※Due to production schedule, the MATCH PREVIEW & INTERVIEW for the Avispa Fukuoka match on May 3rd (Wed) and the Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo match on May 6th (Sat) will be on hiatus.
The next Mechakoma will be the MATCH PREVIEW & INTERVIEW for the Kawasaki Frontale game on May 12 (Fri).
＜Previous Match・Albirex NiigataReview of the Match＞
"We have no intention of building the same style as Albirex Niigata," said manager Albert PUIG ORTONEDA. Taking into account the strengths of the players on the team, the "Tokyo style" that manager Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is trying to instill is one that maximizes the players' abilities.
It was a clear battle of differences. Niigata showed a strong attitude of connecting the ball and pushing it vertically based on short passes. On the other hand, Tokyo did not back down and put pressure on the ball side, and when they recovered the ball, they used long balls without hesitation if there was space, and when they needed to calm down and slowly build up their attack, they pushed the opponent while holding the ball and avoiding Niigata's press.
Both goals were born with a focus on their powerful and brilliant nature, but it also showed that Tokyo was trying to advance the game with many options.
The first goal was scored by Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who quickly moved the ball vertically with few touches after stealing it in a counter-attacking style from their own half, before the opponent's formation could be set up. The second goal was achieved by utilizing Shuto ABE, who found space on the side through short passing combinations and pushed the opponent towards their goal. Although Diego OLIVEIRA had a powerful strike, the team had a common understanding of how to handle the ball, resulting in a smooth flow leading up to the shot.
In the second half, Tokyo's attacking posture and diversity became more prominent, and they were able to maintain a one-point lead while creating more chances than their opponents, achieving their first consecutive victory in the league this season.
＜Preview＞
Last season, at the same timing, in the midst of a series of games during the Golden Week holiday, on May 3rd, Matsuki Kuryu scored his first professional goal but ended up losing with a score of 1-5.
After that, we have drawn in our home games, so it's not necessarily that we have a sense of weakness or a negative image as a team. However, we have also faced each other in the Levain Cup, and we have lost both games in Fukuoka, so we hope to have a match that will dispel that impression.
Tokyo and Avispa Fukuoka are currently tied with 15 points, with Tokyo slightly ahead in 6th place with a goal difference of +2. Matches against close opponents are said to be worth 6 points. This match is truly a battle to either widen or close the gap in points, and to secure a victory at all costs in order to distance ourselves from our rivals. It is a match that is worth 6 points.
With Wellington and Lukian, two large center forwards, and versatile player Yuya YAMAGISHI moving around like a satellite, there is depth in the front line. And above all, Kazuya KONNO, who was with Tokyo until last season, is now on the team. In Fukuoka, known for their solid defense and quick counterattacks, KONNO's dribbling skills serve as a switch for their attacks.
Last season, at Ajinomoto Stadium, in the match against Fukuoka, Konno scored a stunning volley shot. We want to avoid the opposite pattern at all costs. However, as we are facing Tokyo, a team and players we know well, they are definitely a tough opponent. We want to control the game at our own pace by stopping the players who work near the goal and those who make decisive plays that lead to goals, including our former teammates.
In the Albirex Niigata match, we had a common understanding as a team and used both fast and slow attacks to gradually control the pace of the game. In the second half, we created opportunities to push the opponent back. In this match as well, we will need to defend against their strong attacks while also creating opportunities to attack and adjusting our pace accordingly.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, It seems that you have been struggling with away games against Kyushu clubs since before the appointment of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA. What kind of game do you want to have against Avispa Fukuoka this round?
A, we do not place much importance on past game results. However, Fukuoka has a very strong defense and will undoubtedly be a difficult opponent. Of course, this will be a home game for Fukuoka, so we can expect their defensive intensity to increase even more, making it a challenging match. As you can see from Fukuoka's games this season, it is very difficult for any team to defeat them.
Q, How will you break through Fukuoka's strong defense against the team holding the ball?
A, once again, I think Fukuoka's strengths are their solid defense and counterattacks, which are dangerous for us. For them, it will be a home game and tomorrow's match will undoubtedly be a difficult one. On the other hand, we are also in a good condition. In the competitive J1 league, even small details can have a big impact on the outcome of the match. For example, who will score the first goal, or a small mistake can change the course of the game. I trust my team and even though it is an away game, we will fight for victory.
Q, Please give us your evaluation of the play, such as intensity and speed, in the previous match against Albirex Niigata.
A, I am satisfied with the current pace and have built a game plan for the Niigata match based on that. I recognize that we created 9 chances in the Niigata match. Niigata has been playing with their current style for 4 seasons, and I expected it to be very difficult to take the ball away from them and have a higher possession rate when facing that club. The reason why we want to keep possession is to create decisive chances. Not only on counter attacks, but also with fluid play, we had scenes where players jumped into the goal area. I think Niigata entered the game in a good shape, but we were able to take the lead by exploiting the space created by the high positioning of both fullbacks.
The ball possession rate for this match was about 40%, but we were able to create many decisive chances that we were expecting. If we had scored a third goal, Niigata would have played even more aggressively. By doing so, I think there was a great possibility of a 4-1 or 5-1 result. The important thing is to understand the flow of the match and play smart and effective. For all the soccer fans who watched the Niigata match, I think it was an exciting game.
Q, please tell me the key points to win against Fukuoka.
A, it is important to withstand the high intensity defense and eliminate mistakes in our defense. It is also important to utilize our weapons, such as holding the ball, quickly switching between offense and defense, and aiming for counterattacks, according to the situation. It is important to choose the appropriate solution for each situation.
Q, if Shuto ABE plays in the Fukuoka match, he will reach 100 games in the J1 League, and Teruhito NAKAGAWA will reach 150 games in the J1 League.
I am very satisfied with the growth and performance of player A Abe. As a player who came from FC Tokyo U-15 and FC Tokyo U-18, I hope he will continue to play a key role in this club for a long time. With high expectations, he has been appointed as one of the 3rd captains this season. I am looking forward to his further growth. In addition, it was big news for us when experienced and high-quality player Nakagawa joined Tokyo. We hope that young players will learn a lot from him as a true professional. I sincerely wish for the continued success of both players.
[Player Interview]
＜Shuto ABE＞
Q, Avispa Fukuoka match appearance, reaching a total of 100 games in the J1 League. Please tell us how you feel right now.
A, I think it was a quick journey to reach 100 games, but at the same time, it feels like there are still 100 games left. There are many players in Tokyo who have achieved 300 or 400 games, so I want to work hard to get closer to those players. If I play, I think the Fukuoka game will be a special memory, so I want to aim for goals and victories.
Q, Kazuya KONNO, who joined at the same time as Tokyo, is currently playing for Fukuoka.
A, Playing against players I played with for the past three seasons is a strange feeling and they are players I don't like to face. However, I also know a lot about them. I want to be aware of plays and defense that Konno dislikes.
Q, What kind of play do you focus on in an attacking position against a strong defense?
A, I want to skillfully aim for the space in the opponent's pocket. I always want to be aware and break down the opponent's formation.
Q, do you think playing in the opponent's deep area will be the key?
A, yes. If the opponent backs off, I think there will be more space to work with. I want to actively aim for that.
Q: Do you have any memorable matches?
This is the first time I played against Vissel Kobe as a special designated player in 2019. I remember playing at Ajinomoto and facing off against Kobe's Iniesta player.
Q, how will you fight from here on with consecutive games?
A, I am the type of player whose condition improves as I play more games, so I think my sharpness has increased compared to the previous match against Fukuoka.
Q: Do you have an image of a top attacking midfielder drawn by player Abe?
A, I have a very strong desire to score. I think the attacking midfielder position offers many opportunities. I always have the desire to not only score, but also increase the number of passes and movements that create goals.
Q, including player Abe, Tokyo seems to have a lot of players with high levels of physical activity.
A, there are many players in the midfield who can play at a high intensity for 90 minutes with a lot of movement. I believe that this type of play has contributed to our winning streak in the league. We want to continue playing at a high intensity in the future as well.
