<Match Preview>
The last two away games ended in a 0-0 draw against G Osaka and a 1-2 loss to Kobe. Although the ball possession play style has taken root, failing to avoid the opponent's press can lead directly to danger. The content revealed challenges due to the advanced play style.
In the match against Kobe, we fell behind in the early battles for the ball and were down by two goals at halftime. Near the end of the match, Leandro scored a goal, but Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA reflected, "The reaction was too slow." Keigo HIGASHI stated, "We need to play with the same intensity again. We want to discuss among ourselves and raise our motivation even higher."
Kyoto, which will compete this round, is demonstrating its competitiveness under the leadership of CHO Kwi Jae, utilizing hard work as its weapon. If Tokyo's theme is its fighting spirit and strength in ball contests, then Kyoto is the perfect opponent. To advance to the top this season, we cannot afford to drop any more points.
The second match of the season at the "sacred place, National" is also a battle to demonstrate Tokyo's earnest attitude and commitment to competition on the pitch.
The match day program is here
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: There was an issue with the press not being applied in the match against Kobe, but has it been corrected in the past few days?
The message I conveyed to the players is to regain our strengths. We did not play poorly at the beginning of the match against Kobe. However, after the first goal conceded, we continued to play inappropriately for a long period, so I want to improve that and approach tomorrow's match with a better mindset. There are wins and losses in matches, and various factors influence them, which we cannot fully control. However, I told the players that we must not lose sight of what we need to do and our strengths. I want to regain the parts we have slightly lost and return to being the original team. I hope that tomorrow's match against Kyoto will be a wonderful opportunity for that.
Q: I believe the strength lies in high-intensity play. Kyoto is also a team with high intensity, but do you think surpassing that will be the key point in the match?
A, of course, one of our strengths is intensity. We must approach tomorrow's match with the same intensity. While maintaining a high level of intensity, we want to express our style and high-quality play.
Q: If we can maintain possession of the ball and regain our strength, does that mean we can become a strong team with good balance?
A, indeed balance is important. However, due to the lack of balance, there have been unstable matches this season. There are increasing instances where we lean too much towards maintaining possession of the ball and do not move towards the goal. Conversely, there is also the imbalance of rushing towards the goal and being unable to maintain possession of the ball. That is why we must take our time to grow in a way that allows us to always maintain a good balance. The balance of defensive aggressiveness, awareness of moving towards the goal, and maintaining possession of the ball.
Q: I think that gradually, after the summer, the team's foundation has been established, and we were able to play well in matches like the second half against Kashiwa and Yokohama FM. I felt we entered a phase where we could start realizing what we want to do. However, I also think that we faced challenges in the matches against Gamba and Kobe. Was that something you could have anticipated as part of the growth process, or was it a bit unexpected?
A, the 2022 season is a season of growth, and I believe everyone can understand that there is clear growth from the beginning of the season to now. However, the team is still in an unstable state. Within a single match, there are times when we can play well and times when we cannot. This was originally anticipated in this first season, and it is within our expectations. Some may mistakenly think that once the team has grown, we can win every match, but soccer is not that simple. There are those who fall into the extreme mindset that if we lose a match, everything is the worst. Of course, one of the attractions of soccer is the passion of the fans and supporters. However, as players and coaches, we must approach this sport professionally and continue to walk firmly in the direction we aim for. Of course, the team still has unstable situations. However, we must focus on what needs to be done, taking that into account. First, I am demanding more from myself. I am also demanding more from the players.
Q: Tomorrow we will have a match at the Japan National Stadium. Last time we played, we talked about wanting to play here more often. What are your thoughts on playing at the National, considering the weather as well?
Regarding A, I previously mentioned that for a team bearing the name of Tokyo, it would be better to play matches in the heart of Tokyo, considering the location of the stadium. Of course, we are supported by the people of this area during matches at Ajinomoto Stadium, and we are very grateful to those people and the community, and we are satisfied.
We are in the world of professional sports. I believe that professional sports are entertainment. Since we carry the name of Tokyo, I personally think that playing matches in the center of a big city is a more suitable place for professional sports as entertainment. Of course, it is better for a stadium not to have a track, but I also do not think that the location can be changed in the short term. However, in the long run, I personally believe that the future of FC Tokyo should be in the center of Tokyo. I think it requires time and patience.
[Player Interview]
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: There was talk that the team has undoubtedly built up after the Gamba match, but I feel there are still fluctuations this season, like in the match against Kobe. As we enter the final stages of the league, what is the current state of the team?
A, as I mentioned after the Gamba match, the entire team has definitely established a solid foundation compared to the beginning of the season, and I believe we are improving. However, soccer is a difficult game, and Kobe came in with a lot of determination, and with the support of their home crowd, they were very aggressive. We conceded two goals in the first half, which made the match quite challenging. Nevertheless, I feel that our soccer foundation is definitely taking shape.
Q: With only a few matches left this season, what is important for us to consistently express what we want to do?
A. While it is certainly important to maintain possession of the ball, I feel that in order to possess the ball, we need to apply pressure from the front and win the ball back with aggressive defense; otherwise, we cannot achieve advantageous possession in the opponent's territory. In the match against Kobe, even when we tried to push forward, there was no coordination, and as a result, the entire team ended up falling back. Even when we won the ball, each player was exhausted, and the distance to the goal was too far, which remains a challenge. Therefore, we want to showcase our attacking possession and strengths while maintaining aggressive defense.
Q: This season, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has made growth a major theme and has been emphasizing the importance of building a foundation. On the other hand, I think he has not set specific goals. What aspects would you like to focus on for motivation in the remaining matches?
A, our motivation remains unchanged, so there are certainly still possibilities, including the ACL zone. I believe that if we can firmly showcase the foundation we have built, the results will naturally follow. While it is not easy to present what we have accumulated, it serves as a great motivation, and for our growth, I want us to approach this with a high level of awareness.
Q: Please share your thoughts on standing on the pitch at the Japan National Stadium last time and your enthusiasm for tomorrow.
A, the moment I saw the pitch, I remember being truly impressed by how beautifully the grass looked, as if a carpet had been laid down. Not only did it look good, but playing on it felt stable, and I have a strong impression that it was very easy to play on. The atmosphere was, of course, fantastic as well. I have said this many times, but for someone like me who has experienced high school soccer, this is a dream stage, and I have always wanted to play at the National Stadium, so in that sense, I felt it was a wonderful stadium. In the last match against Gamba, we played good soccer, and we believe that the fans and supporters who came enjoyed it as well. Tomorrow, there will also be 1,500 fireworks before the match, and with such great entertainment prepared, we want to make sure to entertain with our soccer and aim for victory.
Q: The club aims for the highest attendance, but how does playing in front of a large crowd and loud cheers motivate you, Nagatomo?
A, if you look at my professional life so far, I think everyone knows that the more spectators there are, the more pressure I feel, and the bigger the stage, the more passionate I become. If as many people as possible come, it gives me a tremendous amount of power, especially in a J-League match, and at my beloved FC Tokyo's home, where there could be over 50,000 people, it seems like it will be an electrifying experience. I'm looking forward to it.
Q: You have played on both sides this season; please tell us what you keep in mind for each side.
This season, for the first time in my 15-year professional career, I am playing as a right back. I am really enjoying playing as a right back. What I have learned from playing on the right has allowed me to play in a way that feels different from my previous self when playing on the left, and I feel that I am growing as a player. I believe that playing on the right has also improved my performance on the left. Additionally, depending on the characteristics of the players around me, I can change my position, and the range of choices regarding whether to move inside or stay wide based on the match situation has greatly expanded, making the games very enjoyable.
Q: Is there any particular difference in awareness between the right and left?
A, there is no difference in awareness. I feel that there isn't really a significant difference. The players change their positions depending on the situation at that time, but other than that, I don't feel any discomfort within myself.
Q: What is the significance of the capital club FC Tokyo being able to play matches at the Japan National Stadium?
It is very gratifying that not only soccer players but all athletes can play at the Japan National Stadium, which represents Japan, and that FC Tokyo, the capital club, can play there. While it is certainly important to play there, I want to showcase wonderful soccer to the fans and supporters in Tokyo, as well as to the fans and supporters of the J.League and soccer.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: What is necessary to control the game against an opponent that applies high-intensity pressure like Kobe did in the previous match?
A, sometimes the intensity cannot be bypassed just by positioning, so I believe that individual adaptation and movements to shake off the opponent's marking are important. There were actually moments in the match against Kobe where we couldn't advance, so if we can ensure that players are positioned well between the opponents and have depth going forward, I think we can return to the good state of the team.
Q, I think it is also important for Matsuki to be the starting point for vertical passes and attacks from the front line.
As an inside half, I believe my role is to switch between defense and attack. However, I think that if I could create a bit more time for myself, it would add more depth to our attacks, so I want to actively work on that in the remaining matches.
Q: Tomorrow's opponent will be Kyoto. What kind of preparations will you make to face them?
A, as a home game, I hope we can play our own football without being overly respectful to our opponents and without being complacent.
Q: The opponent is also in the relegation battle, and like Tokyo, they have 1 win and 1 draw in their last 3 matches. It is expected that they will play with a strong determination.
A, of course, I think there will be more pressure in terms of pressing and mentally, and if we don't have a mentality that can withstand that, we obviously won't win. We haven't been doing well in the recent matches, so I want to win this game solidly to gain momentum and continue winning in the remaining matches.
Q: This time, there are many instances of wearing the third uniform and various events and performances. What impact does this have on the players?
A, I heard that last season we wore it in 3 away matches, and this season we will wear it in 1 match against Kyoto. There is joy in being able to embody the value and weight of the uniform while playing. I believe that fans and supporters will also be able to see soccer in a different light, and we ourselves are really looking forward to playing soccer in that uniform.
Q: Once again, please share your enthusiasm for tomorrow's match and a message for the fans and supporters.
A, since it's a home game, I want to win decisively and build good momentum for the remaining matches. As I always say, I want to approach this with even more determination than usual.
