[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: What is important after losing by a large margin?
AThe match against Fukuoka turned out to be the worst possible scenario from the start. It is precisely because such developments can occur that soccer is such an attractive sport. In preparation for the match against Fukuoka, we focused on three important points during our training. We made it a priority to avoid conceding a goal at the start of the match, which we incorporated into our game plan. We prepared to properly handle set-piece defense and long goal kicks from the goalkeeper as we approached the match. However, we were caught out in that area (which we were cautious about). If we hadn't prepared, perhaps such a scenario wouldn't have happened. Conversely, it might be that because we prepared, we were caught out by the opponent's strengths. It's a situation where it's difficult to find a reason. Regarding the second half, Fukuoka is a team that relies heavily on counterattacks, so when they are leading, it becomes a very difficult match for the opposing team. This is because Fukuoka activates their counterattacks after solid defense, creating the expected scenario. Conversely, Fukuoka struggles when they are trailing. That's why we aimed to score first, but it turned out the opposite. Of course, there were individual mistakes that contributed to the goals conceded. There were injuries among the center-backs, and with a shortage of players, various factors led to that kind of match. It's quite difficult to explain how we conceded five goals in one match after only conceding five in ten matches.
Tomorrow will be a match against a team with characteristics distinctly different from Fukuoka, so we need to switch our mindset effectively. I believe we can say we are a team that enjoys soccer with the ball. They apply high pressure and aim to dominate the game. In that sense, we can say they are a team with completely different characteristics from Fukuoka. What we need to do this season is to enhance the completeness 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 in the match against Fukuoka was high. However, whether it was effective is another question. Looking back now, I think our game plan was on point in the first half. The second goal, which came from our mistakes following the opponent's goal kick, had a significant impact on the match. We had been working on responding to the opponent's goal kicks in training to prevent that, but we ended up conceding from that situation. Sometimes we lose because our game plan is not on point, and on the other hand, we can also lose even when our game plan is effective.
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, we won't know until we open the lid. While we can predict that it will happen, there are countless factors that can influence a soccer match, so we won't know if the actual game will be exciting until it starts. I think the match against Fukuoka is a typical example. In a game where we had extremely few goals conceded and Fukuoka struggled to score, the outcome of Fukuoka winning by a large margin was something no one expected. On the other hand, there was also a scenario where an attacking team couldn't score against us. Tomorrow, I believe everyone is expecting a match that will be worth watching. However, I think the result and flow of the match will change significantly depending on which team scores first. The recent UEFA Champions League Semifinal Round match between Real Madrid and Manchester City also had a final outcome that no one predicted. Soccer is indeed an unpredictable sport. However, while we focus on each match, we must also look at the team's continuous growth from a broader perspective. What is important this season is to build the foundation of this team. I believe that will lead to the future growth of this club.
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!
