<Match Preview>
After achieving a 3-0 victory at home against Sapporo, the subsequent away match against Urawa ended in a 0-3 defeat. The record for the last 5 matches is 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 losses, showing instability with 12 goals conceded in those 5 matches. It is urgent to make corrections to the defense.
Amid ongoing struggles, Shuto ABE, who had been sidelined with a right calf injury, rejoined the team's full training on July 13. His return as a reliable midfield dynamo is great news. ABE stated, "Having missed three league matches, I have gained some objective insights. Once I step on the pitch, I want to increase my intensity compared to before my absence and have a positive impact on those around me," expressing strong words aimed at uplifting the entire team.
In this match, the opponent we welcome at home is Iwata, who has returned to the J1 League this season. Tokyo has already faced them three times, including the Levain Cup, with one draw and two losses, without a victory. Iwata is currently struggling with three consecutive losses in the league, but it should not be an easy match. The focus of the game will likely be how to break down an opponent that solidifies their defense with a five-back formation.
Given the many injuries and the tough situation, the strength of the entire team, including the young players, is being tested. We hope for the birth of a new hero to energize the team for the future.
The matchday program is here!
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: I felt that today's practice session was longer than usual.
A, today we conducted sprint training in conjunction with the finish. That may have caused it to be longer.
Q: Given that there were no goals scored in the last match, did you focus on shooting practice and drills aimed at the goal this week?
A, rather than that, we emphasized training on maintaining possession of the ball. I conveyed this to the players as well, and I believe that if they can truly understand and express how valuable it is to have the ball throughout this season, it would be a significant success. One of the major goals for this season is that. Of course, many people might think it's easy to understand, but truly understanding and expressing it is never easy.
For example, in the match against Urawa, we lost the ball too many times, which allowed them to create chances. I believe the players still do not fully understand how important it is not to lose the ball, which is why mistakes occur. Improvement takes time. Therefore, we have emphasized that aspect in our training.
Many players have long expressed a style of play that values urgency, which has made it difficult for them to calmly and effectively maintain possession of the ball. For example, when discussing what constitutes good defense, players who understand that solid defense means closing down space or applying intense pressure find it challenging to grasp that maintaining possession can be a better form of defense. To me, the most impressive way to defend is to not lose the ball. In addition to improving that aspect, there are many players who are fatigued due to extended playing time caused by injuries. This may also be a factor in the numerous instances where we lost possession of the ball. If you look back at Urawa's goal, you'll see that most of their chances arose from our mistakes.
Q: I believe that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's philosophy of maintaining possession in soccer was cultivated in Spain. How did he teach the locals about the importance of maintaining possession in Spain?
A, I think there are some misunderstandings. Both Liverpool and Bayern Munich value possession of the ball. I believe Paris Saint-Germain also values possession of the ball. It's not only Spain that values possession. To express modern football, one must understand the importance of holding the ball. With that understanding, there is the task of bringing out the strengths of the players in front of you. At the same time, if there are players who excel at making runs forward, it becomes important to play in a way that highlights those characteristics. However, for that, it is indeed crucial to hold the ball. Not losing the ball easily is emphasized in every country and region. I believe many teams in the European League value possession of the ball.
For example, in Spain, there aren't necessarily many players who excel at making runs into space. Therefore, I think it's characteristic to break through with short passes. In Germany, there tends to be a lot of players who are good at making runs into space and taking long shots. While utilizing that, they also value possession of the ball. If we lose the ball easily, like in the recent match against Urawa, we won't be able to execute the plays we expect. Losing the ball is not good, especially when it comes from simple mistakes. That is something we must learn as a foundation.
Q: This will be the 4th match against Iwata this season.
I have conveyed this to the players, but I think that Iwata is a team that can significantly change its playing style depending on the flow of the match. They are good at maintaining possession and combination play. They are also skilled at launching counterattacks after dropping their defensive block. On the other hand, when they want to score, they tend to use more direct play. I believe they are a very dangerous team that can drastically change their playing style based on the match's development. Therefore, they are a difficult opponent to face. However, our players have been able to recover from fatigue effectively. And since we have been able to perform well and achieve good results in our home games this season, we want to have a good match tomorrow as well.
Q: I believe you have been associated with Coach Ito since his time in Kofu.
Yes, that's right. I have fought against Coach Ito many times, so I have a good grasp of his characteristics. There were several matches when I was in charge of Kofu where we conceded goals in the final stages of the game. However, in Niigata, there were also times when we scored in the final stages to win. I think he is a good coach. I hope it will be a good match.
[Player Interview]
＜Shuto ABE＞
Q: You returned from your injury in a short period of time, but what were you focused on during this time?
I have been spending my time away from the pitch hoping to recover from my injury as soon as possible.
Q: How is your condition?
I believe that since I had plenty of rest during the rehabilitation period, I am in perfect condition to face the match.
Q: We won the Sapporo match with a large number of goals, but lost the Urawa match with a large number of goals conceded. I think there are extremes in winning and losing, but what factors contribute to this?
When the team is in good form, they can score multiple goals. I think it's very important to think about how to improve in a positive direction without conceding multiple goals during matches that are not going well.
Q: You have faced Jubilo Iwata many times this season. What impression do you have of them?
A, the team moves the ball starting from Endo, sometimes using long passes. They also deliver crosses and have multiple patterns, which creates an unpleasant impression when facing them.
Q: What plays must the team execute to achieve victory?
First, each of us must not lose to the opponent in front of us. I believe the match will come down to which team can pick up the second ball when the opponent uses long balls and the ball spills out. I think it's very important to bring the game to our pace, so I want to play with the awareness of picking up the second ball.
Q: With the return of player Abe, I believe we can increase the time spent attacking as there will be more plays to win the ball in midfield and pick up second balls.
I want to play in a way that maximizes my strengths and contributes to the team. Having missed three matches and caused trouble for the team, I feel the need to perform well in the match against Iwata, and I want to showcase my characteristics while also aiming for goals.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
A, since it's a home game, I believe many fans and supporters will come to Ajinomoto Stadium. I want to gift them three points, and since there will be a gap until the next match at Ajinomoto Stadium after the match against Iwata, I want to secure a victory before heading into the next away game.
<Yuki KAJIURA>
Q: You made your J-League debut in the home game against Sapporo and started in the following match against Urawa. How do you reflect on these two matches?
Regarding the Sapporo match, I felt that I was able to showcase my play from the beginning. In the match against Urawa, one mistake slightly disrupted my rhythm, which led to a goal. I believe that if I had been able to correct and switch quickly after the mistake, the result could have been different, so I want to use this experience for the next time.
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA always emphasizes giving opportunities to young players. Do you feel hopeful about this?
I believe that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA does not only focus on young players, but gives opportunities to all players. If you cannot deliver results, you cannot continue to play in matches. I think that is quite normal in the professional world.
Q: What kind of play is the coach asking for?
A, it's not just me, but players in the inside half are primarily required to have a high intensity in defense. I am good at predicting in defense, so I want to play with high intensity in matches and become a player who can showcase my own style.
Q: This week's opponent, Jubilo Iwata, is the team against which player Kajiura scored his first professional goal in an away game of the Levain Cup. Don't you think we can approach this match with a good mindset?
I was happy to achieve the result of a goal, but that made the frustration of losing the match even greater. It was a match that made me keenly aware of the harshness of being a professional.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
When I stood on the pitch at Ajinomoto during the Sapporo match, I got goosebumps and felt that we couldn't lose. Although the team is not in a good situation right now, we will never look down. We want to stick to our current style, play matches that make everyone want to support us even more, and deliver victory as one team.
The matchday program is here!
