<Match Preview>
Entering a congested schedule with three matches in three days, we first face Gamba Osaka on the 10th. Although there were many moments approaching the opponent's goal, we ended in a 0-0 draw without breaking through.
In this round, we will face Vissel Kobe in two consecutive away games. Just as Gamba Osaka was in 16th place in the playoff zone during the match, Kobe is currently in 17th place, continuing to compete with teams fighting for relegation.
There is no consistent data on the opponent's ranking and Tokyo's performance, but looking at the battles in the second half of the season, there is a tendency to struggle against lower-ranked teams, such as losing 0-2 to Shimizu S-Pulse. Especially when the opponent plays a defense-oriented style of football, they tend to close down space, making it difficult to find attacking opportunities, and often suffer counterattacks from unexpected mistakes while trying to maintain possession.
Kobe drew with Nagoya Grampus in the last match, stopping a troubling streak of three consecutive losses in official matches. In this home game, the desire to accumulate three points to escape the relegation battle is immeasurable. Especially when looking at the individual players, many of them are Japan national team players or have represented the national team, and they are expected to showcase top-class abilities in one-on-one situations.
Against the momentum of their opponents, Tokyo wants to maintain their own pace and take control of the match without becoming passive. While keeping possession of the ball, they aim to vary the tempo of their attacks, mixing short and long passes according to the situation to keep their opponents on the back foot.
Especially in the match against Gamba Osaka, there were several instances where we lost the ball due to the opponent's pressing and had to retreat back to our own half. We need to assess the opponent's movements, ensure the entire team has a shared understanding, and choose the best course of action to seize the victory that eluded us four days ago.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: The match will be against Vissel Kobe, who are also fighting to avoid relegation like Gamba Osaka in the previous round. Do you think it will be a tough match?
I think they will focus and play with high intensity in defense due to the situation. For that reason, I believe it will be a very difficult match for us. We want to improve on our issue from the last match against Gamba Osaka, which was losing the ball too often at the start of the game, and approach tomorrow's match with that in mind. We also want to start playing in a way that clearly expresses our style.
Q: In the interview after the last match, you mentioned that you need to improve on the defensive part.
A, the defensive issues we are considering are the high number of ball losses and the defensive responses from those situations. Additionally, there are challenges in one-on-one defensive situations. As a team, I believe we were able to execute good tactical defense, but there are still finer points that remain as challenges. Losing in one-on-one situations or easily losing the ball leading to situations where we have to defend is a scenario we want to avoid.
Q: What is your impression of Kobe?
A, indeed, Kobe is changing. Unlike before, they are seeking a high-intensity defense and tend to demand quick play. Of course, there are times when they connect the ball, but more than that, I think there is a strong awareness of quick attacks, transitions between offense and defense, and moving quickly towards the goal while targeting the opponent's defensive back. Therefore, at least in terms of intensity, we must express the same level as them. At the same time, it is important to firmly express our style in the match from the start, even more than they do.
Q: In the last match, you used player Nagatomo as a left back. What was the intention behind that and how do you evaluate it?
A, I believe that what he said after the Gamba match truly reflects his attitude towards football, which serves as a model for young players. The Japanese player who has likely played the most matches at great clubs in Europe is probably Yuto NAGATOMO. And I think he will play in his fourth World Cup this time. Even at 36 years old, he is full of a desire to learn. Many experienced players at 36 might think, what more can I learn? I have learned enough. However, he is different. It is precisely because he is filled with a desire to learn and possesses a strong mentality focused on competition that he has continued to perform wonderfully. Therefore, I hope that not only his play but also his actions and words will serve as a reference for young players. This is because, without a mentality focused on competition, it is indeed impossible to compete at a high level. At the same time, the desire to learn, which can also be expressed as humility, is essential. It is because he possesses this humility that he continues to learn and grow. It is a great honor for me to be able to coach the team he is on. I hope many Japanese players will take him as a model.
[Player Interview]]
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: What improvements have you made since the last match against Gamba Osaka, and what is your impression of Kobe?
A, although Kobe has not been getting results, the quality of their play is high, and if we give them an opening, I think they will gain momentum. By reflecting on the previous match, if we can all concentrate from the start and maintain possession of the ball without showing any gaps while attacking, I believe we can control the game at our own pace and create many chances.
Q: Which players should we pay attention to?
A, since there are representative-class players in each position, I think it is more important that everyone does not lose to the opponent in front of them rather than focusing on any one individual, and I believe we must win there.
Q: It is expected that the opponent will play fiercely in the relegation battle during the three consecutive matches.
A, regardless of the opponent, we must play with high intensity, and this is something we should do before tactics. We must not lose in this aspect.
Q: How is the team's condition and the completion of the new style?
I think the team is gradually improving, so I believe it is necessary to make fine adjustments while continuing the current football style, enhancing precision through a process of trial and error, and accumulating experience. By doing this, I believe the team's level of completion will increase, bringing us closer to our goals.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the match against Kobe.
A, we have had two consecutive draws in the last two matches, so I want to play to bring home a win. I feel the team's growth along with our victories. I will do my best to aim for a win in this match as well.
