[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, What is the most important thing after a big loss?
A, The Fukuoka match turned out to be the worst possible scenario from the start of the game. It is because such scenarios can happen that soccer can be said to be a very attractive sport. We have listed three important points and have been training for the Fukuoka match. We also incorporated into our game plan the goal of not conceding a goal at the start of the match. We also prepared to defend set pieces and long goal kicks from the goalkeeper. However, we were still caught off guard in those areas we were paying attention to. If we had not prepared, perhaps that kind of scenario would not have happened. On the other hand, it may have been because we were prepared that we were caught off guard by the opponent's weapon. It is a difficult situation to find the reason for. As for the second half, Fukuoka is a team that relies heavily on counterattacks, so it becomes a very difficult match for the opponent when they are in the lead. Fukuoka is able to launch counterattacks after defending well, which is the expected scenario. On the other hand, Fukuoka struggles when they are behind. That is why we were aiming for the first goal, but it ended up being the opposite. Of course, there were also individual mistakes that led to conceding goals. In addition, there were injuries in the center back position and a shortage of players, which contributed to the outcome of the match. It is difficult to explain how we conceded five goals in one match when we had only conceded five goals in ten matches.
Tomorrow's game will be against a team with different characteristics from Fukuoka, so we need to switch our mindset accordingly. I believe we are a team that enjoys playing football with the ball. The opposing team will also be pressing high and aiming to dominate the game. In that sense, they are a team with completely different characteristics from Fukuoka. What we need to do this season is to improve the completion of our playing style. Even as the characteristics of our opponents change, it is necessary for us to express our playing style in a good way. Our ball possession rate against Fukuoka was high, but it wasn't effective. Looking back now, I think our game plan was on target in the first half. The second goal, which was a result of our mistakes from the opponent's goal kick, had a big impact on the game. In order to prevent that, we have been working on our response to the opponent's goal kick in training, but we still conceded from there. Sometimes we lose because our game plan wasn't on target, and other times we lose even though our game plan was on target.
Q, I think Sagan Tosu is a team that plays a style of soccer that is close to the style that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is aiming for, and I have a feeling that it will be an entertaining match.
A, you won't know until you open the lid. It's easy to predict, but there are infinite factors that can affect a soccer game, so you won't know if the game will be attractive until it starts. I think the Fukuoka game was a typical example of that. In the game between us, who have an extremely low number of goals conceded, and Fukuoka, who have had trouble scoring, no one expected Fukuoka to win with a large number of goals. On the other hand, there were also situations where an attacking team couldn't score against us. Tomorrow, I think everyone is expecting an exciting game. However, the result and the flow of the game will change greatly depending on who scores first. Even in the UEFA Champions League semifinal match between Real Madrid and Manchester City the other day, I don't think anyone expected the final outcome. Soccer is truly an unpredictable sport. However, we focus on one game at a time, but we also need to look at the team's continuous growth from a broader perspective. What's important this season is to build the foundation of this team. I believe that will lead to the future growth of this club.
Q, What are your thoughts on choosing three Brazilian players to line up in the front line in the Fukuoka match? How do you plan to use them in the future?
A, of course, we have the option of lining up three people in the future. And while I have seen many comments saying that the pressure from the defense will decrease by lining up three people, I do not think so. As for the part where we concede multiple goals, it is not necessarily due to the defense not functioning from the front line. What is important is finding the right combination to bring out the characteristics of each player. Furthermore, I do not place importance on nationality. I have proven this in my two seasons as manager in Niigata. Just because a player is Brazilian does not mean we will line up three people.
[Player Interview]
＜Keita YAMASHITA＞
Q, we will face our former team Sagan Tosu. You have played for multiple teams before and have had matches against your former team, do you feel any special emotions during those matches?
A, Speaking in terms of whether it will burn or not, it will definitely burn. However, now I am a player for Tokyo and I have the desire to contribute to the team and earn more points, so it's not just about having a feeling for Tosu and burning for that reason. Simply put, I will be playing against players I fought with last season and they also know my play style, so I am looking forward to playing against that kind of team.
Q, What kind of experience did you have at Tosu in your career so far?
A, it was a really growing season. There was also the challenge of playing in J1 for the first time, and I was able to feel my growth throughout the season. I gained confidence and also realized what I was lacking. It was truly a rich season. I was able to leave a result in terms of goals, but that was thanks to my teammates. I gained confidence in being able to score in this way. However, because there is a team color, all I have to do now is to do what is required in Tokyo.
Q, do you have a sense that your first goal in Tokyo is getting closer?
A, I want to score a goal... I think it's something I have to overcome in order to reach the next level, and even if there are things I can't do, I have the desire to try one by one. I want this match against my former team to be the first step in improving my condition. I want to make it the first game where I can score many goals from now on.
Q, In the Vissel Kobe match, it became a phantom goal, but I was able to shake the net in the form of a diving header in front of the goal, which is typical of player Yamashita.
A, I am very particular about scoring goals, but I also want to run for the team, put my body on the line, and be a sacrificial player. I think that this kind of passionate play is also my strength, so I want to show it first. I believe that if I continue to do that, it will lead to goals. First and foremost, I want to focus on what I can do.
Q, Aren't there a lot of roles required within the current team style?
A, I don't think there are many rules in that part, so I think it's important to have a common understanding and discuss it on the pitch.
In the Q, Levain Cup Group Stage Match 5 against Júbilo Iwata, Kajiwara's goal was born from Yamashita's post-play. I think it was a result of the common understanding among the players involved.
A, anyone can do that play (lol). I believe that it is necessary to produce results, such as goals and assists. Even if a good pass is connected, I don't think it will give me confidence. The cycle of gaining confidence and growing as a result is in line, so I personally want to strongly focus on results.
Q, even if you come on as a substitute, I feel like you are creating opportunities to take shots inside the penalty area within a limited amount of time.
AAs a professional soccer player, I think it's up to the individual whether they can seize the opportunities that come and go. In that situation, I want to seize it.
Q, Tosu is a team that has only suffered one loss this season.
A, I understand that we are a scary team to our opponents. Our defensive tactics are very detailed and it seems like we have become even stronger than last season. However, I don't feel like we will lose. I know my teammates well and if we stick to our style and fight as a team, I believe we can win. The first goal is important. If we can take the lead and control the game, I think we can play at our own pace.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, in the previous match, we lost to Fukuoka 1-5, which was the most goals we have conceded this season. We have been able to keep the least amount of goals in the league so far, so where do you think the problem was in the Fukuoka match?
A. The bad timing of the two goals in the first half gave the flow of the game to the opponent. However, if you look at the content, each player played their role and fought well. It also feels unfortunate that all five shots on target from the opponent resulted in goals. I want to accept that there are times like this in a long season and switch my mindset to not dwell on negative thoughts.
Q, I transferred to Tokyo this season. How do you feel about your performance so far?
A, Thanks to getting used to Coach Albert's soccer, I feel like I've been able to showcase my strengths more than last season. The atmosphere of the team in Tokyo is bright and has pleasantly surprised me. I feel like I've been able to fit in with the team off the pitch, which I believe has had a positive impact on my performance.
Q, How do you feel about the current level of completion of the new style that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is aiming for?
A, the coach's standard is FC Barcelona, so the ideal is very high. Honestly, I don't think we can reach a perfect level in just one year, so the players need to grow. There are many challenges, but we are conscious of being able to produce results in games as professionals while also growing at the same time.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for this round with the fans and supporters.
A, This season, Tokyo has not lost a single game at home. I believe this is the result of everyone creating the best atmosphere at every game. We lost in the previous match away, but we cannot allow a losing streak. With your support, we want to win for sure, so please continue to give us your passionate support this match as well!
