<Match Preview>
After a break due to the activities of the Japan national team, the J1 League will resume after two weeks. Tokyo will face Sanfrecce Hiroshima in an away game. Hiroshima is currently in 6th place, and for Tokyo in 7th place with a 3 point difference, this is a direct match against a close opponent. As the season enters its final stages, winning against a close opponent holds great significance in the fight for the top spots.
The first half of the match was a stage for Tokyo's first home game of the 2022 season. For Hiroshima, it was the second game since the arrival of coach Michael SKIBBE, who took command from this season. Despite the short time since the start of his coaching, SKIBBE's influence was strongly reflected in Hiroshima's play.
As soon as the match started, Tokyo was pressed by Hiroshima, who came fiercely from the front line. Tokyo continued to be pushed back as they were unable to build up as they wanted. In the second half, they took the lead with Masato MORISHIGE's goal from a set piece, and added another goal just one minute later. Despite facing a fierce attack from Hiroshima towards the end of the match, Tokyo managed to hold them off and secure the victory with a one-point lead.
The number of matches has increased compared to the first half of the season, and Hiroshima's tactics should be more refined. On the other hand, under the guidance of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, Tokyo has been promoting the adoption of a new style. Although there are fluctuations in performance depending on the match, Tokyo has also evolved compared to the beginning of the season.
Especially in Tokyo, it is often pushed back in games against opponents who press hard from the front line, making it an important match to overcome this. We want to create a numerical advantage by sticking to our positions and break through Hiroshima's pressing net to approach the goal. Although injuries continue and the situation is not easy, we will take all of Tokyo's strength, including new players, to win 3 points.
In addition, as a team that operates in a city affected by the atomic bombing, Hiroshima will hold a "Peace Match" on July 30th and use soccer to promote the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of world peace. Tokyo also supports the purpose of the "Peace Match" and the day before the game, club representative Naohiro Ishikawa, the club communicator, visited Hiroshima City. Along with team officials from Hiroshima, they laid flowers at the Atomic Bomb Memorial and paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Kazumi Matsui.
Respect each other even in the game and fight the "Peace Match".
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, How do you feel about the new players joining the team through practice?
We are delighted to have three new players join us. They are already trying to adapt to the team properly. They are also wonderful people. We highly appreciate their high level of expected skills. Of course, they still need some time to adapt tactically to the team, but we are happy to have them join us and we are satisfied with their professionalism and behavior during this past week.
Q, All three players have been playing a style of soccer that is close to Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's thinking on their previous team.
First of all, Luiz Phellype has a very good level of technique, and he is a player we expect as a center forward. He is a player who will provide the team with the goal-scoring ability we needed in front of the goal, and he will also be involved in playing the ball.
Regarding player Tsukagawa, his original characteristics may have been different, but I believe that by playing for 1.5 years in Kawasaki, he has acquired the playing style that we expect. Also, his versatile abilities will be a great asset for the team.
In regards to player Kimura, he played for Yamagata this season and has a play style that values the ball. In that sense, it can be imagined that he has played in a similar way to the play style we are aiming for with all three players. It is difficult for any team to make mid-season reinforcements during the summer. We believe that acquiring these three players who possess the characteristics we are looking for is fantastic news.
Q: In the previous game against Hiroshima, we struggled with defending from the front line. What will be the key point in this game?
A, I think Hiroshima will face the same challenge in tomorrow's match. It's about how we can break through their high press. I believe that tomorrow's match will depend on how both teams can break through each other's high press. We are one of the teams that apply the most high press in J1. And while we aim to possess the ball, we are currently in a stage where we are struggling and continuing to grow.
Q, What did you spend your time on during the two-week preparation period until the Hiroshima match?
A, We first prioritized the recovery of players from fatigue as we had a tight schedule. Additionally, during the break period, we trained for further tactical growth. We continued to emphasize to the players this week to play with confidence and not lose the ball easily through our training.
Q, As the league season enters its final third, what are your goals and objectives for the remaining matches?
A, We want to emphasize the importance of ball possession. In the first third of this season, ball possession was not necessarily a high priority. If we focus too much on ball possession from the beginning, we will lose the ball more often and concede goals from a low level of completion. There was a risk of not achieving good results, so we did not prioritize it at the beginning. To continue growing, confidence is necessary. And for that, we need to earn points. However, it's not just about the results of the game. People's emotions are influenced by the results of the game, but I am not a coach who only focuses on the results. Of course, I understand the importance of the results, but that is not the only thing I prioritize as a coach.
Q, In the summer, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA said that the team's phase had risen, but do you want to raise it one more phase in the last three minutes?
A, as I mentioned the other day, we moved on to the next phase. However, there were player transfers after that. And there were also multiple injuries. Due to the absence of such players, players like Kashif BANGNAGANDE can get more playing time, and this week we have new players joining as well. Because of these various things happening, it is not always accurate to think that adding a specific player will lead to a victory in the game. Soccer is not that simple. Encouraging the team's growth is one of my most important jobs. I am able to calmly watch over the team because I recognize that the team is growing smoothly. It is not solely determined by the results of the game.
Q: How do you plan to use player Tsukagawa, who has been described as a "polyvalent" player?
First of all, I am considering using him as a defensive midfielder. It is very difficult to play as a lone defensive midfielder in Japan, and it is also difficult to find players for that position. Therefore, I have the idea of trying him out in that position. He is also a good player at the age of 28, so I have high expectations for him and would like to try him out in a challenging position. Of course, there are other options for him in other positions, so I would like to consider his usage while keeping that in mind.
[Player Interview]
Kashif BANGNAGANDE
Q, What preparations did the team make for the Hiroshima match?
A, with the gap between the Tosu match, my physical condition is good, and I was able to train in a good atmosphere this week, including the three new players. I think we were able to prepare well for the resumption of the league.
Q, How do you analyze Hiroshima?
A, the team is talking about how it's becoming a really good flow, and it's a team that puts a lot of pressure from the front line. If we can eliminate the opponent with build-up, it will become a chance, and I think that will become important. I want to be aware of that because if I can take off one opponent, I think I can use the space on the side and behind effectively to attack.
Q, How do you feel about playing more in the starting lineup as the games go on?
A, I want to show more of my strengths while playing the required plays for the team while receiving the opportunity to play in the game.
Q, What kind of play do you want to show?
A, My strength is in attacking plays, but I haven't been able to fully demonstrate it yet in the games I've played. I want to contribute to the team's victory while actively showing my abilities.
Q, how is the cooperation with the team?
A, I feel that I am getting better with each game and I am able to play well in practice as well.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm.
A, I think this will be an important match to see if we can go up. We want to come together as a team and definitely win against Hiroshima and share the victory.
