<Match Preview>
The J1 League, which was interrupted during the national team activity period, will resume. This Sec. 17 will be the last match of the first half of the league season, which consists of 34 matches. The opponent is Shonan Bellmare. They also faced each other in the group stage of the Levain Cup, making this the third official match of the season. In the Levain Cup, they achieved victory in a home game using players who also participated in the league matches.
In the away game, which selected members mainly from young players, we were defeated.
Kuryu MATSUKI is absent due to the U-21 Japan national team's overseas expedition, but Yuto NAGATOMO has returned from the Japan national team, and players who were previously sidelined due to injuries have also rejoined the team, bringing together the main members for this match. This will showcase a different style of play compared to the Levain Cup, which has actively utilized young players.
In the league, we have won our last two matches, and especially in the match against Shimizu S-Pulse, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA praised the team by saying, "I conveyed directly to the players that today was the start of FC Tokyo's changing playing style. (Omitted) It was a significant step in truly realizing what football that loves the ball is all about." This reflects our ability to achieve both a dominant performance and a victory against our opponent.
In the match against the league leaders Kashima Antlers, Ryoma WATANABE, who was deployed as a right winger, effectively participated in the buildup of attacks by moving into the central area. The team quickly transitioned between offense and defense with a compact formation, accumulating goals. Additionally, the team's ability to maintain a lead while possessing the ball, as expressed by coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA as "defending with the ball," showcased their tactical prowess. This demonstrated the team's growth and the integration of their playing style.
That said, it is true that further refinement is necessary to consistently develop our style and translate it into results. In this match, I want to pay attention to how Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA will choose players and arrange them in the absence of Matsuki, who has been a core player in the midfield despite being a rookie.
Especially in the midfield, Keigo HIGASHI is being utilized as an anchor and is demonstrating his abilities without reservation, while options are increasing. The question is whether anyone who participates can maintain the quality and "play with the ball." To continue accumulating victories while growing in the second half of the season, we will expand both the refinement of our soccer style and the range of player utilization.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: The league has been on a break for two weeks. What have you been working on during this time?
A, we were able to spend ample time on tactical training. It is also great news that several injured players have returned. I am very satisfied with the team's growth over the past two weeks. The team is progressing smoothly. It has been a two weeks filled with only positive aspects.
Q: What specific areas have you grown in over the past two weeks?
A, especially in terms of offense. The players without the ball continuously provide various options for the ball holder. We are making progress in training that fluidity. The time to work on that has finally come. This is because the players are already able to play with confidence. Having gained the ability to play with confidence, we have now moved on to the next step.
Q: I believe you will demonstrate the results of your practice in tomorrow's match, but what kind of image do you have of Shonan?
A has a very strong impression of valuing the ball. Considering the quality of play, I believe the current ranking does not accurately reflect the performance. In that sense, I think it will be a match where both teams compete for the ball. Therefore, our defensive aspect will be important, and it will be crucial to prevent the opponent from playing their desired style of football. We have already experienced that conceding the ball to Shonan in the Levain Cup led to a difficult match situation.
Q: Based on that experience, what will be important tomorrow?
A, as always, the most important thing is to score more goals than the opponent. Soccer is a sport that competes on the number of goals, so it is indeed crucial. To win the match, it is essential to express our playing style more clearly than the opponent. Teams that can express themselves are more likely to win.
Q: You mentioned that the players have gained confidence. What made you feel that way?
A, I think it's easy to understand how much confidence they have gained by comparing their play at the start of the season to their current play. At the beginning of the season, I believe the players were in a situation where they were afraid of the ball coming to them. In contrast, now they feel joy in receiving the ball. I think everyone is on the pitch wanting to receive the ball. If they have the confidence and hope to want to have the ball, they can make better decisions in attack. I have said it many times, but this season is about building a foundation with the team’s players. Based on that foundation, I believe the team will take a leap forward next season. In any case, there is no doubt that we are moving in a good direction. I am happy that the players can play with confidence, and I feel that they will continue to grow.
Q: What can we expect in the future now that the players have gained confidence?
A, we can expect further growth in all aspects. This team has played a different playing style for several seasons. A playing style that did not value the ball as much as now. Of course, they achieved results and won titles, but there seems to be an impression of a gradual decline. I believe we are able to turn that trend around this season. I think we are giving the players renewed motivation and moving in a good direction by changing our playing style. However, it is undeniable that this project has just begun. There is still a long way to go.
Q: What are your thoughts on the inside half position with Matsuki representing the team?
A, we have good players, and there are players who can adequately fill his absence, so I am not worried at all. Every player has been growing since the beginning of this season. In that sense, selecting players is not as difficult as it is at the start of the season. If there is one duty I have as a coach, it is to help all players grow. Winning or losing a match is influenced by various factors, which I cannot control. On the other hand, I believe it is my duty as a coach to promote the growth of the players, and they are currently developing well. From among them, I want to select players who are in good form.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryoma WATANABE＞
Q: There was a break due to the Emperor's Cup, but there has been a gap since the last league match. What kind of preparations have you made?
A, there was a break amidst the consecutive matches, and I was able to recover from fatigue. Since I was able to move in good condition, I didn't completely rest but consciously kept my body active. It's been a while since the league matches, but I am well prepared.
Q: I think the team has been increasing the number of situations where they maintain possession and take shots with two consecutive wins, and they are starting to score as well.
A, it has only been in the last few matches that we have started to score, and while we won the Emperor's Cup, it didn't go well, so I think we need to improve on that.
Q: Among them, Watanabe has also been able to score. I feel that he is able to play the game with a good image of the goal and a clear view of the opponent's movements. Was there any trigger for this change?
A, there isn't a particular trigger, but I think the reason I am able to achieve results is that I have been able to approach the matches with a good feeling after practicing shooting following training. I want to continue to grow in that aspect throughout the matches. I still want to score and assist more, and while playing for the team's victory, I also want to consistently focus on my own results.
Q, what points will be key in building a new style of football in the future?
I think it is important for everyone to have a shared understanding first. It is not good if one person cannot do it, and it means nothing if everyone cannot embody it, so we must be conscious of that.
Q: What kind of analysis does the team conduct regarding Shonan?
A, the counterattack after winning the ball is sharp, so we want to be careful about that.
Q: You have faced Shonan many times this season, but what kind of play do you want to focus on as an individual?
I want to focus on the results by winning the ball battles firmly so as not to be overpowered by the opponent's physicality, while also increasing the time we hold onto the ball.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for achieving three consecutive wins with the fans and supporters.
A, there are very important matches coming up, and we will need the support of our fans and supporters. I believe that the players will gain even more power from the vocal support during the match against Sapporo on July 6. Everyone is working hard to repay that support with results, so please continue to cheer us on until the end.
