<Match Preview>
In the previous match, they lost 0-2 to Shimizu and missed out on their third consecutive win. Yasuki KIMOTO commented on the disappointing result at home, saying "As professionals, we have to focus on the results. It's very difficult to build a foundation for our playing style and get results, but now that two-thirds of the league is over, the fans and supporters can't wait any longer."
Furthermore, Ryoma WATANABE also spoke about the challenge of "accumulating points against lower-ranked teams and then being able to take points from higher-ranked opponents, which is important for us."
The difference in points between Tokyo, currently in 7th place, and 3rd place C Osaka, who will be the opponent this round, is 6. With the possibility of aiming for the top still open, the result of this match will be crucial. C Osaka is currently on a 3-game winning streak in the league and advanced to the semifinals of the Levain Cup by defeating Kawasaki on Wednesday. Tokyo's true strength will be put to the test as they face off against a team that shines with their competitiveness.
In the March match, Kazuya KONNO defended the one point he scored away and won. We hope to see a passionate battle like the previous match and secure a victory.
Matchday program is here!
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, Is there anything being prepared for tomorrow's typhoon forecast?
A, it is natural that the game will be affected by bad pitch conditions such as rain and wind.
Q: What kind of adjustments have you made this week after finishing the Shimizu match last week?
A, we are now entering a different phase. We have continued to emphasize training with confidence in holding the ball this week. Of course, we have also worked on improving some of the points we reflected on from the previous match against Shimizu. In the previous phase, we started to hold the ball. Now, I want us to grow even more in the part of holding the ball with confidence, and I am emphasizing this because I believe it is something we should continue to improve on.
Q, When talking to the players, they said that in the previous match against Hiroshima, they were able to move the ball because the opponent came out to defend from the front line, but when facing a defensive block like Shizuoka, they were confused about how to move the ball. What is your impression of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA?
At the beginning of the season, there were completely opposite reactions. Of course, growth is encouraged by encountering various situations in the growth process and overcoming them, and we must overcome them. Shimizu's aim was to lower the defensive block in a 4-4-2 formation and quickly switch between offense and defense after winning the ball. That is because it is their playing style. If we continue to grow, more teams will come to defend by lowering their defensive block and closing the space. Now, many teams that face Kawasaki tend to close the space and defend. Whether this is an advantage or a disadvantage, a positive or a negative, depends on how you perceive it. Cerezo Osaka has characteristics similar to Hiroshima and Shimizu. I hope we can play well against Cerezo Osaka, who has a mix of these characteristics.
Q, What specific areas do you want to improve on the offensive side?
A, It is important for the team to adapt to the characteristics of the players in any system. This also applies to new player Luiz (Phellype). Of course, there are also parts where the player must adapt to the team. On the other hand, there are also parts where we must adapt to Luiz's characteristics. In that sense, the addition of new players allows us to add details that were different from before. However, in the case of Luiz, he joined us without having a proper pre-season, so we are now in a situation where we need to improve his condition in a pre-season-like manner. We have asked Tsukagawa to provide his characteristics to the team. However, in the end, it is the players, not the coach, who play on the pitch, so there are many things that need to be solved during the game. Even if they have the same playing style, the team's play will naturally change depending on whether the center forward is Ibrahimovic or Messi. That is why we want to integrate the characteristics of each new player into the team and make adjustments to the details of the team. The most important thing is to bring out the players' strengths even more. It is not about covering their weaknesses.
Q, Was player Luis the center forward that coach Albert was looking for?
A, yes. I believe this player has the characteristics of a center forward that I was looking for. If Luis scores a lot of goals, I would like to say that I wanted this player afterwards (laughs). From what I have seen in practice, his technical level is excellent, just as I expected. And I think he also has a very good finishing quality. He is a player who can play on the side or in the center. However, his physical condition is not as expected right now, so we need to train him well in that area. Therefore, he is working on a separate training program to improve his physical condition. I think he will be in his best physical condition for the game in September. In any case, I have a good feeling about this player who fits my expectations for a center forward, with high technical and finishing quality. However, I think it will take a little more time for him to adapt to the team. We also need to see if he can do what we expect from him on the defensive side on the pitch. We haven't been able to confirm all of his abilities yet. I think we need a little more time to evaluate him.
[Player Interview]
＜Yasuki KIMOTO＞
Q, What kind of modifications did the team make for the Shimizu match in preparation for the game?
A, rather than making corrections, we all talked about doing the soccer we are aiming for again.
Q, What is the permeability of the soccer that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is looking for?
A, although it's not perfect, I think we've been able to improve our passing and not lose the ball as easily compared to the beginning of the season. The team is growing and I believe everyone has faith in this style of soccer.
What is your impression of Q, C Osaka?
A, I think they are the most energetic and in good shape team in the J1 league right now. They are also doing well in the league and have both the Emperor's Cup and Levain Cup remaining. They have good teamwork and are a very strong opponent.
Q, how do you feel about playing against your former team?
A, I have a very strong desire not to lose. I am grateful to C Osaka and it is still an important club, but because it is such a team, I do not want to lose. It is very frustrating that we are lower in the rankings and if we win this time, we still have a chance to break into the top. In that sense, we need to have a strong mindset and also focus on our soccer performance and not just the results.
Q, What kind of play do you want to make as a team and as an individual?
A, Personally, I want to have a clean sheet and show more presence in defense after conceding 2 goals in the previous match. In terms of attack, I think we need to distribute the ball from the back and be more effective in our build-up. In the previous match, we lost the ball too often as a team and couldn't be aggressive enough in defense, so it's important to showcase our strengths on both ends of the field.
Q, There are fewer league games left, but I would like to ask all fans and supporters for their enthusiasm.
A, We only have league matches left this season, so we have to give our all in those games and also continue to grow as a team. I think we need to play football that will be recognized by our fans and supporters, so we want to aim higher and continue to achieve results without wasting the remaining matches.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q, It seems that Tsukagawa has played as a side back, side half, and forward in the past. What do you think are your strengths?
A, I think my strengths are my dynamism, the power when going to steal the ball, and the power when entering the goal. Because I am tall, I think the opponent would not like it if I play like that, so I think that is my biggest strength and I want to show it.
Q, In the 2020 season, I scored 9 goals while playing for Matsumoto Yamaga FC.
A, at that time, I entered the goal area many times. I think I also scored when I was playing as a double pivot, but I also entered as an inside half a few times, which led to getting closer to the goal. Also, my teammates gave me good passes, so there were many scoring scenes where I just had to jump in.
Q, Do you have the characteristic of going into the goal and scoring if you have a chance?
A, I think that feeling is also within myself. In the team I have been in so far, I have played defensive positions such as anchor and have had a lot of playing time towards the end of the game. There were also various tasks that I had to consider the team's situation, not just myself. There were also parts where I held myself back, so even though I joined in the middle of the season, if I have the opportunity to play in a forward position, I want to go forward as much as possible.
Q, I have played in two games as a substitute since joining, against Hiroshima and Shimizu. Both were difficult situations where we needed one goal. Please review your performance in those games.
A, Personally, I still feel that there are parts that are not quite in sync. I also think that I need to choose plays that bring out the strengths of my teammates, and I still need to work on "what would be better to do". There are still some discrepancies, and my sense and everyone's sense are not yet in sync, so I think it's important to align those areas.
As a team, we are aiming for a style of soccer that connects, but I also think that our counterattacks can be a threat to our opponents. It's a good thing to have that strength, not just being fixated on connecting. The coach also says that, and because we have the ability to connect, our opponents will come forward and create space in the front line. If we can maintain control and play that kind of soccer, I believe we can become an even better team.
Actually, the coach also mentioned that the part we are trying to do is coming together, and I hope I can be a solid part of it.
Q, the connecting point and the vertical speed. That's what it means to make decisions while watching the opponent.
A, I see. I think it would make a big difference if players like inside halves and side backs could share with everyone what the current situation of the opponent is, whether they are coming to take the ball or not, where they want to steal it, and what they don't want to happen.
The more shared parts there are, the more the team will come together, and I think that will determine the overall movement, so I hope we can discuss more and convey it when the ball comes out. I haven't played in a game yet, so I hope to play in a game and understand that atmosphere more.
Q, We tend to talk about tactics, but in the end, it's about the players on the pitch creating soccer.
A, the pressure you feel outside and inside are completely different. In that, I think it's really important to feel how many players on the pitch are connected and whether you can feel it. I still have a lot to learn, so I hope we can both grow together while learning.
Q, please tell us about your impressions of your teammates. Are there any players on FC Tokyo who have made an impact on you, such as "this player is interesting" or "I want to give this player this kind of pass" since joining the team?
I think it's amazing that players like A, inside half Abe and Matsuki, can run so much and produce such intensity. I also think there is still room for growth. Even when we practice together, we often talk about what kind of plays the two inside players will make, and I think the team will change depending on that.
Q, Cerezo Osaka is on a 3-game winning streak and in good shape, so even considering their 3rd place ranking, I think they are an opponent that FC Tokyo wants to beat. Please share your enthusiasm for this match.
A, I think Cerezo is in good shape, and when they are in good shape, they feel like everything they do will go well, or they have a good flow. The first thing is to not let the opponent play comfortably. If we can take control, for example with a high press or by holding onto the ball after taking it, I don't think the opponent will be able to play comfortably, so it's important to make an impact from the beginning, like "Today is different." So it's important to go aggressively from the start, and it's really important to not let the opponent do anything unpleasant or play comfortably. I think it's important to focus on the first 10-15 minutes and try to take control.
Q, If you participate, what aspects do you want fans and supporters to see?
A, I want to become a player who can win by transferring. I want to fight to produce results for the team, and I think that the joy of the fans and supporters is when the results come out, so I want to work hard to stick to the results so that we can celebrate together.
