<Match Preview>
The Emperor's Cup, the third tournament of this season, is about to begin. Teams from the J1 League, including Tokyo, will appear starting from the 2nd Round and will compete in the opening match of the tournament.
The opponent in the first match is Fukushima United FC, which belongs to the J3 League. While FC Tokyo U-23 has a record of 8 matches against teams in the J3 League, this will be the first official match for the top team. For Tokyo, there is a connection with Fukushima as they have been selling the well-known "Imokuri Satataro" stadium gourmet from Fukushima at AO-AKA PARK during home games, as part of their support activities for the reconstruction after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Fukushima has played 12 matches in the J3 League this season, with a record of 3 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses, placing them 18th. They are focusing on solidifying their defense to repel the opponent's attacks and launching quick counterattacks after regaining possession. It is expected that they will first retreat to strengthen their defense against Tokyo's attacks, centered around the veteran Kaito YAMAMOTO, who has been entrusted with scoring goals at many clubs.
In Tokyo, it is expected that the time spent holding the ball will increase. Even when spaces are filled, we want to patiently move the ball in and out of dangerous areas, and immediately switch to counter-pressing after losing the ball. At the same time, we must not neglect to care for the spaces behind the defensive line, and we also want to pay close attention to the opponent's set-piece opportunities.
The fear of a one-off match in the Emperor's Cup has been deeply felt by the club through many experiences. Matches against teams from different categories require particular caution. An opponent who pours all their energy into a single chance will tighten their defense in front of the goal once they take the lead, aiming to hold on to that advantage. While battling the pressure of 'losing means elimination from the tournament,' which is different from regular league matches, we want to continue our style aimed at Tokyo and open the path to the 3rd Round.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, we will face the Emperor's Cup 2nd Round in 3 days.
As you all know, it is difficult to compete against teams from different categories. Of course, we are aiming only for victory. Considering the difficulty of the match, we would like to give opportunities to players who have not had much playing time and young players.
Q: How do you perceive and analyze the match against Fukushima United FC?
A, if my memory is correct, Tokyo lost to university students in the 2021 season. Last season, we also faced university students, and it was a tough battle. The Emperor's Cup is a tournament where such things can happen. Naturally, there is a difference in the current categories, but they tend to challenge higher-category teams with more intense play than usual. That is why the matches become difficult. We want the players on the pitch to recognize that they must at least match the opponent's intensity from the start line with focused play and perform at a high intensity from the beginning. It will undoubtedly be a tough match.Fukushima tends to line up five players defensively to solidify their defense. Of course, through analysis, we recognize them as a wonderful team that values possession. Unlike the league matches, in a knockout tournament where losing means elimination, I believe there is a significant difference in atmosphere as well.
Q: Is it important to go for the ball with a high-intensity defense against Fukushima?
A good press and quick transition from defense to attack is one of the key points. Additionally, it is important to express our style more than the opponent. By applying pressure in the right way, we can prevent the opponent from executing their intended plays, and winning the ball from a good press leads to our attack.
Q: Please tell us what is important to prevent upsets.
First, it is important to start the match with a high level of intensity. While having 90 minutes allows for calm play, starting too calmly can undoubtedly lead to a difficult match. Of course, tactics are important in a game. However, what is even more crucial is maintaining a good psychological state. Once the match begins, the flow of the game may go as expected or it may not. In such cases, how to respond to the psychological impact is vital. Starting with a good psychological state is essential.
[Player Interview]
＜Junya SUZUKI＞
Q: I want to make it a match where my strong crosses can shine.
I want to show bold plays. The forwards in Tokyo have height and strength, so I want to aim for precise crosses.
Q: How do you want to deliver high-precision passes during the flow of the match?
By developing a style of soccer that values possession of the ball as requested by Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, I believe the opponent will come to take the ball away. At that moment, I want to supply the ball while looking for the space behind the opponent's defenders and the movements of the players on the opposite wing. While executing the team tactics, I want to play without forgetting to utilize my strengths.
Q: Is the image of utilizing your own strengths while being aware of the collaboration with the winger on the same side?
By making bold choices and decisions to showcase my strengths, I believe that the players in Tokyo will find it easier to align with my judgments, and half-hearted play can lead to confusion. My teammates understand my characteristics, so by playing with a proactive attitude, I think the relationships with the players in front and beside me will improve. Until three seasons ago, I was playing in the J3 League. I want to demonstrate my strengths and show the difference. I don't want the players from Fukushima United FC I face to think, 'He can do it.' I want to play with all my might.
Q: Do you have a strong desire to make this match one where you can feel your own changes and growth?
Of course, the growth that comes from adapting to Tokyo's current football is important, but I feel that the players currently listed as starting members are firmly expressing "their own color." I want to show the plays that the team should execute while also making it a match where I can showcase my strengths. I believe this will be necessary not only for tomorrow's match but also to get involved with the members in future matches.
Q: I believe you have experienced a high level of motivation when facing higher-ranked clubs in the Emperor's Cup. What kind of motivation is best to compete with?
First of all, rather than focusing on the opponent, I have a strong desire to achieve results in Tokyo myself, so I have no stance of just accepting the challenge. Personally, I prioritize playing with all my might, but I do think there are difficulties in facing opponents from different categories as a team. However, many players who will participate in tomorrow's match are eager with a strong desire to achieve results, so I want each player to fully unleash the energy they have without mismanaging their pace from the start of the match.
