Review of the previous match against Shonan>
In this match, New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Okada Kazuchika made a guest appearance. Titled "A Rain of Goals Falls at Ajinomoto!!" inspired by Okada's catchphrase, it was the "Tokyo Rainmaker" who scored the goals.
When Teruhito NAKAGAWA dribbles past the opponent and makes a pass, Kuryu MATSUKI enters the penalty area at the perfect timing to receive the ball and finish. Even if the net doesn't shake on the first attempt, NAKAGAWA, who made the pass, is right there in front of the goal, ensuring that the player who needs to score does so.
The opening goal in Tokyo was in an ideal form.
There were times when we struggled a bit during the build-up phase, but we utilized individual skills to break the deadlock in a closely contested match. Although we were once turned around in the second half, Matsuki became the catalyst for Henrique TREVISAN's equalizing goal from a set-piece opportunity.
Although they couldn't secure a win, this is a significant point and two goals for a team that has suffered two consecutive losses and no goals in official matches, changing a negative trend. Whether they can make the most of this point depends on tomorrow's match against Cerezo Osaka.
The "Rainmaker of Tokyo" will bring a rain of "goals" to Ajinomoto tomorrow.
Match Preview
In the last match, we drew 2-2 with Shonan Bellmare, but Hotaka NAKAMURA, Shuto ABE, and Ryoma WATANABE, who had been sidelined due to injuries, have all returned to the squad. The fact that they each created opportunities by utilizing their respective strengths is a positive sign for the future. Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who scored his second goal of the season, also said, "In the last few matches, the changes in the lineup caused some discrepancies in our play. With the return of injured players, we can now compete with sufficient strength. Each individual's quality is high, so we want to refine our combinations and pose a threat to our opponents," reflecting the team's positive outlook on their current situation.
This match will be against Cerezo Osaka at home. The focus is on the "friendship showdown" between Shinji KAGAWA, who has returned to his former club Cerezo Osaka after 12 and a half years this season, and Yuto NAGATOMO from Tokyo. Ahead of their matchup, the first since March 20, 2010, in the J-League, NAGATOMO stated, "I have received a lot of inspiration from Shinji and have grown because of it. I want to showcase that growth in front of him. However, Tokyo will win."
The long-supported rivalry of two figures in Japanese football will take place on the J stage. Both are determined to win, but of course, Tokyo will come out on top.
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: In the last match, the 4-2-3-1 formation worked well and improved the flow of the game. Will this system be used in future matches as well?
The difference between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 is very slight. There are some minor differences in the way we defend, but I would like to continue to use them according to the situation in the future.
Q: In the last match against Shonan Bellmare, Shuto ABE was functioning in the attacking midfielder position.
A, I think his technical aspect is improving. Until last season, Abe showed many scenes of winning the ball, but there were also moments where he lost it. However, now he is demonstrating calm play. When asked if he is a typical attacking midfielder, there are parts where he is not. A typical attacking midfielder, in my opinion, is a player who touches the ball for a long time and plays between the lines for an extended period. Regarding Abe, I believe he is the type of attacking midfielder who actively dives into space. His movements into the opponent's back and into space function as a weapon for the team. Considering the characteristics of the players, making runs into the back is effective. Additionally, if an attacking midfielder focuses too much on offense, there tends to be a division between the offensive and defensive positions. We seek to ensure that players do not separate on the pitch, and to avoid this division, we need the presence of a dynamic attacking midfielder like Abe.
Q: I think the members who have returned from injury have improved our teamwork. Did you feel a sense of connection during this week's practice?
I think it will take a little more time for the players who have been sidelined to regain their match fitness. In the last match against Shonan, Ryoma WATANABE, Abe, and Hotaka NAKAMURA returned, but all three players will need a bit more time. There are a few other clubs with fewer injured players, but if we had been able to continue fighting with the same members like those clubs, our teamwork would have improved even further. The players who were sidelined have returned at this timing. I hope they can regain their match fitness in a good way. Additionally, the young players are also showing great energy. Of course, I have high hopes for their growth as well.
Q: I think playing between the lines is also important to make the most of excellent wing players.
I believe there are two main types of wingers. One type requires space and is speed-oriented. The other can break through situations even in tight spaces. Players of the latter type seem to have been absent from this club until now. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA and Ryoma WATANABE fit this type. To make the most of their characteristics, we need to effectively control the midfield and increase the time we can push the opponent back. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA is a winger who can break through situations with changes of pace in tight areas, and we need to play in a way that utilizes players like him. The team is making progress step by step, but unfortunately, the midfield players have been out for a long time, which has slightly stalled our growth speed. In the world of football, memory is recognized as being short-term. Many of you may only remember recent events, but we have been growing consistently since last season. I believe there was a significant difference compared to last season's matches, like in the opening match against Urawa Reds. It is unfortunate that injuries have occurred, but we must regroup from here and encourage further growth.
Q: Please tell us what will be brought about by the return of players Watanabe and Abe.
A, of course, their return is great news, but they also need time to regain their match sense. This is not about physical condition, but rather about the ability to express ball touches and read the flow of the game on the official match pitch. I believe we are currently in that process.
Q: Have you ever had a match day coincide with your birthday in your past experiences?
A, it seems that there wasn't one, and it is probably the first time. I want to celebrate my daughter, who shares the same birthday as me, more than my own birthday. My daughter was born on the same day and at the same time as me.
Q: What kind of match do you expect in tomorrow's Cerezo Osaka game?
A, Cerezo Osaka has players with technique and attacking power. In particular, when facing teams that defend deeply, their abilities are notably evident. Against such opponents, we must effectively utilize our weapons. I want to especially demand high-intensity play and a sense of speed from our midfield players. If we do not approach the game with a strong awareness of attacking the opponent's goal, Cerezo Osaka's strengths will shine brightly, leading to difficult match situations. I want to effectively utilize the characteristics of the Tokyo players and express the points we discussed earlier.
[Player Interview]
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: This weekend, you will be facing Shinji KAGAWA, who belongs to Cerezo Osaka. It will be your first match against him in the J-League in 13 years. How do you feel about it?
What stands out in my memory about facing Kagawa is the friendly match held in America when we were both playing for Manchester United and Inter. Personally, it feels almost like my first time competing on the J-League pitch. Kagawa and I were selected for the Japan national team at the same time, and we have become good friends. Throughout this journey, I have received a lot of inspiration from Kagawa, which has helped me grow. I want to showcase that growth in front of him, and I want to win.
Q: What kind of presence is Kagawa for Nagatomo?
A, a close friend and comrade, we have shared joys and sorrows together.
Q: How many years has it been since we last met in person?
A, I went to meet player Kagawa after the Qatar World Cup.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, The match against Shonan Bellmare in Sec. 7 ended in a 2-2 draw, but it seemed like a difficult game with many challenging moments. How do you reflect on it?
A, throughout both halves, there were parts where Shonan clearly outperformed us in terms of what they wanted to do as a team and what we wanted to do. In that sense, it felt like we managed to catch up and earn at least one point, but since it was a home game, we were aiming for three points, so I feel frustrated.
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA mentioned after the match that there were issues with the build-up.
A, not just in the Shonan match, this year we have struggled with building up from the back, and I feel responsible for that. While individual skills are certainly a factor, we also need to correct aspects like team spacing, support, and positioning. Since building up is more about the team's positioning than individual players, I believe we have been able to address those issues in this week's training, and we have been discussing them as well, so I hope we can gradually improve.
Q: Indeed, in build-up play, the unity of awareness as a team is more important than individual skills.
Yes, in the Levain Cup match against Gamba Osaka, I believe our quality is not low, so considering that teams like Gamba Osaka and Shonan are able to build up well, I think it's important to work well not just as individuals but as a team.
Q: In that sense, could the impact of having many injuries in the early stages and not being able to fix the lineup be a factor?
I think there are certainly some, but I can't use that as an excuse, and I believe we have enough depth in our squad to compensate for it. The return of injured players has been a plus, but I don't want to use that as an excuse.
Q: However, isn't it a positive aspect that young players are getting opportunities as substitutes for injured players?
A, the success of young players not only elevates the team but also represents the future of Tokyo. Their achievements serve as motivation for us veteran players who are more experienced. I believe it is also our role to create an environment where these young players can play freely and comfortably, so we need to focus on that as well.
Q: As for player Kimoto, he has started in every league match so far. As he enters his second season in Tokyo, has there been any change in his mindset?
A, I have the awareness to lead the team more than last season. I believe I am expressing the part of leading the team by vocalizing well, but I feel that I am not able to showcase my strengths in terms of performance, and I think I am struggling a bit this season.
Q: What aspects do you want to further promote?
In terms of build-up, there is a role to create a more solid rhythm, but we are not able to establish that rhythm from the back, which is reflected in the results. I feel that this has allowed the opponent to gain momentum. I also sense that we are giving the opponent an atmosphere of 'we can do this.' In that sense, if we don't play and build up in a way that makes it more difficult for the opponent, it will become tougher for us in the future.
Q: Cerezo Osaka, the opponent this round, is a former club where you spent 5 seasons. Do you have any special feelings when facing them?
Yes, that's right. It has been three years since I left Cerezo Osaka, but there is something special when we face each other. I'm looking forward to it.
Q: You haven't lost at home this season yet. Please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
A, not losing at home is definitely due to the support and atmosphere created by the fans and supporters. I believe that being able to catch up in the last match, even in a tough situation, was because of the home atmosphere. I hope we can create a good atmosphere for the Cerezo match as well, and I want to ensure we deliver a victory, so please support us.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, please review the game against Shonan Bellmare in the last match after returning from injury.
I was able to play honestly and enjoyably. It has been a long time since I experienced a period of about a month where I couldn't do anything. I was able to play for 45 minutes and feel the gratitude and joy of being able to play soccer. Regarding the second goal conceded, the timing of losing the ball during a minor mistake was poor. I believe it is necessary to delve deeper into this from now on.
Q: In the previous match against Shonan, you played for 45 minutes shortly after your return.
A, I ended up playing for a longer time than initially planned. However, once I'm on the pitch, I have to give it my all, and if asked, "Can you do it?" the answer is yes. I stepped onto the pitch with determination.
Q: How did the team appear from the outside?
When the team is doing well, the ball moves without much thought, and I believe we can score and win. However, I felt that when even one problem arises, our ability to correct it is still lacking. I realized that I need to return and think more about playing soccer.
Q: What aspects will you focus on in the upcoming match against Cerezo Osaka?
In the match against Shonan, I was aiming to score for myself as well. There were moments when I thought, if that shot had gone in. Even coming on as a substitute, if I can focus and refine my play, I believe it will lead to goals. This season, I have set a goal to improve my scoring ability, so I will continue to work hard.
Q: What kind of play do you want to show as a team?
A, as the players who had been absent are gradually returning, I believe there are more things we can do. Of course, we must win. If we focus on the finer details, such as communication, without compromise from practice, I believe the results will follow.
Q: Is there a specific approach to change things for the better from here?
A, I believe that the first thing I can do for myself is to express a sense of distance and play without losing the ball. If I don't lose the ball easily, it will create smooth play and increase opportunities. Since I am also required by Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA to play without easily losing the ball, I want to play with that awareness.
Q: I don't think we were able to make the start we envisioned, but what will be important from here on?
I think it will be important to demonstrate through goals and assists.
Q: In a situation where the number of goals and shots is stagnating, how do you want to help the team?
I think it's important to finish with a shot. Before tactics, there are more things we can do, and I want to delve into the fundamental aspects of soccer.
