<Match Preview>
After winning 3-0 at home against Sapporo, the following away game against Urawa ended in a 0-3 defeat. The record in the last 5 games is 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 losses, with 12 goals conceded. Fixing the defense is an urgent task.
Amidst the tough battle, Shuto ABE, who had been sidelined due to a right calf injury, rejoined the team's full practice from July 13th. The return of the reliable midfielder is great news. ABE stated, "I missed three league matches and was able to objectively reflect on certain things. When I step onto the pitch, I want to raise the intensity higher than before my absence and have a positive impact on those around me," showing his determination to lift the entire team.
This round, the opponent we will face at home is Iwata, who returned to the J1 league this season. Tokyo has already faced them three times, including the Levain Cup, and has 1 draw and 2 losses. Iwata is currently on a 3-game losing streak in the league, but it will not be an easy match. The key to the game will be how we can break through their defense with their 5-back formation.
The team's overall strength, including young players, will be tested in this tough situation with many injured players. We also hope for the emergence of new heroes to energize the team for the future.
Matchday program is here!
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, I felt that today's practice time was longer than usual.
A, today we did sprint training in conjunction with finishing. It may have been longer because of that relationship.
Q, Did you focus on shooting practice and training towards the goal this week, considering that you did not score in the previous match?
A, instead, we emphasized training to hold onto the ball. We also conveyed to the players that understanding the value of possessing the ball and being able to express it throughout the season would be considered a great success. This is one of our main goals for this season. Of course, many may think it is easy to understand, but truly comprehending and expressing it from the heart is never easy.
For example, even in the Urawa game, we lost the ball too easily and gave them chances. I think it's because the players still don't fully understand how important it is not to lose the ball. It will take time to improve. So, we have been emphasizing that part and training for it.
Many players have struggled to maintain possession of the ball due to their tendency to rush and express their play for a long time. For example, it is difficult to make players understand that holding onto the ball is a better defense than narrowing the space and playing a solid defense or aggressively pressing. For me, the best way to defend is to not lose the ball. In addition to improving in this area, there are many players who are fatigued due to playing longer minutes and having many injuries. This may also be a factor in why we have lost the ball so many times. If you look back at Urawa's goals, you will see that most of their chances were created from our mistakes.
Q, I think that the soccer philosophy of holding onto the ball was cultivated by coach Albert Puig Ortoneda in Spain. How did you teach the importance of ball possession to the local people in Spain?
A, I think there are some misunderstandings. Both Liverpool and Bayern Munich value the ball. I also think Paris Saint-Germain values the ball. It's not just Spain that values the ball. To express modern football, you must understand the importance of possessing the ball. Once you understand that, there is the task of bringing out the strengths of the players in front of you. At the same time, it is important to play in a way that brings out the characteristics of players who are good at making runs up front. However, in order to do that, it is important to possess the ball. Not losing the ball easily is valued in every country and region. I think many teams in the Europa League also value the ball.
For example, in Spain, there are not many players who are good at jumping out to space. Therefore, I think it is a characteristic to break through with short passes. As for Germany, there are many players who are good at jumping out to space and middle shots as a trend. While taking advantage of that, they also value the ball. If we lose the ball easily like in the recent Urawa game, we will not be able to make the expected plays. Losing the ball is not good, it is a ball loss from a simple mistake. We must learn this as a foundation.
Q, this will be the 4th time facing Iwata this season.
A, I told the players, but Iwata is a team that can greatly change their playing style depending on the flow of the game. They are good at both ball possession and combination play. They are also good at dropping their defensive block and then launching counter attacks. On the other hand, when they want to score, they tend to use more direct plays. Depending on the flow of the game, they are a very dangerous team that can change their playing style drastically. Therefore, they are a difficult opponent to face. However, our players have been able to recover from fatigue in a good way. And, we have been able to play well and get results in our home games this season, so we want to have a good game tomorrow as well.
Q, I think I have known Coach Ito since my time in Kofu.
A, that's right. I have fought against Coach Ito many times, so I am well aware of his characteristics. Even when he was in charge of Kofu, there were several games where we scored in the final minutes and lost. However, in Niigata, we were also able to score and win in the final minutes. I think he is a good coach. I hope it will be a good game.
[Player Interview]
Shuto ABE
Q, What were you conscious of during this period when you returned in a short time after being injured?
I spent the absence period to recover from the injury as soon as possible and return to the pitch.
Q, how is your condition?
A, I think I can play the game in perfect condition because I had enough rest during the rehabilitation period.
Q, We won the Sapporo match with a large number of goals, but lost the Urawa match with a large number of goals. I think there is a big difference between winning and losing, but what are the factors behind it?
When the team is in a good state, they are able to score multiple goals. In games that don't go well, it is important to think about how to improve in a way that prevents multiple goals from being conceded.
Q, what is your impression of playing against Iwata many times this season?
A, we move the ball from Endo player and sometimes use long balls. We also send crosses and have many patterns, so it's a bad impression to play against them.
Q, What plays does the team need to make in order to win?
A, first of all, it is important for each individual not to lose to the opponent in front of them. I think the key to winning will be who can pick up the second ball when the opponent uses a long ball. I think it is 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, there will be more plays in the midfield to pick up loose balls and second balls, which I believe will increase the time for attacking.
A, I still want to play in a way that maximizes my strengths and contributes to the team. I missed three games and caused trouble for the team, so I feel like I have to do my best in the Iwata game and also aim for goals while showcasing my strengths.
Q, please give a message to the fans and supporters.
Since it is a home game, I think a lot of fans and supporters will come to Ajinomoto Stadium. I want to give them three points as a present, and (after the Iwata game ends) I want to deliver a victory before the next game at Ajinomoto Stadium, since there will be a break until the next away game.
<Yuki KAJIURA>
Q, you made your J-League debut at the home Sapporo match and also started in the following Urawa match. How do you look back on those two games?
A, Regarding the Sapporo match, I felt that I was able to play my game from the beginning. In the Urawa match, my rhythm was disrupted by one mistake, which led to a goal. I think if I had been able to make adjustments and switch gears quickly after making a mistake, the result would have been different. So, I want to use this experience to my advantage in the next match.
Q, Coach Albert Puig Ortoneda always emphasizes "giving chances to young players". Do you feel hopeful?
A, I think that not only young players are valued, but also that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA gives all players a chance. If you can't produce results, you won't be able to continue playing in the game. I think that's very normal in the professional world.
Q, What kind of play is the coach asking for?
A, Not only myself, but also the inside half players are required to have a high defensive intensity. I am good at predicting on the defensive side, so I want to become a player who can play with strong intensity and show my own color in the game.
Q, this week's opponent, Iwata, is the team that Kajiwara scored his first professional goal against in the Levain Cup away game. Do you think you can approach the game with a positive image?
I was happy to achieve the result of scoring a goal, but at the same time, I was also deeply disappointed by the loss in the game. It was a match that made me realize the harshness of being a professional.
Q, please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
When I stepped onto the pitch at Ajinomoto for the Sapporo match, I got goosebumps and felt the determination to not lose. Our team may not be in a good situation right now, but we will never hang our heads. We will continue to play in our current style, and deliver a game that will make you all want to support us even more. We are determined to come together as a team and bring home a victory.
Matchday program is here!
