[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, The members are different from the previous Levain Cup, but I think Iwata's attack was quite powerful. Can't we come up with a countermeasure by defending properly?
When watching the games of Iwata in recent years, I have analyzed that they have a stronger tendency towards defense. They defend by putting more players behind the ball and use counterattacks as a major weapon. They are also dangerous in set pieces and are skilled in attacking from the sides. They have multiple high-quality players. They tend to play cautiously, but when they are behind or in need of a win, they tend to change their style of play to a more direct and attacking approach in order to aim for victory.
However, it is more important for us to be better than our opponents. At this stage of the team's growth, we have been able to increase the amount of time we can control the game with the ball, as we have moved on to the next phase. In the process of this growth, various issues may arise. We have been able to accumulate points at the beginning of the season. It is also possible for such a situation to occur in the process of growth. I think that was also the case in the game against Tosu.
For example, in the opening away game against Kyoto, we were able to achieve victory, but I don't think our performance was particularly good. It may be evaluated as a result of earning 3 points, but the match content and result were not necessarily linked. In the process of growth, it is not uncommon for the team's growth to not be accurately reflected in the match results. The players are expressing better plays in training. They are gradually becoming able to apply those plays successfully in official matches.
Q, We lost to Iwata in the away game of the Levain Cup, but I think there were some good combinations.
A good combination is gradually being formed within the team in both the Iwata and Tosu matches. However, it has not necessarily been reflected in the results. We were able to play well, but we lost both of those matches. On the other hand, we were not able to play well in the Kyoto and Hiroshima matches, but we were able to secure victories. However, in order to continue to grow and succeed in the future, I believe it is a valuable process to experience the struggles of growth. It is my role to nurture this club to be able to continue winning more matches in the future.
Q, do you want to let those players play in the game because they have a good image?
I am focusing on my recent training sensations rather than the sensations from the Iwata match when selecting players.
Q: Can the team make small adjustments?
A, up until now Tokyo was not used to pushing the opponent and continuously attacking in a narrow space. They were asked to play faster and head towards the goal in a larger space.
As in the Tosu match, the time when we can control the game and push the opponent is increasing as I expected. The fluid attack when pushing the opponent, and the timing of the attack are exactly what we are training for, and at the same time, because we are pushing, it is important to train for defense against the opponent's counterattack when it is taken away.
Q, I think it's about how long you can hold the ball and how you can connect it to the goal. What is the most emphasized thing for the players right now?
A, we are emphasizing the importance of playing with composure. I think that in the part where we are holding the ball, the team as a whole has been able to build up more calmly in the past few games than at the beginning of the season. It is still necessary to express that composure even more effectively in front of the goal. It is important to continue training and working on that aspect.
Q, What do you want to focus on more, technique or decision-making, to improve?
A, of course, I want to stretch both, but I think the technical aspect is still lacking. Since there are many plays in a narrow space, the players are used to quick attacks in a space, so we must use it as our weapon. We don't need to lose that, and we must continue to use it in reverse. I think it's important to adapt to every situation and make good choices without sticking to one thing.
Q, Are the players being encouraged to take on more challenges? Is having a challenging attitude also important?
A, exactly right. However, when pushing in, it is necessary to make risky plays at the right timing. If this can be done well, even if the ball is lost, it can be quickly regained.
Q, Is creating the shape of a goal through repetitive practice an improvisation?
A, In order to effectively utilize imagination, it is important to acquire composure. I think confidence is what makes that possible. In that sense, in addition to just the soccer aspect, we also train daily to play with mental strength and confidence.
Q, the concept of "pause" or "break" in Japanese has recently begun to spread in Japan as well. How many Tokyo players are able to put this into practice?
First of all, I think everyone should have it. However, as a player's characteristic, for example, Shuto ABE struggles with possession. From his own playing style, I think Leandro and Yojiro TAKAHAGI have possession. However, ABE contributes greatly to the team by taking the ball away from the two players who have possession. On the other hand, the two players do not contribute as much as ABE in that aspect. In that sense, it is important for the team to maintain a good balance overall.
[Player Interview]
＜Adailton＞
Q, what are your feelings about facing your former team Iwata for the first time?
A, I am really excited and motivated to play against my former team away. I am looking forward to seeing the players I used to play with, but I also want to make sure to prepare well and achieve good results.
Q, Do you have any memories at Yamaha Stadium? You must have the desire to score goals as well.
I spent 5 years in Iwata, so I have a lot of good memories. Even though this is not our home game, I think we can approach the match with a good image and aim to win 3 points and return to Tokyo with a good performance.
Q: What is necessary to change the team's bad momentum?
A, although the results are not yet out, our determination remains unchanged. We believe that if we can achieve results, the team atmosphere will improve even more, and we want to fight together to reach a higher rank.
Q, I think you were involved in chances such as shooting that was bounced off the post in the Tosu match. How is your performance going?
There were also moments where the ball hit the goal post and didn't go in, and on the other hand, there were times when the opponent scored a goal against Gamba Osaka, so of course luck is involved, but I think the process leading up to the goal is also important. I'm feeling good and I think the only thing to do is to continue playing.
Q, What do you think is required of Adailton in order to further deepen the new soccer style within the team?
A, as the coach has changed and we are playing a new style of soccer, I think everyone, including myself, is a little confused. However, there are also parts that we are doing well in. Personally, I am trying to talk to the coach and resolve any confusion, and I hope to deepen my understanding and contribute to the team by playing well.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the fans and supporters who continue to support us positively.
A, We also feel the support from all the fans and supporters. We know that we have not been able to win the game and it may be tough for the fans and supporters to endure, but our determination remains the same. We are looking forward to winning the title or entering the top ranks and sharing the joy with everyone.
