The match against Júbilo Iwata, which was supposed to be the first home game of the Levain Cup, has been postponed due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection. It will now be played just two days after the J1 League home opener.
The first match of the tournament on March 2 against Avispa Fukuoka saw a scramble situation with players registered in the second division added to the bench. The team, consisting of both veteran and young players, fought well by possessing the ball and pushing the opponent, although the result was not in their favor. This proved that the team is establishing a tactical base regardless of the composition of the members.
With the middle game of a back-to-back match that will be played in the span of two days and three days, coach Albert Puig Ortoneda has stated that he will actively use young players. It is expected that the lineup will be changed for the next two league matches.
If you only focus on certain words, it may sound like the Levain Cup is being treated as an experimental field, but coach Albert Puig Ortoneda believes that it is natural to focus on winning when playing a game and there is no need to constantly talk about it. It is a difficult approach, but he is working towards the mission of balancing the use of young players for the future of the team and club, and the pursuit of victory.
In the Fukuoka match, which was a hybrid of veteran and young players, Shuto OKANIWA was selected as a starter and Yuta ARAI, who was registered as a second type, was brought in in the second half and demonstrated his strengths. In addition, Yuki KAJIURA, who made his rookie debut, showed exceptional talent by finding spaces that the opponent disliked and heading towards the goal. In this match against Iwata, we hope that the young players who have been given the chance will not be afraid of making mistakes and will show their strengths, and furthermore, adapt to the play model.
In particular, Okanohashi, who was substituted in the first half of the Fukuoka match, is burning with a desire for revenge in the next chance. Their strong motivation should elevate the Iwata match from an experimental field to a real battle.
First night game at home this season.
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