<Match Preview>
The match against Cerezo Osaka scheduled for August 13 has been postponed due to the impact of the typhoon, marking Tokyo's first official match in three weeks since August 7. The opponent is Kashiwa Reysol, currently in 5th place. They are only 1 point behind 3rd place Kashima Antlers and are in a position to aim for a spot in the AFC Champions League.
With the current situation where Tokyo has two fewer matches played, the point difference is "8". They are well within range to catch up, and this is a match they must win to get into the upper ranks. In the previous encounter in May, they struggled to build up play smoothly against Kashiwa's sharp pressing and man-to-man defense, revealing issues in their ball possession style.
Three months have passed since the last match, which was about two months into the effort to establish a new soccer style. Tokyo's style has also evolved and become more refined. How will they break through Kashiwa's intense pressing and move the ball towards the Kashiwa goal? The hints lie in the match against Hiroshima played on July 30.
In this match, while facing intense pressure from Hiroshima at kickoff, the players began to function in their build-up play, mixing exquisite distances and varying lengths of passes as time went on, creating multiple decisive chances. Despite conceding the first goal, they patiently retained possession, moved the opponent, created space, and paved the way to the goal, ultimately securing victory with a comeback goal in stoppage time.
In tomorrow's match against Kashiwa, there will likely be moments when the ball gets caught in a tough pressing net. The question is whether the team can adapt flexibly, such as by targeting behind the opponent. We want to secure three points through a patient fight and build momentum for the home game, which will be our first in about a month, on September 3.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, is it correct that you joined on Wednesday?
It's Wednesday.I am currently in my third season and have been living in Japan for about 1000 days. Surprisingly, I have been able to return to my hometown for very few of those days. This time, I returned home temporarily due to the break. I was able to spend 6 days with my family. Even during my absence, the team has been training steadily with the trusted staff. For about the last 2 months, we have been able to maintain possession of the ball and control the game. I have been growing well in playing confidently with the ball, and I am promoting the team's growth by further developing that aspect, which is progressing in a good direction and I am satisfied with it. I see the match against Shimizu away as the start of the second phase. The second phase, which involves confidently maintaining possession of the ball, is also coming to an end.
We are now starting to train for the next phase, which involves taking more risks and playing towards the goal. It is indeed difficult to deliver high-quality passes in the final finishing zone without confidence. In that sense, I believe that playing with confidence is something we should have mastered first. The team has been able to train well over the past few days. Recently, we had a training match against FC Machida Zelvia. We were able to play in a good way to not forget the feeling of a match. Including all of that, I am very proud of the team's growth at this moment. Of course, there are wins and losses in matches. However, regardless of the match results, I am very satisfied that the team is maintaining possession of the ball, being conscious of playing, and gradually expressing that on the pitch.
Recently, many young players have been included in the starting lineup. This is a significant difference from the team a few months or years ago. We prepare for every match, and I believe we have made good preparations for tomorrow's game this week. I think it is most important to express our own characteristics rather than considering the opponent's characteristics. If we can express the play we expect, I believe we can create plays that are very difficult for the opposing team to defend against. In that sense, it is important to express the style of play we want to play rather than just focusing on countermeasures based on the opponent's characteristics, and it is also true that this is a challenging task.
Q: Have you been able to refresh yourself properly in Spain?
I truly appreciate everyone who has shown understanding regarding my temporary return home. The specific reasons for my return are quite delicate, so I cannot explain them in detail. While I believe that a more detailed explanation would lead to greater understanding, I must admit that the content is not something I can share. Therefore, I understand that the lack of detailed explanation may lead to anxiety or doubt. I returned due to an important family matter, and I have been away from my family for a very long time. I hope you can understand how difficult this is for us. In that sense, I am genuinely grateful to the fans and supporters for their understanding. It was not that I needed a break; I hope you can understand that I returned for a different reason.
Q: It was a practice match without the coach, but I think it was a good performance. What were your thoughts after receiving the report from the staff?
First of all, I believe our team has wonderful players. Additionally, we currently have four captains who are also outstanding professionals, and I think they serve as a role model for any team. In that sense, I was not at all worried during my absence, and I had complete trust in them. Regarding the staff, many of them were working together for the first time at the beginning of this season, but by taking the time to get to know them, I realized that they are just as remarkable individuals as the players. They are very professional people. They are also sincere. That is why the team functioned even in my absence. I believe this is proof of the wonderful individuals we have.
Q: You mentioned that you have been progressing this season and have now entered a phase where you confidently connect the ball. What is the most important thing to have confidence?
A, first of all, we need to face reality. For example, let's take the start of Manchester United's season as an example. I think they have a wonderful manager. And I believe they have great players. However, it seems they are clearly trying to express their playing style from the start of the season, and they seem to be quite particular about that. Without a doubt, if given enough time, I believe they can build a fantastic new Manchester United. However, in the world of football, people become nervous if good match results are not produced. This season, we needed to accumulate points to boost the players' confidence. I believe that will lead to the players' confidence. In that sense, at the beginning of the season, we managed to accumulate points while effectively utilizing the characteristics of the team we have had so far. Ultimately, we want to confidently maintain possession of the ball, but first, we need to bring in points to build that confidence.
If we assume that we currently have 20 points, how would the players' confidence have been? I believe that the players' confidence could not necessarily have been gained. Honestly, I don't think we played badly in the home game against Shimizu. On the contrary, I think we played well. However, when you lose, the evaluation from those around you changes, which can lead to a loss of confidence. Even if you play with that kind of commitment from the start of the season, you cannot gain confidence without accumulating points. I continue to convey to the players the importance of loving the ball. However, even if I convey that, if we cannot accumulate points and have confidence, we will not be able to maintain possession of the ball, and time will just pass by. The team is gradually gaining confidence, but that does not mean we can win matches easily; soccer is not that simple. There is still a long way to go to enhance the team's completeness. That is why we are building the foundational aspects for this season.
[Player Interview]
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q: What preparations have you made for the match against Kashiwa?
First, I was thinking about maintaining my condition. Since there was a practice match, I have a very good image from talking with players in similar positions after the match and after practice about combinations, so I hope to show the results in the game.
Q: How much of a foundation have you been able to build while aiming for a possession-based style of soccer?
In the practice match, we had the ball for a long time and created many good opportunities. We were able to score as well, so I think everyone has a positive image, but it is important whether we can bring that to tomorrow's match, and I believe that will affect the outcome.
Q: The match against Cerezo Osaka in the previous round was postponed, making this our first league match in a while.
A, the start of the match may be a difficult development, but I believe it will get better as time goes on. However, I think we need to be conscious of not conceding a goal at the start of the match and to start with solid defense.
Q: How do you analyze Kashiwa?
A, there seems to be good players in the forward line. I think the defense will mainly create blocks and fall back, while the attack will focus on quickly countering after regaining possession of the ball, so we need to be mindful of how we lose the ball and ensure that we complete our attacks with shots. We also need to manage the transition between offense and defense and handle defensive risks properly; otherwise, the opposing forwards will have the freedom to operate, so I believe this is something the entire team needs to be aware of.
Q: What kind of play does Konno want to showcase?
A, I am being asked to stretch out on the side and create chances from there. Recently, I have been developing good combinations with the full-backs, inside midfielders, and center forwards, maintaining a good sense of distance. I hope to incorporate these aspects to showcase my characteristics.
Q: We want to score as well.
A, I think it's still not enough since I've only scored 2 points this season. Whether it's scoring or assisting, I hope to increase plays that lead to points.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm.
I believe everyone is well prepared. In away games, the support from fans and supporters gives us strength, and I hope we can all fight together and win.
