[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, Happy New Year. During yesterday's announcement of the new structure, you mentioned the importance of the players' character. Could you please elaborate on that?
A soccer team, like a company or any organization, is important to express the value each individual holds. As a coach, I want every player to give everything they have for the team. It is my job to bring that out. If each person does not give their all, naturally the team's performance will decline. Therefore, if the workplace has an atmosphere where each individual can go forward with joy, for example, in our case, if the atmosphere in the locker room or during today's practice is better, players will naturally be encouraged to express everything they have. That is why first and foremost, I focus on bringing out everything from each individual. To give their all, the organization needs to have a good atmosphere. I believe this applies not only to soccer teams but to all organizations. I conveyed the same message to the players. I told them there are two non-negotiable points. One is to "be a good person." The other is to "love the ball." I communicated this to the players. Aside from these, everyone makes mistakes, and I make mistakes too. But these two points are non-negotiable.
Q: Last season started from zero, so we began from the very basics. In this first camp, what standards do you want to use to determine how far you want to progress?
A, this preseason, I want to dig deep from the start. Today is a training session for our fans and supporters, and tomorrow, after traveling, we will have light training to loosen up our bodies. However, starting the day after tomorrow, I want to begin solid and in-depth training. The first training session on Tuesday morning will be structured as if it is a continuation of the training from the end of last season, and I would like the players to participate with that mindset. I also want to ask all staff for continuity from last season.
Q: Can we hear the coach's opinion on Matsuki's performance throughout last season?
A, Kuu had two phases last season. In the first half of the season, he certainly expressed his bold play and ambition on the pitch, which was highly commendable. However, there were many tactical and technical mistakes. On the other hand, I think he proved to be a more mature player in the second half of the season. I believe the mistakes I mentioned earlier gradually decreased. However, in the away match against Nagoya Grampus at the end of the season, he made some immature mistakes that led to conceding goals and contributed to our defeat. Nevertheless, he is only 19 years old, so it's understandable that he makes mistakes due to his youth. He is still young and needs time. He is not only an important player for us but also an important player for Japan, and I believe he will grow into an even more significant player in the future. There is still plenty of room for growth, and he must continue to develop. For that, he needs time.
Q: You were the only rookie to play a key role. What is the difference between you and the other rookies who did not get a chance to play?
I believe that A, Kuu's greatest strength is his mental toughness. The World Cup has just taken place, and only players who are mentally strong can perform well in such tournaments. That is the difference between him and other young players.
Q: Please tell us again about the style of football the coach aims for and how much of it was achieved last season.
A, I think my style is very simple. It is about attacking and defending with the ball. Always with the ball. That is my style. There are various styles in football. For example, there is a style where you give the ball to the opponent and aim for a counterattack using the space in front of you. However, Japan is one of the top countries in the world in terms of economic power. Because of that, I believe Japan has the potential to aim for football that takes the lead in matches. Which style wins the game is a different story. But we carry the name Tokyo. Therefore, we are destined to aim for victory with a style that takes the lead in matches. Even at the end of last season, in the match against Nagoya Grampus, we went for the win with our style and controlled the game, but we could not win. In the final round, at home against Kawasaki Frontale, I think we controlled the game, but we did not win the match. The match result is something we cannot control. We can choose how to aim for victory, and we must aim for victory in a way that takes the lead in the match. That is the style we aim for. There is still a long way to go to improve the team's completeness.
I believe that last season was a year where we reached about 60% of our potential in terms of completion. We must continue to grow from here, and with the addition of new players and the performance and development of young players, I want to enhance the team's overall quality. As a medium to long-term goal, I think the club should not just focus on continuously winning titles, but rather strive to always be in the upper ranks and maintain the potential to be involved in the title race. I hope we can develop into a club that consistently has the potential to be among the top three teams, in a manner befitting Tokyo. However, this project is still in its second season. I am not foolish enough to set lofty goals that put pressure on myself like a boomerang, or to set goals that I believe are unattainable deep down. On the other hand, if we are one of the top two clubs in terms of management scale in J1, then we are destined to compete for titles immediately. However, our club has not yet reached that scale.
MIXI, Inc. joined the club, and we started a project last season with the hope that this club will grow and become a top-level club in this country. I believe there are still stages to go through. I have commented many times last season, but I think Japan is a mysterious country. This is because when the season starts, all teams set the goal of aiming for the league championship. In La Liga, it is quite rare for clubs with a smaller scale, such as Real Betis, to declare their goal of aiming for the league championship at the beginning of the season. However, I believe it is natural for clubs that are not necessarily large in scale to set the goal of growing towards that aim. What I am saying now does not mean that we do not aim for victory in the upcoming matches; on the contrary, we always give our best effort and aim for victory in the matches ahead with the best performance. That is something we continuously strive for.
Q: How did you view Spain in the World Cup?
A, for example, does Japan surpass Germany in potential? From my perspective, I believe the Germany national team is far superior to the Japan national team. However, in a single match of football, which is one of the wonderful aspects of this sport, there is a possibility for either team to achieve victory in a match of a tournament. In a World Cup match, to say that the Japan national team has surpassed Germany at the moment they achieve victory over the Germany national team is a misinterpretation. A tournament can yield various match results. The Spain national team also entered this World Cup with great potential, but like multiple countries, they did not achieve the expected results. However, we must not forget that Spain was eliminated on penalties. Saudi Arabia achieved victory over Argentina. This does not mean that Saudi Arabia is superior to Argentina, who won the World Cup.
Cup competitions, including the World Cup, involve various factors, sometimes including luck, that influence match results and ultimately determine the champion. The victory of Ventforet Kofu in last season's Emperor's Cup is still fresh in our memory. There is indeed a significant difference between the long-term battle of league matches and cup competitions. That is why I believe the league, as a long-term contest, is the tournament that properly evaluates the abilities of each team and club. However, a recent trend in the football world is that the strength of the teams is quite balanced. The J1 last year was also such a case; it was a competition with closely matched levels.Yokohama F.Marinos also possessed potential and were fortunate enough to claim the championship at the very end, which I believe proves that the league was highly competitive. As for Shimizu S-Pulse's relegation, it is hard to believe given their potential, but such outcomes can happen in this tightly contested league.
Q: I understand that Coach Albert is not making grand promises and not setting winning the championship as a goal, but I hear players like Kuryu MATSUKI mentioning the possibility of a treble, and new players expressing their desire to win in Tokyo. As a coach, a leader, and a father, how do you feel when you hear those words?
If they didn't have the hope of wanting to win the title, I would want to tell them to go home and sleep (laughs). It's unacceptable not to have such hope. However, as a realist, I am in a position where I must speak appropriately as a coach. As I mentioned yesterday, setting overly ambitious goals that create excessive expectations can lead to significant frustration, in my opinion. That's why, as a coach, I recognize that aiming for victory in the next match is the goal, and when considering this season over a longer span, the goal will be to express better play in every match compared to last season. The world of soccer is very simple. If we keep losing matches, we will have to leave this club; that is the norm in this soccer world. As a coach, I must face reality and speak as a realist.
Q: There was an announcement at yesterday's new system presentation, but once again regarding this year's reinforcements, I believe there are ideals and realities for the coach. How do you feel about it?
I am very satisfied with the new players added this time. Of course, I believe that if there had been more reinforcements, it would have been a plus for the club. Our path is to gradually increase investment and grow little by little.
Q: I understand that player Nakagawa will be participating in today's interview. What are your thoughts on player Nakagawa?
A, he is indeed an experienced and mature player. His position is a special one, and both he and I are aware of that. What we expect from him is clear. I sincerely hope that he will express the abilities he has shown in recent years once again while wearing our uniform.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q: The team's overall practice has started, what are your thoughts on it?
A, with new members including young players and experienced players joining, I hope they quickly adapt to the team and have a sense of being part of the team to contribute for the team. Compared to last year, I believe there will be even more competition this year, so if each individual can succeed within that, the team will also elevate its level and become stronger, and I want this to be such a year.
Q: It has been two years since Coach Albert's regime began. What do you think you need to build upon from last season's play?
I believe there is no other way than to improve the quality one by one. After that, I think we will develop through repeated trial and error, gaining experience in this style of football and with this team, so I want to make sure we do that properly.
Q: You will be serving as captain again this year. What were your thoughts when you heard about it?
As a captain, I feel a good pressure on myself, and I was able to see things from a different perspective, which I believe has contributed to my growth. I have to keep thinking about it, but I enjoyed it last year, so I think this year will also be a rewarding team experience.
Q: I think last year was a difficult year, but considering that, what kind of results do you aim for this year and where do you want to go?
A, we must always strive to win titles, and I believe that the team in Tokyo should aim not only to be the best in Japan but also to compete in Asia, so I think it is our role to pursue that goal.
Q: Please tell us your personal goals.
While taking my time to think during camp, I believe that going through the year without injuries is important for me. To achieve that, I think it’s essential to focus on care and how much time I can dedicate to soccer each day. Of course, there will be times when things don’t go well, but I want to spend fulfilling days and work on building my condition to be able to participate in matches throughout the year.
Q: This team has many young players. How do you want to lead this team?
I think what we can do is limited, but I believe the best thing is to give them good experiences. For that reason, I want to aim for the championship and compete for the title. There are things that will become clear through that process, and if we can provide those experiences while they are young, it will be a significant experience and asset for the future of Tokyo. Of course, we won't be the ones to give it to them, so I want us all to work together to achieve it.
Q: Last season was the first year of changing styles, so I think there was an aspect of focusing on content rather than results to some extent. This season, I believe we have reached a point where we must score, win, and aim for the championship, but conversely, does the situation where excuses can no longer be made make it easier for you?
A, it wasn't the case that we were taking a lenient stance last season just because it was a new approach; we were always aiming for victory. I believe the coach's communication with the outside and with us internally will change, and we have been constantly fighting against pressure while trying to balance results with the style of football the coach wants to implement. I think it comes down to how well we can express that at a higher level and connect it to results. We realized last season that if we don't demand more from each other at a higher level, we won't achieve results, so I believe we need to fight fiercely in every single match, as if each one is a must-win.
Q: Masato MORISHIGE, Yasuki KIMOTO, and Keigo HIGASHI form a triangle, and I believe the central block of five players with strong inside halves has become quite solid. Considering that as a place of confidence, what areas do you think we should strengthen to achieve more victories?
A. Until now, there haven't been many players who can score a lot of goals, especially among Japanese players. In that sense, Nakagawa is a player who has been able to put up numbers as a Japanese player, so I believe we need more players like that to emerge. Just like Matsuki was the center of the team last season, it would be ideal for one or two young players to step up and bring energy to the team, so I think that kind of development is necessary.
Q: There was a period last season when the team struggled to win while player Morishige was absent due to injury. I have the impression that the quality of our build-up play was significantly different when Morishige was on the field compared to when he wasn't. Regarding the quality you mentioned earlier, what specific aspects do you want your teammates to focus on during the build-up phase?
A. Last season, we were somewhat exploring and adjusting, and it was around the second half of the season that we finally understood, "This is how it should be done." I think the number of times everyone struggled started to decrease. The next challenge is how much we can improve the quality, reducing mistakes in key moments like the final pass. This is the most difficult and important aspect of this football. I believe the key to winning in this football is how well we can execute the basics at a high level.
Q: Is there anything you learned from the World Cup matches?
A, it is that individual ability is the most necessary. No matter how much you work as a team, in the end, it comes down to whether individuals excel or fall short, so if individuals in each position outperform their opponents, the whole team will inevitably win. Watching the World Cup, I was reminded once again that it really is about individuals.
Q: Earlier, player Morishige mentioned the word 'title', and the players who attended the new system announcement also said similar things. From the perspective of Morishige, who has experienced winning titles and competing for championships, do you feel that the current members and the style of football they are trying to play have the conditions to aim for a title this season?A: Although I have felt a sense of possibility many times in the past, various things have happened during the season. So rather than focusing on what I think now, I feel it is much more important how the team can respond and overcome any accidents that occur throughout the year. It is crucial how much unity the team can have and whether we can come up with ideas or team management strategies to solve issues when they arise.
Q: Earlier, the name of player Nakagawa was mentioned, and I think it's significant that a player who has experienced winning the league has come to us. What aspects do you hope he will contribute and communicate?A: I don't think that just because one such person has come, everything will go smoothly. We also hear various stories, and there are definitely hints in those, so I think it's about how we can utilize those hints within this team. Even if we do exactly the same thing, different results can occur, so I want to think about how we can apply those hints in this team.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: After finishing the team practice on the start date, do you have any thoughts or feelings about it?
I feel that the second season is about to begin, and I hope that all the fans and supporters will come and that we can aim for a higher ranking than last year.
Q: What kind of play do you want to add this season? Please let us know if there are any areas you want to strengthen compared to last year.
A, I definitely want to be involved more in scoring and assisting plays. I want to become a midfielder or shadow player who can dive into the goal area more.
Q: How did you spend your time off, and how active were you?
After the activities of the age-specific Japan national team ended, I spent about 1 to 2 weeks with my family. From there, I switched to this year and have been strengthening my weight training and agility.
Q: You mentioned that you want to be involved in scoring. Do you have specific numbers in mind?
There are no numbers. I believe a good player contributes to the team rather than focusing on individual achievements, so I think it would be nice if that leads to my own scoring.
Q: Please tell us the circumstances regarding whether the change of jersey number was your own wish or if it was discussed with the club.
A, since player Mita transferred to Yokohama FC and I also wanted to wear number 7, I contacted player Mita. He told me, "I want you to wear it," so I confidently discussed various things with the club and it was decided that I would wear number 7.
Q: What are your thoughts on playing this season wearing the number 7 jersey?
As the number 7 in Tokyo, I hope to create my own version of the number and play in a way that does not bring shame to the great predecessors who have worn it.
Q: As it is the second season, do you think there are parts where you feel more relaxed in a good way? What are your thoughts as you approach the opening match?
In my second year, I experienced it in high school, but it will be a challenging year, so I want to approach the camp with a more intense condition and mindset than the new players.
Q: Arai said, "I want to perform well from my first year like Matsuki." Are you conscious of anything with juniors coming in?
I believe I must set a good example. I think the juniors will also be competing hard during the camp to get on the field, so I want to work just as hard, if not harder, than them.
Q: I believe you watched the World Cup, but is Matsuki's main goal to become a regular member of the Japan national team, or is it to win the World Cup?
A, isn't it a World Cup victory? I think everyone would say that.
Q, please tell me the reason.
I don't think there is a team that does not aim for victory when representing Japan.
Q: What did you feel while watching the World Cup?
A, seeing my teammate Yuto NAGATOMO play made me feel closer to him, and I want to perform on the big stage and achieve results like Yuto.
Q: Last season, I think the team was able to control the ball quite well towards the end. This season, in aiming for the league championship, what specifically does the team want to achieve?
A, since an attacking player has joined, I think we need to experiment with combinations during camp regarding scoring. We also conceded many goals, so I want to play a style of football that holds the ball to avoid conceding goals while scoring more.
Q: Even with the risk of conceding goals, does that mean we need to take action in both defense and attack to increase our scoring?
A, that's right. I think it requires communication with the forwards, so I hope we can deepen that during the camp.
Q: As an inside half, do you want to emphasize your involvement in attacking plays and scoring more?
As an inside half, I believe I need to be involved in scoring since I am also an attacking player. I think I am the most eager among the competition, so I hope to achieve results in that regard.
Q: There has been talk that the second year is difficult, but what aspects were challenging?
In my second year of high school, I realized that while I was gaining confidence, I also had to lead the team. Having experienced that, I feel a sense of calm, but I also need to maintain my characteristic intensity and, although it's not about clinging on, I believe I must pursue the goal with determination.
Q, as a new adult, please tell us what kind of year you want this year to be.
Yes, that's right, I will become an adult in April. I think I will take a step up to a more mature level, so I want this year to be one that feels more adult-like. It's important to show that I'm not a child anymore. Since I have juniors now, I think I need to teach them various things.
Q: After being a key player for a year, do you have the desire to lead the team even more?
A, that's right. The seniors who have supported me so far have all gone to different clubs, so I have a lot of match experience, and I hope to lead the team.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q, How do you feel after the announcement of the new structure and the first full practice at Kodaira Ground? Please share your thoughts on participating as a member of Tokyo.
A, there are still many things I can't grasp. I've been busy with moving and just came to the clubhouse for the first time today, so there are parts I don't know where everything is. I'm happy to have the condition of the grass and such facilities. I feel fortunate because my previous team didn't have that kind of environment.
Q: Please tell us about the image you had of Tokyo from the matches so far.
A, what I felt during the match was the intensity at the ball. Since Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA arrived, I had the impression that we were entering the game with an awareness of ball possession and connecting from the back.
Q: Regarding your involvement, what kind of play do you think will be required of you, and do you have a specific image of what you want to demonstrate yourself?
I think the style when I was at Marinos and the style in Tokyo seem similar but are actually different. They are the same in terms of possession, but the way of doing it is something I still need to incorporate, and I believe I need to adapt more. So, I guess it's from now on. Within that, I hope to add my own strengths as a plus.
Q: I heard that you are quite laid-back. I also heard that your pre-match routine has many steps; how many are there?
A, there are probably countless things to count. However, I think there are definitely more than 20 things to do, so it's quite a lot. Additionally, since I go at my own pace, I always end up cutting it close on time, but I believe that's one of the good and bad aspects of being a football player. I hope to keep that steady. If someone points something out, I'll improve it (laughs).
Q: Will it be just the right balance to be organized in such a way?
Yes, that's the kind of image I have. I make sure to do what I need to do and prepare thoroughly before entering warm-ups and matches, so if I don't do that, I tend to worry. Therefore, I try to do similar things before every match.
Q: Do you feel that your routine is related to your performance?
A, of course there is. I believe that playing is about those experiences, so I think continuing that is one part of my football life, and I want to keep doing it.
Q: I think you were able to play throughout the year without any long absences last season. How do you feel about your physical condition heading into this year?
A, I was able to score in the opening match and the second round of last season, so the start was good. However, I haven't officially announced it, but to be honest, I was involved in matches while dealing with an injury after the second round. That has settled down, and around the summer, my condition and the quality of my play gradually improved, so I hope to maintain that this season and be able to strengthen myself further, which I believe will lead to good results.
Q: I believe that for Nakagawa, who is like the face of Marinos, the decision to transfer was made with strong feelings from a comfortable place. Please share your enthusiasm.
A, my time at Marinos has come to an end, and I think it's a good turning point. Coupled with my age milestone, I thought about taking on a new challenge, and at that time, Tokyo approached me. I listened to their vision for the future and their aspirations for this season, and I thought I would also like to take on this challenge. This is also a challenge for me to see how much I can achieve in Tokyo, and I believe there is a mission to deliver results. At the end of this season, I will see what results I have produced and what results the team has achieved, and I think I will understand how much I contributed. I am putting that kind of pressure on myself. In fact, I have been doing this all along.
Q: What was the most resonant word during the discussion?
A, I can't say much, but I felt their enthusiasm when they said that my skills are needed.
Q: What do you think is important for a team to win?
A, what I felt from my two experiences is that the sense of 'family' is extremely important. I conveyed that the 'family feeling' is something we value greatly during yesterday's announcement of the new structure. I believe that uniting as a team is the quickest path to victory, and if someone looks like they are struggling during play, it is natural for someone to go and help them. If we think of ourselves as a family, I believe that these small things can accumulate to create a strong team. I came here to aim for a strong team, so I want to create such a team.
Q: Do you want to point out things if you notice them to become a stronger team, or do you want to lead by example through your play? Which one is it?
A, since there is no captaincy, I hope to demonstrate it through my attitude during play and practice.
Q: Has anything changed since you experienced winning the championship?
The sense of achievement when we won the championship was so great that I was at a loss for words, having spent difficult times and sacrificed my freedom for soccer. I hope everyone in Tokyo can experience it.
Q: You mentioned that you came to the field for the first time today, did you meet anyone you know?
A, there are almost none. I think the only one I did a little with during university was Yasuki KIMOTO.
Q: How will you expand the circle?
I hope to be able to do things at my own pace (laughs). I don't usually go to talk to others, so I would be happy if you come to talk to me. Now that I am 30 and everyone around me is younger, it's a bit difficult for me to initiate conversations... (laughs).
Q: Did you have the opportunity to talk with the coach at the new system announcement event or during today's practice?
A, I have only contacted them once.
Q: What was the content?
A, I received an English message on LINE, so I don't understand it at all (laughs).
Q: What do you think is being asked of Nakagawa by the club and the coach?
A, I think it will be required to be clearer from now on, but what the coach said to me on the field earlier was that I should freely take on challenges in the attacking zone and create chances for goals and assists. I must express what the coach expects of me, even just a little, and I want to play in a way that satisfies the coach.
