[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, How is the game at the Japan National Stadium?
First of all, we would like many people to make teru teru bozu so that it does not rain tomorrow. Not only for us, but also for those who come to the game, we hope that everyone can avoid the rain. And we hope that more people will come to the stadium. We have heard that there are many entertaining plans prepared, so we hope you can enjoy them. We all want to enjoy a wonderful game at the stadium.
Q, (depending on the weather) there is a possibility of more than 40,000 people entering.
A, I hope that only those people will come. If more people come and we have a good game, I think the charm of Tokyo will be conveyed to even more people in the heart of Tokyo.
Q, What is your impression of Gamba Osaka?
After the change of coach, Gamba Osaka this season seems to be steering towards placing more importance on combinations. I think the team, just like us, is in a stage of growth with the new coach. And when it comes to changing playing style, it becomes even more so. From the start of this season, we can see that the team is gradually growing in a positive direction. In that sense, I think this match will be an attractive one. Both teams will come out with clear weapons and characteristics, making it a battle. Soccer is a sport where the game flow can change drastically depending on whether or not goals are scored. Recently, our shots have been hitting the crossbar or post, so I hope the post moves a few centimeters and the ball goes into the goal for us.
Q, Who is the player that coach Albert Puig Ortoneda is particularly expecting?
A, player number 12. Fans and supporters.
How is player Kajiwara?
A, I will be out of action for about two weeks due to a knee injury in the recent game. It's a shame because I was playing well. I'm young, so I think I'll recover quickly and come back.As for Morishige, we need to do a thorough examination and consider if he can make it to the game. On the other hand, it's good news for the team that Leandro and Kashif BANGNAGANDE are recovering from their injuries.
Q, I think you are evaluating player Yoshifumi Kashiwagi, but what are his good points?
First, the point is that he is young. And I was pleasantly surprised by his level of technique. He also has an attractive attacking style. As for his defense, I would like to see more of his performance and expect there to be room for improvement. He is very young and has potential, so I will be keeping an eye on his play. However, since he has been out of the game for a long time, it will take some time for him to regain his match fitness.
Q: What happens if player Morishige is absent?
A, Henrique is here so it's okay.
Q, Does coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA care about numbers and data even though Tokyo has a good winning percentage at the Japan National Stadium?
A. We do not place much importance on past numbers. However, we believe they are worth paying attention to. If there is a tendency to win, we hope it will continue.
Q, Are there any good luck charms?
A, I believe that by doing a lot of work, we can bring good luck. There is a flow that if we work hard, we will be more fortunate.
[Player Interview]
Yuto NAGATOMO
Q, J.League is returning to National Stadium after 8 years, do you have any memories?
A, I only have memories (laughs). I saw the snow final match between Toho Fukuoka High School and Teikyo High School at the National High School Soccer Championship, and I admired Toho Fukuoka and dreamed of going there. Our generation lost to Funabashi Municipal High School in the first match in our third year of high school, and we couldn't make it to the Japan National Stadium, leaving behind a bitter feeling and a scar in our hearts. The first time I stood on the stage of the Japan National Stadium was during the U-23 Japan national team under coach Antoku, and I was still a student at Meiji University at the time. I was called up for the first time and fought with the national team on my back. I scored a goal in that match, and it was the moment when the scar I had for a long time, for 3 to 4 years, was healed.That's how much of a story there is, and when I first stepped onto the pitch of the Japan National Stadium, I was trembling. There was pressure in carrying the country, and there was also a sense of tension in that aspect, but I still remember the joy and trembling feeling of standing here.
Q, The first title was also taken at the Japan National Stadium, right?
A, yes. The image of the Japan National Stadium is good from there. He scored in the debut match of the U-23 Japan national team and also scored in the A team against Belgium. He won the Nabisco Cup (now Levain Cup) and has a very good image.
Q, Speaking of the Japan National Stadium, Sota HIRAYAMA is the image of the National Men's Team, but will Yuto NAGATOMO become the New National Men at the New Japan National Stadium?
Aiming for the new National Men's team. First of all, I want to give my all for the team to win. It would be great if I could score or assist.
Q, There is a possibility of more than 40,000 spectators entering, but won't you be making a fuss as a festival man?
A, it's really noisy. The more attention it gets, the more energy comes from the bottom of my heart. I'm happy if there are more than 40,000 people. It's been more than two years since I've had such a lonely and painful experience, even though it wasn't a national team game during the corona pandemic. It's a happy thing for a soccer player to come back to the Japan National Stadium and perform in front of more than 40,000 fans and supporters.
Q, Have you ever seen the new Japan National Stadium in a video? How do you feel about the excitement of being able to step onto the field and give yourself new energy?
A, the power or energy that comes out of that land is a little different. When it comes to the Japan National Stadium, as soon as you step on it, you can feel the energy coming up from your feet.
Q, how do you feel about playing the upcoming Brazil match at the new Japan National Stadium, where you have previously scored in the Japan national team's match against Belgium, which is considered to be a good omen?
First of all, as a side back, I want to defend firmly. I want to keep the goals conceded to zero, and not only in the Brazil match, but also in tomorrow's match, I think it's important to not lose to the opponent in front of me, and to show my skills in one-on-one situations. If I can't show that, I don't think I can make it to the World Cup. There are many players in the J League who are better than me. However, I don't want to lose in terms of defense and one-on-one situations, so I want to start by looking at my feet and playing my own game.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, I have played in 8 games in the league. How do you feel about your first year as a professional so far?
As I play more games in the J1 League, I am getting used to the style of football and am able to play the way I want. However, there are still areas where I am not satisfied with myself, and there are younger players who are performing well overseas. Personally, I feel more of a sense of crisis than satisfaction, so I want to spend this season learning from my Tokyo teammates and continue to grow.
Q, What are you consciously trying to absorb from your senior teammates?
I always try to learn from everyone, but during training, I pay special attention to the positioning of Yojiro TAKAHAGI and Keigo HIGASHI, who play in the same position as me. Also, I am close with Shuto ABE in my personal life, so we understand each other's play and I hope to deepen our partnership even more in the future.
Q, this week's match will be held at the Japan National Stadium. For Matsuki, this is the place where he won the National High School Soccer Championship in January this year. Is there anything special you are aware of?
A, there is absolutely no change. It doesn't matter if it's a league game, our determination to win every match remains the same. We are currently in a situation where we have drawn three consecutive games in the league, so it is crucial for us to win here and add three points to our total.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for this match with the fans and supporters.
I want to share the victory with the fans and supporters who come to the stadium. We have had good training so far and we are approaching the game with a good mentality, so we will do our best to achieve a victory. Personally, I am aiming for plays that lead directly to goals, and visible results such as goals and assists, so I hope you can expect that from me.
