Match Preview
In the previous match, we won 3-0 against Shimizu, breaking a four-match winless streak. After the match, coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA expressed his joy in victory and praised the performance as follows: "This was the first match where we expressed the playing style we aim for and achieved victory. Over the past four months, we have learned well and demonstrated the attacking style we aspire to."
Especially in the second half, they created numerous scoring opportunities with a high ball possession rate, overwhelming Shimizu. The coach, while mentioning areas for improvement, stated, "We have taken a big step forward," feeling confident about the team's growth.
Kashima, the opponent for this match, has invited a European coach for the first time in the club's history this season, shifting from the traditional Brazilian approach. Swiss coach Rene Weiler advocates for a speedy style of football that combines high pressing and quick counterattacks. So far, forwards Ayase Ueda and Yuma SUZUKI have been prolific in scoring. While still developing, they have steadily accumulated points since the season began, making them a strong contender for this season's title.
A battle of "transformation and innovation." It should serve as a touchstone to determine the results of a "big step forward" for Tokyo.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Ryoya OGAWA's transfer has been decided, and it will be lonely, won't it?
A, I think the impact is significant. However, he has a dream of competing in Europe, and it's wonderful that he can take on this challenge. I would be happy if what he learned in these past few months has a positive influence on his success in Europe. Compared to when the season started, I definitely think he has grown. I sincerely wish for his success. It is not easy to succeed in Europe. Compared to other leagues in Europe, Portugal and Belgium are not top leagues. However, I believe they are very good places to aim for the next step by performing well. I hope the Japan national team will also keep pursuing their goals.
Q: What specific areas do you think have improved as a result of working on a new style under Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA?
A, in terms of situational judgment, the importance of holding the ball, and firmly taking the initiative to find solutions to situations. I think it is also important to be accustomed to training methods similar to those in Portugal. I gave him direct advice as well, but it is important to integrate. I believe this is the same challenge that many Japanese people face when they challenge themselves abroad. I think it is a mistake for anyone, regardless of their nationality, to not try to integrate when they go to a different place. A representative example is Yuto NAGATOMO. No matter which country he goes to, he has integrated and thrived in that city, in that place. This applies not only to Japanese people going abroad but also to foreign players coming to Japan. While it may be difficult to understand everything, it is important to make an effort to understand the culture of that place or to try to integrate, and I believe that will resonate with those around you.
Q: Tomorrow is the match against the league leaders, Kashima.
A, I think their greatest strength is their high-intensity play. They have aggressive defense and when they have the ball, they have a strong awareness of going directly towards the opponent's goal. They have been fighting in a way that is worthy of being at the top. We want to focus on ensuring that the team continues to grow steadily in every match as we prepare for tomorrow's game. The challenges we need to overcome change from match to match. I believe that attempting to overcome these challenges leads to the team's growth.
Q, you posted on your Twitter about "The Beginning of a Dream". What does that refer to?
A, I believe that the second half of the match against Shimizu was the first game where we consistently expressed the kind of play we expect. While there is still a gap to the level we want to reach, I think it was a 45 minutes where we were able to express our direction of controlling the ball, creating more chances, and scoring more goals. I believe the opening goal alleviated our anxieties. With the opening goal scored, the players were able to play confidently and enjoy playing with the ball in the second half. At the beginning of the season, we struggled to maintain possession of the ball, and there were several matches where we approached the opponent's goal in a straight line. After that, our possession rate increased, but we continued to have matches where we couldn't create many chances. On the other hand, in the match against Shimizu, we enjoyed having the ball. For some players, it may have been their first experience of continuously controlling the ball and creating chances for such a long time. While it is not easy to express that kind of play in every match, I believe that having that experience, even once, has given the players great confidence. Of course, there will be matches that go well, and there will be the opposite as well. However, it is important to continue to grow steadily in the long run.
Q: Ryoma WATANABE was used as a winger. Until now, wingers often played wide on the sides, but Ryoma had many opportunities to move inside and play. Has the required role changed?
A, as a process of team growth, there is a high possibility that both wings will take width, making it difficult to create numerical superiority in the central area. In the match against Shimizu, Ryoma appeared in various zones and played a role in creating numerical superiority. At the same time, Diego also contributed by appearing in different zones to achieve the same. The full-backs must also take on the role of creating numerical superiority depending on the situation. If the team can fluidly manage this together, it will lead to a style of play where the team travels together. However, if everyone tries to receive the ball at their feet, it becomes easier for the opponent to defend, so naturally, players who can burst into the space behind will also be necessary.
Q: Is it considered that Watanabe is suitable for bringing fluidity to the team?
When Leandro was here, he played a similar role. There are not many players with characteristics like his. It is important to bring out the strengths of each player. I think Konno is a wing-type player who takes width. The young (Yasuda) Toshiro is still learning more and will provide more options. My role is to approach the game with good combinations based on the strengths of the players in front of me. We are moving in a good direction, so I believe both the club and the fans/supporters can feel assured. One of the important points this season is for more players to grow into the foundation that supports this club. I hope to encourage the growth of young players so that they can develop into players who will support this club.
[Player Interview]]
＜Ryoya OGAWA＞
Q: You have decided to transfer overseas, right?
A, since the beginning of this season, I have been talking with coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA about wanting to challenge myself in the summer, and I am very grateful for his support in pursuing what I want to do. I have no lack of confidence, and I also think about leaving FC Tokyo mid-season, but I strongly feel the desire to succeed there and move on to a higher stage.
Q: What was the reason for your decision to transfer?
A, I have vaguely thought about wanting to play overseas from the beginning. Last season, I joined the Japan national team and played with players who are active overseas, which made me feel the differences in the soccer we usually play. This experience strongly motivated me to think about playing abroad. Looking at my current team, even if I were to leave, there are many players who can thrive in the J1 League, and I also don't want to hinder Yoshifumi's growth, so I thought this timing might be the best.
Q: What are your prospects after the transfer?
AI want to go to a higher level team, but first going to Europe is the first step and not the goal. I want to perform well there, move to a stronger team, and also be involved with the Japan national team.
Q: How much do you think you have grown at FC Tokyo?
A, in the professional world, I only know FC Tokyo, so I learned everything necessary as a professional, not just as a soccer player but also as a member of society at FC Tokyo. I am undoubtedly who I am today thanks to FC Tokyo. In terms of soccer, I have grown immensely compared to when I first joined, and I have been elevated to the level where I can play firmly in the J1 League and transfer overseas. I am very grateful.
Q: What kind of performance do you want to show in the remaining matches?
AIt is important to accumulate points as much as possible while I am here, and I want to ensure that I am not perceived as playing lightly just because my transfer has been decided. Until the end of June, I want to contribute as a player of FC Tokyo and aim to accumulate 3 points in each match.
Q, just like Kosuke OTA is a role model for player Ogawa, Kashif BANGNAGANDE also wants to be a role model.
AI want to play in a way that serves as a model for Yoshifumi, and although I only have about a month left, I want to teach him everything I can. If it contributes to his growth, I want to listen to his concerns and do what I can. I believe that will also benefit FC Tokyo and Yoshifumi.
Q: Wasn't the match against Shimizu in the last round the game where you were able to express the style you are aiming for the most?
AThanks to Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's insistence on being in the right positions, we were able to effectively deal with the opponent's press, and especially in the second half, we moved the ball smoothly and without stress. In that process, we created decisive chances and were able to convert them into goals. Even in front of the goal, we made the best choices without forcing plays, which led to goals. Everyone remained calm, made good choices, maintained good positioning, and played good football.
Q: In the first half, were there moments when you were caught in the opponent's press?
A, every team starts off strong and energetic, which makes their pressing very intense. However, by continuing to maintain possession of the ball, we noticed that by the end of the first half, the opponent's legs began to tire. I believe it is very important to keep doing what we need to do. We were able to make the opponent feel that pressing against this team was futile, so in the second half, they stopped pressing, creating space and allowing us to play the way we wanted.
Q: Kashima is a very strong opponent among the teams we have faced so far.
A, even when watching the footage, they keep coming at us, and I believe there will definitely be times when we have to endure. If we can maintain our style of football during those tough times, I believe there is no team we cannot beat.
Q, even when we get into our rhythm, we need to be very careful not to easily lose the ball in the opponent's territory, considering their fast and strong vertical attacks.
A, Kashima has strong players in the front line, so we must be very careful about how we lose the ball. However, when we are playing good soccer, the distance between players is also good, so I think we are in a position to regain the ball immediately when we lose it. Therefore, when we are in our rhythm, I believe we can keep challenging with the ball, and it is much more important to take a position where we can quickly recover from mistakes rather than being afraid of making mistakes and not challenging.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: In the last match, we defeated Shimizu away, achieving our first victory in five league matches.
Winning 3-0 has given the players confidence and brought a positive atmosphere back to the team. I hope this momentum continues, but there will be good times and times when things don't go as planned, so we are continuing to fight with a sense of urgency. I believe it will be really important how well we can compete against Kashima this round.
Q: In the match against Shimizu, Ryoya OGAWA scored 2 goals. Isn't it true that the involvement of the full-backs in key scoring opportunities is a characteristic of Tokyo this season?
I want to improve my timing, positioning, and quality so that I can participate in attacks more effectively as a fullback. However, since I am a defender, I cannot neglect my defensive duties. It is challenging because there are many expectations, but in terms of growth, I am having fulfilling days.
Q: There are many voices saying that young players are inspired by Nagatomo's attitude towards football. What kind of things do you keep in mind when interacting with your teammates?
I have played for various clubs overseas for 11 years. I actively share that experience and strive to create a positive atmosphere within the team. I believe that a person's true worth is tested especially in difficult situations, so I want to be a presence that supports the team in those moments.
Q: Please give a message to the fans and supporters.
During this past month, when the team was struggling, your support truly encouraged me. I once again realized that you are loving fans and supporters. I feel happy to play in front of all of you, and I am proud to be a player from Tokyo. Kashima is a tough opponent, but I want to show a spirited fight with a strong mindset so that we do not lose to their momentum!
