<Match Preview>
Entering a tight schedule of 3 matches in 3 days, the first match will be against Gamba Osaka on the 10th. Although there were many opportunities to score, they were unable to break through the opponent's goal and ended in a 0-0 draw.
This round, we will continue to play Vissel Kobe in two consecutive away games. Just like Gamba Osaka was in 16th place during the match, Kobe is also currently fighting for survival in 17th place, making it a match against a team in the playoff zone.
Although there is no consistent data on the opponent's ranking and Tokyo's record, when watching the second half of the game, there is a tendency for Shimizu S-Pulse to struggle against lower-ranked teams, such as losing 0-2. Especially when the opponent focuses on defense, they are unable to find attacking opportunities and often fall victim to counterattacks due to unexpected mistakes while trying to connect passes.
Kobe stopped the unpleasant flow of three consecutive losses in official games by drawing with Nagoya Grampus in the previous round. The desire to accumulate 3 points in this match at home to break away from the relegation battle is immeasurable. Especially when looking at individual players, they have many Japan national team players and players with national team experience, and they should demonstrate their top-class abilities in situations where individuals clash.
Tokyo wants to maintain their own pace without being passive against such an opponent's momentum and take control of the game. They want to mix up the pace of their attacks while holding onto the ball and put their opponents on the back foot by using a combination of short and long passes depending on the situation.
In particular, in the Gamba Osaka match, there were many scenes where we lost the ball due to the opponent's press and had to run back to our own goal. We want to seize the victory that we couldn't achieve four days ago by accurately assessing the opponent's movements, having a common understanding as a team, and choosing the best strategy.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, Will it be a tough match against Vissel Kobe, who is also fighting to avoid relegation like Gamba Osaka in the previous match?
A, I think they will come out with a strong defensive intensity due to the situation. That's why I think it will be a very difficult game for us. We want to improve on our issue from the previous game against Gamba Osaka, which was losing the ball frequently at the start of the game, and approach tomorrow's game. And we want to start playing in a way that clearly expresses our style.
Q, in the post-match interview of the previous game, he said that we need to improve our defense.
A, the defensive challenge we are considering is the response to losing the ball frequently and the defense in one-on-one situations. There are also challenges in defending one-on-one situations. As a team, I think we were able to have good tactical defense, but there were still challenges in the finer details. It is a situation that we want to avoid as a team when we lose in one-on-one situations or easily lose the ball and have to defend.
Q, What is your impression of Kobe?
A, indeed, Kobe is changing. They are now seeking a high-intensity defense, and there is a tendency to demand quick plays. Of course, there are times when they connect the ball, but they are also focused on quick attacks, switching between offense and defense, quickly heading towards the goal, and aiming for the opponent's defense. Therefore, at least in terms of intensity, we must express ourselves at the same level as them. At the same time, it is important for us to firmly express our style in the game from the start, even more so than them.
Q: In the previous match, we used Nagatomo as a left back. What was the intention behind this decision and how do you evaluate his performance?
A, His remarks after the Gamba game were exactly the kind of attitude towards soccer that should serve as an example for young players. I believe that the Japanese player who has played the most games in a great club in Europe is probably Yuto NAGATOMO. And, I think he will play in the World Cup for the fourth time this time. Even at the age of 36, he is still full of eagerness to learn. Many experienced 36-year-old players may think, "What can I learn now? I have learned enough." But he is different. He has a strong mentality to strive for victory, and at the same time, he is eager to learn. That is why he has continued to perform brilliantly. Therefore, not only his play, but also his actions and remarks should be a reference for young players. Because, first of all, without a mentality to strive for victory, it is difficult to compete at a high level. At the same time, I think that eagerness to learn can also be expressed as a humble attitude. It is because he has a humble attitude that he continues to learn and grow. It is a great honor for me to be the coach of the team he is on. I hope that many Japanese players will use him as a role model.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, What are your thoughts on the improvements made since the previous match against Gamba Osaka and your impression of Kobe?
A, Kobe may not have results yet, but the quality of their play is high. If they give their opponents an opening, they will also gain momentum. By learning from the previous match and focusing together from the start, they can maintain possession of the ball without showing any openings and attack. This will allow them to control the game at their own pace and create many chances.
Q, Who is the player to watch out for?
A, I think it's important for everyone to not lose to the opponent in front of them, rather than focusing on who they are playing against, as there are representative class players in each position. Therefore, I think it's necessary to win there.
Q, It is expected that the opponent will play fiercely in the remaining battle in the 3 consecutive games.
A, no matter how the opponent is, we also have to play with high intensity, and it is a given that we should do it before tactics. We cannot afford to lose there.
Q: How is the team's condition and the completion of the new style?
A, I think the team is gradually improving, so it is necessary to continue adjusting the details and the current style of football, and to increase accuracy through trial and error and accumulate experience. By doing so, the completeness of the team will increase and I believe we will get closer to our goal.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm towards Kobe.
A, I want to play with a win because we have had two consecutive draws. I feel the growth of the team with the victory. We will continue to strive for victory in this round as well.
