Tokyo is working on building a new soccer style with the arrival of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA. The first season has reached its halfway point. We asked Shuto ABE and Kuryu MATSUKI, who have partnered as inside midfielders in most league matches since the opening game, to share their feelings about the battles so far and their outlook for the second half of the season towards the team's growth.
How do you feel about the first half of the season?
Matsuki
There was a period when we couldn't secure wins. That time was tough, but we have been able to make good adjustments since then. I still don't think we are playing the style of football that the coach wants, but I believe we have progressed to a good stage, and the scoring aspect will be very important in the second half of the season.
Abe
The league matches ended the first half in 7th place. Although the ranking is not good with a new coach and changes in the soccer style, I believe what we have been doing is right, so I wish we could have achieved better results in the first half.
There were difficult times when we couldn't secure victories, but in the latter part of the first half against Shimizu S-Pulse and Kashima Antlers, we were able to achieve both results and performance. Compared to those two matches, what didn't go well?
Matsuki
It's about the scoring part. It was the moment when we couldn't finish it off.
Abe
In terms of defense, we conceded 5 goals in the Fukuoka match, but I don't think that's a lot compared to other clubs, so we are able to defend in our own way. However, we can't win if we don't score, and there was a period where we had three consecutive scoreless draws, so as Kuryu MATSUKI mentioned, I think not being able to score goals was a contributing factor.
How do you feel about the build-up phase as part of the process leading to the goal?
Matsuki
Ryouma-kun has come into the front line and it has changed.
Abe
At first, we had a decided form of "let's do it this way," but since there were things that didn't go well, I think we are improving well while discussing with Captain Morishige about what would be better to improve next.
Matsuki
It felt like they were adapting on the pitch, communicating with each other while playing.
This season focuses on the growth of the team, but how do you evaluate finishing the first half in 7th place?
Matsuki
I wanted to aim for a higher level.
Abe
This season, the J1 League has become very competitive, and I truly believe it is a season of opportunity. I felt that if we could aim higher, we should, and I wish we could have turned around in a better position.There were many regrettable matches.
What is necessary to pick up the wasted points from the first half in the second half of the season?
Matsuki
It's about the feelings we put into each match. As the second half of the season progresses, fatigue builds up, and I think the mental aspect gradually becomes visible as the body starts to slow down. If even one player lets their guard down, I believe that gap will definitely be exploited. Just like in the first half match against Fukuoka, if there is a lapse in concentration, it can lead to that kind of game. Therefore, if we can maintain our focus and play the style of football we advocate, I believe we will definitely achieve good results.
Abe
We must always approach with the mindset of a challenger, without becoming complacent. In the last match of the first half against Shonan, we definitely had complacency, resulting in a 0-2 defeat. We cannot win if we do not remember the mindset of a challenger when facing matches. I believe the mental aspect is also important.
So far this season, the two have been partnering as inside halves. What is the original role of the inside half? How has the role changed and what has the flow of the season been like up to this point?
Matsuki
The role hasn't changed that much.
Abe
At first, I was told not to drop too close to the defensive line and to not participate in the build-up, allowing the anchor and the defensive line to carry the ball. However, there were many situations where we couldn't circulate the ball, so I decided to get involved as an inside half, and this change happened relatively early in the season.
Is there an agreement on which of the two will step down?
Matsuki
I always play while looking at my position, maintaining balance.
Abe
I am conscious of creating a numerical advantage and am dropping back (to the defensive line) according to the situation.
By making that movement, I think we are exerting a considerable amount of effort in every match, but were you aware of covering a wide area on your own?
Matsuki
It feels like we have to defend ourselves.
Abe
It is both our role and part of our strengths, so if we stop doing that, it would defeat the purpose of having the two of us on the field. We have a lot of movement, but I don't find it difficult. We need to press from the front and also track back, so it feels like we have to do both roles.
As a team, we want to maintain possession of the ball more than ever, create decisive moments, and when that happens, what kind of movements are required in the attack, and how do the roles of the two players need to change?
Abe
In the Emperor's Cup match against Nagasaki, we were just passing the ball around and not creating many scoring opportunities. When I think about the reasons for that, I believe it's important for one of the inside midfielders to break through the corner of the opponent's defensive line's penalty area to disrupt their formation. I think how well two players can control that area will create significant chances, so I want to increase that more.
Matsuki
Depending on the opponent's gaps and positions, I believe that if we always take positions that are hard for the opponent to see and where we want our teammates to be, and if we can receive the ball, turn, and initiate a dribble forward, we will have more opportunities to utilize the pockets and increase our chances of taking mid-range shots.
For example, in the match against Kashima, I believe that Matsuki's run into the space between the opponent's full-back and center-back acted as a decoy, leading to the opening goal.
Matsuki
It would be great if I could become a decoy by running there, and we can compensate for such plays with our movement. By going into the pocket, it becomes harder for defenders to mark, so I think that's important.
In the build-up phase, even if we are circulating the ball at the back like in the Shonan match, there are moments when we lose it due to mistakes and get countered. When we are pressed from the front with an equal number of players, do we need strategies or ideas to break through that situation?
Abe
I believe that if everyone does not get involved, we cannot circulate the ball with just the midfield and defense line, and the movement of the forwards becomes important. If we are pressured from the front, it opens up space behind the opponent, allowing the lone striker to run into that space, which can be utilized, and the space created after the movement can also be effectively used. Therefore, I think being aware of everyone's involvement and who will use that space is key to positional play.
Matsuki
The ball cannot be circulated just with the defense line and midfield, so I believe that everyone needs to be involved in the build-up.
Is it the case that the way of involvement tends to become monotonous?
Abe
It's not just about coming down to receive the ball; there are parts where I want him to break through behind, so I think we have to talk about it and work on it ourselves during practice.
I thought there might have been such intentions in the Shonan match, what do you think?
Abe
There were many simple mistakes in the Shonan match. It was a matter of targeting behind, or even before that.
Are you able to adapt flexibly on the pitch when the opponent's approach is different?
Abe
Aoki feels it and talks about it right away.
Matsuki
Aoki communicated, "Let's apply this kind of press," and we adjust our play according to the opponent during the match. Conversely, if we don't apply pressure in a way that doesn't burden Aoki, the center will collapse, so we maintain communication on that.
In the second half of the season, what goals will you focus on while playing?
Abe
As a team, we need to be competing for a higher rank. To achieve that, I believe we must continue to win. It is extremely important for both the team and individuals to see how many goals we, as inside midfielders, can score. I think how much we can contribute to the goals will determine our fate in the second half of the season. There will definitely be opportunities to score, so we want to make sure we capitalize on them.
Matsuki
Regarding the second half, I want to actively take shots. If I make contact, it will definitely go in, so I want to have confidence in that. In the first half against Kashiwa, there were moments when I regretted not taking my shot when I had the chance, so I think it's important to aim with determination. I felt this during the U-21 Japan national team expedition I participated in, but results are important, so I want to focus on leaving numbers behind.
