[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: How is the selection of center-backs for the match against Fukuoka?
There were comments on social media wishing for Renta HIGASHI. He is one of the options, but since he is injured, we cannot include him in the calculations this time. However, there are certainly other options, and I believe there are solutions that will work out, so I am not worried.
Q: What is your analysis of Fukuoka?
A, in the season before last, we faced Fukuoka in Niigata, the season they ultimately earned promotion to J1, so I have seen up close how they changed their direction as a club during that time. Midway through the 2020 season, they changed coaches and began to focus on more aggressive defense, which led to accumulating points. They continued to strengthen their squad in line with their style of play, bringing in players who excel in counterattacks and set pieces up front. I think they performed well last season as well. I believe it is difficult for any team to compete against a team with solid defense like theirs. In that sense, this match is expected to be one of the most challenging of the season. Although the preparation period was short, I have made sure the players recognize the difficulty and importance of this match. There is a risk that even a single mistake could be exploited. Naturally, we hope to express our attacking strengths effectively in tomorrow's match. I believe Fukuoka has a mentality that is focused on winning. We have also been able to consistently play with a focus on winning since the start of this season, and we want to continue that while expressing a winner's mentality that surpasses theirs.
Q: I think the number of J-League clubs that have changed direction has been increasing over the past two or three years, but Tokyo is starting this year. Although it is a latecomer, do you feel that it is rapidly catching up now?
A, of course, everyone has their own preferences, but I believe that all playing styles are worthy of evaluation. However, when considering the framework of youth development, I think that soccer that does not value the ball is inappropriate. On the other hand, in the professional world where competition is paramount, I believe that all playing styles have value. First and foremost, as a club, I think it is essential to thoroughly analyze what kind of play the fans and supporters expect and value. Once the expected play is clarified, any playing style would be acceptable, but I believe that maintaining a consistent playing style as a club aligns with the club's direction, and being forced to change due to match results is not aligned with that direction.
For example, I think it is misguided to change to a different playing style next season just because Fukuoka is not doing well this season. If you clearly understand the playing style that fans and supporters expect, I believe the right direction is to stick to that and bring in a coach and players that fit that style to enhance its quality. We tried the same thing in Niigata. And I am proud that we are still continuing in the same direction.
Tokyo has steered towards a new playing style this season. If this is the playing style the club aims for, I believe it is appropriate to maintain the same direction whether the coach is me or another coach. The playing style I expect is clear. However, considering that many players are continuing from last season in this year's team composition, I think it is not appropriate to drastically change the playing style. I believe it is appropriate to gradually transition the playing style while utilizing the characteristics of the existing players.This year, we are fighting by bringing out the strengths of the current players, and when new players join next season, we will move on to the next stage. In any case, I believe that the strengths of each player in front of us will inevitably influence the team's playing style, regardless of what that playing style is.
Q: I think you were trying out various positions before the season started. Were you testing the players?
Yes, of course I tried it, and based on the opposing team, I thought about how to fight with a game plan for the match in front of us and placed players in the right positions. Even within the same match, the cards we should play and whether we need to change the positions of the players on the pitch will change depending on the flow of the game. Having various options at that time is a plus for a coach, so I want to continue various attempts in that sense.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryoya OGAWA＞
Q, the matches continue in three days, but we can win against Gamba Osaka and fight in a positive state.
I think the victory against Gamba Osaka was significant. Winning has allowed us to move up the rankings, and I believe it has boosted the team's confidence. Over 40,000 fans and supporters came to the Japan National Stadium, and the pre-match presentation was amazing. I don't think there are any players who wouldn't feel motivated in that situation. Conversely, I believe that part of our victory was thanks to that atmosphere. That's why the next match is extremely important, and I hope we can maintain our high motivation so that winning in the National environment doesn't become the end of our efforts.
Q: I believe we can create several scoring opportunities, but if we don't convert as many as possible into goals, the results won't follow.
When we faced Fukuoka in the Levain Cup, I think we had a long time with the ball and played a good match. However, as a result, we lost because we couldn't convert our chances. In this league match, it is important not to miss any opportunities. I believe we will definitely create several clear chances, but if we don't convert as many as possible into goals, the results won't follow. I think we will have many opportunities to control the ball in the next match as well, so I want to stay focused and make sure to score and win.
Q: I think that when we hold the ball for a long time, the opponent can solidify their defense, making it difficult for us to attack, and we may end up just holding the ball. In that context, do you feel that Tokyo is able to create chances because the team has a common understanding of the moment to switch to attack while building up from the back?
Yes, there is definitely a moment when you switch it on. Even if the opponent is pulling back and solidifying their defense (in that state), you can't take the ball, so there are times when they come to defend from the front. I make sure not to miss that moment. Even when passing the ball around at the back, if you do it slowly at the same tempo, the opponent's defense won't break. If you use a pass that jumps over one player or increase the passing speed of each individual, the opponent's slide won't keep up, creating openings. I want to aim for those opportunities without missing them.
Q: Do you feel that you can engage in a tactical battle with your opponent, even when it comes to just the speed of your passes?
I think that a pass that entices the opponent, or a playful pass, will be necessary in the future. There are still areas that need improvement, but I believe the team is gradually taking shape.
Q: I believe that playing from the position of a full-back into the central space is a key point in the current style of football. Is the timing and the required role clearly visible to you?
I think the biggest change since Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA started his style of football is that the full-backs are increasingly moving inside and getting involved in the attack. There are still parts that I, including myself, am not very accustomed to, but it is important for the team that the full-backs become the starting point of the attack. It is not surprising that full-backs are now commonly playing inside, as it has become the norm overseas. There is a consciousness that we need to enable the full-backs to create more plays.
Q: Fukuoka has tall players with strong physicality, such as Fanma and Lukian. What are your countermeasures?
A, there is a powerful forward in the front line. Fukuoka has an image of kicking the ball forward and picking up the second ball, so I think the flow of the game will change depending on how we can disrupt that and prevent the opponent from keeping possession, allowing us to pick up the second ball. As a defender, I want to do my best to eliminate (opportunities) so that I don't lose to the target forwards.
Q: It's important to give instructions from behind and not allow easy kicks, as well as to limit options, right?
A, prior preparation is also important. I want to respond in a way that maintains our formation without stretching it against teams that come at us aggressively, and when our forwards press, we should raise the line to fight compactly. I believe we will face teams that deliver a lot of crosses, so I want to ensure we are well-prepared for that as well.
