At the 2023 FC Tokyo New Team Presentation held on January 7, 2023, a conversation between coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA and Mr. Teruo Iwamoto took place on stage. However, due to time constraints, the conversation continued in a separate room and the contents of the conversation are posted here.
If you would like to watch the conversation at the new system announcement event, please also check the YouTube video at the end of this article.
Mr. Iwamoto
How do you feel about the new foreign players joining the team this season? Do you have any desire to bring in Spanish players?
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
It is important to be a good player, regardless of nationality. I have high expectations for new signing PEROTTI and I honestly hope he can score more goals as a center forward. I hope he can contribute in terms of scoring ability.
Mr. Iwamoto
Do coaches also expect center forwards to play defensively, in addition to their roles of scoring, assisting, and keeping possession?
Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
I expect him to score goals as a goal hunter first. Secondly, I also want him to make supporting movements for other players to score goals. And thirdly, I am asking him to contribute to the defense from the front line as the team's first defender.
Mr. Iwamoto
When watching J-League and World Cup matches, there are teams that put pressure on the front line. In the World Cup, Japan was able to successfully press from the front line in matches against Spain and Germany, but in the match against Croatia, both Mitsuhiro Tomiyasu and Takefusa Kubo were unable to be contained. In order for Japan to reach the quarter-finals or semi-finals, coach Moriyasu stated that these players need to reach a higher level. What are your thoughts?
Manager Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
I think that player development should be improved as a whole country. For example, in the Levain Cup, there is no rule that requires the use of 5 or 6 players under the age of 23, so it is difficult to give playing opportunities to young players who have been promoted from the academy. As I mentioned earlier, if there is no rule that requires the use of young players, the manager must take responsibility if the team loses with young players. At the beginning of last season, we were struggling with the spread of the new coronavirus. We wanted to use more young players in the Levain Cup to develop them, so we used them due to the impact of the coronavirus. Young players cannot grow without being given the opportunity to play. In the 33rd round of last season's league match against Nagoya Grampus, we lost due to a young mistake by an 18-year-old player, but that was inevitable because he was young. So what should we do? Many players from the Morocco national team are playing as starters at big clubs in Europe. Of course, there are also players who are playing as starters for the Japan national team, but there are not many. If we are going to send Japanese players to Europe, it should be for playing, not for sitting on the bench. It also depends on which level of league they go to. That's why I think that the development of young players is important for the overall policy of the country.
Mr. Iwamoto
There was a discussion about developing player, but coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has a wealth of experience in coaching at the U-5 level. So I would like to ask, what do you think is the most important thing during the period from upper elementary school to junior high school in terms of player development?
Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
I still think that a high-level tournament is necessary.
Mr. Iwamoto
How was it at FC Barcelona's Cantera (Academy organization)?
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
The important thing is to understand the sport of soccer, which is to compete with the ball. It is not about winning continuously, but by repeatedly focusing on the competition, growth is achieved. FC Barcelona's academy belongs to the league in Catalonia, so they win most of their matches. However, if there are fewer tough matches to focus on, the players' growth will stop. As a solution, they participate in international tournaments more than 10 times a year, gaining experience in close matches. For example, I think there are few opportunities for 18-year-old Japanese players to play against overseas teams. Some players may not have the opportunity at all.
Mr. Iwamoto
Earlier, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA mentioned that it would be better for Japanese players to go to big clubs overseas, and I also believe that it would be beneficial for coaches to gain experience abroad. Alternatively, I think we should learn from foreign coaches who have come to Japan from overseas.
Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
I believe that foreign coaches who come from overseas like me have a responsibility to provide something that is not available in Japan. If we cannot offer something special, there is no point in foreign coaches coming to Japan. I served as the Academy Director of FC Barcelona for four years. I believe that FC Barcelona's academy is the best in the world. Now, in my fourth season in Japan, I have rarely been asked about developing young players. Having too much pride and pride can become a brake on growth. I believe that a humble attitude can be the energy for growth.
Mr. Iwamoto
When I hear comments about developing coaches, I can't help but think that in 8 years, Mr. Albert Puig Ortoneda will become the coach of the Japan national team.
Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
First of all, I have to do a good job in Tokyo. I like Japan, so of course I am interested, but I have to prove myself if I am suitable for the position. I am proud of the good coaching I have done in Niigata for 2 years. This season, I want to do a solid job in my second year in Tokyo.
Mr. Iwamoto
I am looking forward to Tokyo this season. It's the second year and the players understand how to play, which is a big advantage. When I talked to player Morishige earlier, he said, "It's really interesting and easy to play, so I think this season will be good."
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world, comparable to only a handful of others. As the capital city, Tokyo carries the weight of its name and is expected to play defensively and counterattack against opponents. But is this truly living up to its name? Perhaps playing on the counterattack may lead to more victories. Of course, there will be wins and losses, and Tokyo will inevitably lose at times. However, by continuously attacking and playing with a positive mindset, the majority of supporters will be satisfied even if the team ultimately loses. This is not about winning or losing. As a team representing Tokyo, there is a destiny to attack in order to win. For example, when the Japan national team faces Spain or Germany, they may choose to play defensively and counterattack, but the focus should not be on winning or losing, but rather on choosing a method that aligns with their identity.
Mr. Iwamoto
This season, I'll predict third place.
Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
For me, true success is for Tokyo to continue to compete for a top three spot in four years, five years, and beyond. If we always play at a high level, we may win titles at times, and I believe we can grow into a team that consistently competes for titles with the top three teams. Even if I am not there at that time, it can be said that my time in Tokyo was a success.
Mr. Iwamoto
I hope he will continue to bring great things to Japanese football in Tokyo, just as he did in Niigata.
Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
First of all, I have to prove my own value firmly.
Mr. Iwamoto
Looking forward to it. Thank you very much.
Coach Albert Puig Ortoneda
Thank you very much.
[Interview Video]
New System Announcement (11 minutes 40 seconds~)
