[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Although the members are different from the last Levain Cup, I think Iwata's attack was quite powerful. By solidly focusing on defense, wouldn't it be possible to come up with a strategy?
A, looking at Iwata's matches in recent years, I analyze that they have a stronger tendency towards a more defensive style. They defend by putting more players behind the ball and I believe counterattacks are a significant weapon for them. Set pieces are also dangerous, and they excel at attacks from the sides. Additionally, they have several high-quality players. They tend to proceed cautiously in matches, but when they are in a situation where they are losing or need a win, I think they tend to change their play style to be more aggressive, utilizing direct play more frequently in order to steer towards victory.
However, what is more important to me than the opponent is ourselves. At this stage of the team's growth, we have moved to the next phase, where the team is increasingly able to retain possession of the ball and control the game with it. In this growth process as we move to the next phase, various issues may arise. We accumulated points at the beginning of the season. Not being able to do that is also a possible development in the growth process. I believe that was the case in the match against Tosu.
For example, in the away match against Kyoto at the beginning of the season, we achieved victory, but I don't think the quality of our play was good. We may be evaluated positively because we earned 3 points, but the match content and the result were not necessarily linked. There are often times when the parts of the team that are growing in the current process of development are not properly reflected in the match results. In training, the players have been expressing better play. They are gradually becoming able to apply that play successfully in official matches.
Q: Although we lost to Iwata in the away game of the Levain Cup, I think there were parts where our combination was good.
A, we are gradually developing good combinations as a team in the matches against Iwata and Tosu. However, this has not necessarily been reflected in the match results. We played well, but we lost both of those matches. On the other hand, in the matches against Kyoto and Hiroshima, we did not necessarily play well, but we achieved victory. However, I believe that experiencing the growing pains now is a valuable process for achieving significant growth and success in the future. It is my role to nurture this club so that it can continue to win more matches in the future.
Q: Is it because you have a good image that you are thinking of letting those players participate in the match?
I am prioritizing my feelings from the recent practices over the sensations from the match against Iwata when selecting players.
Q: Is the team able to make detailed adjustments?
A, until now, Tokyo has not been accustomed to pushing the opponent back and continuing to attack in tight spaces. They have been required to play quickly towards the goal in a more spacious environment.
Just like in the match against Tosu, the periods where we can control the game and push the opponent back are increasing as I expected. The fluid attacks and well-timed assaults when we push the opponent back are exactly what we are training for, and at the same time, because we are pushing, it becomes important to train our defense to prepare for the opponent's counterattacks the moment we lose possession.
Q: I think the key is how to connect the longer possession of the ball to scoring goals. What is the most emphasized point for the players right now?
A emphasizes the importance of playing with composure. I believe that in the recent matches, the team as a whole has been able to build up play more calmly than at the beginning of the season when we were holding the ball. It is essential to express that composure even better in front of the goal, which is required in those situations. Therefore, it is necessary to continue training diligently over time.
Q: What do you feel is lacking right now, skills or judgment? Which one would you like to develop more?
A, of course I want to improve both, but I think the technical aspect is still lacking. Since there will be more play in tight spaces, we have players who are used to fast attacks in open spaces, and we must utilize that as our strength. We should not lose that, but rather continue to make the most of it. I believe it is important to adapt to various situations without being fixated on one thing and to make good choices each time.
Q: It is said that players should take on more challenges, but is it also important to have an attitude of taking on challenges?
Yes, that's exactly right. However, it is at the moment of pushing forward that it is necessary to take risks with good timing. If that is done well, even if the ball is lost, it is possible to quickly regain possession of the ball.
Q: Is creating the shape of a goal through repetitive practice or improvisation?
A, to effectively utilize imagination, it is important to gain composure. I believe that confidence makes this possible. In that sense, we are not only focusing on the football aspect but also training the mental part, practicing to play with confidence in our daily training.
Q: The concept of 'pausa' (meaning 'pause' or 'break' in Japanese) has recently begun to take hold in Japan. How many players in Tokyo are able to practice this?
First of all, I think everyone needs to have it. However, as for the characteristics of the players, for example, Shuto ABE struggles with having a pause. I believe that Leandro and Yojiro TAKAHAGI possess a pause based on their playing styles. However, Shuto ABE contributes significantly to the team in terms of winning the ball compared to the two who have a pause. On the other hand, the contributions of the two are not as significant as those of Shuto ABE in that regard. In that sense, it becomes important for the entire team to maintain a good balance.
[Player Interview]
＜Adailton＞
Q: You will be facing your former team, Jubilo Iwata, for the first time. How do you feel about the upcoming match?
A, it's an away game against my former club, and I am really excited and focused. I look forward to meeting the players I fought alongside before, but I want to make sure to prepare well and achieve good results.
Q: Do you have any memories of Yamaha Stadium? Don't you have the desire to score a goal as well?
I spent 5 years in Iwata, so I have many good memories. Although this is not our home game, I believe we can approach the match with a positive mindset, and I want to play well and return to Tokyo with 3 points.
Q: What is necessary to change the team's bad momentum?
A. Although we haven't seen results yet, our feelings haven't changed. I believe that if we can achieve results, the team's atmosphere will improve even more, and we want to fight together to reach a higher ranking.
Q: I think you were involved in chances during the match against Tosu, such as taking a shot that hit the post. How is your performance level?
There were moments when the ball hit the goalpost and did not go in, and conversely, in the match against Gamba Osaka, there were times when it hit the opponent and went into the goal. So, of course, there is luck involved, but I believe that the process leading up to the goal is important, not just luck. I feel good about my form and I think I just have to keep going.
Q, what do you think is required from Adailton for the new soccer style to deepen further within the team?
A, with the change of coach and the introduction of a new style of football, I think everyone, including myself, is somewhat confused, but there are also parts where we are managing to adapt. Personally, I am trying to resolve the areas of confusion by talking with the coach, and I hope to deepen my understanding, play well, and contribute to the team.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the fans and supporters who continue to support you positively.
A, we feel that we are receiving a lot of support from our fans and supporters. Although we are currently in a situation where we are not winning matches, we believe that our fans and supporters may need to be patient, but our feelings remain unchanged. We look forward to winning a title or finishing in the top ranks so that we can all celebrate together.
