[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, Sanfrecce Hiroshima has been playing an aggressive defense since the new coach took over. How does Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA view Hiroshima's soccer?
A, I am also analyzing in the same way. I feel that there is a tendency to be more aggressive and press forward rather than lowering the defensive block to defend. I expect that we will come out aggressively to press in tomorrow's match as well. I think that the one-on-one battles in each situation will be important in any match, and we are able to focus on that in our training. I think the players are well prepared and able to concentrate on the match, so I hope for a good play. If I were to express it in tactical terms, it would be covering, but what is important is the awareness of supporting each other. We have a united team. In that sense, it is important for each individual to bring out their strengths and give their all in both offense and defense.
Q: When you were the coach of Niigata and even after coming to Tokyo, you have been using players with high technical skills like Watanabe as the right fullback in several matches. Is it because high technical skills are important for a fullback?
In the world of soccer, fullbacks play an important role. When I was young, fullbacks were positions played by mediocre players. However, in modern soccer, it has become a position that plays a tactically significant role. What we expect from fullbacks is not only technical skills but also a solid understanding of the situation tactically, and the ability to participate in attacks from both the side and the center. In that sense, I am delighted with Watanabe's growth and very satisfied with his current performance. It is an important position for the style I aim for, and I expect further growth. Not only Watanabe, but also high-quality players like Nagatomo and Nakamura are gathered. I trust all the players and I am satisfied with their growth.
Q: There were injuries, substitutions, and dismissals of midfield players in the match against C Osaka. Looking back, how was it?
I think the flow of the game can be divided into two major phases before the expulsion. Until the expulsion, we created many opportunities to firmly dominate the game and score additional points. The improvement point is to score additional points firmly. The chances for C Osaka in the first half also came from our build-up mistakes. I think if we had scored chances without making mistakes, we could have controlled the game in a calm manner. However, the team is in a growth stage. Although the expulsion changed the game significantly, we should have moved in the direction of possessing the ball and controlling the game. It is an improvement point that we reacted in the opposite way. We have just started this new style. It is possible that we could not respond appropriately after the expulsion, and it is a point where we want to grow as a team. On the other hand, I think it is worth evaluating that the players were able to play with a strong determination to win. They expressed their hunger for victory and success on the pitch. Although there are areas for improvement in the last 30 minutes of the C Osaka match, the mentality towards the game was expressed wonderfully.
Q, what was the intention behind the positional change between players Abe and Matsuki, who played as inside halves, in the Kawasaki and C Osaka matches?
A, I like to play right-handed players on the right side and left-handed players on the left side. However, I did the opposite in the Kawasaki game. I expected Matsuki to steal the ball and take a middle shot, so I used him in that way. However, I also want the players to make their own judgments during the game. The two inside halves are positions with more movement, so the left and right sides can be swapped.
Q: Are there cases where you choose a player with a weaker foot as a winger? Is it only the inside half who wants to play on their dominant foot side?
A, it will change depending on the situation and also change due to tactical factors. The way of deployment also changes depending on whether it is a run into space or receiving the ball at the feet. We acknowledge that left and right can change within the pitch depending on the situation.
Q, This is a match at home at Ajinomoto Stadium. Please tell us your enthusiasm.
I was looking forward to meeting many fans and supporters at home. I would like to greet everyone. I recognize that this new project is starting with all of you. And the team is also determined to give their all on the pitch. For that, support is necessary. The players' full effort will surely make the fans and supporters proud. I think professional soccer is also entertainment, so I hope that the fans and supporters who come to visit will enjoy the high-quality entertainment that the players express.
Q, Leandro player has been injured, but are there any players who cannot be put on the bench for tomorrow's game due to the influence of Corona?
A, muscle-related injuries take time to recover and it is unfortunate. He has been training diligently and always expressed his loyalty to the club, and I was satisfied with his performance. However, injuries are inevitable in both matches and practices. I believe it is something that cannot be avoided in a sense. In any case, I hope he will return soon in good shape. I believe he will contribute to the team upon his return.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, please reflect on the previous match against Cerezo Osaka.
A, it was a game where there were both good parts and parts that became difficult after one person was reduced. One thing I can say is that we should have expressed our style throughout the game. After the game, I felt that was a challenge for the team. Instead of giving up easily and focusing only on defense when we were reduced to one person, I wanted us to continue expressing our style even in a numerical disadvantage. In that game, it had become an atmosphere where we didn't possess the ball from the beginning when we were reduced to one person, so first of all, I wanted us to continue challenging the soccer we wanted to play.
Q, don't you think there is more response than you expected regarding the team's style penetration by participating in the Fukuoka and C Osaka matches of the Levain Cup?
A, it is important to improve the completion level because we are clear about what we should do. It's not about how the opponent plays soccer, but I feel that we are getting better day by day in terms of everyone's commitment. Also, as the opponent changes, the soccer style changes, and there may be accidents like the Cerezo Osaka match. However, I have a sense of improvement that if we accumulate the experience of "let's do this in this situation", we will get better.
Q, even if there are troubles or irregularities within the 90 minutes, I feel like I can handle them on the pitch.
A, I think that's my role as someone who is watching from the back. I need to understand the team's situation during the game and make adjustments within the game. I hope experienced players can take the lead and make things clear during the game.
Q: As a player, Morishige, you have been given the captaincy after a long time. Do you feel any changes or differences compared to when you were captain before, as you go through the matches?
A, honestly, what hasn't changed at all is what we are doing. However, if we are not sensitive to the changes in the team, the team can quickly decline, so we need to somehow lift it up. We need to keep our antennas up and make sure that everyone is not satisfied with the current situation.
Q, it's been 3 months since our last home game. The fans and supporters have been eagerly waiting.
A, I think the fans and supporters who have been watching us play, including the Levain Cup, up to this point, have high expectations. I believe that in home games, we are expected to deliver both in terms of the quality of the game and the results, in order to meet those expectations. We want to make this game a solid representation of that.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: Cerezo Osaka game was a complete shutout victory for the team. What were the good points about the defense that was able to hold on in a situation where a player was sent off?
A, regarding the first half, I think we were able to defend well by pressuring the opponent from the front line. We only gave the opponent one or two chances, and I think we were able to defend well by focusing on winning and by protecting the goal and putting our bodies on the line.
Q: How do you feel about the first two matches since the opening?
As a team, we have been able to demonstrate our tactics such as ball circulation very well in these two matches, which gives us a sense of accomplishment.
Q: Do you think the positioning of the defense in the box is good, and is it getting even better?
A, we are practicing positioning in defense, and as a team, we are conscious of boxing out so that the opponent cannot enter the box. We are trying to defend in a way that does not allow the opponent to create chances, so I think that's why chances are not being created.
Q, in terms of defense, I felt the presence of player Jakub SLOWIK was significant throughout the two matches. How would you describe the defensive awareness, considering that there is an assumption that SLOWIK will prevent shots?
A, I think you can feel that SLOWIK is a wonderful player by watching his performance in these two matches. As an individual and as a team, I think it means that SLOWIK is able to perform good defense without standing out in a positive way. There is a sense of security that he can stop shots from a certain distance, so we can also defend boldly, and he is a very reliable presence in that aspect.
Q, I think it would be possible to calculate the defensive stance while stopping to some extent. What do you think?
First, I defend to prevent shots, but there are times when I still get shot. Depending on the area, I can play with a sense of being okay even if I get shot, so I can defend boldly.
Q, where are the harvest and challenges in the assembly process?
A, there may be mistakes in the assembly part, but it is important to play without fear, and it is improving to assemble while using long and short passes well during the game, so I think we are gradually able to create assemblies that the opponent dislikes.
Q: What impression did you have of the match against C Osaka, your former team?
It was a team that started my professional career, and I was able to grow a lot in the club for 5 years, so I felt very grateful to be able to play against Cerezo Osaka, and my first impression was that I was really happy to win.
Q: Were there any specific areas you were conscious of?
A few players I played with were there, and personally, there were parts where my emotions got involved. However, in terms of fighting for FC Tokyo's victory, there were also some (emotions related to my former team), but I think the best thing was being able to focus on winning without those emotions.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the home opening game.
It took a long time to play a home game due to the influence of the coronavirus, but the team is united and we were able to welcome this Hiroshima match after winning the previous match, so I want to do my best to win at home.
Q, how is the atmosphere of the current team?
A, we have been practicing very well and we are able to switch between on and off. There are also enjoyable moments during the off time, so I think the atmosphere is good.
Q, does it feel like the players are finally coming together and starting now?
A, finally returned from Corona and have been able to have good practice while also having competition. I think we are able to play the soccer we want through the games, so I feel very fulfilled in that sense.
Q: How do you feel about the progress on the offensive side?
Although we have only scored one goal in this game, we have created numerous opportunities in these three matches. I believe that the short counterattack is also one of our weapons, so if we can create chances even while holding the ball in the short counterattack, we can become a flawless team. Therefore, I want to continue improving the team without being satisfied.
Q, do you have a sense of being able to play while holding the ball through several games?
A, although it's only been 3 games, I think we have been able to show some really good aspects. We have been able to attack while adjusting our positions based on the opponent's defensive positioning. It's not perfect yet, but I think it's a good thing that we have been able to play as a team in these 3 games, and I'm really looking forward to what's to come.
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q, we won our first victory of the season by defeating C Osaka 1-0 with a goal from player Konno in the previous match.
After the opening match of the A League, the team had to suspend activities due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection. It was a challenging game considering the difficult conditions. However, I believe that each and every one of us did what we could, and that resulted in our victory. Of course, I am happy to have scored a goal, but I also consider the three points we won as a team, including enduring through tough times.
Q, how do you feel about the possession soccer that coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA aims for?
A, there are still parts that have not yet permeated the team because it has changed completely since last season, but it is gradually improving and it is fun to play. Especially in my position as a winger, I am required to make one-on-one attacks, and I think it is a style that makes it easy for me to demonstrate my strengths.
Q: Player Konno experienced a long-term absence of about 7 months due to injury last season. Doesn't that make his determination for this season even stronger?
A, it was the first time I had such a big injury, so I was worried if I could recover well and I was frustrated that I couldn't play in the games. However, thanks to the trainer, my rehabilitation has been going smoothly and now I can play in a better condition than before the injury. I want to maintain this condition and contribute more to repay everyone who was worried about me.
Q, this game is the first home game of the 2022 season. Please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
First of all, we want to show our football and Tokyo's football this season firmly at home. Personally, I scored one goal, so I can challenge the game with confidence mentally. I want to play with a strong desire for results, and above all, if we don't win at home, it doesn't make sense. I will prepare well and deliver victory to everyone!
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