<Match Preview>
Tokyo enters a congested schedule with three matches in three days. A three-match series against teams from Kansai: Gamba Osaka, Vissel Kobe, and SANGA S. First, they will face Gamba Osaka away.
The opponent was in 16th place in the playoff zone before the match and, in order to escape the relegation battle, they entered the final stages of the season and changed their coach. Although they lost to Sagan Tosu in the previous match, they had won consecutive matches against Nagoya Grampus and Avispa Fukuoka in the matches prior, steadily accumulating points since the appointment of coach Hiroshi MATSUDA.
The first half match was the first J1 League match held at the Japan National Stadium, where Tokyo won with two goals from Adailton and Leandro.
For Tokyo, regardless of the opponent's ranking, it is important to maintain possession of the ball and push towards the goal, sticking to our style of taking control of the match. Additionally, not only in terms of the match content but also aiming for a result, this will be a crucial game as we seek our third consecutive win since the start of this season.
In the previous match, we faced Yokohama F.Marinos, who are competing for the top spots, and we did not back down at all. We created many decisive chances with our passing work that took the initiative from the opponent, and we managed to equalize from a two-goal deficit from set plays, earning one point. Although we created some decisive chances that could have led to a win, we still have the challenge of converting those chances into goals. We want to use the motivation of overcoming that challenge in this week's match and bring home three points to Tokyo.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Will you put all your effort into the first match of the three consecutive games?
A, of course, I am completely focused on the tactical aspects and concentration for tomorrow's match. However, regarding player selection, we need to consider that it is a three-game series.
Q: G Osaka has changed their coach and the system may have changed since the last match, but what is your impression of them right now?
A, since time has passed, I believe this match will be very different from the first half of the season. First of all, both teams have grown over time. I consider each match to be a separate entity. Additionally, as we approach the end of the season, I think the rankings will also influence the match. In that sense, it is expected that this match will be significantly different from the first half. However, I am focused on pushing forward in the direction we aim for. Whether the opposing team is Yokohama FM, Kawasaki, or G Osaka, I want to concentrate solely on what we need to do without changing that.
Q: I think Tokyo is playing good football, but what is necessary to win matches and further grow?
A, I believe that mental factors do affect the growth of the team. In any industry or field, the feeling of improvement and growth leads to results, which in turn builds confidence in what we are doing. Naturally, we want to play well, but the reason for that is to win the match. However, I do not want to adopt the mindset that we must win at all costs. I believe that neither I nor the team needs to put unnecessary pressure on ourselves. There is a necessary kind of pressure, though. It is essential to feel pressure to win against the opponent in each daily match and practice, to win this match, and to deliver the best performance in practice. I think that is the ideal state for a professional.
Q: I think we can aim for the AFC Champions League with the results of the three consecutive matches. Do you have any particular commitment to that?
I am very interested in what can happen in the world of football, but do you think there are players who step onto the pitch wanting to lose when a match is right in front of them? The media, fans, and supporters all express a desire for us, the coaches and players, to show a desire to win, and I believe they feel that way. However, it is natural for everyone to want to win a match, and I think it is something that does not need to be stated. We have been playing with the intention of winning in our previous matches as well. However, when changing our style of play, even if we want to win the match, there is a possibility and risk of losing the match due to the desire for the team's growth. Nevertheless, the desire to win is something that naturally exists in this world. I don't think it needs to be reiterated or emphasized. Right now, there are 24 points in front of us. If possible, it is something everyone expects to take all 24 points (in the next 8 matches). I believe that not only us but all teams think this way. However, it is impossible for all teams to take all points because there are wins and losses in each match. For example, if someone among the fans or supporters says that we must win the match, the feeling of needing to win and wanting to win is something that everyone naturally possesses. What I expect in the medium to long term is that if we can properly grow this playing style, this style will lead to many victories for the team in a continuous and stable manner. However, I will repeat that both the players and I want to win every match even during the growth process.
[Player Interview]]
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: How is your condition considering the three consecutive matches?
It will be an important three-match series, and regardless of whether I play or not, I want to prepare myself to be in good condition and ready to fight fully in all three matches.
Q: While maintaining possession of the ball, there have been many scenes where we skillfully break through the opponent's defense during attacks, and the number of goals scored in the last few matches has also increased.
I think the entire team is able to attack, which adds depth to our offense. On the other hand, we are conceding more goals, so that is an area we need to improve as a team. Since we are scoring, I want to raise our awareness of switching quickly after losing the ball.
Q: What impression do you have of G Osaka?
I have the impression that there are fast players vertically and good players on the side half. I hope we can maintain possession of the ball and play at our own pace to avoid creating chances from there.
Q: What are the key points to winning the match?
I think the opponent is using a 4-4-2 formation, so if we can create a numerical advantage in their midfield, we can make progress. We are gradually getting better at moving the ball around at the back, and I believe it will come down to how well we can get behind the opponent in our attack.
Q: I think there are many moments during the match when the ball settles at Watanabe's feet, creating chances.
A, there are still moments when we lose the ball due to simple mistakes. There were a few instances of this in the match against Yokohama FM, so I hope to eliminate those while making plays that can contribute to scoring.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming match.
This is the first match of the three consecutive games, and I believe it will be an important match that could determine whether we can move up in the standings based on the results of these three games. First, I want to secure 3 points against G Osaka and build momentum for the team.
