<Match Preview>
The last two away games ended in a 0-0 draw against G Osaka and a 1-2 loss against Kobe. While their possession-based playing style has become more prevalent, they struggle when facing opponents' pressing. This match highlighted the challenges of their advanced playing style.
In the match against Kobe, we fell behind in the early stages of the game due to losing out in physical battles, and were down 2-0 at halftime. Leandro managed to score a goal towards the end of the game, but coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA reflected, "Our reaction was too slow." Keigo HIGASHI called for the team to have a discussion and raise their motivation, saying, "We need to play with more passion. Let's all come together and raise our motivation."
Kyoto, who will face off this round, has been showing their strength through hard work under the guidance of CHO Kwi Jae. If Tokyo's theme is their fighting spirit and strength in the ball, then they are the perfect opponent. In order to advance to the top this season, we cannot afford to drop any more points.
The second battle of the season at the "sacred ground, National Stadium" is also a fight to demonstrate Tokyo's earnest attitude and determination for victory on the pitch, which they have cherished.
Matchday program here
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, Was the issue of not being able to press in the Kobe match resolved in the past few days?
A message we conveyed to the players was to regain our strengths. In the beginning of the Kobe match, we did not play poorly. However, after conceding the first goal, there was a long period of inappropriate play, so we want to improve that and approach tomorrow's match. There are wins and losses in a match, and there are various factors that affect them, so we cannot completely control them. However, we conveyed to the players that we must not lose our strengths. We want to regain the parts we have lost and return to our original team. We hope that will be the case in tomorrow's match against Kyoto in a wonderful venue.
Q, I think the strength of our play is our strong intensity. Kyoto is also a team with high intensity, but do you think surpassing that will be the key to victory?
A, of course, one of our strengths is intensity. And we must approach tomorrow's game with the same intensity. While maintaining a high intensity, we want to express our style and high-quality play.
Q, is it safe to say that if we can regain our strength while holding onto the ball, we can become a strong team with good balance?
A, balance is definitely important. However, there are still unstable games this season due to the lack of balance. There are times when we focus too much on keeping the ball and don't go towards the goal. On the other hand, there are times when we rush towards the goal and can't hold onto the ball, which shows our lack of balance. That's why we need to take our time and continue to grow in order to maintain a good balance. It's a balance between defensive aggressiveness, attacking mindset, and ball possession.
Q, After the summer, the team gradually formed a base and had good games such as the Kashiwa and Yokohama FM games in the second half. I thought we had entered a state where we could materialize what we wanted to do from here on. On the other hand, I think there were challenges in the Gamba and Kobe games, but were those things that you expected in the process of growth? Or were they a little unexpected?
A, the 2022 season is a season of growth, and I think everyone can understand that there is clear growth between now and the beginning of the season. However, the team is still in an unstable state. There are times when we can play well in one game and times when we cannot. This was expected in our first season, so it is within our expectations. Some people may think that the team can win every game once they have grown, but soccer is not that easy. Some people may fall into the extreme thinking that if they lose a game, everything is the worst. Of course, I think one of the charms of soccer is the passion of the fans and supporters. However, as players and coaches, we must approach this sport as professionals and continue to move in the direction we are aiming for. Of course, the team is still in an unstable situation. However, we must focus on what we need to do while keeping that in mind. First and foremost, I am demanding more from myself. And I am also demanding more from the players.
Q, Tomorrow we will have a game at the Japan National Stadium. Last time we played here, we talked about wanting to play many games here. How do you feel about playing at the National Stadium and taking into account the weather?
A, I previously mentioned about the National Stadium, because as a team representing Tokyo, I thought it would be better to play in the center of Tokyo. Of course, we are able to exist thanks to the support of the people in this area and we are very grateful to them and satisfied.
We are in the world of professional sports. I personally think that professional sports is entertainment. As we bear the name Tokyo, I believe that playing games in the heart of a major city is a more suitable place for professional sports and entertainment. Of course, it would be better for the stadium to not have a track, but I do not think that the location can be changed in the short term. However, in the long run, I personally think that the future of FC Tokyo should be in the heart of Tokyo. It will take time and patience, but I believe it is necessary.
[Player Interview]
＜Yuto NAGATOMO＞
Q, There has been talk that the team has definitely been able to build up after the Gamba match, but I feel that there are still ups and downs like in the Kobe match this season. How do you feel about the current state of the team as we enter the final stages of the league?
A, As I mentioned after the Gamba game, the whole team has definitely improved since the beginning of the season. However, football is a difficult sport and Kobe was also very motivated. With the support of their home crowd, they came at us aggressively. We conceded 2 goals in the first half and it became a tough game. But I feel that our football has definitely improved and our foundation is getting stronger.
Q, With few games left this season, what will be important for us to consistently express what we want to do?
A, it is important to possess and maintain possession of the ball, but I feel that in order to possess the ball in the opponent's territory, it is necessary to aggressively defend and pressure from the front line. In the Kobe match, even though we tried to do this, there was no coordination and as a result, the whole team ended up dropping back. Even if we manage to take the ball, each individual is exhausted and the distance to the goal is too far, so our challenge is to maintain an aggressive defense while also showcasing our possession and strengths in attack.
Q, This season, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has set growth as a major theme and has been saying "building a base" over and over again. On the other hand, I think we have come without setting specific goals, but what do you want to fight with motivation in the remaining games?
A, Our motivation is always constant, so there is still a possibility of reaching the ACL zone. If we can firmly demonstrate the base that we have built, I believe that the results will naturally follow. It is not an easy task to show what we have built up, but it will be a great motivation for us and we want to approach it with a high level of consciousness in terms of our growth.
Q, Please share your thoughts on standing on the pitch of the Japan National Stadium last time and your enthusiasm for tomorrow.
A, When I saw the pitch, I remember being impressed by how beautiful the grass was, as if it was covered with a carpet. Not only did it look good, but when I actually played on it, the grass was stable and it was very easy to play. The atmosphere was also amazing, of course. As I have said many times, it is a dream stage for me, having experienced high school soccer, and I have always wanted to play at the National Stadium, so in that sense, I felt that it was a wonderful stadium. In the previous Gamba game, we played good soccer and we also think that the fans and supporters who came enjoyed it. Tomorrow, there will be 1500 fireworks before the game, and there will be great entertainment, so we want to have fun with our soccer and win the game.
Q, As a club, we are aiming for the highest number of spectators, but how does playing in front of a large audience and receiving a warm welcome from fans contribute to your performance, Nagatomo?
A, If you look at my professional life so far, the more spectators there are, the more pressure there is, and the more fiery personality you know. 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Q, Both sides are playing this season, but if there is anything you are mindful of, please let me know.
A, playing as a right back for the first time this season in my 15 years as a professional. I am really enjoying playing as a right back. By playing on the right, I have learned things that I wouldn't have learned if I had only played on the left. I feel like I have grown as a player and it has also improved my left side. Also, depending on the combination of players and the situation of the game, I have a wider range of options to change my position or whether to move inside or stay outside. This makes the game very enjoyable.
Q: Is there any particular difference in consciousness between right and left?
A, there is no difference in consciousness. I don't really feel like there is a big difference. There are players who change their position depending on the situation at the time, but other than that, I don't feel any discomfort within myself.
Q, What is the significance of FC Tokyo, the capital club, being able to play at the Japan National Stadium?
It is a great pleasure for FC Tokyo, not only for soccer players but also for all athletes and for Japan, to be able to play at the new Japan National Stadium, which represents the capital. Of course, playing there is important, but we also want to play great soccer and impress Tokyo fans and supporters, J-League fans, and soccer fans in general.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: What is necessary to control the game by preventing opponents from pressing with high intensity like Kobe in the previous match?
A, I think it is important to have individual adaptation and movements to remove the opponent's mark, as just positioning alone may not be able to overcome the strength. In the Kobe match, there were actually places where we couldn't move forward, so if we can have people standing firmly between the opponents and have thickness in moving forward, I think it will be a good team situation.
Q, I think it will also be important for Matsuki to make vertical passes from his position and become the starting point of the attack.
As an inside half, I think it is my role to switch between defense and attack. However, I would like to actively create more time for myself and increase the thickness of our attack, so I want to continue playing in the remaining games.
Q, Tomorrow's opponent will be Kyoto, what kind of preparations will you make?
A, I hope we can play our own soccer without being too respectful or arrogant towards our opponents as a home game.
Q, the opponent is also in the relegation battle, and has come with 1 loss and 1 draw in the same 3 consecutive games as Tokyo. It is expected that they will come out with all their emotions and play.
A, of course, it's a place for the press, and I think I will feel more pressure than usual in terms of my feelings, so I have to have a mentality that won't lose to that and win. In the recent games, things haven't been going well, so I want to win this game and gain momentum, and continue winning the remaining games.
Q, What impact do you think the third uniform wearing and the events and performances will have on the players this time?
A, Last season, we wore it for 3 away games, and this season, we heard that we will wear it for one game against Kyoto. We are able to experience the value and weight of the uniform and the joy of playing while embodying it. I think the fans and supporters will be able to see soccer in a different light, and we ourselves are really looking forward to playing soccer while wearing that uniform.
Q, once again, please give your enthusiasm for tomorrow's game and to all the fans and supporters.
A, since it's a home game, we need to win solidly and gain momentum for the remaining games. As I always say, I want to approach the game with even more determination than usual.
