<Match Preview>
In the last match, we lost 0-2 against Shimizu, missing out on a third consecutive win. Yasuki KIMOTO expressed his frustration about dropping points at home, stating, "As professionals, we must be focused on results. It is very difficult to achieve results while building the foundation of our playing style, but with two-thirds of the league completed, our fans and supporters will not wait any longer."
Furthermore, Ryoma WATANABE stated, "It is important for us to accumulate points against lower-ranked teams and see if we can earn points against higher-ranked opponents," discussing the challenges we need to overcome.
The point difference between 3rd place C Osaka, the opponent for this match, and 7th place Tokyo is 6. Given that it is still possible to aim for the top positions, the result of this match becomes crucial. C Osaka is currently on a three-match winning streak in the league and advanced to the Semifinal Round of the Levain Cup by defeating Kawasaki on Wednesday. How Tokyo will compete against a team that shines with its strong performance will test their true value.
In the match in March, we secured victory by defending the single goal scored by Kazuya KONNO in an away game. We hope for a similar intense battle as in the last match to seize victory.
The match day program is here!
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Tomorrow, there is a typhoon forecast. Are there any preparations being made?
Of course, rain or wind, and poor pitch conditions will naturally affect the match.
Q: After the match against Shimizu in the last round, what kind of adjustments have you made this week?
A, we are now entering a different phase. We have continued to emphasize and train on confidently maintaining possession of the ball this week as well. Of course, we have also picked up some points for improvement from the previous match against Shimizu and have been working on those. In the previous phase, we started to focus on holding the ball. Now, I want us to grow even more in confidently maintaining possession, and I believe we should, so I am emphasizing this.
Q: When I spoke to the players, they mentioned that in the match against Hiroshima two games ago, they were able to move the ball because the opponent came out to defend from the front. However, when facing a solid defensive block like Shimizu's, they found it difficult to move the ball. What impression does Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA have on this?
A, I think there were completely opposite reactions at the start of the season. Of course, in the growth process, we encounter various situations, and by overcoming them, growth is encouraged, and we must overcome them. Shimizu's aim was to drop the defensive block in a 4-4-2 formation and quickly switch between offense and defense after regaining the ball. That is because of that playing style. As we continue to grow, more teams will drop their defensive blocks and eliminate space in their defense. Many teams facing Kawasaki now tend to solidify their defense by eliminating space. Whether that is an advantage or disadvantage, whether it is a plus or minus, I think it depends on one's perspective. Cerezo Osaka has characteristics similar to Hiroshima, as well as those similar to Shimizu. I hope we can effectively break through and play with the mixed characteristics of Cerezo Osaka.
Q: What specific areas do you want to improve in terms of offense?
A, it is important for the team to adapt to the characteristics of the players regardless of the system. This also applies to the new signing Luiz PHELLYPE. Naturally, there are parts where the player must adapt to the team. On the other hand, there are parts where we must adapt to Luiz's characteristics. In that sense, adding new players allows us to incorporate different details than before. However, regarding Luiz, he joined us without properly completing the preseason, so now we need to improve his condition as if it were preseason. I have told Tsukagawa to effectively provide his characteristics to the team. Ultimately, though, it is not the coach but the players who play on the pitch, so there are many things that must be resolved during the match. Even if the playing style is the same, the team's play will naturally change depending on whether the center forward is Ibrahimovic or Messi. That is why we want to skillfully integrate the characteristics of each new player into the team and make adjustments to the finer details of the team. The most important thing is to further bring out the players' strengths, not to cover their weaknesses.
Q: Was Luis the center forward that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA was looking for?
A, that's right. I believe he has the characteristics of the type of center forward I was looking for. If Luis scores a lot of goals, I want to say afterward that this is the player I wanted (laughs). From what I've seen in practice, his technical level is excellent, which meets my expectations. Also, I think he has very good finishing quality. He is a player who can play both on the sides and in the center. However, his physical condition is not yet at the expected level, so he needs to train hard in that area. Therefore, he is working on physical conditioning training separately. I think he will be able to play matches in his best physical condition by September. In any case, he is the type of center forward I expect, with high technical skills, quality, and finishing ability, which gives me a good feeling. However, I think it will take a little more time to see if he can adapt well to the team. We also need to observe a bit more whether he can perform defensively on the pitch as we require. We have not yet confirmed all of his abilities. I think it will take some more time to fully evaluate him.
[Player Interview]
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: What adjustments has the team made since the Shimizu match in preparation for the game?
Rather than making corrections, we all talked about going back to the football we aim to play.
Q: How is the penetration of the football style that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is seeking?
A, while not perfect, I believe that compared to the beginning of the season, we have improved our awareness of connecting plays and not losing the ball easily. The team is growing, and I think everyone believes in this style of football.
Q: What impression do you have of C Osaka?
A, I think they are currently the most dynamic and in-form team in the J1 League. Their position in the league is high, and they still have the Emperor's Cup and Levain Cup remaining. The team is cohesive, in good form, and I believe they are a very strong opponent.
Q: How do you feel about facing your former club?
A, I have a very strong desire not to lose. I am grateful to C Osaka, and it remains an important club, but because it is that kind of team, I really don't want to lose. It is very frustrating that we are ranked lower than them, and if we win this time, we still have a chance to climb higher in the rankings. In that sense, I think we need to have a strong mindset, focus on the quality of our soccer, and at the same time, we must be particular about the results.
Q: What kind of play do you want to pursue as a team and as an individual?
Personally, I conceded 2 goals in the last match, so I want to keep a clean sheet and be more present in defense. In terms of attack, I think we need to improve our build-up play and distribution from the back. In the last match, the team lost possession poorly and couldn't defend aggressively, which prevented us from showcasing our strengths. I believe it's important to express our strengths in both defense and attack.
Q: The remaining league matches are decreasing, but please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
A, we only have the league matches left this season, so we must put everything into that game while also ensuring the team continues to grow. I believe we need to play football that can be recognized by our fans and supporters, so I think we can aim higher and want to achieve results without wasting the remaining matches.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q: It seems that Tsukakawa has played as a full-back, winger, and forward in the past. What does he consider to be his strengths?
A, I believe my strengths are my dynamism and the intensity I bring when going for the ball and when entering the goal area. Being tall, I think opponents would dislike it when I play that way, so I consider that my greatest strength and something I want to showcase.
Q: During the 2020 season, I scored 9 goals while at Matsumoto Yamaga FC.
At that time, I entered the area in front of the goal frequently. I think I scored even when playing as a double pivot, but there were also several occasions when I moved into the inside half, which brought me closer to the goal. Additionally, my teammates provided good passes, leading to many scoring opportunities where I just had to dive in.
Q: Does it mean that you have the characteristic of entering the goal area and scoring when there is a chance?
A, I think that feeling exists within me as well. In the teams I've been with so far, I often played defensive positions like anchor, and during matches, I usually played more towards the end, considering the team's situation, with various tasks that weren't just about myself. There were parts where I had to hold back, so even though I'm joining midway through the season this time, if I get the opportunity to play in a more forward position, I want to push forward as much as possible.
Q, please review the game. Since joining, you have participated in two matches, the Hiroshima match and the Shimizu match, coming on as a substitute. I think both were difficult situations where a goal was needed. Please reflect on your play.
A, on a personal level, I feel that there are still parts that are not quite in sync. I think I need to choose plays that can bring out my teammates' strengths, and there are still areas where I need to delve deeper into what might be better. There are slight discrepancies, and my sense and everyone else's sense are still not aligned, so I believe those are the areas we need to work on together.
As a team, the style of football we are currently aiming for is possession-based football, but I also believe that our counter-attacks are a threat to our opponents. I think it's good that we are not fixated on possession, and depending on the opponent's approach, we have that strength. The coach has mentioned this as well, and it's important to note that because we have a possession aspect, it creates space in the front line as the opponent pushes forward. If we can maintain control while playing this kind of football, I believe we will become a better team.
In fact, the coach mentioned that the parts we are trying to implement are coming together, and I hope to be able to contribute as a solid member of the team.
Q: Connecting and moving quickly vertically. That means making judgments while observing the opponent.
A, that's right. I think it would change everything if players in the inside half and side backs could share more about the current situation of the opponent, whether the opponent is trying to take the ball or not, where they want to take it, and what they would dislike being done to them.
The more we can share, the more united the team will be, and I believe that will determine our overall movement. I hope we can discuss more, observe the situation, and communicate when the ball is in play. Since I haven't played in any matches yet, I think it would be great to understand that atmosphere better while participating in the games.
Q: While it's easy to get caught up in discussions about tactics, in the end, it's the players on the pitch who must create the game of soccer.
A, the feeling you get from watching outside is completely different from the pressure you feel inside. Among that, I think it's very important to sense how many players on the pitch are connected. I still have a lot to learn, so I hope we can grow together while learning from each other.
Q: Please tell us about your impressions of your teammates. Since joining FC Tokyo, are there any players who have made an impact on you, such as thinking, 'This player is interesting' or 'I want to make this kind of pass to this player'?
I think it's amazing that Abe and Matsuki, the inside midfielders, can run that much and show such intensity, and I believe they still have room to grow. Even when we practice together, I often talk with the two of them, and I believe the team's performance will change based on how those two inside players play.
Q: Cerezo Osaka is on a three-game winning streak and in good form, and considering they are in 3rd place, I think they are a team FC Tokyo wants to take down. Please share your enthusiasm for this match.
I think Cerezo is in good form, and when they are doing well, it feels like everything goes smoothly, as if there is a good flow. First and foremost, it is important not to let the opponent play comfortably. Whether it's through high pressing or maintaining possession of the ball after winning it back, if we can take control, the opponent won't be able to play comfortably. Therefore, I believe it's crucial to make an impact at the start, something like, "Today is different from usual." So, it's important to come out aggressively from the beginning, and making it uncomfortable for the opponent and not allowing them to play comfortably is very important. I think it would be great if we could focus on the first 10 to 15 minutes and take control.
Q: If you participate, what aspects would you like the fans and supporters to pay attention to?
A, I want to become a player who can help the team win after transferring here. I want to fight to achieve results for the team, and I believe that achieving results will bring joy to the fans and supporters, so I want to work hard and focus on getting results so we can celebrate together.
