<Previous Match - Hokkaido Consadole SapporoMatch Review>
The result presented was extremely harsh. We were overwhelmed by Sapporo's momentum at the start and allowed them to score first, going into halftime at 0-3. In front of the many fans and supporters who rushed to the northern land, we cannot afford to give up. We cannot lower our arms, which are poised in a fighting stance.
"I will never give up, no matter the situation"
The eyes of the man sent onto the pitch at the start of the second half spoke of that.
From the start of the second half, we chased the ball with maximum effort, and even when the overall output of the team was not high, we pursued the ball from the front line, pressed back to chase the opponent's ball holder, and when we regained possession, we ran forward.
Immediately after the start of the second half, they conceded another goal, widening the gap to four points, but the man's eyes remained unchanged, like a hunter keenly aiming for the goal.
The goal that was born from that came in the 28th minute of the second half. With a lot of time spent on defense, Adailton launched a quick attack, ran a long distance to get in front of the goal, and pushed the cross ball to break through the Sapporo goal.
From here, the entire team's gear was raised, and Hunter had numerous chances, but they could not capitalize on those opportunities. However, after scoring one point, they immediately returned the ball to the center circle and, without showing any joy upon returning to their own half, were focused on 'first, the next point.' Hunter is the one entrusted with the upcoming counterattack from Tokyo.
Preview
After winning against Albirex Niigata at home in Sec. 10, the team suffered consecutive losses away against Avispa Fukuoka and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. Masato MORISHIGE expressed the current situation of the team, stating, "We are being half-hearted in both offense and defense." Regarding the match against Sapporo, where five goals were conceded, he mentioned, "If we want to achieve stable performance and results as a team, I feel that defensive adjustments are necessary," emphasizing the importance of improving defense as a critical issue.
This match welcomes Kawasaki Frontale to Japan National Stadium for the 41st "Tamagawa Classico." The rivals across the Tamagawa River have faced a series of injuries early in the season. Although they have struggled in previous matches, they have recently achieved three consecutive wins and are improving, with more instances of smoothly connecting passes in the opponent's territory. For Tokyo, this match will be a test of how much they can correct their defensive issues.
In direct confrontations in the league, Tokyo has suffered seven consecutive losses. However, the stage is the Japan National Stadium, where Tokyo boasts a 100 percent winning rate (after renovations). To change the current flow, Tokyo aims for victory as they take on this crucial match.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Please reflect on the previous match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and share your enthusiasm for the upcoming match against Kawasaki Frontale.
A, the match against Sapporo was a painful defeat for us. We have been encouraging the team to play with confidence during this week's training. First, we must focus on ourselves, and as a team in a growth phase, we cannot win unless we give our all in the upcoming match. To effectively cover the mistakes we made, having a fighting spirit and a strong commitment to victory is extremely important. We have communicated with the players, and we have prepared well up to this point. We fully understand that Kawasaki is a difficult opponent and a highly mature team. We have also prepared confidently for this match. I believe tomorrow will be a wonderful game.
Q: Please tell us the role you expect from Keigo HIGASHI.
I hope you will focus on fighting in each duel situation, both offensively and defensively.
Q: Is there anything in particular that the coach emphasized this week?
A emphasized the importance of regaining confidence. Kawasaki has played in the same style for a long time and gives the impression of high maturity. We have also been making tactical preparations to effectively neutralize their strengths, and we have been working in this week's training to express our style in the match.
Q: I believe there are many plays you want to express in both offense and defense, but I felt there were moments when it became half-hearted with too many things to focus on.
A emphasized the importance of always having the awareness to move towards the goal. It is crucial not only to retain possession of the ball but also to advance towards the opponent's goal and create decisive chances. This season, there have been matches where we created more than 10 decisive chances and matches where we did not. Continuing to have unstable performances will not be tolerated in the future.
Q: Please tell us your impressions of the Tamagawa Classico as felt by the coach.
Last season, we played well in both matches against the highly mature Kawasaki, but I have a strong impression that we lost at the crucial moments that could have led to victory. To surpass Kawasaki, who has a strong mentality for winning, I believe we need to show an even greater determination and commitment to victory. Kawasaki has won many titles, and as a result, they are full of confidence. I think that when facing them, it is important to be more focused and to have a strong commitment to winning.
Q: Please tell us the significance of this match after two consecutive losses.
A, every match is important, and this league is very competitive. Each match continues to be a tough battle, and as much as possible, we need to accumulate as many points as we can from the match in front of us.
[Player Interview]
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: After the match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, player Morishige commented, "Both offense and defense are half-hearted." Does this indicate concerns about the team's unity of purpose and organization rather than the quality of individual plays?
A, it cannot be said definitively which is better. If the team's condition is good, individual performance will also improve, and if individuals perform well, the team's condition will also improve. I think there are various factors, but I believe that we played that way because our objectives were not clear and there was confusion.
Q: What kind of encouragement or awareness did you provide to your teammates to switch your mindset after consecutive losses?
Of course, there were things we couldn't do that we wanted to do, but before that, there were fundamental aspects like the desire to win, the fighting spirit, and fighting for our fans and supporters that we weren't able to achieve. So we talked about reclaiming those aspects together. That is the basis for our tactics and soccer style. First, we need to play with the important feelings necessary for playing soccer. That resonates with those watching and becomes a threat to our opponents. We reaffirmed that part within the team.
Q: How is Morishige's condition now, considering he had limited playing opportunities at the beginning of the season due to injury?
A, there is no problem. I believe we are fighting with good motivation and a healthy sense of tension. I have a desire to reflect that not only in myself but also in the team's results, so especially at times like this, I want to fully utilize my experience and do what needs to be done for the team.
Q: I would like to ask about the Tamagawa Classico. You are currently on a 7-game losing streak (in league matches) against Kawasaki Frontale and have not been able to win. Are you aware of the poor compatibility?
Well, it's a matter of bad compatibility, or rather, it's simply that Kawasaki was in good form. We respect our opponents, and they are a team that has been champions for a long time. However, what we need right now is to focus on expressing our own feelings rather than being overly conscious of Kawasaki, so I think it would be good if we can express that.
Q: The Japan National Stadium is home for Tokyo, and many supporters gather there. How do you feel about holding events at the National?
I believe that many fans and supporters will come to the National Stadium, and for us, it is an opportunity. The fact that we are playing at the National Stadium suits us well, so I want to approach it with confidence. Additionally, the pre-match performances and other exciting elements naturally boost our motivation. It is reassuring to have so many supporters on our side.
Q: Finally, please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
In the last few matches, we have been playing poorly, so we will prioritize results, but just as much, I want to show a performance that conveys our feelings and makes the fans and supporters feel like they want to cheer for us. Thank you for your support.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: This match of the round will be a special match for the 30th anniversary of the J League.
I am more focused and motivated than ever to compete at the Japan National Stadium in the form of a high-level match between Kawasaki Frontale and Tamagawa Classico.
Q: In the many scenes that have unfolded in the Tamagawa Classico, are there any matches or moments that stand out to you, Yuto NAGATOMO?
A, it is not that I focus on just one match; I can vividly recall every match. It is difficult to pick out 'this match' because each game has become an unforgettable battle throughout.
Q, What kind of stage is the Japan National Stadium for player Nagatomo?
As someone who came from high school soccer, this has been a sacred place and a dream stage since my high school days. It is a stage I have admired since my student days, and no matter how many matches I play at the Japan National Stadium, that feeling never changes.
Q: How does player Nagatomo want to contribute to the team with his play on that dream stage?
I want to enter the match with a focus on my commitment to competition and my characteristic aggressive defense. I aim to not lose in one-on-one situations and to showcase my strong points in my play.
Q: As the team faces two consecutive losses, what do you think is necessary to break this bad streak in this match?
Of course, everyone is feeling regret. I believe that this is not only true for the players and staff but also for the fans and supporters. In particular, the players feel a strong sense of regret, and they believe that the best way to express their feelings is on the pitch. In tomorrow's Tamagawa Classico, we want to firmly express our pride on the pitch.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: What preparations have you made for the match against Kawasaki Frontale?
In the previous match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, we suffered a heavy defeat, and the players held a meeting among themselves. There were difficult aspects such as the schedule, but the players must express themselves on the pitch without making excuses. We confirmed what needs to be done once again and focused on this week's practice.
Q, this is a highly anticipated match expected to attract many fans and supporters. What kind of game do you want it to be?
A, having many people come to the stadium naturally boosts motivation, and as a player, it is a joy to be able to play in such a wonderful environment. Kawasaki Frontale is also gaining momentum, and I definitely want to win against such opponents. I hope to win on this great stage and build on that momentum.
Q: What aspects have you particularly emphasized in your play?
I believe that aspects such as mindset, switching between offense and defense, and strength in one-on-one situations are crucial. We are discussing among the players to raise our awareness once again and approach practice with that in mind. We have suffered consecutive losses, and it has not been a good atmosphere; I think we are going through a very tough time. That is why I want to shake off the nervous atmosphere by fighting fiercely against a strong opponent like Kawasaki and winning.
Q, I think the Japan National Stadium is a stadium that has a good compatibility.
A, I want to use such superstitions effectively to create an opportunity for the team to rise.
Q: What kind of play are you focusing on this match, Player Higashi?
As an individual, I want to show good play in front of about 50,000 spectators, something that is hard to experience in a soccer career.
Q: Is there a consciousness to put forward a fighting spirit and encourage the team?
A, I believe that such feelings are conveyed within the team, and I personally feel that the strength in one-on-one situations and the ability to switch between offense and defense, as demonstrated by Yuto NAGATOMO, are the most important foundations. Naturally, Yuto's passionate spirit has also been transmitted to me, and I am inspired by it. In both practice and matches, I want to be the one who conveys this next time.
Q: Do you feel that there was an atmosphere of not being able to create the same picture on the pitch, which led to the two consecutive losses?
I believe there are certainly some. The fact that we are not able to fully depict the same picture means that the media present today, who regularly watch football, must be feeling this as well. It is one of the challenges we currently face, and while we need to share tactical aspects as a team, each player has various thoughts and ideas while playing. I think we should communicate well among players, make necessary choices consistently, and continue to play.
Q: It is expected that there will be many times when Kawasaki takes control of the game. Do you think the first goal will be the key to the match?
I think the first goal is very important. We want to focus on how we can take the goal while effectively defending against the opponent's chances. Even if we concede the first goal, it is not the end. Looking at the scene of the conceded goal against Sapporo, we had enough players in the defensive area. I believe it is also important how we defend during difficult times, including the goalkeeper.
