[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q: Coach Lewis of Kobe seemed to be playing defense in a zone during the Kyoto match. If the opponent doesn't come from the front line this time as well, the theme will be to break through the opponent's defense in the zone. What do you think?
A, the coach has changed and honestly, we don't have much information. We know him well. I think he is good at using the 4-4-2 system to defend compactly and then attack from there. He is good at narrowing the space and defending, and also good at counterattacks. Of course, he doesn't forget to value the ball. However, the dangerous element for us is that the coach has just changed and the team is in a concentrated state. There are also high-quality players. Naturally, every team wants to win in the upcoming match, but as Kobe, who has not been able to earn points at the beginning of the season, we definitely want to earn points. We are also hungry for victory, but I think Kobe is even hungrier. Each team grows with their own playing style, and we are in the growth stage with our playing style. We hope that this match will help us grow.
Q: I think there was progress in terms of content in the Yokohama FM match. I think we will approach it with a desire to improve the content, but how do you feel about the Kobe match?
A, the team also showed growth in the Yokohama FM match. I think the signs of growth were more clearly visible in the first half. Yokohama FM's most dangerous attack is the counterattack, but they also have the ability to possess the ball as a weapon. We were able to successfully neutralize that and aim for counterattacks in the first half. The difference between Yokohama FM and Kawasaki is that it is quite difficult to break free once Kawasaki pushes us back. On the other hand, even if we are pushed back by Yokohama FM, there is a possibility of creating chances after regaining possession. If we are surpassed in ball possession against Kawasaki, it becomes a difficult match. Against Yokohama FM, by intentionally conceding possession, we were able to execute our plan of regaining the ball and transitioning to counterattacks in the first half. It would have been good to score an additional goal in the first half, but unfortunately, we conceded the second goal from Yokohama FM's major weapon, the counterattack, due to a mistake at the start of the second half.
In any case, I think the team has grown in the Yokohama FM match, and I hope that the team will continue to grow consistently as the season progresses. Both Kawasaki and Yokohama FM have been playing with the same play style for multiple seasons. Naturally, they have a high level of team completion, so it is difficult to compete against mature teams. However, I am satisfied with the team and players' performance. I am proud that we were able to compete on equal terms with Kawasaki and Yokohama FM, even though we have only started a new play style a few months ago. The team's growth is clearly evident not only in matches but also in daily training. What we can do in training cannot be immediately expressed in matches. It takes time to be able to express it, so it is important to wait patiently. Once we can express it, I believe that we will be able to dominate the game regardless of the strength of the opponent.
Q, the strategy against Yokohama FM was to intentionally let them have the ball and aim for counterattacks. However, it did not work against Kawasaki. Please explain why this strategy works against Yokohama FM but not against Kawasaki.
A, each team has a different playing style. For example, Kawasaki has the characteristic of maintaining a high ball possession rate to push the opponent and create chances. However, I don't think they always play positional play throughout the pitch. When they push the opponent and lose the ball, one of their big weapons is to immediately regain possession and continue the attack. The characteristic of Yokohama FM is an attack that utilizes the speed of the wings rather than ball possession. If there are wings who use speed as their weapon, they require space. I think our second conceded goal scene is a typical play. We were able to launch a counterattack with space in front of the wings, which is the most dangerous play for Yokohama FM, and we conceded a goal from there. On the other hand, while Yokohama FM's counterattack is dangerous, it was a game where creating chances from counterattacks against Yokohama FM became intertwined. A typical example is the first half of the game. We created many chances from counterattacks against an opponent who is good at counterattacks. However, because we conceded the second goal at the beginning of the second half, we had to take the initiative and develop the game. From there, Yokohama's counterattack started to function, and the game development created more chances in the second half than in the first half.
The Kawasaki game had a different game flow. They are not good at being pushed back. In that sense, when we pushed Kawasaki while maintaining a high position with the ball, we were able to create many chances. However, the game plan changes from game to game. I think what determines the game is the players' appropriate judgment in each moment. Each team approaches the game with a clear game plan, but ultimately, it depends on whether the players can make appropriate judgments on the pitch and play based on the game plan. However, even if they can play with appropriate judgment, I think they cannot win if they lack finishing power in the end. A typical game of this sport is the Kyoto Sanga F.C. game. Since soccer is a competition of goals, I think finishing power in front of the goal becomes one of the important points. I think that is the reality of soccer.
Q, in April, due to consecutive matches, it was mentioned that young players would be actively used in cup matches, but these past 3 matches are league matches. How do you plan to select players in this congested schedule?
In cup competitions, we plan to change players. I don't think it's possible for the same players to play in this congested schedule. Our team has high-quality players. We also have some excellent young players. In that sense, we want to give young players playing opportunities in cup competitions. Even in the world, there are not many teams that can continue to play at a high level while competing in two or three tournaments simultaneously. In Major League Soccer in the United States and in the J-League, teams participating in tournaments like the AFC Champions League struggle to maintain good performances throughout the season due to the congested schedule. Looking at Europe, I think there are only 10 to 15 clubs that can consistently display high quality in multiple tournaments, including the UEFA Champions League.
Q, what have you emphasized in preparation for the Kobe match despite the short preparation period?
Rather than focusing on how to adapt to the opposing team in a short amount of time, we have been practicing while utilizing videos to grow our own play. In modern soccer, it is important to have analysis meetings using videos. There are limitations to the amount of time we can practice on the pitch, especially with a tight schedule. Therefore, we spend time using videos to reflect on our areas for improvement and good plays, and incorporate new concepts to connect them to the next game.
Q, I think there are great players on the opposing team.
A, Kobe has one of the greatest players who has left his name in the history of football.
Q, what are your memories of playing with Andres Iniesta and what does his presence mean to you, Coach Albert?
I think he is a legend in the world of soccer. He is also one of the few players who have proven that it is not necessary to have a high level of physicality to excel at the top level of the sport. He has also transformed soccer into an art form. He has continued to play great football to the point where there is no need to explain how amazing of a player he is. Furthermore, he has shown that it is possible to continue performing at the top level of the world while maintaining a humble attitude. He has shattered the mold of what a top-level player in the soccer world should be like. He is a beloved player by soccer fans all over the world. I have heard that he is also enjoying his life in Japan. I am proud to be able to compete against him here in Japan. There will come a time when he will retire as a player. At that time, I sincerely hope that he will return to FC Barcelona, a club that I love and consider my hometown.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Takuya Aoki＞
Q, it is expected that Iniesta will play in a position similar to second striker for Kobe. What kind of image do you have in mind for the defense to grab that position?
A, there are also parts that you won't know until you try playing the game. However, since he is a dangerous player when he is close to the goal, someone must always confront him. Rather than focusing on which player of the opponent to face, it is more important to be conscious of doing what we want to do.
Q, I think our goal is to keep possession of the ball. How do you feel as an anchor?
A, although there are few special things I can do from my position, I am always conscious of ensuring that the team can play smoothly.
Q: What are the areas where the team as a whole has improved?
A, both in attack and defense, the whole team feels connected. The most important thing is the players' sense of distance. Since we play positional play, we are not scattered, and each player can be in a good position, so the whole team can play connected.
Q, what is the most important thing that is being asked by coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA in the anchor position?
A, it's about balance. Also, composure is important. I try to keep an eye on my surroundings and play in a way that doesn't leave any gaps.
Q, don't you think your role is more diverse compared to a double pivot? Hasn't the frequency of moving the players around you increased?
A, it's also easy to play because the inside half player moves a lot, and I play while thinking about what to do after they have gone forward. It is important to make decisions such as looking for spaces they have left or, conversely, following and supporting the inside half.
Shuto ABE player
Q: I have scored in two consecutive official matches, but I feel like I am becoming more composed in front of the goal.
A, I don't feel that way in my own sense. In the Hiroshima game at home, there was a scene where Adailton scored a goal, but before that, I missed a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. After that game, I remember receiving advice from Takahagi, "In that scene, the goalkeeper can't reach the near side, so aim for the near side." In the Yokohama FM game, a similar situation came up, so I was able to calmly aim for the near side.
Q, you remained calm without showing much excitement even after scoring a goal.
In the match against Yokohama FM, it was still a tie, so I thought, "Let's calm down and keep going." I was calm. In the match against Kobe, I want to score a goal that can make my emotions explode. On the goal side where Tokyo fans and supporters are.
Q, the match against Yokohama FM was a game where we were outplayed in terms of strength, but I think we are gradually able to show what we have been working on in practice. Do you feel that you are improving with each game?
There are scenes where things go well and scenes where things don't go well. I still have a sense that I haven't fully achieved it, but I think everyone has the intention to express what the coach wants on the pitch, so I want to strengthen that intention and improve my play.
Q: Tomorrow's match against Kobe. There is a senior from the academy, Kento HASHIMOTO, who plays in the same position. What kind of presence is HASHIMOTO for player Abe?
A, I still remember when I became a special designation player and played together when I was a fourth-year university student. I thought he was the ideal midfielder in terms of being able to steal the ball, handle it, and score. At that time, he was also in the Japanese national team, and I thought that players who can produce such results will go up.
Q, I don't think I'm very conscious of it, but do you have a desire not to lose?
A, I'm not consciously aware of that, but when there are players in the selected class, I also feel motivated to "do it". However, as a team, I definitely want to win here. If we can dominate the midfield with players like Hashimoto and Iniesta, I think it will naturally lead to the team's victory and also contribute to my own growth, so I want to play with a strong determination.
Q: Please tell us about your thoughts and feelings for the match against Kobe Univ at Ajinomoto Stadium, which was player Abe's J1 debut.
A, Kobe is a team with many wonderful players, not just Hashimoto and Iniesta. However, among them, Iniesta is one of the special players in the world, so it is a great honor to be able to play with such a player. However, it doesn't change the fact that he is an opponent, so we want to take away Iniesta's freedom, take control there, and win at Misuta.
Q, tomorrow's game will be played with 100% capacity. Please leave a message to all the fans and supporters.
A, although it is held on weekdays, I think many fans and supporters will come to Ajinomoto Stadium. I think it is our responsibility to deliver victory for those fans and supporters, and to play in a way that makes them want to come and watch FC Tokyo's games again. I want to win and achieve results firmly. The more fans and supporters there are, the higher the motivation, so I am really looking forward to it myself. Thank you for your support tomorrow as well.
＜Hirotaka MITA player＞
Q: How do you feel about the fight so far, starting with 3 wins in the first 5 games of the league?
Under the guidance of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, we are currently in the stage of trying to express a new style centered around positional play. At this point, we should not only seek results but also pursue the content and improve the areas that are lacking. However, I feel that the direction the team is aiming for is a positive one for Tokyo.
Q: In Albert's "love for the ball" football, Mita is being used in various positions such as midfield and wing. What kind of role do you think is expected of him?
A, basically my role is to move the ball and create rhythm, and control the pace of the game. It doesn't matter where the position is. If it's Tokyo's style this season, I have confidence that I can play anywhere. Depending on the situation, I think being able to naturally switch my play according to the position is my strength.
Q: What kind of things do you keep in mind when approaching the Kobe match this round?
To improve the completeness of the team, it is necessary to play each game now and value each battle, connecting it to growth. Kobe is a team with high-quality players. I think this match will test our strength in whether we can play our own soccer against such opponents.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the game with the fans and supporters.
A, I am looking forward to finally being able to see Ajinomoto Stadium filled with fans and supporters without any restrictions on the number of spectators. I hope that everyone will enjoy watching Tokyo grow with each game this season, and I will also work hard to continue growing and contribute to the team. Please come and support us as we show you an exciting game of soccer!
Official Match Day Program is here!
