We will publish the discussion between coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA and Mr. Teru Iwamoto at the 2023 FC Tokyo new system announcement held on January 7, 2023, as well as the continuation of the discussion that took place in a separate room due to time constraints on stage.
If you would like to watch the discussion from the new system announcement event, please also check the YouTube link at the end of this article.
<New System Announcement Conference>
Mr. Iwamoto
The season is starting, but how about the new foreign players? Do you have a desire to bring in a Spanish player?
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
It is important to be a good player, and nationality does not matter. I have high expectations for the newly joined PEROTTI, and honestly, I hope he scores more goals as a center forward. I believe he can contribute in terms of scoring ability.
Mr. Iwamoto
The center forward has roles such as scoring, assisting, and keeping possession, but does the coach also require defensive play?
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
First, I expect him to score goals as a goal hunter. Next, I would like him to not only score goals but also make movements to support other players in scoring. Thirdly, I am asking for his contribution to defense from the front as the team's first defender.
Mr. Iwamoto
When watching the J-League and the World Cup, there are teams that apply pressure from the front line. In the World Cup, Japan's pressing worked well against Spain and Germany with counterattacks, but in the match against Croatia, both Mitoma and Ito were suppressed. Coach Moriyasu mentioned that for Japan to reach the top 8 or top 4 in the future, these players need to elevate their level. What do you think?
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach
Player development should be improved at the national level. For example, without a rule in the Levain Cup requiring the use of five or six players under 23 years old, it is difficult to give playing opportunities to young players promoted from the academy. As I mentioned earlier, without a rule mandating the use of young players, if a coach fields young players and loses, the coach must take responsibility. At the beginning of last season, we struggled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because we wanted to give more opportunities to young players and develop them in the Levain Cup, we used them partly due to the effects of COVID infections. Young players cannot grow without being given playing time. In Sec. 33 of last season’s league match against Nagoya Grampus, we lost due to a youthful mistake by an 18-year-old player, but that was inevitable because he was young. So what must be done? Many players on the Morocco national team are regular starters at major European clubs. Of course, there are several players who are regular starters on the Japan national team as well, but not many. If Japanese players are sent to Europe, it should be to play, not to warm the bench. This also depends on the level of the league they go to. That is why I believe that the development of young players requires a national policy approach.
Mr. Iwamoto
There was a discussion about player development, and Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has extensive experience in coaching at the youth level. I would like to ask, during the period from upper elementary school to middle school, which I believe is a crucial time for development, what do you think is the most important aspect?
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
I believe that a high-level tournament is necessary.
Mr. Iwamoto
How was it at FC Barcelona's cantera (the name for their academy organization)?
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
What is important is to understand the sport of soccer, which competes with the ball. Winning continuously does not guarantee growth; rather, growth comes from repeatedly focusing on competition. The FC Barcelona academy belongs to the Catalonia league, so they win most of their matches. As a result, there are fewer tough matches that focus on competition, which can halt player development. As a solution, they participate in international tournaments more than 10 times a year, gaining experience in closely contested matches. For example, I think that 18-year-old players in Japan have few opportunities to play against overseas teams. Some players may not have any opportunities.
Mr. Iwamoto
Earlier, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA mentioned that Japanese players should go to big clubs overseas, and I believe that coaches should also gain experience abroad. Alternatively, I think we should learn from foreign coaches who come to Japan from overseas.
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
I believe that foreign coaches like myself, who come from abroad, have an obligation to provide something that is not available in Japan. If we cannot offer something special, there is no point for foreign coaches to come to Japan. I served as the Academy Director of FC Barcelona for four years. I believe that the FC Barcelona Academy is the number one in the world. Now, in my fourth season in Japan, I have hardly been asked about the development of young players. If pride and honor become too strong, they can become a brake on growth. I believe that a humble attitude can transform into the energy for growth.
Mr. Iwamoto
Listening to such comments on coaching development, I think that in 8 years, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA will be the manager of the Japan national team.
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
First, I must do a good job in Tokyo. I like Japan, so of course I am interested, but I must prove on my own whether I am suitable for the position. I take pride in having provided good coaching in Niigata for two years. This season, I want to do a solid job in my second year in Tokyo.
Mr. Iwamoto
I have high expectations for Tokyo this season. It's the second year, and more than anything, it's significant that the players understand how to play. When I spoke with player Morishige earlier, he said, "It's really interesting and easy to play, so I think this season will be good."
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
The city of Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world. Is it fitting for Tokyo, representing such a great city and bearing the name of the capital, to play defensively and counterattack out of fear of the opponent? Playing with counterattacks might lead to winning more matches. Of course, there are wins and losses in matches, and it is natural for Tokyo to lose sometimes. However, if they continue to attack aggressively, many supporters will be satisfied even if they ultimately lose the match. This is not about winning or losing. Since they carry the name of Tokyo, they have a destiny to attack in order to win. For example, if the Japan national team were to face Spain or Germany, they might be able to defend and counterattack, but it is not just about winning or losing; it is about choosing a method that reflects their identity.
Mr. Iwamoto
This season, I will predict 3rd place.
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
For me, true success means that four or five years from now, and beyond, Tokyo will always have the strength to compete for a spot among the top three teams. If we consistently play at a high level, we may win titles at times, and I believe we can grow into a team that is always in contention for titles among the top three teams. Even if I am not there at that time, I can say that the period I spent in Tokyo was a success.
Mr. Iwamoto
I hope that, just as he has given something wonderful to Japanese football in Niigata, he will continue that success in Tokyo.
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
First, I must firmly prove my own worth.
Mr. Iwamoto
I am looking forward to it. Thank you.
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
Thank you.
【Discussion Video】
New System Announcement Meeting (11 minutes 40 seconds〜)
