[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, Happy New Year. At yesterday's new system announcement meeting, you mentioned the human aspect as something you expect from the players. Can you tell us more about it?
A, As for soccer teams, companies and organizations, it is important for each individual to express their value. As a coach, I want each player to give everything they have for the team. It is my job to bring that out. If each individual does not give their all, the team's performance will naturally decline. Therefore, if there is an atmosphere in the workplace where each individual can go with joy, for example, in our case, if the atmosphere in the locker room or the atmosphere of today's practice is better, the players will naturally be encouraged to express themselves. That is why it is important for me to first bring out everything from each individual. In order to give their all, I think it is necessary for the organization to have a good atmosphere. This applies not only to soccer teams, but to all organizations. I also conveyed the same message to the players. I told them that there are two points that cannot be compromised. One is to "be a good person" and the other is to "love the ball". I conveyed this to the players. Everyone makes mistakes, and I make mistakes too. But these two points are non-negotiable.
Q, Last season was a start from 0, so we started from the basics, but in this first training camp, what do you want to progress based on and how far do you want to go?
A, for this pre-season, we want to dig deep from the start. Today's training is for the fans and supporters, and tomorrow, after traveling, it will be a light training to loosen up the body. But from the day after that, we want to start a thorough and in-depth training. The first training on Tuesday morning the day after tomorrow will be like a continuation of the training at the end of last season, and we want the players to participate with that in mind. We also want to ask all the staff to continue from last season.
Q, Can we hear the coach's opinion on Matsuki's performance throughout last season?
A, I think there were two phases for Nagoya Grampus last season. Regarding the first half, he certainly expressed his bold play and ambition on the pitch, which was highly valued. 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. The mistakes I mentioned earlier gradually decreased. However, in the away game against Nagoya Grampus towards the end of the season, he made a childish mistake which led to a goal and contributed to our defeat. However, he is only 19 years old, so I think it's natural for him to make mistakes because he is still young. He still needs time. He is not only an important player for us, but also an important player for Japan, and I believe he will continue to grow into an even more important player in the future. There is still room for growth and he must continue to grow. That's why he needs time.
Q, I was the only rookie who played an active role. What was the difference between me and the other rookies who didn't get a chance to play?
A, I think the biggest strength of Kusei is his mental toughness. Even though the World Cup has just ended, the players who perform well in such a big tournament are only those who are mentally strong. That is the difference between him and other young players.
Q, Tell us again, please tell us about the soccer that the coach aims for and how much it was achieved last season.
A, I think my style is very simple. It is to attack and defend with the ball. Always with the ball. That is my style. There are various styles in soccer. For example, there is a style of conceding the ball to the opponent and aiming for a counterattack with the space in front of you. However, Japan is a country with top economic power in the world. That is why I think Japan has the potential to aim for soccer that can be the main character in the game, even in the subject of Japan. Which style can win the game is a different story. However, we carry the name of Tokyo. That is why I think we are destined to aim for victory with a style that can be the main character in the game. Even in the end of the season, in the game against Nagoya Grampus, we went to win with our style and dominated the game but could not win. Even in the final match, against Kawasaki Frontale at home, I think we dominated the game but could not win. We cannot control the game result. We can choose how to aim for victory, and we must aim for victory with a style that can be the main character in the game. That is the style we aim for. There is still a long way to go to improve the completeness of the team.
Last season, we were able to reach about 60% completion in terms of our overall performance. From here, we must continue to grow and improve, with the addition of new players and the development of our young players, in order to raise the level of our team. And as a long-term goal, I believe that this club should not just focus on winning titles, but rather strive to always be in the top ranks and have the potential to compete for titles. I hope that we can become a club that consistently maintains a top three position, befitting of Tokyo. However, this project is only in its second season. I am not foolish enough to set unrealistic goals that will only bring pressure upon myself like a boomerang. On the other hand, if we were one of the top two clubs in terms of management scale in J1, then it would be our destiny to immediately compete for titles. However, our club has not yet reached that level.
MIXI joined the club and we started this project last season with the goal of growing this club and becoming a top-level club in this country. We still have a long way to go. As I have mentioned many times last season, I think Japan is a mysterious country. This is because when the season starts, all teams set their goal to win the league title. In La Liga, it is not common for clubs with a small management scale, such as Real Betis, to declare their goal of winning the league title at the beginning of the season. However, I think it is natural for clubs with a small scale to set a goal of growing and aiming for that. This does not mean that we do not aim for victory in the upcoming matches, but we always give our best and aim for victory in each match with our best performance. We will continue to strive for that.
Q, How did you see Spain in the World Cup?
A, for example, does Japan surpass Germany in terms of potential? From my perspective, I think the German national team is far superior to the Japanese national team. However, in a single game of soccer, this is also the wonderful aspect of this sport, there is a possibility for both teams to win in a single tournament. In a single game of the World Cup, it is a mistaken interpretation to say that the Japanese national team has surpassed Germany the moment they win against the German national team. In a single tournament, various game results can occur. The Spanish national team also had a great potential as a representative, and challenged the World Cup this time, but like several other countries, they were unable to achieve the expected results. However, we must not forget that Spain also lost in a penalty shootout. Saudi Arabia won against Argentina. Does this mean that Saudi Arabia can be interpreted as being superior to Argentina, who won the World Cup? Absolutely not.
Cup competitions, including the World Cup, have various elements that can sometimes affect the outcome of a match, including luck, and determine the winner. I think the victory of Ventforet Kofu in last season's Emperor's Cup is still fresh in our memories. There is a big difference between long-term league competitions and cup competitions. That's why I believe that the long-term league competition is the tournament that properly evaluates the abilities of each team and club. However, as a recent trend in the soccer world, I think there is a balance of power among national teams. Last year's J1 was also a battle of evenly matched levels.Yokohama F.Marinos also had the potential and were fortunate enough to win in the end, which I think is proof of the competitive nature of the league. And while it may be hard to believe given their potential, the relegation of Shimizu S-Pulse is a testament to the competitiveness of this league.
Q, As a coach, I am well aware that I should not spread out the big futon of Albert, and I should not aim for the championship, but I hear words like Matsuki Kuryu player mentioning the triple crown, and the new players who have come want to win in Tokyo. When you hear those words, how do you feel as a coach, as a leader, and as a father?
If they didn't have the desire to win the title, I would want to tell them to go home and sleep (laughs). They should have that desire. However, as a realist, I am in a position where I must speak as a coach in an appropriate manner. As I mentioned yesterday, I believe that setting unrealistic goals that create excessive expectations will only lead to frustration. That is why, as a coach, my goal is to aim for a victory in the next game, and if we look at this season in a longer span, the goal will be to express better play in every game than last season. The world of football is very simple. If you keep losing games, you have to leave this club. That is the norm in the world of football. As a coach, I am in a position where I must face reality and speak as a realist.
Q, There was an announcement at yesterday's new system announcement, but what do you think about this year's reinforcement again, considering the ideal and reality of the coach?
A, I am very satisfied with the new players who have joined this time. Of course, if there were more reinforcements, I think it would have been a plus for the club. Our path is to gradually increase investment and gradually grow.
Q, I heard that Nakagawa will participate in today's interview. How do you feel about Nakagawa?
A, he is still 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 continue to demonstrate the abilities he has shown in recent years, together with our uniform.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, what are your thoughts on the team's overall practice starting?
A, I want new members such as young players and experienced players to quickly get used to the team and have a sense of being a part of the team, and do their best for the team. I think there will be even more competition this year compared to last year, so if each and every one of us can win, the level of the team will rise and the team will become stronger. I want to make this year like that.
Q, Under the leadership of Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, it will be the second year. What do you think you can build on from last season's play?
A, I think there is only one way to improve the quality one by one. After that, I think it will be created by repeating trial and error, and gaining experience in this soccer and in this team, so I want to do it firmly.
Q, What did you think when you heard that you will be the captain again this year?
By being the captain, I also have good pressure and I can see things from a different perspective, which I think contributes to my own growth. I still have to keep thinking, but I enjoyed it last year and I think this year will be a team with a sense of fulfillment.
Q, I think last year was a difficult year, but based on that, please tell us what kind of results you are aiming for this year.
A, we must always aim for the title, and as a team from Tokyo, we must not only aim to be the best in Japan, but also in Asia. That is our role.
Q, please tell me your personal goals.
A, I think it's important for me to go through the whole year without getting injured while thinking slowly at the camp. For that purpose, I think it's important to take care of myself and spend as much time as possible for soccer every day.I think it will come back to me how much I can spend for soccer. Of course, there may be times when things don't go well, but I want to create a condition where I can play in the game throughout the year by spending a fulfilling day.
Q, this team has become a team with many young players, how do you want to lead this team?
A, I think that there are limited things we can do, but I think the best thing is to give them a good experience, so we still want to aim for the championship and the fight for the championship. There are things that can be seen in that, so if we can give them that experience at a young age, I think it will be a great experience and asset for Tokyo in the future. Of course, we are not the ones who can give it to them, so we want to work together to win it.
Q, Last season was the first year we changed our style, so there was a certain aspect of focusing on the content rather than the results. This season, we have reached a point where we have to score points, win, and become champions, but do you think it is easier to handle a situation where we cannot make excuses?
A, last season we were not taking a lenient stance just because it was a new stance, and we were always aiming for victory. I think the communication from the coach to the outside and to the inside will change, and we have always been trying to balance the pressure and the soccer that the coach is trying to do. After that, I think it's about how well we can express it at a high level and connect it to results. We learned last season that if we don't demand more at a higher level, we won't get results, so I think we have to fight desperately in each game, not just one game at a time.
Q, The triangle of Masato MORISHIGE, Yasuki KIMOTO, and Keigo HIGASHI, combined with five strong inside halves, has become quite solid. Where do you think we should focus on strengthening in order to continue winning with confidence?
A, Until now, there haven't been many players who can score a lot of points, especially as Japanese players. In that sense, I think Nakagawa is a player who can score numbers as a Japanese player, so I think that kind of player should come out. Last season, as Matsuki became the center of the team, it would be ideal for young players to come out one or two at a time and give the team energy, so I think that is necessary.
Q, There was a period last season when the team couldn't win when Morishige was absent due to injury in several matches. I have the impression that there was a significant difference in the quality of the team when Morishige was on the field and when he wasn't. What specific qualities do you want to see from your teammates and what aspects of the team's formation do you want to focus on in order to improve the team's performance?
A, Last season, there were parts where we were feeling our way through, but as we made adjustments, around the second half, we finally understood "this is how it should be" and I think the number of times everyone was struggling decreased. From there, it's about how much we can improve the quality, whether it's with one final pass or reducing mistakes in those areas. That's the most difficult and important part of this football, being able to do the basics at a high level. I think that's the secret to winning in this football.
Q, Is there anything you learned from the World Cup matches?
A, it is most important to have individual ability. No matter how much you do as an organization, in the end it comes down to whether the individual is superior or inferior, so I think if each individual can win against the opponent in their position, the whole team will inevitably win. Watching the World Cup, I realized once again that it's all about the individual.
Q, Earlier, there was a word "title" from Morishige's mouth, but the players who appeared at the new system announcement also said the same thing. From Morishige, who has won the title and experienced the championship battle, do you feel that the members of this season and the soccer they are trying to do have the conditions to aim for the title? A, I feel that it is more important to think about how the team can deal with and overcome accidents throughout the year, rather than how I feel now, as many things have happened in the middle of the season despite having a sense of accomplishment many times in the past. It is important for the team to have a sense of unity and to have ideas or team management that can solve problems when something happens.
Q, Earlier, Nakagawa's name was mentioned, but I think it's a big deal that a player who has experienced winning the league has come. What do you want to convey and return? A, I don't think everything will go well just because one person like that has come. We also hear various stories, and there are always hints there, so I think it's about how we can use those hints in this team. Even if we do exactly the same thing, different results will come out, so I want to think about how we can use those hints in this team.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, after finishing the full practice on the starting day, do you have any enthusiasm or feelings?
A, We are grateful for the support of our fans and supporters, and we have the desire to aim for a higher ranking than last year as we enter our second season.
Q, What kind of play do you want to add this season? If there is anything you want to strengthen compared to last year, please let us know.
A, I still want to be involved in many plays that lead to goals and assists. I want to become a more attacking midfielder or shadow so I can jump into the goal area more.
Q, What did you do during the off-season and how much did you move around?
After the activities of the Japan national team by age group ended, I spent about 1-2 weeks with my family. From there, I switched to this year and have been focusing on strength training and agility.
Q: Did you talk about wanting to be involved in scoring? Do you have any specific numbers in mind?
A, there are no numbers. I think it's a good player who contributes to the team rather than individual performance, so I hope it leads to my own score.
Q, Please tell us the circumstances of whether the change of jersey number was your own wish or if there was a discussion with the club.
A, I contacted Mita, who transferred to Yokohama FC, because I also wanted to wear the number 7. Mita said he wanted me to wear it, so I confidently talked to the club and was able to wear the number 7.
What are your thoughts on playing this season wearing the number 7?
A, I hope to create my own number 7 without playing in a way that would shame the great seniors who have worn it in Tokyo.
Q, do you think there are parts where you can relax in a good way in your second season, and how do you feel about the opening of the season?
In my second year, I experienced a difficult time in high school, so I want to approach the camp with a more intense condition and mindset than the new players.
Q, Arai player said, "I want to be active like Matsuki in my first year," but do you have any awareness when a junior comes in?
A, I think I have to be a good role model. I think my juniors will also compete in the camp to play in the game, so I want to do more than that and not lose to them.
Q, I think you watched the World Cup, but is Matsuki's main goal to become a regular member of the Japan national team or to win the World Cup?
A, it's not a World Cup victory. I think everyone would say that.
Q, please tell me the reason.
A, I don't think there is a team that doesn't aim for victory when representing Japan.
Q, Did you feel anything when you watched the World Cup?
A, My teammate Yuto NAGATOMO was playing and I felt a closer connection, and I also want to play like NAGATOMO on the big stage and achieve results.
Q, Last season, I think our team was able to dominate the ball quite well towards the end. What specific things do you want to do as a team to aim for winning the league this season?
A, I think we need to try different combinations during the camp for the scoring part because we have brought in attacking players. We also conceded a lot of goals, so we want to play a possession-based football where we don't concede and score more goals.
Q, Is it true that without taking risks in defense and attack, points will not increase?
A, yes. I think it's important to have communication with the front line players, so I hope we can deepen that at the camp.
Q, do you want to emphasize more on the attacking aspect as an inside half and get involved in scoring goals?
A, I think the inside half is also an attacking player, so they have to be involved in scoring. I think I'm the most fired up in the midst of competition, so I hope I can produce results there.
Q, What were the difficult parts of your second year?
When I was a second year high school student, I realized that I had to lead the team while also being able to relax. I have experienced that, so I think I have a sense of calmness and a sense of intensity that is also my own characteristic. It's not about being clingy, but I think it's important to be greedy and go towards the goal.
Q, Please tell us what kind of year you want to have as a new adult.
A, yes, it's becoming an adult. I will become an adult in April, but I want to make it a more adult-like year by climbing one more step of the adult ladder. I want to show that I am not a child anymore. I also have juniors now, so I think I need to teach them various things.
Q, Do you have a desire to lead the team even more after playing as a key player for a year?
A, yes. Since the senior players who have been pulling us along have all gone to different clubs, I am also an experienced player and I hope to lead the team.
Teruhito NAKAGAWA
Q, How was the first full practice at the Shin-taisei announcement and the Koda Grand? Please share your thoughts as a member of Tokyo.
A, there are still many things that I can't grasp. I've been busy with moving and today is my first time coming to the clubhouse, so there are parts that I don't know where things are. The condition of the turf, and having facilities like this, are parts that make me feel happy. In my previous team, we didn't have such an environment, so I feel happy about it.
Q, please tell us about the image you had of Tokyo from previous matches.
A, what I felt when playing was the intensity of the ball. Since coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA came, I have had the impression of consciously entering the game while focusing on holding the ball and connecting from the back.
Q, What specific image do you have in mind for the type of play that is expected of you and that you want to demonstrate by joining that team?
When I was with Marinos, I think our style and Tokyo's style were similar but not quite the same. We both focus on possession, but the way we do it is something I still need to incorporate into my own game. I feel like I need to adapt more to Tokyo's style, so it's something I'll have to work on from now on. And within that, I hope to add my own strengths and make them even better.
Q, I heard that you are quite laid back. I also heard that you have a lot of routines before the game, how many are there?
A, is it countless? But, I think there are more than 20 things to do, so it's quite a lot. In addition, I am a person who goes at my own pace, so I always end up running out of time. However, I think it's both a good and bad thing that I have as a soccer player, so I hope I can continue to do it without wavering. If someone tells me something, I will improve (laughs).
Q, will it be just the right balance when it is completed with such one by one?
A, as an image, that's how it is. There are times when I feel like I need to do what I have to do and prepare myself properly before going into warm-ups or matches, so I get worried if I don't do that. That's why I try to do the same things every match.
Q: Do you feel that your routine affects your performance?
A, of course. I think that playing is something that happens after that, so I think it's one of my soccer life, so I want to continue doing it.
Q, I think I was able to play throughout the year without a long absence last season, but how do you feel about your physical condition for this year?
A, We were able to score points in the opening game and the second game of last season, so the start was good. However, to be honest, I haven't officially announced it, but I was involved in the game while injured after the second game. As things settled down, my condition and the quality of my play gradually improved around summer, so if I can maintain that and gain more strength this season, I think we can achieve good results.
Q, I think that for Nakagawa, who is like the face of Marinos, he made the decision to transfer with a strong determination from a comfortable place. Please tell us your enthusiasm.
A, Marinos' era has ended, or rather, it was a good ending. With the milestone of my age, I wanted to take on a new challenge, and when Tokyo approached me with their future vision and their thoughts for this season, I thought I would also take on the challenge. It is also a challenge to see how much I can achieve in Tokyo, and there is also a mission to achieve results. At the end of this season, I will see what results I have achieved and what results the team has achieved, and I will know how much I have contributed. I am putting pressure on myself in that sense. Or rather, I have been doing it until now.
Q, What was the most impactful word during the discussion?
A, I can't say much, but he told me that he needed my help and his enthusiasm came across.
Q, What do you think is important for the winning team?
A, What I felt through my two experiences is that the "sense of family" is extremely important. I also emphasized the importance of "sense of family" at yesterday's new system announcement. I think that the team becoming one is the shortcut to winning, and it is natural for someone to help when someone is struggling during play. If we think as a family, these small things can be accumulated and make the team stronger. I came here to aim for a strong team, so I want to make it a team like that.
Q, Do you want to point out things that you need to be aware of in order to become a strong team, or do you want to lead by example through your play and actions? Which one is it?
There is no captaincy, so I hope to demonstrate through my play and attitude during practice.
Q, Have you experienced any changes after winning the championship?
The sense of accomplishment when winning is indescribable, as we have gone through difficult times and sacrificed our freedom to play football. I hope everyone in Tokyo can experience it.
Q, Did you say you came to the ground for the first time today? Do you know anyone here?
A, hardly. I think it's about Yasuki KIMOTO, who I played with a little bit in college.
Q, How will you expand the circle?
A, I'm thinking of doing it at my own pace (laughs). I don't usually go to talk to people, so I'm the type to talk if someone comes to talk to me, so I'm happy if more and more people come to talk to me. I'm also 30 years old and everyone around me is young, so it's hard for me to go talk to them... (laughs).
Q: Did you have the opportunity to speak with the coach during the new system announcement and today's practice?
A, it was just one contact.
Q, what was the content like?
A, I received an English message on LINE, so I don't really understand it (lol).
Q, What do you think are the things that Nakagawa is being asked for by the club and the coach?
A, From now on, I think we will be asked for more clarity, but what the coach said to me on the field earlier was to freely attack in the attacking zone and create chances for goals and assists. I have to express what the coach is asking for, and I want to play in a way that satisfies the coach.
