TOKYOism

<Match Review>
This season's Levain Cup has already seen the team eliminated in the group stage, making today's match the final game. Hosting at Ajinomoto Stadium is Avispa Fukuoka, who are looking for 3 points to advance to the playoffs. The two teams have faced each other twice this season, with Tokyo losing both times. For Tokyo, this match is an opportunity to repay the debt at home.

As Coach Alber has stated, in this match, young players and those with limited playing time in the league were lined up in the starting lineup. Kojiro YASUDA made his first professional start. Additionally, Renta HIGASHI and Naoki KUMATA, who are registered as U-18 players, started the match, while Kanta DOI made the bench for the first time. Yuta ARAI, who is also registered as a U-18 player and is set to join next season, made the squad for the first time since the match against Júbilo Iwata on March 15.

In a development where both teams shared ball possession, from around the 25th minute of the first half, Tokyo began to hold the ball and gradually pushed the opponent back. Towards the end of the first half, they built up a thick attack by pressing the opponent in the vital area and bringing it to a finish, also recovering second balls. However, in the finishing moments, they either failed to make contact with the shot or could not hit the target, ending the first half at 0-0.

Even in the second half, Tokyo continues to maintain possession of the ball. While pushing the opponent back, they struggle to break through the opponent's defensive block, which is set deep in their own territory. Without getting impatient, Tokyo continues to press the opponent and creates a chance from a set piece in the 26th minute of the second half. Renta HIGASHI heads the corner kick from the left at the far side, but the shot is blocked by the opponent's goalkeeper's excellent save. Tokyo continues to press without giving the opponent a chance to counterattack, moving the ball and searching for a path to goal. In the closing stages, Hirotaka MITA breaks into the penalty area and creates a near chance, but they are unable to shake the net and the match ends in a 0-0 draw.

Although we could not achieve victory, the young players firmly expressed the team's playing style, while the veteran players supported them to boost their performance. Strengthening the team's unity, we maintained control of the match and continued to press towards the goal, which serves as a positive factor for the league matches ahead. This match provided us with a sense of accomplishment as we prepare for the upcoming game against Kashiwa Reysol in two days.

[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]

Q, please review the game.
A, today, I would like to reflect on the growth of our particularly young players. In the first 10 to 15 minutes, the young players struggled to adapt to the pace of play, leading to a chaotic period. While we did not allow the opponent to create chances, I believe we were not able to perform the play we expect. If we continue to lose the ball easily in unnecessary situations, we cannot execute the play we are aiming for. Naturally, in the zone close to the opponent's goal, bold plays that take risks are required. However, until we approach that zone, we must play more accurately and cautiously.
Morishige stood on the pitch for the first time in a while, and with a 17-year-old player playing beside him, it is natural that he couldn't find his rhythm at the start of the match. There was also an intention to try Keigo HIGASHI as a defensive midfielder.

For various reasons, we were unable to build up from the back well in the first 10 to 15 minutes. However, I believe the match progressed differently after that. Even in the first half, we were able to create two clear chances. I think we showed good play at the tempo we expect in various moments. Morishige, who returned from injury, was scheduled to play only the first 45 minutes to regain his match fitness, so he was substituted at halftime. He was able to play well for 45 minutes, which I believe will lead to further opportunities.

There were several dangerous players on the Fukuoka bench. When such dangerous players were brought on in the second half, we changed to three center-backs to better support 17-year-old Renta HIGASHI. It is indeed difficult for a 17-year-old center-back to face Lukian. Therefore, we switched to a three-center-back formation to cover any mistakes effectively. However, I understand that the system is not particularly important. The most important thing is the playing style, and I believe we were able to express ourselves well even with positional changes. I think the young players adapted well to the changing situations. In the second half, we were able to create several chances and even situations that could lead to a penalty kick. Of course, this is not a criticism of the referee.

In the second half, there was a long period when three 17-year-old players were on the pitch at the same time. I think Fukuoka had many key players in their team. Against a difficult opponent, the young 17-year-old players boldly showcased their individuality, which I believe is commendable. In that sense, I am proud of the young players who were on the pitch. Additionally, I think it is also commendable that veterans like Keigo HIGASHI, Mita, and Kodama supported the young players in playing boldly.
I believe it was a match that highly evaluated our academy's ability to develop players well. There were similar situations when I was serving as the academy director at FC Barcelona. If there are talented players among the young players, we must give them opportunities. As long as I am at FC Tokyo, I want to continue to provide chances to talented young players.

Q: Please evaluate Keigo HIGASHI as an anchor.
A was playing well. Of course, I think he is a player with attacking strengths, and I also believe he can contribute defensively. While watching his play in training, I appreciated not only his foot skills but also his ability to distribute the ball well. He can also contribute defensively in aerial battles. He has the advantage of being able to position himself well. For these various reasons, I wanted to try him as a defensive midfielder, and I think that tryout went well. We can say that we have one more option for the defensive midfielder position.
I also conveyed directly to him that our defensive midfielder's role is to balance the team by making Shuto ABE and Kuryu MATSUKI run rather than running himself. The defensive midfielder behind the inside half is a player who can provide the team with calmness. In that sense, I believe players like Aoki and Keigo HIGASHI possess such strengths. I think we can give a good score to Keigo HIGASHI for his performance as a defensive midfielder today.

Q: The Levain Cup, which has provided opportunities for young players, has ended. What kind of attitude do you want to see from young players moving forward?
I would like to seek opportunities to give young players a chance. It becomes difficult to boldly give many chances to young players in league matches. However, I believe that training with the top team and participating in training matches set by the top team will also be a wonderful opportunity for growth. I want to continue to provide chances to young players in this way and promote their development.

The Levain Cup does not guarantee the first 10 matches. It is a format where teams play 6 matches in the group stage and then advance to the playoffs. If a team aims for a higher ranking upon advancing, many coaches may prefer to use more experienced players over younger ones. In that sense, even if a team advances, it cannot be said that younger players will necessarily have more opportunities.

That was a good question, and it gave me a great idea. For example, how about having the group stage of the Levain Cup involve more teams? Also, what if we added a rule that requires at least five U-23 players to be in the starting lineup? Japan does not have a reserve league. In that sense, I think we need to encourage the development of young players.

[Player Interview] 
<Keigo HIGASHI>

Q: You played as a defensive midfielder. What expectations did the coach have for you as you entered the match?
First of all, there was a discussion about wanting the younger players to come together as a team rather than focusing on positions. Rather than detailed instructions, it was said to be mindful of maintaining the positional balance as much as possible.

Q: In the league matches, I believe that while the members and formations change, you played a central role by being attentive both in the front and the back throughout the 90 minutes.
A, today I made my starting appearance as a defensive midfielder for the first time. There are challenges, but no matter what position I play, I want to showcase my strengths and play hard to help the team win.

Q: What areas do you want to further develop as an individual from here?
I believe I can deliver decisive passes even as a defensive midfielder, and I think that is one of my strengths. In terms of defense, since I am not originally a defensive player, I need to improve my intensity and situational awareness. I am 32 years old this year, but I still want to grow and get better, and with the new coach, I am learning various things, so I want to absorb more and contribute to victories when the next opportunity arises.

Q: How did you feel about your performance as a defensive midfielder?
A position that plays a significant role in risk management and ball recovery, and I believe I have been able to do that several times. I also want to improve my positioning and reading skills while practicing.
In terms of distribution, I think it's a position that creates team circulation by improving the accuracy of kicks and vertical passes. There are parts I was able to do and parts I wasn't, but I think it was good that I was able to play as a defensive midfielder for 90 minutes. My condition is good, and I've been able to perform well in practice, so I want to continue this and meet the coach's expectations.

Q. I think it was a hint for other players that if the ball is moving well and you have it in a good position, it's okay to make a vertical pass.
A, even when the opponent is forming a block and defending, we need to play vertical passes to break through the block, so I believe it's a necessary play for the defensive midfielders to utilize their surroundings. Also, regardless of position, I want our team to increase the scenes where we can break through more with combinations.

Q: Are there any areas for improvement with U-18 player Kumada making his first professional starting appearance and many young players participating?
A, especially since I haven't been able to practice with the U-18 players, I believe that if he can receive the ball, he is a player who can show his strengths, so I think it's important for those around him to support and bring out his abilities.

<Manato SHINADA>

Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has stated that the Levain Cup is a place for developing young players, but what kind of requests did the coach have for player Shinada in today's match?
Before the match, there were two instructions during the meeting: one for Watanabe and myself as inside midfielders, which was to "run as much as you can," and another for the younger players, which was to "play boldly."

Q: You usually have an image of calmly distributing the ball, but today I felt there were many dynamic plays. How did it feel?
In the first half, there was a scene that could be called my best chance today, from carrying the ball to taking the shot, and I regret not being able to score there. I believe that if I don't produce results, I won't be selected for J1 League matches. However, I had been imagining plays like that in previous practice matches, so I think it was good to have been able to manifest one of those plays.

Q: Did you get a feel for the inside half in today's match?
A, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's approach involved some agreements, and while playing thoughtfully, I entered the match with the mindset that young players should play boldly, as mentioned before the game. I think we were able to show some good aspects in the connecting parts and in moving forward.

Q: Among the many players from U-18 and the academy, did you have the awareness to take the lead?
A, I thought today was my last chance as well, so I didn't have the luxury to bring the team together, but it was easier to do so.

Q: There was a strong performance right from the start of the match. Please tell us about your mindset going into today's game.
A, I hadn't been able to get involved in the matches until now, so I approached this game with the feeling that if I couldn't perform here, there wouldn't be a next chance. I wanted to solidify my mindset and leave some numbers, but I think I was able to express my play a little.

Q: I didn't lose my motivation until the end.
A, wearing the FC Tokyo emblem is the bare minimum, and since I have been given the number 18 since last season, I wanted to achieve results both as an individual and as a team, taking those aspects into account.

<Renta HIGASHI>

Q: How was it playing for 90 minutes in a professional match?
A, today I was able to play alongside my idol, player Morishige, and it became the biggest experience for me so far. Since Morishige is a player who has competed on the world stage, I wanted to learn various details from him. I have been watching and learning from his play during practice, but today I was able to experience top-class plays up close, such as drawing the opponent in and switching to the opposite side, which was really great.
I personally was not good at all in the first half. I made a lot of passing mistakes, but players like Higashi, Mita, and Morishige encouraged me a lot, so I was able to switch gears and play in the second half, which I’m glad about. In the second half, Mita delivered a great ball from a corner kick, but I couldn't finish it, so I think if I had scored that, we could have won, and finishing is something that remains as a challenge for today.

Q: How was it playing in front of many fans and supporters at Ajinomoto Stadium?
A, today my mother came to watch the match. I always put in a lot of effort, but this time it felt special in a different way, and I was able to show her for the first time what it looks like for me to stand at Ajinomoto Stadium. She is my biggest supporter, so I played with the determination to meet her expectations.

Q: How do you feel about your performance and challenges so far this season?
A, gradually there have been more challenges, and while I have been able to address some of them, I still do not measure up in the professional world, and there are aspects where I cannot compete even at the U-18 level. I am grateful for the valuable experiences I have had, so I believe I need to clarify my challenges and raise my awareness through more training.

Q: The Levain Cup has ended, and the league matches will continue. What are your thoughts on this?
With players like Mori-shige and Kimoto, and Henrique returning, I need to develop enough strength to compete with them. I'm still not at their level, but I want to absorb and learn from Mori-shige's play, as in today's match, and increase the number of times I do that, aiming to surpass them one day. I want to work hard so that I can become a rival, not just someone who admires them.

<Naoki KUMATA>

Q, this was your first start with the top team. Please review the game.
I knew it would be a difficult match, but personally, I was looking for a result. Of course, I'm frustrated that we couldn't win, but the most disappointing thing is that we couldn't score, and that leaves me with regrets.

Q: Please tell us your thoughts on playing at Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time.
A lot of fans and supporters came, which really gave us strength and created a comfortable environment for us to play.

Q: Has playing for a long time with the top team today made your future goals more realistic?
A, without thinking about such things, I want to approach training and matches with 100% effort and reach this stage again.

Q: After experiencing today's match, have you identified any challenges for the future?
A, the intensity of the matches was completely different from U-18. Therefore, I want to get used to this intensity and utilize this experience to lead the team in U-18.