<Match Preview>
In the last match, we scored 6 goals against Kashiwa, tying the club record for the most goals in a J1 League match, and celebrated a victory in our first official game in three weeks. During the break, the players engaged in discussions and made detailed adjustments to their positions. The ability to dominate the match for extended periods in the first half is likely a result of those efforts.
Kazuya KONNO, who was involved in 2 goals, said, "We have progressed to a stage where we not only pass with one touch and two touches but also incorporate dribbling and ball retention. We are also getting better at distinguishing between when to make simple passes and when to dribble," reflecting the team's growing sense of cohesion.
This match will welcome Yokohama FM, who are competing for the top spot in the league, to Ajinomoto Stadium. It will be interesting to see how the confidence and playing style developed in the match against Kashiwa will hold up against a higher-ranked opponent. Kuryu MATSUKI, who scored the opening goal in the Kashiwa match, said, "The opponent plays a tactically established style of football, so it will be a very tough match. I believe we have also built a solid foundation, so we want to ride the momentum and win."
The goal is to defeat the top teams. It is the best opportunity for the players to unite and showcase the football they have built up until now.
The matchday program is available here
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Yokohama FM is a top team, but will they be challenging?
A, I believe this match will indeed be an exciting one. There is no feeling of challenge. However, Yokohama FM is a more mature team, and we are a team that is just beginning to mature. In terms of the matchup between the two teams, I see it as a very attractive and interesting match. I also think it will be a game for our players to test what level they are at. Of course, they are an opponent we must overcome, so I want our players to perform well this time.
Q: I think Yokohama FM has high motivation for this match after being eliminated from the ACL. I don't think there is any lack for the opponent.
A, I believe it will truly be a match worth watching. As I always say, the development and flow of the game can be greatly influenced by a single detail. And as I have been saying since the beginning of the season, our goal is to grow every day.
Q: Both teams have strong points in side attacks, so I think it will depend on how we can surpass that.
From a tactical perspective, I believe this will be a match focused on the battles on the flanks. However, the match result and tactical maneuvers are not necessarily the same. A common tendency in the world is that if you win the match, the tactics are deemed correct, and if you lose, the tactics are considered incorrect. However, the tactical aspects and match results are not equivalent. That said, in this match, both teams have weapons on the flanks, so in that sense, it is true that it will be a match focused on the battles on the flanks.
Q: Last time, the team was still in the process of building a new style, but this time it will be a match with the style that has been developed. Are you looking to increase the time spent holding the ball?
Yes, indeed time has passed. In that sense, the game plan has also become different, and this time we want to aim for ball possession. However, I am not sure if that will go well, but I would like to express the proof of the team's growth. This season, we have rarely been below our opponents in possession rate. However, in the match against Yokohama FM, we were below our opponents in possession rate. It is very difficult to surpass an opponent with a high possession rate. Furthermore, they have been playing in this style for many years. However, we want to aim to surpass them in possession rate.
Q: What is important to exceed the possession rate?
A, I believe we must keep our feet on the ground and move forward step by step. We are in a stage of continuous growth. We are focused on that. The opponent's high press is also one of their weapons. Whether we can effectively break through that high press will test how much the team has grown, and I think it will be a very exciting match.
[Player Interview]
Jakub SLOWIK>
Q: What preparations have you made for the match against Yokohama FM?
First, we have focused on our own play and have worked hard to prepare better. I believe it will be a challenging game, but we want to play solidly to achieve a good result.
Q: I think the team has a good image after winning with a large score in the last match.
In the match against Kashiwa, we were able to score many goals in a good way, and I believe the attacking players can approach the next match against Marinos with confidence. While the opponent will also come up with strategies, we are well-prepared with a solid game plan, so I think we can have a really good match and deliver a positive result to our fans and supporters.
Q: I believe that building up from the goalkeeper is becoming important in the soccer we are aiming for now.
A, as everyone knows, I believe our playing style has progressed significantly compared to the opening match and we are growing. For me, this playing style is something that helps me grow as well. I want to continue to work seriously in daily practice to grow both myself and the team, and to achieve good results together.
Q: How do you analyze Yokohama FM? Are there any players you are paying attention to?
A, the opponent is an aggressive team. I think it is very important for us to make our defensive block more compact. All the players are strong, but I especially want to implement organized defense to contain the attackers.
Q: What do you want to keep in mind for the match?
I am always preparing to do a good job, so if I had to say, I want to stop every shot. I don't think the next match will be easy, but I want to do my best to contribute positively and help the entire team achieve victory.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: In the last match against Kashiwa Reysol, we won in a shootout with a score of 6-3. How do you reflect on that?
In the first half, we were able to move the ball as we envisioned and control the game. However, we conceded three goals in the second half, so I think the way we started the second half is one area for improvement.
Q: It was the first league match in three weeks, and I think the start was really good. Does that mean the preparations went well?
A, the opponent was a team in the upper ranks, and of course, they were highly motivated. Moreover, I could see the desire to "take down the top teams" from the practice sessions, and I believe everyone was able to maintain a high level of enthusiasm towards the practice.
Q: The opening goal was your second goal of the season. You were waiting in the center for the cross, then took a back step and flowed to the far side. Did that movement come naturally to you?
I thought about intentionally disappearing from the opponent's field of vision, rather than doing it naturally.
Q, it feels like the ball came just as I imagined it would.
A, that's right. However, the ball speed was faster than I expected, so I was doing my best just to keep up. I'm glad I was able to score well.
Q: Don't you feel more motivated because you were able to contribute to the victory?
It is a position that can ease the team by scoring goals, and while Abe also scored, I think it would be a plus for the team if the two shadows were involved in the scoring as well.
Q: About the goal performance. Was the Rainmaker performance of Okada Kazuchika (New Japan Pro-Wrestling) something you had thought about in advance?
A, that's right, I was talking with the PR person (laughs). I actually thought about doing it standing up, but my butt hurt, so I ended up doing it while sitting down.
Q: Do you plan to do something if you score a goal in the future?
A, I have liked that kind of celebration since high school. Of course, that is not the goal, and I want to focus on scoring properly first.
Q: Regarding this goal as well, it seems that there are more scenes where you enter the area and skillfully make your presence known. Do you feel that your play has changed compared to the beginning of the season?
A, it feels like there have been more scenes like that compared to the first half of the season.
Q, has your awareness changed, or has the team become more proactive?
I also hoped to get involved in scoring well, but it didn't go as smoothly as I wanted. There were many scenes where the post didn't favor me, and I often missed my shots by a large margin. I believe I need to improve on that in practice, but as I was able to score in the match against Kashiwa, I think my awareness of getting into the area in front of the goal has greatly increased.
Q: Although it is not yet the time to summarize the season, do you feel any sense of achievement from your play so far?
I have been playing the style of football that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA advocates, and I have learned a lot about possession, the positions to receive the ball, and how to engage with the ball. There is still much to learn, but there are many areas where I don't need to run in terms of positioning, and I am currently learning to play football while using my head throughout this season.
Q: If you have any points to watch out for or your enthusiasm regarding tomorrow's match against Yokohama F.Marinos, please share.
A, it will be a home game, and the opposing team is Yokohama F.Marinos, who are ranked higher than us, so I want to make sure we don't lose in spirit. Moreover, if we can run more than our opponents, compete firmly in duels, and fight for the ball, I believe there is no opponent we cannot defeat.
As we were able to express in the match against Kashiwa, we have built a certain foundation. Without becoming complacent, I want to approach the matches with determination. And I hope that the fans and supporters will enjoy it.
