The 3-game series against clubs participating in the AFC Champions League (ACL) has ended, but Tokyo is currently in the midst of a tight schedule with 7 games in just 2-3 days. After facing Urawa Reds in the league, they will have just 2 days to prepare for their 4th group stage match in the Levain Cup, an away game against Shonan Bellmare.
After 3 games, Tokyo is in 2nd place in Group with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss. Shonan, who we will face this time, is in 1st place with 2 wins. In the previous match, Tokyo won 2-1 at home at Ajinomoto Stadium and achieved their first victory of the season in the Levain Cup. It was a game where we gained a great sense of accomplishment in terms of performance and felt the growth of the team.
Click here for details on the third match against Shonan!
With only two days since the last league match, it is expected that the lineup for this match will consist mainly of players who have had limited playing time in the league. In the Levain Cup, goalkeeper Go HATANO, who has played in the Júbilo Iwata and Shonan matches, has shown stable saves and also contributed to the build-up play.
Even if the team composition changes, the style of Albert Tokyo remains unshakable. They dominate the ball and the game with their advantageous position, creating many chances and seizing victory. For young players and those who have had limited playing time in the league, this is a great opportunity to showcase their abilities and contribute to the team's tactics. They are hungry for playing time, hungry for victory, and hungry to secure a regular position in the future. I want them to bring that strong determination to the pitch.
As a team, we are still in the stage of constantly reflecting on our performance and working to improve it, as acknowledged by coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA. Although we have shown rapid growth, there are still areas for improvement in each game. As we no longer have the same unit playing together for official matches, there may be difficulties in coordination. However, as we continue to pursue the same style of soccer in our daily training, even if there are times when things don't go well, I hope that we can actively communicate on the pitch and make adjustments throughout the 90 minutes.
Please pay attention to the intense battle that will continue for two days in the tough schedule, with the full force of Albert Tokyo.
