a more inside position and face forward?
A, At that stage, I didn't really want to drop back that far, but if the distance between the wide open player and Kimoto was too far, I would inevitably have to step in and receive the ball facing backwards. I think it would have been ideal for me to stay wide and have the wide player come inside at the initial position. If I could have looked at the situation of not only the players in that moment, but also the opponent's midfielders, forwards, and attacking midfielders, I believe I could have avoided that mistake.
Q, After taking out Iniesta in the second goal scene, the pass to Nagai was also like that, and the pass to Nagai after taking out Makino's crotch in the first goal scene was also like that, but all of them were able to pass close to the opponent's feet. Is it more of a purpose or a feeling to dribble past the opponent?
A, I think it's a sequence of going for the target because I know intuitively that I can get through. Since I can't defend with my whole body, my feet can be targeted even by the goalkeeper, so I think I have statistical evidence that I can aim for that. That's why I'm aiming for it.
Q, Did you have a sense of success when you closed your legs well and turned your body vertically in the scene where you took out Iniesta?
A, I changed to a crotch slip because the opponent was defending by bringing their body close to the line, which caught my eye for a moment. It felt like I switched to a back alley because the opponent was too close.
Q, In the early stages of the second half, there was a scene where the opponent was pushed in on the right side and the shot went wide to the right while passing the ball. Did you anticipate the ball coming from Nagai's angle when making the movement to call for the ball when it came from Nagai?
A, I was expecting and preparing, but I think my waiting foot was different. I was waiting with my right foot, but I think Nagai wanted to pass the ball to his left foot, and Nagai himself said he went forward. I thought I should keep my body neutral and be able to pass no matter which foot it came to.
Q, I said that if the opponent comes after me, I will defend my position, but I think I have been improving my defensive skills and awareness since the training camp. Do you have any advice from the coach or staff on acquiring defensive techniques?
A, while watching the footage, we talked about how it would be better to do it this way, and also about the defensive style of the players in the middle of the game. Right now, we are playing with habits, including in the ball contests, so we need to consciously work on improving from now on.
Q, the scene where Osako was able to get past the player, he went to poke the ball and was taken in the opposite direction, right?
A, when I tried to poke the ball, it was cleverly turned over in front of me.
Q, I think there are many opportunities for side backs to take throw-ins during the midfield. What is your awareness of throw-ins? In Coach Albert's tactics, I think that way is also required.
A, I just throw the ball back to myself and if I can get it back with one touch, that's good, and I just make sure not to get it taken away when I throw it to the side.
Q, What is the biggest difference and most difficult aspect in defending in the midfield and as a fullback?
A, In the case of the midfield, when going to steal a 50-50 ball or the opponent's ball, we always go to defend so that we can make it our own ball. For example, even when it is not clear which ball will be in the opponent's ball in the ball area, we will defend by making the ball fall in front of us or by keeping our ball on the line without going out of bounds. It's a small detail, but in my case, I try to go for the ball with my reaction. If I try to react after the opponent has taken action and try to make it our ball, as a defender, I have to increase my intensity and not let the opponent go, so I think I have to defend with enough intensity to let the ball go out of bounds. If we can do that kind of defense, I think we will become defenders.
<Keita YAMASHITA>
Q, How did you feel about playing against Kobe in the previous game? It seemed like you were in a good state, but how did you feel personally, Mr. Yamashita?
A, I think it was the best game so far. I also had a longer playing time, and I was able to take shots and touch the ball many times, so I had a good feeling.
Q, It became a phantom goal, but did that celebration explode with emotion?
A, To be honest, I don't remember much. But since I transferred this season, I feel like I've been given experiences that I've never had before.There was frustration and frustration from not being able to play in the game, and I wanted to create a trigger within myself and break through it. It wasn't a cool goal, but it was a gritty and characteristic play, so I think that's why I did that action.
Q, all my teammates came running towards me.
A, at that time I didn't understand at all, but when I watched the footage again, I was still happy.Little by little, I thought I was being recognized, and I felt once again that I wanted to score and become a strength for this team.
Q, it would be great if it could be a good opportunity for something.
A, that's really true. It was a no-goal, but by shaking the net like that, the forward player's mindset changes 180 degrees. I also feel the sense of progress in a good direction, so I want to score a real goal at Ajinomoto Stadium as soon as possible and do my best to be recognized by Tokyo fans and supporters.
Q, I think Urawa is a good match for Yamashita himself. Please tell us your enthusiasm.
A, I scored goals in 2 games last season and I think I have a good compatibility. As a FW, I think that the result of scoring goals is expected and I am aiming for it, but first of all, I want to run with all my strength for the team's victory.
<Takuya AOKI>
Q, Sec. 7, we won against Kobe and are in good shape with 4 wins in 6 league matches. Do you feel confident?
A, we have the confidence that we can win if we can play our own soccer. As a team, we are able to play well, and even in the lost Kawasaki game and Yokohama FM game, I don't think the content was bad. However, if we don't have the ability to at least draw those kinds of games, we won't be able to enter the top. In that sense, I still feel that there are still challenges ahead.
Q, Coach Albert Puig Ortoneda has stated that the team is still in a "growing stage", but how would player Matsuki evaluate the current team?
A, I think it's not about being dissatisfied with the current situation, but always keeping the word "growth" in mind and working towards it. In the game, there are times when we can express our soccer and times when we can't, so our goal is to bring it to 100%. However, the players are gaining confidence by winning and it is certain that they are able to have good, focused training.
Q, What kind of play is the coach asking for?
A, I think we are asked to maintain the balance of the team. We are conscious of adjusting positions so that there is not too much space left open, calming the ball down when the rhythm is bad, and ensuring that the team can play smoothly as a whole. When the flow of the game is bad, there is a lot of work to do, but we have had a lot of good times so far, so we can play naturally.
Q, Please share your enthusiasm for the Urawa match with the fans and supporters.
A, Urawa has won the Emperor's Cup last season and it seems that they have become a better team every time they fight. However, they cannot afford to lose at home at Ajinomoto Stadium. Especially in this match, there are no restrictions on the number of spectators, so I think we will be more motivated to play in front of a large number of fans and supporters. We definitely want to win so that everyone can go home feeling good!
Official Match Day Program is here!
