<Match Preview>
In the previous match, we scored a club record-tying 6 goals in the J1 league against Kashiwa and won our first official game in 3 weeks. During the break, the players had discussions and made detailed adjustments to their positions. The fact that we were able to dominate the game in many time zones from the first half was a result of these efforts.
Kazuya KONNO, who was involved in 2 goals, said, "I have progressed to the stage of incorporating not only passing with 1 touch or 2 touches, but also dribbling and keeping the ball. I have also become better at using combinations between when to pass easily and when to dribble," and talked about the sense of accomplishment that the team's cooperation has matured.
This round, we will welcome Yokohama FM, who are competing for the top spot in the league, to Ajinomoto Stadium. It will be interesting to see how our confidence and playing style, which we deepened in the Kashiwa match, will hold up against a top opponent. Kuryu MATSUKI, who scored the opening goal in the Kashiwa match, is determined, saying "The opponent plays a tactically established style of soccer, so it will be a tough match. We also have a solid foundation, so we want to ride the momentum and win."
Aim for top defeat. It is the best opportunity for the players to show the soccer they have built up so far, united.
Matchday Program here
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, is Yokohama FM going to challenge as a top team?
A, I think this match will be an attractive one. I don't have the feeling of challenging. However, Yokohama FM is a more mature team, and we are just starting to mature. In terms of the match between these two teams, I see it as a very attractive and interesting match. And I think it's a match for our players to test what level we are at. Of course, they are opponents we have to overcome, so I want our players to do it well this time.
Q, I think Yokohama FM has a high motivation for this match as they were eliminated from the ACL. I don't think there is any shortage for the opponent.
A, I think it will be a truly impressive match. As I always say, the development and flow of the game can be greatly influenced by one detail. And as we have been saying since the beginning of the season, our goal is to continue growing every day.
Q, I think it's about how we can surpass the strong point of both teams, which is side attacks.
From a tactical perspective, I think this will be a game that revolves around the battle on the sides. However, the result of the game and the tactical maneuvers are not necessarily equal. As a trend in the world, when you win a game, your tactics are considered correct, but when you lose, your tactics are considered incorrect. However, the tactical aspect and the result of the game are not necessarily equal. However, in this game, both teams have weapons on the sides, so I think it will be a game that revolves around the battle on the sides.
Q, Last time was a match when the team was still unable to build a new style, but this time it will be a game within the construction. Do you want to increase the time you hold the ball?
A, time has certainly passed. In that sense, the game plan will also be different, and this time we want to aim to keep possession of the ball. However, I'm not sure if it will work, but I want to express the team's growth. This season, we have rarely been below the opponent's possession rate. However, in the match against Yokohama FM, we were below the opponent's possession rate. It is very difficult to surpass a team with a high possession rate. Furthermore, they have been playing with this style for a long time, for multiple years. However, we want to aim to surpass their possession rate.
Q, What is important to surpass in possession rate?
A, I think we need to keep our feet on the ground and take one step at a time. We are in a stage of continuous growth. We are focusing on that. The opponent's high press is also one of their weapons. It will be a very attractive match to see how much the team has grown by being able to break through that high press.
[Player Interview]
Jakub SLOWIK
Q, What preparations have you made for the Yokohama FM match?
A, first of all, we have been focusing on our own play and striving to make better preparations. We know it won't be an easy game, but we want to play well and secure a good result.
Q, Last week's team won with a large number of points and I think there is a good image.
A, We were able to score many goals in a good form against Kashiwa, and I think our attacking players can confidently face the next Marinos match. We are preparing with a solid game plan, knowing that the opponent will also come with countermeasures, so I believe we can have a really good game and deliver a good result to our fans and supporters.
Q, I think that the soccer I am aiming for now will be important to build up from the goalkeeper.
A, As you all know, our playing style has improved a lot since the opening game and we have grown. For me, this playing style is something that helps me grow as an individual. I want to continue to work hard in our daily practices and grow both myself and the team, in order to achieve good results together in the future.
Q: How do you analyze Yokohama FM? Are there any players you are paying attention to?
A, the opponent is an attacking team. We think it is very important to defend with a more compact defensive block. All players are strong players, but we want to play organized defense to contain the attackers in particular.
Q, What do you want to keep in mind for the game?
A, I am always preparing to do a good job, so if I could be greedy, I would like to stop all shots. I don't think the next game will be easy, but I want to give my all and contribute in a good way so that we can win as a team.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, We won the Kashiwa Reysol match last week with a 6-3 shootout. How do you look back on it?
A, in the first half, we were able to control the game by passing the ball according to our own image. However, we conceded 3 goals in the second half, so I think our start in the second half is one area for improvement.
Q, It was the first league match in 3 weeks, but I think the start was really good. Is it safe to say that what you prepared worked well?
A, the opponent was a team in the upper ranks, so of course we were fired up. In addition, the feeling of "let's take down the top team" was evident from practice, and I think everyone was able to maintain a high level of motivation for practice.
Q, the opening goal was your second goal of the season. Did you naturally make that move where you waited in the center for the cross and then back-stepped to the far side?
A, I intentionally thought about disappearing from the opponent's field of view, not naturally.
Q, it feels like I was able to move as I imagined and the ball came to me.
A, yes. But, the ball speed was faster than I expected, so I had to work hard to adjust. I'm glad I was able to score.
Q, won't your spirits be lifted by being able to contribute to the victory?
A, it is a position that can make the team easier by scoring, and Abe also scored, but I think it would be a plus for the team if the two shadows are involved in scoring.
Q, About goal performance. Did you plan Okada Kazuchika's (New Japan Pro Wrestling) Rainmaker performance beforehand?
A, yes, I was talking with the PR person (laughs). I actually wanted to stand up and do it, but my butt hurt so I ended up doing it while sitting.
Q, Do you have any plans to do something when you score a goal in the future?
A, I've liked that kind of celebration since high school. Of course, that's not the purpose, and first and foremost, I want to focus on scoring points.
Q, Is it also true for this goal, that you have been able to show your face more often in front of the goal? Do you feel like your play has changed compared to the beginning of the season?
A, there were more scenes like that compared to the first half.
Q, has your mindset changed or has the team been able to move forward as a whole?
A, I also thought that if I could get involved in scoring well, but it didn't go well, there were many scenes where I was disliked by the post, and I often missed big shots. I think I still need to improve in practice, but as I was able to score in the Kashiwa game, I think my awareness of getting into the goal area has become very high.
Q, it is not yet time to summarize the season, but are there any parts where you feel the momentum from playing?
A, Coach Albert has been playing soccer, and I have learned a lot from studying his possession, receiving positions, and involvement with the ball. I still have a long way to go, but I am currently learning how to play soccer while using my head and not having to run too much in certain positions throughout this season.
Q, Please pay attention to any points of interest or enthusiasm for tomorrow's Yokohama F.Marinos match.
This will be a home game, and the opponent is the higher-ranked Yokohama F.Marinos, so we want to avoid losing with our determination. If we can run more than them, compete fiercely, and fight for every ball, I believe there is no opponent we cannot beat.
As we were able to express in the Kashiwa game, we have been able to build a certain base. Without being complacent, I want to approach the game firmly. And I hope that the fans and supporters will enjoy it.
