<Match Preview>
Tokyo will enter a tight schedule of playing three games in three days. They will face Gamba Osaka, Vissel Kobe, and Kyoto Sanga F.C. in a row from the Kansai region. First, they will play away against Gamba Osaka.
The opponent was in 16th place in the playoff zone at the time of the game, and in order to break out of the relegation battle, they changed coaches in the final stage. Although they lost to Sagan Tosu in the previous match, they had won consecutive matches against Nagoya Grampus and Avispa Fukuoka in the previous match, and have steadily accumulated points since the appointment of coach Hiroshi MATSUDA.
The first half of the match was the first J1 League game held at the Japan National Stadium, where Tokyo won with 2 goals from Adailton and Leandro.
For Tokyo, regardless of the opponent's ranking, the key to this match will be how well we can maintain possession of the ball and control the game, sticking to our own style. Not only the performance in the match, but also the pursuit of a third consecutive victory since the start of the season will be important in this match.
In the previous round, we faced Yokohama F.Marinos, who were competing for the top spot, and did not back down, creating many decisive chances with passing that stole the opponent's share, and equalized the 2-point deficit from set plays to earn 1 point. Although there were chances to win, the challenge remains to make sure to convert those chances, but we will use overcoming that challenge as motivation and bring back 3 points to Tokyo on the pitch this round.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, Will you give it your all in the first game of the 3-game series?
A, of course, we are completely focused on tomorrow's match in terms of tactics and concentration. However, we need to consider player selection as it is a 3-game series.
Q: Has the coach changed and the system changed since the last match for G Osaka? What is your current impression?
A, since some time has passed, I think this match will be a completely different battle from the first half. First of all, both teams have grown over time. I think each match is a different entity. And as we approach the end of the season, I believe the rankings will also have an impact on the match. In that sense, it is expected to be a significantly different match from the first half. However, I am focused on pushing towards our goal. Whether the opponent is Yokohama FM, Kawasaki, or G Osaka, I want to focus only on what we need to do.
Q, What do you think is necessary for Tokyo to play good soccer and win games, and to further grow?
A, I think there is an influence of mental elements on the team's growth. In any industry or field, the feeling of improvement and growth leads to results, and I think it becomes confidence in what we are doing. Of course, we want to play well, but the reason for that is to win the game. However, I do not want to think that we have to win. I don't think it's necessary for me or the team to put pressure on ourselves. There is also necessary pressure. That is, in each and every game and practice, as professionals, we must always feel pressure to win against the opponent in front of us, win this game, and perform at our best in practice. I think that is the way a professional should be.
Q, Do you have any particular focus on aiming for the AFC Champions League based on the results of the 3 consecutive games?
A, I am very interested in what can happen in the world of soccer, but I think there are players who want to lose and stand on the pitch in front of the game. I think that the media and fans and supporters want to express and feel the desire to win against us, coaches and players, but it is natural for everyone to want to win the game and I think it is not necessary to speak. We have been playing to win in all the games so far. However, even if we want to win the game when changing the soccer style, it is natural that the situation will occur that the possibility and danger of losing the game will increase in order to seek the growth of the team. However, it is natural to want to win, and it exists as a matter of course in this world. I don't think it's necessary to say it again and emphasize it. Now, there are 24 points to win in front of us. If possible, everyone expects to take all 24 points (in the next 8 games). This is not only us, but I think all teams think so. However, it is impossible for all teams to take all points. This is because there are wins and losses in each game. For example, someone from the fans and supporters says that they have to win the game. However, the feeling of wanting to win is natural for everyone. What I am expecting in the medium and long term is that if we can firmly grow this play style, it will lead to a continuous and stable number of victories for the team. However, as I mentioned before, both the players and I want to win all the games even during the growth process.
[Player Interview]
Ryoma WATANABE
Q, How is your condition for the 3 consecutive games?
A, it will be an important three-game series, so I want to prepare myself to be able to play all three games at full strength, regardless of whether I am on the field or not.
Q, there have been many scenes where we have been able to break through the opponent's defense while holding the ball during attacks, and our number of goals has also increased in the past few games.
A, I think the attack has become thicker because all team members can attack. On the other hand, it is an area that needs to be improved as a team because the number of goals conceded has increased. As we are able to score, we want to raise our awareness of switching after losing the ball.
What is your impression of Q, G Osaka?
There is an impression that there are fast players vertically and good players on the side half. I hope we can play at our own pace while holding the ball so that we won't be given a chance from there.
Q, what is the key point to win the game?
A, I think the opponent is in a 4-4-2 formation, so if we can create a numerical advantage in their midfield, we can move forward. We have gradually been able to pass the ball in the back, so I think it's about how we can get behind the opponent in the attacking phase.
Q, I think there are many opportunities for the ball to settle down and create chances when watching the game at Watanabe's place.
A, there are still scenes where we lose the ball due to simple mistakes. We had a few of those in the Yokohama FM match, so we need to eliminate them and focus on making plays that contribute to scoring.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the game.
This is the first game of a 3-game series, and I think it will be an important game to determine our position in the standings. First, we want to secure 3 points against G Osaka and build momentum for the team.
