<Match Preview>
In the previous match, Kazuya KONNO's superb goal helped secure a 2-2 draw against Fukuoka, stopping the losing streak. However, coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA expressed disappointment after the match, stating, "There was a possibility to go from 2-1 to 3-1, so it's unfortunate that we were equalized by a penalty. While it is an important point, we wanted to secure all three points."
This match aims for victory after four games, welcoming Sapporo to our home at Ajinomoto. With Tokyo in 8th place and Sapporo in 10th, this is a crucial match that cannot be lost in order to aim for the top positions.
The team is led by coach PETROVIC, who is in his 17th year in Japan. He has a career of over 500 matches in J1 as a head coach and maintains an attacking style of play using a unique variable system. In the previous match held in April, both teams showcased their strengths but ended in a 0-0 draw. Tokyo aims to demonstrate the improvements made over the past three months on the pitch and wants to secure victory with an aggressive approach, taking advantage of the home field.
Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA stated, "The longer we can maintain possession of the ball during the summer, the more advantageous it will be," and it seems that the team's focus on "ball control" will be a key point in the competition.
On summer nights, Tokyo's attacking football heats up Ajinomoto even more.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Tomorrow's match will have vocal support.
Since coming to Japan, I have only experienced one match where I could cheer out loud in two and a half years. I haven't played in a match with cheering since the away game against Gunma in the 2020 season, so I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I believe that the excitement of having cheers is one of the true pleasures of soccer.
Q: Do you think the voices of fans and supporters positively influence the team?
A, first of all, I do not think we are in a bad state at all. If we were in a bad state, I believe that almost all the coaches of the teams in the lower rankings would be in a crisis situation leading to their dismissal. Of course, we have not been getting the expected match results recently. However, I do not think we are in a dangerously bad state. I believe that the voices of support in the stadium are something that supports us greatly, regardless of the situation. It is an important part of entertainment.
Q: I believe you have built relationships with fans and supporters through social media.
One of the wonderful points I feel in Japan is the warm support from fans and supporters. This creates a good relationship where players can perform better, which is one of the great aspects of Japan. Even though we haven't built a close relationship with everyone in Tokyo, I still feel supported by fans and supporters despite the ongoing situation where we can't make noise since the start of the season. This allows me to feel the love even now. I believe social media is effective for me because it allows me to send messages directly to fans and supporters.
Q: What is something that stood out to you in the message?
A, it was indeed surprising to me that many warm comments are left regardless of the team's situation, rather than specific comments.
Q: Why are you using social media?
A, of course, while understanding that (SNS is) only a part of real life, there was no tool for me to send messages directly in the past. However, since it exists now, I want to utilize it effectively. I believe that when used appropriately, it can be a tool that has a sufficiently positive impact.
Based on my experience, I believe it is important to communicate and explain in any situation. For example, if we do not continuously explain how difficult this season will be, many people will only have a simplistic perspective of evaluating based solely on match results. To prevent that, I hope to provide a clear explanation of what awaits us this season and the reasons for what might happen, so that fans and supporters can understand more deeply.
In summary, I believe we have built a wonderful relationship with the fans and supporters in Tokyo from day one, and I hope this continues. I think they are wonderful people.
Q: Aoki, Abe, and Nakamura were not present.
A, Aoki is injured and may be out for a while. While he has been managing his fatigue well, he got injured during yesterday's practice. Nakamura was injured during the match against Fukuoka. I think he will be able to return in about 3 to 4 weeks. Abe is likely to join the team next week.
Q: With injuries in the team, will the strength of young players be necessary during the consecutive matches?
I have high expectations for the players. I also have high expectations for Kajiura. I have no hesitation in giving young players a chance. However, I expect two things from the players. First, to deliver a solid performance. And second, a mentality focused on winning. Mistakes are allowed. For example, I want to give young players plenty of opportunities. However, I believe there is no value in giving chances to players who do not clearly express these two aspects.
Q: You have been conceding more goals lately; how do you perceive that situation?
Excluding the 5 goals conceded in the away match against Fukuoka and the 5 goals in the away match against Tosu, the numbers are not bad at all, and the number of goals conceded has been kept low. However, the large number of goals conceded in those two matches is something that will remain in memory. The one goal conceded in the previous match against Fukuoka was due to a tactical mistake. The second goal conceded may have been due to bad luck, as a foul was called and it resulted in a penalty kick.
I think we can discuss the number of goals conceded, but on the other hand, I believe we can also discuss the fact that there are few goals scored. After all, you cannot win without scoring, and even if you concede goals, you can achieve victory by scoring more than that. While we can focus on the goals conceded, I think another perspective is to focus on improving the lack of goals scored.
Of course, I think fatigue is also having an impact. Additionally, the lack of center-backs is contributing to the accumulation of fatigue. The transfer of player Ogawa has also had an effect. Naturally, we are not yet a perfect team. Just like us, other teams are also fighting for victory, so it is only natural that the matches are difficult. Upon reconsideration, excluding the two matches where we conceded a large number of goals against Fukuoka and Tosu, I interpret that our number of conceded goals has been kept sufficiently low.
Q: I believe the term 'box out' has been used before, but is that still being continued? Or has defense changed along with offense?
A, indeed, in the recent match against Fukuoka, one of the reasons for the first goal conceded was due to not being able to box out during defense. However, we are human, and mistakes can happen. Excluding the heavy loss against Tosu, the three goals conceded in the match against Nagasaki and the first opening goal in the Tosu match were all incredible goals, ones that happen maybe once in a lifetime. However, it is quite possible for us to concede goals from such remarkable strikes amidst few chances. Of course, we have not changed our defensive shape. We are continuously working on reducing mistakes and maintaining proper defense. However, I think the current thin player depth is having an impact. With Ogawa out, Henrique out, Aoki also sidelined, and Abe injured, we have several players missing from the lineup. The team must adapt and respond to these challenges.
Of course, the match result is determined by the number of goals, and while I understand that, I am focusing on the content of the match as a coach. I believe we played well enough in the first half against Tosu, and we created several decisive chances. The same goes for the match against Nagasaki. We created opportunities where we should have scored multiple goals within the first 15 to 20 minutes of the match. That’s why I think there is a discussion about whether it’s better to reduce the number of goals conceded or to increase the number of goals scored. Of course, that balance is important, but reducing the number of goals conceded is a crucial point. However, as a team, we must also be committed to increasing the number of goals scored.
[Player Interview]
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: What preparations did you make in the three days since the last match against Fukuoka?
I have taken care of my body and prepared to perform well in the Sapporo match.
Q: What impression do you have of Sapporo?
Since Mr. Mihailo Petrovic became the coach, Sapporo.D has become more aggressive, effectively using the sides and breaking through with combinations. In terms of defense, I think they will come at us with man-to-man marking, so while being cautious of that, we want to make sure we can showcase our strengths.
Q: What kind of play is expected from player Higashi?
I think that as the opponent comes to defend from the front line, space will open up behind them, so I want to effectively distribute passes into that space and utilize speedy players.
Q: Is it important to play patiently when things are not going well in possession-based soccer?
Yes, that's right. In the match against Fukuoka, there were times when we were able to maintain possession of the ball but struggled to create chances. However, since we went into halftime trailing 0-1, the opponent became more stretched in the second half, and we were able to turn the game around when the play opened up a bit. Although we were equalized at the end, I think it would have been a difficult match if we had conceded 2 or 3 goals in the first half. In the previous match against Tosu, we couldn't hold on and collapsed, so I think there will be times when we are pressured defensively, but I want to play patiently in the match against Sapporo as well.
Q: In the last few matches, we haven't been able to score in the league, but we were able to score multiple goals in the match against Fukuoka. What factors contributed to this?
I think there are various factors, but whether a player can score from the chances they have is ultimately their decision. However, I believe that if we increase the number of chances, we can score goals, and it's important to get to the point of taking a shot.
Q: The vocal support for the Sapporo match will finally begin. What do you think about that?
A, there is nothing more joyful than this. It's at home, and I have been supported and empowered by the cheers of fans and supporters until now, so I am very happy to think that I will receive that power again.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm.
A, the team has not been getting results, but I believe that a good world awaits us when we overcome this period. I want everyone to believe and follow us, and the world is changing so that we can support with our voices. I think winning at home will increase the team's momentum, so I want to play well and secure a solid victory.
<Jakub SLOWIK>
Q: The previous match against Fukuoka ended in a frustrating result, drawing after leading 2-1.
Considering the situation of consecutive losses away, I think we were able to achieve at least a minimal result, but of course, we cannot be satisfied with just one point. Right now, everyone involved with Tokyo, including all the players, staff, and fans/supporters, strongly desires victory. We want to express that feeling in this match against Sapporo.
Q: What kind of play is required from the goalkeeper in the soccer style of "loving the ball" that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is aiming for?
In the style of football that the coach aims for, technical skills with the feet are required. I am also working on my daily training to adapt. However, the most important job for a goalkeeper is to stop shots and to firmly protect the goal. That does not change regardless of the style.
Q: Jakub SLOWIK has been using Japanese to coach his teammates, but when did this start?
When I came to Japan in 2019, I learned enough Japanese to give basic instructions. However, what is important is not the language, but that the players understand each other and defend as a team. If we communicate well during practice, I don't think the language used during the match is a big issue.
Q: In this match against Sapporo, a "Cheering Area" will be set up in part of Ajinomoto. What kind of support do you expect from fans and supporters?
In the 2019 season, before the COVID-19 pandemic, I played against Tokyo as a player from Sendai, so I know the true atmosphere of Ajinomoto. I am really looking forward to hearing the wonderful chants and cheers from Tokyo's fans and supporters. I am always grateful to everyone who warmly supports us, even when the results are not good. This time, I will do my best to hear your victory cheers.
