<Match Preview>
In the previous match, they won 3-0 against Shimizu and broke out of a 4-game winless streak. After the match, coach Albert Puig Ortoneda praised the team's performance, saying, "It was the first match where we expressed the playing style we expect and won. We have learned a lot in the past 4 months and they showed the attacking style we aim for."
Especially in the second half, they created scoring opportunities one after another with a high ball possession rate and overwhelmed Shimizu. While pointing out areas for improvement, the coach also expressed satisfaction with the team's growth, saying they have taken a big step forward.
Kashima, who will be the opponent in this round, has invited a European-born coach for the first time in the club's history this season and has changed their policy from the traditional Brazilian route. The Swiss coach Rene Biler, who has taken over, is aiming for a speedy soccer by combining high press and short counter. So far, Ueda Kisei and Yuma Suzuki have been scoring goals in the front line. They have been steadily accumulating points since the opening and have become one of the leading candidates for this season's title.
A battle of "change and innovation". It should be a litmus test for Tokyo to see the results of "taking a big step forward".
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, Ryoya OGAWA's transfer has been decided, it's going to be lonely.
A, I think the impact is significant. However, he has a dream to compete in Europe, and it is a great opportunity to challenge himself. I would be happy if he could use what he has learned in the past few months to make a positive impact and succeed in Europe. I believe he has definitely grown since the start of the season. I sincerely hope for his success. It is not easy to succeed in Europe. Compared to other countries in Europe, Portugal and Belgium are not top leagues. However, I think it is a great place to aim for the next step by performing well. I also hope that the Japan national team will continue to support him.
Q, Under the guidance of Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, what specific areas do you think have grown by working on a new style?
A, the importance of assessing the situation, firmly taking control of the ball, and finding solutions to the situation with initiative. I also advised him directly, but it is important for him to blend in. I think it is a challenge that many Japanese people face when they try to challenge themselves overseas. When you go to a different place, I think it is a mistake to not try to blend in with the people there, no matter what country you are from. A prime example of this is Yuto NAGATOMO. No matter where he goes, he has blended in and excelled in that city, that place. This is the same for foreign players who come to Japan, not just Japanese people going overseas. It may be difficult to understand everything, but it is important to try to understand the culture of the place, or make an effort to blend in, and I think it will be conveyed to the people around you.
Q, tomorrow we have a match against the top-ranked Kashima.
A, I think their biggest strength is their high intensity play. They come in with an aggressive defense and a strong awareness to go directly towards the opponent's goal when they have the ball. They have been fighting worthy battles to be at the top. We want to focus on the team's continuous growth in every game and fight for tomorrow's match. The challenges we need to overcome will vary from game to game. I believe that attempting to overcome these challenges will lead to the team's growth.
Q, there was a post on your Twitter that said "The beginning of a dream", what does that refer to?
A, I think the second half of the Shimizu game was the first game where we were able to consistently express the type of play we expect. There is still a gap between where we want to be and where we are, but in the 45 minutes we were able to express the direction we aim for, which is to dominate the ball, create more chances, and score more goals. I think the opening goal took away our anxiety. With the opening goal, the players were able to enjoy playing with confidence and the ball. At the beginning of the season, we struggled to keep possession and had several games where we went straight to the opponent's goal. After that, our possession rate increased, but we still struggled to create chances. On the other hand, in the Shimizu game, we were able to enjoy having the ball. It may have been the first time for some players to continuously dominate the ball and create chances for such a long time. It's not easy to play like that every game. However, having that experience even once gave the players a lot of confidence. Of course, there will be games where things go well and games where they don't. But in the long run, it is important to continue to grow and improve.
Q, Ryoma WATANABE was used as a winger. Until now, he has mostly played on the side as a winger, but he has had many opportunities to play inside. Has the role you are looking for changed?
A, As a process of the team's growth stage, there is a high possibility that it will become difficult to create a numerical advantage in the central area when both wings take width. In the Shimizu game, Ryoma showed his face in every zone and played a role in creating a numerical advantage. At the same time, Diego also showed his face in various zones and contributed to the same thing. The full-backs also have to play a role in creating a numerical advantage depending on the situation. If the team can do this well and fluidly, it will become a play where the team travels together. However, if everyone tries to receive the ball at their feet, it will become easier for the opponent to defend, so it is necessary for players to make runs into the space behind.
Q, Is it believed that Mr. Watanabe is suitable for bringing fluidity?
When Leandro was here, he played a similar role. There aren't many players with his unique characteristics. It's important to bring out the strengths of each player. I think Konno is a wide wing type player. Young (Yasuda) Toraro will learn more and provide more options. My role is to approach the game with a good combination, taking into account the strengths of the players in front of me. We are moving in a good direction, so I think the club and the fans and supporters can rest assured. One of the important points of this season is for more players to grow into the base of this club. And I hope that young players will grow and become players who can carry this club.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryoya OGAWA＞
Q, your overseas transfer has been decided.
A, Since the beginning of this season, I have been talking with coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA about wanting to challenge in the summer, and I am very grateful for his support in pushing me to do what I want to do. I have no doubts and even if I leave FC Tokyo in the middle of the season, I strongly believe that I will be able to succeed and reach a higher stage.
Q, What was the reason for your decision to transfer?
A, I have always thought that I wanted to play overseas. Last season, I joined the Japan national team and played with players who are playing overseas, and I felt the difference in soccer that I do on a daily basis. That became a strong motivation for me to play overseas. Looking at the current team, even if I am not here, there are many players who can perform well in the J1 league. Also, I don't want to hinder Yoshifu's growth, so I thought this timing was the best.
Q: What are your prospects after the transfer?
A, I want to go to a higher level team, but going to Europe is not the ultimate goal. I want to perform well there and then move on 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 I needed as a professional and as a soccer player, as well as a member of society, at FC Tokyo. I am without a doubt who I am today thanks to FC Tokyo. In terms of soccer, I have been able to grow tremendously since joining and have been raised to the level of playing in the J1 League and even moving abroad. I am extremely grateful.
Q, What kind of performance do you want to show in the remaining games?
A, It is important to accumulate points while I am here, and I want to make sure that I am not seen as playing lightly because my transfer has been decided. So until the end of June, I want to accumulate 3 points per game as a FC Tokyo player before I go.
Q, Like Kosuke OTA is for Ogawa, I also want to be a role model for Kashif BANGNAGANDE.
A, I want to play as an example for Yoshifu and I only have about a month left, but I want to teach him everything I can. If it leads to his growth, I also want to listen to his concerns and do what I can. I think it will benefit both FC Tokyo and Yoshifu.
Q, Wasn't the Shimizu match in the previous round the most expressive game of the style we are aiming for?
A, Thanks to the thoroughness of being in the right position as coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA says, we were able to effectively evade the opponent's press and smoothly move the ball without stress, especially in the second half. We were able to create decisive chances and convert them into goals. Even in front of the goal, we were able to make the best choice without forcing it, which led to the goal. Everyone remained calm, made good choices, and played good football by being in a good position.
Q, Were there any moments in the first half where you were caught in the opponent's press?
A, every team starts with energy and runs, so the press becomes very strong. However, by continuing to possess the ball, towards the end of the first half, the opponent's legs began to slow down, so I thought it was very important to continue doing what we needed to do. We were able to make the opponent feel "pressing this team is useless", so in the second half, they stopped pressing and spaces opened up, and it felt like we were able to do what we wanted to do.
Q, Kashima is a very strong opponent among the teams we have faced so far.
A, Even when watching the video, they keep coming from the front, and I think there will definitely be a time when we have to endure. So when we endure, if we can play the soccer we want without wavering, I believe there is no team that cannot win.
Q, even if we get into our own rhythm, we need to be very careful not to lose the ball easily in the opponent's territory when considering a fast and strong attack vertically against them.
A, Kashima has strong players in the front line, so we have to be very careful about losing 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 immediately regain the ball when we lose it. Therefore, I think it's better to keep challenging the ball when we are in our rhythm, rather than being afraid of making mistakes. It's really important to be in a position where we can quickly recover even if we make a mistake.
Yuto NAGATOMO player
Q, In the previous round, we defeated Shimizu away and achieved our first victory in 5 league matches.
With a 3-0 victory, the players gained confidence and a positive atmosphere has returned to the team. We hope to continue this momentum, but we are also aware that there will be both good and challenging times ahead. This round, it is crucial for us to see how we can compete against Kashima.
Q, Ryoya OGAWA scored 2 goals in the Shimizu match. Is it safe to say that the involvement of the side back in scoring opportunities is a characteristic of Tokyo this season?
A, I also want to improve my timing, positioning, and quality as a side back to be more effective in attacking. However, as a defender, I cannot neglect my defense. It is tough because there are many things expected of me, but in terms of growth, I am spending fulfilling days.
Q, Many voices have been heard saying that they are inspired by Nagatomo's attitude towards soccer, focusing on young players. What kind of things are you conscious of when interacting with your teammates?
A, I have played for various clubs overseas for 11 years. I am always conscious of sharing my experiences and creating a positive atmosphere within the team. I believe that a person's true value is tested in difficult situations, so I want to be a supportive presence for the team in those moments.
Q, please give a message to the fans and supporters.
A, over the past month, we have received a lot of support during tough times and have been truly encouraged by your cheers. Once again, I have realized that we have loving fans and supporters. I feel fortunate to be able to play in front of you all and am proud to be a Tokyo player. Kashima is a tough opponent, but we will face them with a strong determination and show a spirited fight that will not be defeated by their momentum!
