Due to production scheduling, the MATCH PREVIEW & INTERVIEW for the Avispa Fukuoka match on May 3 (Wednesday, holiday) and the Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo match on May 6 (Saturday) will be on break.
The next Mecha Koma will be the MATCH PREVIEW & INTERVIEW for the Kawasaki Frontale match on May 12 (Fri).
<Previous Match - Albirex NiigataMatch Review>
"We do not intend to build the same style as Albirex Niigata," said coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA. Based on the characteristics of the players on the roster, the way of fighting that maximizes the players' strengths is the 'Tokyo style' that coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is trying to instill.
It was a match where the differences were clearly evident. Niigata consistently connected passes, showing a determination to push forward with short passes as their base. On the other hand, Tokyo did not back down, applying thorough pressure on the ball side, and once they recovered the ball, they utilized long balls without hesitation if there was space. When it was time to calm down and slowly build their attack, they maintained possession while fending off Niigata's press and pushing the opponent back.
Both goals scored were impressive and spectacular, but it was also evident that Tokyo was trying to advance the game with many options.
The first goal was scored by quickly moving the ball forward after winning it in our own half during a counterattack, with Teruhito NAKAGAWA delivering a beautiful shot before the opponent's formation could settle. The second goal came from exploiting space on the side with a series of short passes, utilizing Shuto ABE who found the space, pushing the opponent back to the goal. Although Diego OLIVEIRA had a powerful strike, there was a shared understanding within the team on how to handle the ball, making the flow leading to the shot very smooth.
As the second half began, Tokyo's attacking posture and diversity became more pronounced, creating more chances than the opponent while maintaining a one-goal lead, achieving their first consecutive league victories of the season.
<Preview>
Last season, at the same timing, during a series of matches in the long holiday, we faced off on May 3rd, and although Kuryu MATSUKI scored his first professional goal, the result was a loss with a score of 1-5.
Since then, we have drawn in home games, so it should not necessarily mean that the team has a negative mindset or image. However, we have also faced each other in the Levain Cup, and since we have two losses in two matches in Fukuoka, we hope for a match that can dispel that impression.
Tokyo and Avispa Fukuoka are currently tied with 15 points, with Tokyo slightly ahead in 6th place due to a goal difference of +2. Matches against opponents with close point differences are said to be worth 6 points. This match is truly a '6-point match' where we want to secure a lead in points or be left behind, and we must win to distance ourselves from our rivals.
With large center forwards like Wellington and Lukian, the versatile Yuya YAMAGISHI moves around them like a satellite, creating depth in the front line. Most importantly, Kazuya KONNO, who was with Tokyo until last season, is now part of the team. In Fukuoka's solid defense and quick counterattack style, KONNO's dribbling serves as a switch for the attack.
Last season, in the match against Fukuoka held at Ajinomoto Stadium, player Kono scored a stunning volley. We definitely want to avoid the opposite scenario. However, since we know the characteristics of the team Tokyo and its individual players, they are undoubtedly a challenging opponent. We want to control the game at our own pace by shutting down the players who work near the goal and the former teammates who can create decisive plays leading to goals.
In the match against Albirex Niigata, the team maintained a common understanding while alternating between quick and slow attacks to gradually take control of the pace, creating opportunities to push the opponent back in the second half. In this match, while taking care of the opponent's powerful attacks, we want to create pathways to the goal by committing more players when we go on the offensive, adjusting the tempo of our attacks according to the situation.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: It seems that the team has struggled in away matches against clubs from Kyushu even before Coach Albert's appointment. What kind of match do you want to have in this week's game against Avispa Fukuoka?
A. We do not place much importance on past match results. However, Fukuoka has a very strong defense, and there is no doubt that they will be a difficult opponent. Naturally, this will be a home game for Fukuoka, so we can expect their defensive intensity to increase even further, making it a challenging match. As you can see from Fukuoka's matches this season, I believe it is very difficult for any team to achieve victory against Fukuoka.
Q: How will you break through Fukuoka, who shows strong defense against the team holding the ball?
A, once again, I believe that Fukuoka's strengths are their solid defense and counterattacks, which pose a danger to us. This will be a home game for them, and tomorrow's match will undoubtedly be a difficult one. On the other hand, we are also in good form. In the closely contested J1 League, the details greatly influence the match results. For example, which team scores the first goal can change the course of the game significantly due to small mistakes. I trust the team, and although it is an away game, we will certainly fight for victory.
Q: Regarding the last match against Albirex Niigata, please provide your evaluation of the play in terms of intensity and speed from the coach's perspective.
A, I am satisfied with the current pace of play, and based on that, I have developed the game plan for the match against Niigata. I recognize that we created nine chances in the match against Niigata. Niigata has been playing in their current style for four seasons, and I anticipated that it would be very difficult to win the ball and exceed them in possession rate when facing that club. The reason we want to maintain possession is to create decisive chances. There were scenes where players entered the goal area not only through counterattacks but also by controlling the ball and playing fluidly. I think Niigata entered the match in good shape, but we were able to take the lead by exploiting the space created by both full-backs positioning high.
The ball possession rate in this match was about 40 percent, but we were able to express ourselves well in creating many decisive chances that we expect. If we had scored the third goal, Niigata would have played even more aggressively. By doing so, I believe the result could have easily been 4-1 or 5-1. The important thing is to play wisely and effectively while grasping the flow of the game. I think it was an exciting game for all the soccer fans who watched the match against Niigata.
Q: Please tell us the key points to win against Fukuoka.
A, it is important to withstand high-intensity defense and eliminate mistakes in our defense. Holding the ball, quickly transitioning between offense and defense, and aiming for counterattacks are also important to utilize our weapons according to the situation. It is crucial to choose the appropriate solution in each scenario.
Q: If Shuto ABE participates in the Fukuoka match, he will achieve a total of 100 matches in the J1 League, and Teruhito NAKAGAWA will achieve a total of 150 matches in the J1 League.
I am very satisfied with the growth and performance of player Abe. Coming from FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi and FC Tokyo U-18, I hope he continues to be a key player for this club for a long time. With various expectations in mind, he has been appointed as one of the 3rd captains this season. I look forward to his further growth. Additionally, it was big news for us that the experienced and high-quality player Nakagawa has joined Tokyo. I hope that the young players will learn a lot from him, who is a true professional. I sincerely wish for the continued success of both players.
[Player Interview]
<Shuto ABE>
Q: You will achieve a total of 100 matches in the J1 League by participating in the Avispa Fukuoka match. Please share your current feelings.
On one hand, I think it was quick to reach 100 matches, but on the other hand, it feels like there are still 100 matches to go. There are many players in Tokyo who have achieved 300 or 400 matches, so I want to work hard to get closer to those players. If I get to play, I believe the match against Fukuoka will be a memorable one, so I want to aim for goals and victory.
Q: Kazuya KONNO, who joined Fukuoka at the same time as in Tokyo, is on the team.
A, it feels strange to compete against players I played with for three years until last season, and they are players I dislike facing. However, there are many aspects I know about them. I want to be mindful of the plays and defenses that Konno dislikes.
Q: What kind of play do you focus on in an attacking position against a solid defense?
I want to skillfully target the spaces that become the opponent's pocket. I will always be aware and aim to disrupt the opponent's formation.
Q: Do you think playing in the opponent's deep area will be a key point?
A, that's right. I think that if the opponent falls back, it will create more space. I want to actively aim for that.
Q: Are there any matches that left an impression on you?
A, it was the match against Vissel Kobe in 2019 when I first played as a specially designated player. I remember playing at Ajinomoto and being able to compete against Iniesta from Kobe.
Q: We will have consecutive matches from here, how will you fight?
I am the type of player whose condition improves with each match, so I believe I will be sharper in the Fukuoka match compared to the previous game.
Q: Do you have an image of the playmaker role that player Abe envisions?
I have a very strong desire to score goals. I believe that the position of attacking midfielder presents many opportunities. I always have the intention to not only score but also to increase the passes and movements that create goals.
Q: Including player Abe, there is an impression that Tokyo has a wealth of players with high physical activity.
A team with players who have high physical activity and can play at a high intensity for 90 minutes is gathered in the midfield. I believe that such play has contributed to our consecutive victories in the league. I want to continue playing at a high intensity in the future.
