<Match Preview>
In the previous match, we won 2-1 against Hiroshima and achieved our second consecutive victory in the league. Despite a difficult start where we conceded the first goal away, our defense held strong with only one goal against, and our attack responded with a late comeback. Morishige reflected, "Our ideal is to always have possession of the ball. But when we can't do that, if we can withstand without conceding, our time will come again. Our patience and resilience during tough times led to this result."
Shimizu, who will be our opponent this round, has been struggling this season. However, since the appointment of new coach Zeljko, they have been making a comeback with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses since June. During the break, they acquired experienced players such as Takashi Inui, Koya Kitagawa, and Pim. It would be wise to consider them as a different team from the one we defeated 3-0 in our previous match in May.
Tokyo's team is also in a good state. In the game against Hiroshima, three players who joined during the break period of the EAFF E-1 Football Championship, Luiz Phellype, Koki Tsukagawa, and Seiji Kimura, all made their debut as substitutes. It was also a big plus that ace player Diego Oliveira scored for the first time in six games.
I hope for a victory at home to gain momentum as we head into the final third of the season.
Matchday program is here!
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, Has the physical coach been replaced after EUGAVILAN's departure?
A, we are currently moving to find a suitable candidate. Of course, it is not easy at this time. However, we understand that his resignation this time was due to personal reasons, so there is nothing we can do about it.
Q, How do you decide on the training menu until the next physical coach is decided?
A, There are no particular problems at the moment. Matsubara Athletic Trainer is covering for the absence of EUGAVI Physical Coach on a temporary basis. As we approach the end of the season, the flow of training has already been established, so in that sense, training is progressing without any problems.
Q, How do you evaluate Mita's performance in the previous game against Hiroshima?
A, I think there is no room for debate about his quality. However, he cannot succeed with just his football quality. In addition, concentration is also important, and contribution in defense becomes important. Mita has also improved recently and contributed to the team in various aspects in the Hiroshima game. Players with his characteristics can also play as a winger or inside half, so I think he is one of the important players for us.
Q, In the scene where player Abe missed a shot in front of the goal, player Mita was able to successfully bring the ball in by collaborating with player Yoshifu. Do you think that creating scenes like that is one of Mita's strengths?
A, as always, we give players freedom when it comes to the final finishing zone. The space in the finishing zone is very narrow. Because play is required in a small space, the quality of each player is naturally necessary. That play, where the ball was held for a long time and eventually broke through to the goal, was a very attractive play. The final combination was also noteworthy.
Q, please tell us about your enthusiasm and importance as we have two consecutive home games.
A, As I have been saying since the beginning of the season, I want to continue to grow with each game. This is also true for the two home games in a row. We have some players who are absent. I want the other players to step up and fill their roles. And we have been improving in playing with confidence. I want to continue to emphasize that and approach tomorrow's game with confidence. However, each game is different. It is important to focus on each game and be prepared for any changes in the flow and development of the game. Of course, playing at home is more comfortable for us. But I do not want to ask for anything more than our daily growth.
Q, Shimizu, how do you feel about the impression of the team after the addition of players Kandori and Kitagawa in the summer, and scoring two goals in the last game against Tosu to catch up?
There are high-quality players such as Thiago SANTANA and Kengo KANE in the attacking line, so if we give them room, they will still pose a dangerous attack. As I always say, I think the J1 league is a very competitive league. Therefore, there is not a big difference in strength according to the ranking table. I think Shimizu is a team that values the ball. We also need to be cautious of attacks from the sides. In that sense, I think they are an attractive opponent to play against.
Q, How do you feel about Matsuki's continuous participation since the opening?
A, Matsuki is a player who is very passionate about winning. I think he is a typical type of player that modern soccer demands. It's not just about him, but more about players with his style. I believe that having more players with characters like Matsuki will greatly contribute to the further growth of Japanese soccer. In Japan, there are many high-quality wingers and attacking midfielders. However, I think there is a need for more players with characters like Matsuki in the central midfield. At the same time, I hope that better players will emerge in the center back and center forward positions. Matsuki has been given playing time and is steadily growing, and I think our playing style is also contributing to the growth of each player. I believe that players will grow by valuing the ball. If they don't value the ball, it will be difficult to expect dramatic growth from players at the age of 20 or 25. Even if they gain experience without valuing the ball, it may lead to improvement, but it will not necessarily improve their quality as soccer players. In order to improve as a soccer player, it is necessary to continue playing while valuing the ball. In that sense, I think 19-year-old Matsuki is playing while valuing the ball and is steadily growing.
[Player Interview]
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q, please review the previous Hiroshima game.
A, I am happy that we won because it is a sport that seeks results. However, there were some areas that we need to work on, so I want to make sure we can adjust and improve from practice.
Q, What is your impression of Shimizu?
A, there are many good attackers on the front line, and I think their individual abilities are high. Among them, we want to aggressively take the ball from the front line while keeping possession and effectively using counterattacks. I want to play with the awareness of bringing out our strengths, as I believe that good results will follow.
Q: How was the team's atmosphere for the past week?
A, We are able to win consecutive games and the atmosphere is also good. I think it is very important to learn while winning games. While sticking to that, I want to continue working together as a team to improve our level through practice.
Q: How is the team's collaboration being built?
A, We are gradually trying to improve by communicating with each other and making requests. We also want to understand each player's strengths better and play together.
Q, Even watching the practice, I felt that the level of trapping, passing, and basic skills was high.
A, I think I have become a little better while continuing to do that even in the previous team. However, it is important to be able to use it in the game, so I hope to play in the game and produce results.
Q, Please tell us your enthusiasm for the possibility of making your debut at Ajinomoto Stadium while receiving vocal support during the Shimizu match.
A, the support gives the players a boost and their voices can really move the body during tough times. It's reassuring to have a lot of supporters on our side during home games, and I hope we can fight hard and get results.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, Last match, we achieved a come-from-behind victory against Hiroshima with a goal from Adailton.
A, Of course, the result of victory is important, but I also think the performance was not bad. I feel that we are making progress in terms of being able to move forward while maintaining possession of the ball.
Q, Player Higashi has started as an anchor in 5 consecutive league matches. Is there anything you are conscious of, compared to last season when you played in a different position?
A, As a position that requires balance in both attack and defense, I am very conscious of creating a state where the players around me can play easily. Especially for the players in the front line, if the ball doesn't come to them, their movements become passive, so I make sure to communicate "I am watching" even when I can't pass the ball.
Q, I didn't have many opportunities to play in the first half of the season. Did you have any thoughts during that time?
A, I was confident that I could perform well if given the chance, as my condition was good. So I thought I had no choice but to do what I had to do without giving up. Even in games where I couldn't make it to the bench, I imagined myself on the pitch and watched the team closely from the outside. There were also mentally challenging times, but I think I was able to overcome them and grow even more.
Q, At this point, how do you feel about the level of completion of the soccer that Coach Albert is aiming for?
A, If asked how much of the coach's ideas are being expressed, I don't think it's 100%. However, even within that, if the players don't make good choices while judging the situation themselves, the team won't be able to win. There is room for improvement in that aspect, and I think it's something that I am also expected to do.
Q, this round will be a test match for vocal support operations. We ask for the enthusiasm of fans and supporters.
A, The July Sapporo match, which was a vocal support operation verification game, was filled with more energy than usual. It was a game where I once again felt the greatness and strength of vocal support. I hope that this match will also lend us strength like the Sapporo match.
Matchday program is here!
