[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: What is important after losing by a large margin?
A, the match against Fukuoka unfolded in the worst possible way imaginable right from the start. It is precisely because such scenarios can occur that soccer remains such an attractive sport. In preparation for the Fukuoka match, we focused on three key points during training. We made sure not to concede early goals and incorporated that into our game plan. We also prepared thoroughly to defend set pieces and to handle long goal kicks from the goalkeeper. However, we were caught out in those very areas we had been cautious about. If we hadn’t prepared for those, perhaps that kind of situation wouldn’t have happened. On the other hand, it might be because we prepared that we were undone by the opponent’s strengths. It’s a difficult scenario to explain. Regarding the second half, Fukuoka is a team that relies heavily on counterattacks, so when they are leading, it becomes a very tough match for their opponents. Fukuoka executes solid defense before launching counters, which is the expected pattern. Conversely, Fukuoka struggles when they are trailing. That’s why we aimed to score first, but the opposite happened. Of course, there were individual mistakes involved in conceding goals. Injuries to center backs and a shortage of players also contributed, among various other factors, to the nature of that match. Conceding 5 goals in one match when we had only conceded 5 in 10 matches is quite difficult to explain.
Tomorrow, we will face a team with clearly different characteristics from Fukuoka, so we need to switch our mindset effectively. I think it’s a team that enjoys playing soccer with the ball. They also apply high pressing and aim to control the match. In that sense, they are a team completely different from Fukuoka. What we need to do this season is to improve the completeness of our playing style. Even as the characteristics of our opponents change, it is necessary to express our playing style well. Our ball possession rate against Fukuoka was high. However, it was not necessarily effective. Looking back now, I think our game plan in the first half was on target. The second goal, which resulted from our mistakes following the opponent’s goal kick, had a big impact on the match. To firmly prevent that, we worked on responding to the opponent’s goal kicks in training, but we still conceded from there. Sometimes you lose because the game plan was off, and other times you lose even though the game plan was on target.
Q: I think Sagan Tosu is a team that plays a style close to that envisioned by coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, and I have a feeling that the matches will be highly entertaining.
A, you never know until you open the lid. While we can make predictions, there are countless factors that influence a soccer match, so whether the actual game will be exciting can only be known once it starts. I think the match against Fukuoka is a typical example. No one expected Fukuoka, who had been struggling to score, to win by a large margin against us, a team that concedes very few goals. On the other hand, there were also matches where an attacking team couldn’t score against us. Tomorrow, I believe everyone expects a captivating match. However, the result and flow of the game will largely depend on which team scores first. Even in the recent UEFA Champions League semifinal match between Real Madrid and Manchester City, no one predicted the final outcome. Soccer is truly an unpredictable sport. That said, we focus on one match at a time, but we must also look at the team’s continuous growth from a broader perspective. What’s important this season is building the foundation of this team. I believe that will lead to the club’s future growth.
Q: You chose to line up three Brazilian players in the front line against Fukuoka. What are your thoughts on their future usage?
A, of course, we have the option to line up three players in the future. I have seen many comments suggesting that lining up three players would reduce the defensive pressure from the front, but I do not believe that to be the case. Regarding the multiple goals conceded, I do not think it is solely due to the defense not functioning from the front. What is important is to find a combination that effectively brings out the characteristics of each player. Furthermore, I do not place importance on nationality. This has been proven during the two seasons I managed in Niigata. It is not about lining up three Brazilian players.
[Player Interview]
＜Keita YAMASHITA＞
Q: You will face your former club Sagan Tosu. You have been part of multiple teams and have played against your former clubs before. Do you feel a special emotion in such matches?
A, if we talk about whether I am fired up or not, I am indeed fired up. However, I am currently a Tokyo player, and I have the desire to contribute to the team by earning more points, so my motivation is not specifically about my feelings towards Tosu. Simply put, I will be facing players I fought alongside last season, and they are opponents who understand my play style, so I feel excited about playing against such a team.
Q: What kind of experiences did you have at Tosu during your career so far?
A, it was a season where I grew a lot. It was my first challenge in J1, and I could feel my growth throughout the season. I gained confidence, but I also realized what I still lacked. It was truly a rich season. I was able to achieve results in terms of goals, but that was thanks to my teammates. I gained confidence in being able to score in this way. However, since there is a team identity, for now, I just need to do what is required in Tokyo.
Q: Don't you feel that your first goal in Tokyo is getting closer?
A, I want to score a goal... I believe this is something I need to overcome in order to elevate myself to the next stage. 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 it to be the first match where I can start producing goals.
Q: In the match against Vissel Kobe, it became a phantom goal, but I was able to shake the net with a diving header 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 play the role of a decoy. I believe that this kind of reckless play is one of my strengths, so I want to show that first. I think if I keep doing that, it will lead to goals as well. For now, I want to focus on what I can do.
Q: Isn't there quite a lot of roles required within the current team's style?
A, I don't think there are that many rules, and that's why I believe it's important to discuss and have a common understanding on the pitch.
Q: In the 5th match of the Levain Cup group stage against Júbilo Iwata, a goal was scored by Kajiura from Yamashita's post play. I believe that was a result of the shared understanding among the players involved.
AAnyone can make that play (laughs). I believe that it's important to achieve results, and I need goals and assists. No matter how good a pass connects, it doesn't necessarily build my confidence. I think the cycle of results leading to confidence and growth is what matters, so I strongly want to focus on achieving results.
Q: Even when coming on as a substitute, I feel that I can create opportunities to take a shot within the penalty area in a limited amount of time.
AAs a professional soccer player, whether you can seize the opportunities that come your way or not depends on the individual, especially when chances are scarce. In those moments, I want to seize them.
Q: Tosu is a team that has only lost once this season.
AI understand better than anyone that we are a team that can be scary to our opponents. Our defensive strategy is quite detailed, and it feels like our intensity has increased even more compared to last season. However, I don't feel like we will lose. I know my teammates well, and if we can stick to our style and fight as a team, I believe we can win. Scoring the first goal is important. By taking the initiative, we can progress the game in our favor and play at our own pace.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: In the last match, we lost to Fukuoka 1-5, which is our highest number of goals conceded this season. We had been keeping the fewest goals conceded in the league until now, but what was the problem in the match against Fukuoka?
The two goals conceded in the first half came at bad times, which allowed the opponent to take control of the match. However, looking at the performance, each player fulfilled their role and fought well. I also feel it was unfortunate that all five of the opponent's shots on target resulted in goals. I want to accept that there will be times like this in a long season and switch my mindset to avoid carrying any negative feelings.
Q: You transferred to Tokyo this season. How has your experience been so far?
I feel that I have been able to showcase my characteristics more this season compared to last season, as I have become accustomed to Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's style of football. The atmosphere in Tokyo is bright, and it has pleasantly surprised me in a good way. I have been able to integrate into the team off the pitch as well, which seems to have 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 sets FC Barcelona as the standard, so the ideal is very high. Honestly, I don't think we will reach a perfect level in just one year, and anyway, the players must grow. There are many challenges, but I am conscious of being able to achieve results in matches as a professional while also growing at the same time.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for this match with the fans and supporters.
A, this season, Tokyo has not lost a single home game. I believe this is the result of everyone creating the best atmosphere at every match. We lost away in the last match, but we cannot allow consecutive losses. With your support, we will definitely aim for victory, so please continue to cheer passionately for us this match as well!
