TOKYOism

<Match Preview>
The last game of the season with a goal of transformation.

The current ranking after 33 league matches is 6th place. Compared to last season's 9th place, the performance has improved, but it can be said that it was a year where we were conscious of growth more than just the numbers. Kuryu MATSUKI, who has played in 30 matches so far, reflects on the team's changes throughout the season.

"Before the start of the season, it was difficult to move forward from the back. Now, we are able to possess the ball and also execute fast vertical counter attacks."

"Love the ball," said coach Albert Puig Ortoneda's style has gradually permeated. There are still many challenges, but each player is feeling the team's growth.

The opponent for this round is Kawasaki, a good rival across the Tama River. As they lost 0-1 in the opening match of this season, it should be a great opponent to measure the team's growth. Although the opponent is also in a situation where they could win the championship, Matsuki says, "It doesn't concern us," and positions this Tama River Clasico as "a match to show what kind of soccer we will play from next season onwards."

Tokyo shows the culmination of this season towards the future.

Matchday Program here

[Interview with Coach Albert]

Q, today will be the last enclosed coverage of this year, thank you for this season.
A, I am the one who should be grateful. As the phrase "traveling together" suggests, traveling together with everyone, including all of you, is important to us. Your articles are a very important part for the club. In that sense, I would like to express my gratitude to all of you.

Q: I have been watching the team's progress day by day, but it feels like this past year has gone by in the blink of an eye. How was the coach?
A, Although it feels short now, when I was there, I felt it was a long season. I think that the past 3 seasons have been difficult for everyone due to COVID. At this moment, the reason why it feels like time has passed quickly is because the players have been growing steadily. Because I was able to feel the players' growth every day, I felt joy and happiness, and looking back, it feels like time has passed quickly.

Q, I think tomorrow's game will be the culmination of a year.
A, As I mentioned the other day, when limited to one game, the result can change in various ways. That's why, whether good or bad, we should not see that one game as a summary of the season. I think everyone has witnessed the gradual growth of this season. For example, even in the recent Nagoya game, we were able to express our growth, but we lost the game. However, I think people felt that the team was growing even though we lost, and there were probably some Nagoya fans and supporters who won but didn't feel good about it. And I think the Tokyo fans and supporters who came to support us away, even though we lost the game, sang warm songs after the game because they also witnessed the team's growth. That's why, I would be happy if the team could express their growth on the pitch again in tomorrow's game, but even if that's not the case, there is no doubt that the team has grown.

Q, What are your thoughts looking back on this season as a challenge for Tokyo?
First of all, I think it was a positive season. If we had won against Nagoya, it would have been a game to move up to third place (against Kawasaki), so I think we are in a good position. However, I want to focus on the quality of football rather than the results of the game. I want to emphasize to everyone that it is not easy for the players to grow in a short period of time.

Q: When I asked about the team's growth the other day, you said it had reached 60%. Was that within your expectations?
A, First of all, what I mean by 100% completion is a collection of a winner's mentality, playing in a way that winning every game is a given, and proving it in both performance and results. For me, that is 100% completion. With that in mind, I started this season with the expectation and hope that the team would be able to raise their completion level to 40-60% by the end of the season, which would be satisfactory. And as a result, the players' contributions have allowed us to raise the completion level to the best 60% in the expected range. So, for next season, if we can reach 80% completion by the end of the season, I think that would be a success. Filling the remaining 60-80% will be even more difficult than before. The players who join the team will become more important, and of course, we will continue to demand a lot from the players in every training session next season, and if they can clear that, we will give them even more difficult tasks to help them grow. It is important for us to create an environment where the players have no choice but to grow. This season started at 0% completion during the pre-season. Next season, we will be able to start at 60% completion, so the starting position will be completely different. The growth of the players includes the ability for new players to adapt to the team quickly and express their talents within a short period of time. And we hope to reach 80% completion by the end of next season. After that, let's talk about how to fill the remaining 80-100%. One thing we must not forget in order to raise the completion level of the team is to continue to fight for victory. That is an important aspect. The closer the completion level gets to 100%, the more the team will be able to focus on winning as a given and express it on the pitch. I believe that will allow us to compete for the top positions.

Q, What do you think about both teams being different from the opening game?
A, I think tomorrow's match is a game where either team can win. Tomorrow, what I am imagining is that the team is already prepared to take the pitch without fear against teams like Kawasaki or Yokohama F.Marinos, as we approach the final match of the season. Tomorrow, of course, there is a possibility that we may lose. However, I am confident that the players will be able to take the pitch with the belief that they can compete equally with them. On the other hand, at the beginning of the season, when we heard the name of the opposing team, we were a little nervous, but tomorrow, even against Kawasaki, that is not the case, and I think that is a big difference. That is the foundation.

[Player Interview] 
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞

Q, We are approaching the final match of the season. How do you feel about the team's growth over the past year?
A,I think that by continuing to take on the challenge of new soccer in a positive way, we have been able to see the direction and gradually gain confidence in the end, and we are now able to play the game with confidence. There are still challenges, but I feel that a good cycle is being created by the players actively working to solve them.

Q: Looking back on the season, there were times when the results didn't come easily. As the captain, how did you approach the team?
A,We knew it would take time for results to come, so even when things didn't go well, we were conscious of not doubting the direction we were aiming for and focused on approaching soccer. Now, little by little, we have a sense of getting closer to the ideal group. We can have discussions about soccer and have fun and tough training together. In that sense, I think the attitude of players like Yuto Nagatomo and Keigo Higashi has a big influence on the younger players.

Q, there were many scenes where players talked to each other after practice this season.
A, Tokyo's "love for the ball" soccer, which they are working on, has so many options for play that there is no end to the worries. Many things cannot be solved without players discussing with each other, but perhaps it is because this process is enjoyable that they can actively engage in soccer.

Q: What kind of team do you want to create in Tokyo for the upcoming season?
A,My ideal is to play an exciting and enjoyable football that makes you feel excited. In order to do that, I think we need to aim for a more attacking football that can score more goals. I believe that this season, the fans and supporters have had to endure a lot, but I am confident that we can make next season a more enjoyable year for them. In this match, we will do our best to make it a game that everyone can look forward to and that will lead to next season.

<Kuryu MATSUKI>

Q, After winning in high school soccer, what was your image before the match against the team that won the J-League in the previous year?
A, I think this team can be called an absolute champion in recent years, and although the members have changed a little, I thought it was a very good team when I watched the game.

Q, I made my first appearance and first start as a professional, but what instructions did I receive from coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA?
It was my first time playing soccer on a professional stage, and the coach told me to stay calm and play. Diego TABA also talked to me and it was an environment where I could easily blend in on the pitch.

Q, What was your state of mind when you were chosen for the starting lineup?
A, I thought it would be fun.

Q, actually standing on the pitch and facing players like Leandro DAMIAO and Akihiro IENAGA, who are at a level not seen in high school soccer, how did you feel? Are there any players who left an impression on you?
A, In addition to players IeNaga and Damian, I felt that the level of all players was high. I just became a professional from high school and it was a game in a completely different speed, so at first I couldn't imagine it, but as I got used to it, I think I was able to play a game that didn't lose to those players. Damian's final goal made me feel that this is what it means to be a professional.

Q: In that game, Matsuki made a strong impact by shooting a close-range shot that was unfortunately saved by the opposing goalkeeper. As we approach the end of the season, if Matsuki were to play in that game again, would anything change?
A, I think that what I do in the current soccer is different from the previous game. Since I have been playing in the game and gaining experience, I think there are more things I can do now than in the opening game.

Q: What are the differences between the previous and current football?
A, I think that pressing from the front has not changed since the opening game, but the way we build up has changed.

Q: Have your thoughts changed after spending one year as a professional? Also, please tell us about the areas where you have grown.
Since becoming a coach, Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has taught me to "love the ball", which has also contributed to my own growth. In terms of playing style, moving towards the goal while maintaining possession is an area where I have grown.

Q: In the Tama River Clasico during the 2018 season, does Tokyo feel any special atmosphere despite not winning since Matsuki was in junior high school?
A, I didn't feel that kind of atmosphere at the opening game. I don't have the feeling of it being a Clasico, but I am determined to win the game in front of me. However, when I think about the fact that we haven't been able to win, the desire to win in the final match arises.

Q, What do you think of Coach Albert's soccer?
A, soccer is a sport where players aim for the goal while holding the ball, and I think that each player is required to change their play style. You can attack with a sharp counterattack if there is space in front while connecting the ball, and I think it is a team that is strong and adaptable.

Q, please share your enthusiasm.
It is a big thing for us to be able to play the final match at home, and we want to end the season with a good game and carry it over to the next season.

<Koki TSUKAGAWA>

Q, At the time of the opening game, Tsukagawa was a player for Kawasaki Frontale. What was the atmosphere like for the opening game for the team that has won two consecutive titles?
We had won two consecutive championships, but we thought of it as starting from scratch. For Kawasaki Frontale, the first match was a crucial battle to see if we could ride the momentum or not. No one was thinking about winning two consecutive championships, and I think everyone was fighting with their hearts in this season's first match.

Q, Tokyo, our opponent, has just changed their coach. How were they scouted and what kind of countermeasures were prepared?
A, it's a historic Tama River Clasico, and everyone felt that it wasn't just a regular game. We saw this as a battle that would affect the team's motivation going forward, whether we win or lose. We knew that it would take a lot of time to come up with a new strategy against Tokyo, and we were prepared to fight knowing that there would be some weaknesses. We were thinking about taking control of the game from the start and putting pressure on them.

Q, Chanathip entered the pitch as a substitute in the 63rd minute, what specific mission was given to Tsukagawa and what were you feeling while playing?
A, In the first game, it was important for the team to win or lose in order to gain momentum. We prepared to win for the team and entered the game with a winning mindset. The message to win was conveyed as the score was 0-0. As a result, we were able to win 1-0 and complete the task given by the coach. However, personally, I remember it as a frustrating game with remaining challenges.

Q: Are there any players on FC Tokyo that you were careful of?
A, Diego Taba is a player who has a good sense of scoring in front of the goal, so I was personally aware of the fear of being scored on in that area.

Q, Was there anything about Matsuki?
A, I remember thinking, "Is this really a high school student?" when they played confidently against Kawasaki in the opening game after graduating from high school.

Q: What do you think is the strength of Kawasaki?
A, I think there are many elements, but I think they are always thinking about soccer. Kawasaki has a lot of stoic players, and I think their ability to achieve something that is not easy to do, like winning consecutive championships, is related to the fact that they don't get too excited. What surprised me was that even when they win, they only celebrate in the locker room right after the game, and when they leave the stadium, they switch their mindset. In the teams I've been on before, we often carried the joy of winning to the next game, but Kawasaki has a switch after winning, and I think that team had the mentality that winning was normal. Their mentality was amazing.

Q, As a player of FC Tokyo, you will be facing your former team. Who do you need to be cautious of from your position as Tsukagawa player, and what kind of play do you want to focus on? Also, what is your state of mind?
A, I think the player to be wary of is Akihiro IENAGA. IENAGA can create the game on his own and change the flow. However, if we can contain IENAGA, it will be difficult for Kawasaki to play their desired style of soccer. If we give him too much freedom, it will become Kawasaki's rhythm. I'm not sure if our positions will overlap, but I want to be conscious of not getting caught up in the opponent's flow and stop IENAGA.

Q: How do you feel about facing Kawasaki after transferring mid-season?
A, I am really looking forward to it. It's a team that I have been very grateful for, and all the players are great people. It was a difficult time for me, but I have many good memories as well. I am really excited to be able to play on the pitch with my former teammates.

Q, What do you think of Coach Albert's football? It is said to be "connecting football", but how is it different from Coach Oniki's?
A, Rather than the difference between coach Albert and coach Oniki, I think it's more about the difference in players and who will play. Playing connecting football means handling the ball well and looking around well. In that sense, I think each team has its own style, and Kawasaki has player Kengo who creates time and allows the team to possess the ball. Tokyo also has that aspect, but the individual strength of the players in the front line is even stronger, so I want to make good use of that.

Q, please share your enthusiasm.
A, I knew that the final match would be with Kawasaki Frontale when I transferred. If I don't earn my position, I won't be able to play in this match, and I wanted to fight with my teammates who have fought with me for a year and a half on this pitch. I have worked hard to earn the right to stand on this pitch, so I want to stand firmly on the pitch and win in the final match.