<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?
A, I find what can happen in the soccer world very interesting, but do you think there are players who stand on the pitch wanting to lose the match in front of them? Both the media and the fans and supporters want us, the coaches and players, to show and feel the desire to win, and I believe everyone naturally wants to win the match, so I think it’s something that doesn’t need to be stated. We have always played trying to win in our past matches. However, when changing the soccer style, even if we want to win, the pursuit of the team’s growth naturally increases the possibility and risk of losing matches. Still, the desire to win is obviously a given in this world. I don’t think it needs to be restated or emphasized. Right now, we have 24 points in front of us. If possible, everyone expects to take all 24 points in the next 8 matches. I believe all teams think the same way, not just us. But it’s impossible for all teams to take all points because each match has a winner and a loser. For example, if a fan or supporter says we must win the match, the feeling of needing to win or wanting to win is something everyone naturally has. What I expect in the mid to long term is that if we can properly develop this play style, it will continuously and steadily bring many victories to the team. But to repeat, during the growth process, both the players and I want to win every match.
[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.
