<Match Preview>
The first Levain Cup match of April will be the group stage Sec. 3, where we will face Gamba Osaka away. In the previous match against Kyoto Sanga F.C., we mixed players who had limited playing time with those who had been given opportunities. Naoki KUMATA scored his first professional goal, leading to a resounding 5-0 victory, and the home Ajinomoto Stadium was filled with excitement during the goal show.
In this rain-soaked match, Kuryu MATSUKI, who participated as a member of the U-20 Japan national team in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023, made an immediate starting appearance after returning to Japan and played a key role in the two goals scored in the first half. Additionally, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, making his first home game appearance, contributed to the team with assists while repeatedly moving up and down the left side. PEROTTI made his presence known by scoring the opening goal that energized the team and executing a skillful shot that went through the back of his standing foot in a difficult position.
Naoki KUMATA, who won the tournament's top scorer at the U-20 Asian Cup, came on in the second half. With a skillful header, he finally scored his long-awaited first professional goal, concluding this match filled with many goals and new hopes.
Tokyo and Gamba Osaka both faced tough results in their recent league matches away from home. In this short preparation period, how much can the team recover both physically and mentally? The results and achievements of this match, which is expected to feature a lineup centered around young players, will undoubtedly contribute to Tokyo's future in the upcoming league match against Shonan Bellmare this weekend. Heroes emerged in each position in the last match. We look forward to the emergence of new heroes in this match as well.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: In the Levain Cup match against Cerezo Osaka, we rotated the members, and in the match against SANGA S, we used some of the league members to compete. How will you approach tomorrow's match?
Regarding the Levain Cup match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. in the second round, we had a similar lineup to the league matches, but we included many young players on the bench. We want to blend veteran and young players effectively in this match as well. I believe this is an opportunity to give young players a chance, and I want to continue doing that. I do not intend to change the ideas we have while competing in the Levain Cup. However, when utilizing young players, if we rely too much on a lineup composed solely of young players, it can have negative effects, so I want to maintain a good balance in their usage. I believe good integration is important for good performance. If they excel in the Levain Cup, I would like to use them in the league matches as well.
Q, PEROTTI and Naoki KUMATA both scored goals in the last match, so I think it’s a tough decision on which one to use.
A, of course, I welcome happy troubles. I want to give opportunities to players who have performed well, starting with Kumada. If young players are given a chance and they play well, I would like to use them in league matches as well.
Q, with many young players being utilized, isn't it difficult to assemble the squad for this week's match against Gamba Osaka?
A, we currently have many injured players. In certain positions, we have no substitutes available. However, at the same time, there are young players we want to give opportunities to, and there are players who need more playing time. We are considering player utilization that strikes a good balance. I believe balance will be important.
Q: There are differences between league matches and cup matches, but in the previous match against Sagan Tosu, there were moments when we couldn't break through in front of the opponent's goal.
Since the opening match against Urawa, we have been facing issues with our midfield depth. We have not been able to play with the same lineup for two consecutive matches. Of course, we understand that winning and losing is the most important thing. Recently, we started Terayama. We gave young players a chance, but we saw moments in the first half where they struggled. We used Nagatomo and Tokumoto as our full-backs. There were good plays, but they do not possess the attacking nature of players like Nakamura or Yoshifumi. Watanabe is a unique player who moves from the side to the center. Abe is a player who excels at pushing forward from the inside half position. Aoki has been out of action for over eight months.In such team circumstances, SLOWIK made mistakes that he usually wouldn't. However, as professionals, we must accept such situations and move forward. Ending the match against Tosu in that manner was a blow for me as well. It was an unbelievable turn of events.
However, it has become an opportunity to clearly hold our ideas. I recognized that taking charge in Tokyo is to change the team's playing style, give opportunities to young players, and play a role in the generational shift. We have been making gradual changes so that fans and supporters can calmly watch over the team. I want to continue doing that and push forward with what needs to be done. I want to focus on what the team can leave behind in the future rather than the current situation, and work on our daily tasks. I want to continue holding that idea and adapt to the players we use in each match. I understand that some may find it difficult to comprehend, but we must utilize the characteristics of the players we can deploy and approach the matches accordingly.In the recent match against Tosu, there were several chances in the first half. I believe there were comments about having a high success rate of 80 percent in building up from the back, but since that did not develop, it was not brought up in discussions. Many people tend to focus solely on the match results. Similarly, in the Tosu match, there were players who were not accustomed to building up from a low position, yet they were able to play well. However, there were many players missing from the midfield, resulting in a thin player pool. Tsukagawa is a player who can showcase his strengths in positions other than midfield, and Terayama is still a young player. Koizumi did what he could given the team's circumstances. The only option available on the bench for substitution in midfield was Aoki. In such a limited situation, we will fight to win as realists, aiming for victory alongside the existing players.
However, there were also positive aspects. For example, the build-up play from a low position has improved, and it is good news that Tokumoto, who played as a left-back, performed well. The 18-year-old Tawaramizuki is showing better performances with each match, and Kumada is also gaining playing time and progressing in a positive direction. I make it a point to focus on such positive aspects, as I believe they are connected to the future of this club. I believe without a doubt that this will lead to great success, and I want to continue on that path while working towards the future of this club. Once again, I hope to see more young players play in the Levain Cup. However, for young players to perform well, the support of veteran players is necessary.
Q: We saw players returning from injury in today's practice. How did the coach view the returning players?
Regarding Watanabe, it is important to improve his condition and restore his physical fitness. Aoki also needs to improve his physical condition while regaining his ball touch. Nakamura and Abe are in the final phase of their return. I believe they will regain their ball touch accuracy as they participate in official matches. For Matsuki and Higashi, there are no issues as their injuries are not muscle-related. Yoshifumi is making every effort to return in the shortest time possible. If everyone can play and we can utilize younger players, and if we can continue to fight with consistency, I believe it will lead to the team's maturity. Right now, there are many negative factors piling up. However, it is precisely because we have fallen into such difficult situations that players like Tawaramizuki and Kumada have been given opportunities, leading to their growth. Nishido is also progressing in a positive direction, as are Arai and Nozawa. Terayama is beginning to mature as a professional player by accumulating playing time. If these difficult situations are contributing to the growth of young players, then I think we can view this situation positively.
[Player Interview]
＜Seiji KIMURA＞
Q: What kind of play will you show in this match?
A, not to lose in physical strength and speed. Furthermore, I want to be involved in the attack effectively during the build-up.
Q: Have you gained more options in your play after experiencing a three-back formation with the U-20 Japan national team?
There were many scenes where I played deep, such as bringing the ball forward and making inner laps. I can't say that my options have increased significantly, but I think it was a good point that I was able to express plays that I had hardly experienced since becoming a professional.
Q: In the match against Sagan Tosu, there were moments when the team struggled to advance the ball, but there were also instances where a skip pass created opportunities.
The coach is showing a style of play that connects from the back, which is what he originally wants to do, so I want to communicate while being mindful of the distance and play accordingly. I am not particularly focused on assisting with a single pass from the defensive line. I want to challenge myself to ensure that the players in the back can smoothly circulate the ball and advance without any brakes, so that the forwards can play comfortably.
Q: It is important for player Kimura to play calmly for 90 minutes, isn't it?
A. Ideally, I believe that the best situation for a center-back is when there are no standout moments. I want to focus on risk management during attacks and fulfill my role as a center-back. Regarding the attack, I want to trust the forwards and get involved in the offense during set pieces. If I can score within that context, I believe it will lead the team in a positive direction, so I want to play without pressure.
Q: If we can perform well in the Levain Cup, I believe we can also see opportunities to participate in the league matches.
A, of course, I think it's possible. There have been many matches in the league where we couldn't achieve victory, so if we can get a good result in this round of the Levain Cup, I believe the chances of getting to play in matches will increase. In the match against Cerezo Osaka in Sec. 1, I was able to express good individual play, but we couldn't win as a team, and I didn't get the opportunity to play in subsequent matches. I believe that leading to victory without conceding goals as a defender is absolutely necessary to participate in future matches.
Q: It seems that there are few instances of building up from the center-back position.
A. After the player on the final line receives the ball from the goalkeeper, it is also important to recognize the lack of space and to reduce the distance. There are scenes where the team struggles with build-up play, but I hope we can make adjustments effectively among the players on the pitch. Not everything will go well from the start, but if we can pass the ball well throughout the 90 minutes, I believe we can show our shape as a team.
Q: What kind of play do you want to show in the Levain Cup, which is mainly composed of young players?
I think it's important to play greedily and to challenge ourselves. Experienced players will cover for us, and our willingness to challenge will serve as motivation, making us a better team. It's crucial for young players to seize opportunities, so I want to be conscious of positively challenging ourselves.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Gamba Osaka, the team we will be facing tomorrow.
It gives the impression of connecting closely from the back. If we can capitalize on the simple mistakes that occur while connecting passes, I believe our chances of scoring will increase. Since we have players with high technical skills at their feet, there will be times when the opponent takes control. However, I think we can defend well, especially with the members of the back line, so we want to endure the tough moments and seize our chances. If we can win, the young players will gain confidence that they can compete in the league, so we aim for victory.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: This round is the Levain Cup, but what kind of match do you want it to be?
A, the last match against Sagan Tosu was not a very good performance. First of all, I want to fight for the team's victory in the Levain Cup.
Q: I want to shape it well so that it connects to the next league match.
Yes, that's right. Including myself, the young members will work hard to perform well and connect it to the league matches.
Q, in the Levain Cup, I believe that Matsuki's extensive experience and leadership are needed as young players take the lead.
While it's important to show leadership, my main focus is on achieving results.
Q: There were some issues in the transition from midfield to the front in the match against Tosu. In terms of carrying the ball and connecting plays, what kind of play is Matsuki focusing on?
I am focused on plays that directly lead to goals, but the connecting part before that did not go well in the match against Tosu. I want to become a player who can fulfill the role of a connector and game maker, and I hope to be included in the lineup to enhance the team's attack.
Q: I think you played as an attacking midfielder for the U-20 Japan national team. It seems that your experience in that position is coming into play.
In the national team's activities, I was allowed to play close to the goal. I had the experience of playing in a position where I could receive the ball and see the whole field, which became a valuable experience for me as an individual.
Q: I think Gamba Osaka is a team that connects the ball well. If the high press works, do you think it will lead to scoring opportunities?
A, I think Gamba Osaka is a team that often connects passes in the center. In that context, I want to focus on winning the ball in the center, using short counters as a weapon to score, and since this is a group stage like the previous match, I want to play while considering a large number of goals and goal difference.
Q: I think tall players, including PEROTTI and Kumada, will be a threat in set plays.
If players with unique characteristics participate, I believe there will be scenes where victories can be achieved by playing simply, such as crosses from the sides. I think simple plays are important, so I want to control the game firmly with myself at the center.
Q: Do you want to bring a tailwind and momentum to the team again?
We want to achieve good results in the Levain Cup and aim for a positive outcome in the upcoming match against Shonan Bellmare, which was a difficult game last season, as it will also connect to the league matches.
Q: As mentioned earlier, what do you think are the reasons for the difficulties in build-up play?
I think that players can become isolated and lose their sense of distance. However, I believe that this is something that can be resolved individually, and the passing dynamics change with one's sense of distance. I want to play while making adjustments on the pitch.
Q: Do you feel that your field of vision has expanded compared to last season, Matsuki?
A, the visible aspects are completely different from last season. This is something that has been developed through a lot of experience, so I would like to compete in the Levain Cup to make it even better.
Q: Does this mean that you are becoming able to make corrections individually in a positive way?
I believe that resolving issues individually can also be a plus for the team. To enhance team strength, it is important to elevate individual capabilities, so I will strive to achieve solid results in this Levain Cup to level up further.
