<Match Preview>
The J1 League will resume after a two-week break due to the activities of the Japan national team. Tokyo will face Sanfrecce Hiroshima in an away game. Hiroshima is currently in 6th place, and for 7th place Tokyo, which is 3 points behind, this is a direct confrontation against a closely ranked opponent. As the season enters its critical phase, a victory in this match against a rival in close standings holds significant importance for breaking into the upper ranks.
The first half of the match was the stage for Tokyo's first home game of the 2022 season. Hiroshima's coach Michael SKIBBE, who took charge this season, had only recently arrived in Japan and was in his second match. Despite the short time since he started coaching, SKIBBE's influence was clearly reflected in Hiroshima's performance.
At the start of the match, Tokyo struggled to build up play against Hiroshima, who applied intense pressure from the front. In the second half, Tokyo took the lead with a goal from Masato MORISHIGE from a set piece, and added another goal just one minute later. Although they faced a fierce attack from Hiroshima towards the end of the match, Tokyo managed to limit the counterattack to just one goal and secured the victory.
Compared to the first half of the season, the number of matches has increased, and Hiroshima's tactics should be more refined. On the other hand, Tokyo has also been advancing the penetration of a new style under coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA. Although there are fluctuations in form depending on the match, Tokyo has also evolved compared to the beginning of the season.
Especially in Tokyo, this match will be crucial for overcoming the inability to build up play against opponents who apply intense pressure from the front, often leading to being pushed back. We want to create numerical superiority by focusing on our positioning and evade Hiroshima's pressing net to approach the goal. Although injuries have made the situation difficult, we aim to secure 3 points with the full strength of Tokyo, including the newly joined players.
Additionally, as a team active in the atomic bombed area, Hiroshima will hold the match on July 30 as a "PEACE MATCH" to promote the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of world peace through soccer. Tokyo also agrees with the purpose of the "PEACE MATCH" and on the day before the match, Naohiro ISHIKAWA, the club communicator representing the club, will visit Hiroshima City. Together with Hiroshima team officials, he will lay flowers at the memorial for the victims of the atomic bomb and pay a courtesy visit to Mayor Kazumi Matsui.
Respect each other in the match and fight the "PEACE MATCH".
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: A new player has joined the team. How do you feel about this through practice?
I am very pleased with the addition of three players. They are already trying to adapt to the team appropriately. Moreover, they are wonderful individuals. I highly appreciate that they possess the level of skill we expect. Of course, they still need a bit more time to adapt tactically to the team. In any case, I am very happy with the addition of these three, and I am satisfied with their high level of professionalism and their actions over the past week.
Q: I believe all three players have played football that is close to Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's philosophy in their previous teams.
First of all, regarding Luiz PHELLYPE, he possesses a very high level of technique and is a player we have high expectations for as a center forward. He provides the team with the finishing ability in front of goal that we needed, and he also contributes in the build-up play.
Regarding Tsukakawa, his characteristics may have originally been different, but I believe that after playing for a year and a half in Kawasaki, he has sufficiently acquired the playing style we expect. Additionally, his polyvalent abilities will greatly benefit the team.
Regarding player Kimura, he played in Yamagata this season and has a playing style that values the ball. In that sense, I can imagine that all three players have been playing in a way that is close to the style we are aiming for. Of course, summer reinforcements in the middle of the season are quite difficult for any team. I believe that acquiring these three players who possess the characteristics we expect is very good news.
Q: In the last match against Hiroshima, we struggled with defense from the front line. What are the key points for this match?
A, I believe Hiroshima is facing the same challenge as we approach tomorrow's match. It will be about how we can break through their high press. Indeed, regarding tomorrow's match, I think it will depend on how both teams can overcome each other's high press. I believe we are one of the teams that applies the most high press in J1. We aim to maintain possession of the ball, but we are currently in a stage of growth while facing some difficulties.
Q: You had a two-week preparation period before the Hiroshima match. Where did you spend your time?
A. Since we have been facing a congested schedule, it was important to prioritize the players' recovery from fatigue. Additionally, we have been training during the break to aim for further tactical growth. Over the past week, we continued to emphasize the importance of the players playing with confidence and not losing the ball easily during training.
Q: As we enter the final third of the league matches, what are your goals and what do you want to focus on?
A, I want to emphasize the importance of ball possession. In the first third of this season, prioritizing ball possession was not necessarily high. If we place too much importance on ball possession from the start, we risk losing the ball more often due to a lack of completion, leading to conceding goals. There was a danger of not achieving good match results, so I did not prioritize it too much at the beginning. To continue growing, confidence is necessary. For that, we need points. However, I am not just talking about match results. People are influenced by the outcomes of matches, but I was not solely focused on the results. Of course, I understand that match results are important, but I am not a coach who only prioritizes that.
Q: During the summer, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA mentioned that the team's phase has improved, but are you considering raising it one more phase in the last third?
A, I mentioned the other day that we moved on to the next phase. However, there were player transfers afterward, and several players got injured. Due to the absence of such players, for example, Kashif BANGNAGANDE has been able to gain playing time with the team, and there are also new players who joined this week. Because of various occurrences like these, it is never accurate to think that the addition of a specific player will lead to victory in matches. Soccer is not that simple. One of my most important jobs is to promote the growth of the team. I recognize that the team is growing steadily, so I can calmly watch over the team. This is not solely influenced by the results of the matches.
Q: Tsukakawa said he is versatile. How do you plan to utilize him?
A, first of all, I am considering using him as a defensive midfielder. It is very difficult to play with a single defensive midfielder in Japan, and it is also challenging to find players for that role. Therefore, I have in mind to try him in that position. He is also a player at a good age of 28, and I want to have high expectations for him, so I would like to start by trying him in this challenging position. Of course, I will also keep in mind that there are options for other positions as I consider his utilization.
[Player Interview]]
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: What preparations did the team make for the match against Hiroshima?
A, with the gap since the match against Tosu, my physical condition is good, and including the three new players, we have been able to train in a good atmosphere this past week. I believe we have prepared well for the league's restart.
Q: How do you analyze Hiroshima?
A, we all talk about how this team is in a really good flow, and they are a team that applies a lot of pressure from the front. If we can break through their press during the build-up, it will create opportunities, and I think that will be important. If I can draw one defender away, I believe we can effectively use the spaces on the sides and behind to attack, so I want to keep that in mind.
Q: You have been getting more starts; how do you feel as you continue to play in matches?
While I have the opportunity to participate in matches, I want to showcase the plays that the team requires while also bringing out more of my own strengths.
Q: What kind of plays do you want to show?
A, my characteristic is play related to offense, but while I am able to participate in matches, I have not yet been able to fully express it. I want to actively contribute to the team's victory.
Q: How is the collaboration with the team?
A, I feel that I am improving with each match, and I am able to play well in practice as well.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm.
I think this will be an important match to see if we can rise to the top from here. As a united team, we definitely want to win against Hiroshima and share the victory.
