<Match Preview>
Japan National Stadium, Tokyo, defeated Kyoto 2-0 and won the away game against Kashima 1-0 in the previous round. They have won two consecutive games and have risen to 6th place in the league. Shuto ABE, who scored the crucial winning goal in the Kashima game, said, "It was reassuring to see the away seats filled with fans. I was happy to share the joy with the fans and supporters of Tokyo who fought alongside us," and expressed his gratitude to them.
Only 4 games left this season. Kashif BANGNAGANDE says, "We will fight as if every game is a final round," while Seiji KIMURA emphasizes the importance of sticking to their own style. Their attitude of seeking both quality and results in their play will not change until the end.
This round, we will welcome Shonan at home. Although they are currently struggling in 15th place, their last 3 games have all ended in a draw. They have been persistently accumulating points towards remaining in the league, so it won't be an easy match.
Kashif BANGNAGANDE said about the previous match against Shonan, "We lost because our play intensity dropped, so we must not lose there." In order to show the progress of this season, we will challenge Shonan's style head on and achieve three consecutive wins in the league.
Matchday program here
[Interview with Coach Albert]
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Q, Is the football that Tokyo is currently expressing what the coach envisioned?
A, of course, what I always imagine is to hold the ball and dominate the game. When I came to Tokyo, the first thing I felt was that the team was in a difficult mental situation. As a team, we were still ingrained with linear play towards the goal, and we had players who were good at that. At first, it was difficult to even connect three passes. We were losing all the balls we took. At first, we fought by holding the ball, not crushing the individual characteristics of the players, and attacking from behind. And we accumulated points.
However, as we transitioned to a new style and focused on possessing the ball more, there were times when the players became confused and we dropped points. However, because we had accumulated points at the beginning of the season, we were able to handle the confusion and continue the season with more composure. However, I think that after people around us had high expectations due to our initial success, there was a bit of disappointment that followed. But that's not the case. For me, it was natural and we have been progressing smoothly throughout the process. I believe the team can see this in both training and matches, as our level of expression has improved. From the mental breakdown of last season, I believe this team needs to regain motivation and ambition, and I feel that it is gradually being regained.
The style that we are currently expressing in Tokyo is something that we have gradually built up, and we must continue to refine it while moving the ball. That is how we will dominate the game. This season, we have established a base for our team. Our goal is to control the game while aggressively fighting for the ball. Our base includes making runs into open spaces and quickly transitioning to attack while in possession of the ball. Next season, we must attack in a way that fits our style. This season, the thing that we value most about our team is that our players have given their all in 99% of the games. I don't think anyone can criticize that.
Q, this will be the fourth match against Shonan this season. How do you feel about it?
A, I think this will probably be the most difficult match out of the four matches from here. Shonan is fighting to avoid relegation. And they are a good team, and we lost away. They can change the way they play depending on the situation. And the players understand what the coach is asking for. Tokyo players are in a calm zone when looking at the ranking. However, they need to express their ambition on the pitch from that state.
Q, How is it that Shonan has only lost to Yokohama FM since entering September?
A, we need the support of our fans and supporters as it will be a very difficult game. The team had a good practice this week, so we hope to have a good game.
[Player Interview]
Diego OLIVEIRA
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Q, with only 4 games left, how do you feel about your performance so far?
With only four games left, everyone on the team understands that the next game against Shonan (Bellmare) will be crucial. We need to take each game seriously and fight hard, because we know that our future depends on it. So first, we need to prepare well for the Shonan game and give it our all.As for my performance this season, I struggled with a foot injury that I sustained during training camp. Even when I was able to play in games, I had to endure the pain in my foot. So I'm not sure if I was able to play better than last year. However, I believe I was able to do what I could for the team, such as running for the team's sake.
Q, Has your playing style changed since the coach changed last season?
A, of course, as a professional player, I understand that the way of doing things differs depending on the coach.However, in terms of this season, we are aiming for a soccer that surpasses our opponents in terms of holding the ball for a longer time and in terms of technique. At the beginning of the season, we felt difficulties and there were many scenes that didn't go well, but as we played more games, we gradually adapted and I think we are able to love the ball and play with it.So, I think that not only the staff but also the fans and supporters are satisfied with the soccer we are playing.
Q, As a vice captain this season, have you noticed any changes in how you interact with your teammates compared to before?
First of all, being chosen as vice captain means that I have been evaluated based on my actions and play over the past few years, so I am happy about it.I don't think my approach will change now that I have been chosen as vice captain based on my actions. If there is a need for communication on the field, I will do so and continue to act as I have been.In that regard, in the previous match against Kashima Antlers, Seiji KIMURA was selected as a starter. I knew he was a quality player who could contribute to our victory if he could express himself on the pitch. Before the game, I talked to him a little to help him play more calmly, and he entered the game in a good state and helped the team win. In that sense, I think such communication was important.
Q, what kind of encouragement did you give?
A, As I mentioned earlier, I gave the instruction to "stay calm and play". We always practice together and recognize that he has the ability, so I told him to stay calm and enter the pitch with confidence.Also, I encouraged everyone to run for 90 minutes together and aim for a victory in the end.
Q, Coach Albert Puig Ortoneda always says, "The team is still in the process of being built this season, and it will continue to improve." Do you, as a player, also feel the same way?
A, The soccer we have been playing up until now and the soccer we are aiming for this year are very different, so this year was a year of change.In that sense, I think it was very difficult. However, since the coach has been saying "I want to play this kind of soccer" since the camp, I think the players have been adapting well and growing with each game, and they have become able to beat strong opponents while growing. Also, whether it's at home or away, I think we have shown the attitude of fighting firmly while keeping possession of the ball. Even in the games we lost, I think we showed the attitude of not giving up and trying to keep possession of the ball, so when I look back on this season as a whole, it was a difficult year, but I think it was a year that we were able to overcome while adapting. I am convinced that it has definitely led to next year.
Q, This season, voice cheering has gradually been allowed and the voices of fans and supporters in the stands can be heard, but does it still feel different?
A, I believe that the cheers of the fans and supporters are a great source of strength. Even if we are faced with a difficult situation during the game, the support of the fans and supporters can turn our energy around and help us overcome many matches. Therefore, the vocal support of the fans and supporters is a very powerful force. I think that all remaining matches of this season will be vocal support, and I would be happy if we could continue to have vocal support for all matches in the future.
Masato MORISHIGE
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Q, How was the game against Kashima without player Morishige?
A, As a team, we have been able to improve our accuracy with each game, and I think it was a good game where we were able to express our own style of play rather than focusing on the opponent.
Q, what is your image of the way you play against Shonan in the Levain Cup?
A, We have a challenge of how to break down the opponent in front of the goal while the opponent is pulling blocks. I think the opponent will also defend persistently, but we want to play while enjoying how to score.
Q: How is the team doing in the second half?
A, As we struggled in the first half, things have become clearer and better. With each game, I hope the team's level will improve as we continue to try and error.
Q, I feel that the movement of the players around the defense line when they have the ball has also improved.
A, we are able to share the image of build-up, and not only the defense line but also the cooperation with the midfield is going well, so I think we are able to smoothly move the ball and switch to attack as a team.
Q, what is necessary to establish a newer style among them?
A, I think it is important for individuals to show their characteristics among the things that the team should do. I think that there are limits to just doing what the team should do, so I think it is important for individuals to make a difference.
Q: How do you plan to play the remaining 4 games of this season?
A, We must do what we need to do to level up. We want to focus on improving the team's overall performance rather than worrying about our ranking.
Q, I think we are in a position to aim for the ACL as well.
I think that if we keep winning, we will naturally see good results, so I want to play well with good motivation.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the first game at Ajinomoto Stadium in a while.
A, I want to do my best to win in front of the fans and supporters at home at Ajinomoto Stadium, where we often have good games in the second half.
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