TOKYOism

<Match Review>
This season's Levain Cup has already been eliminated in the group stage, and today's match was the final match. The home team, Ajinomoto Stadium, will face Avispa Fukuoka, who are looking for 3 points to advance to the playoffs. They have faced each other twice this season, with Tokyo losing both times. For Tokyo, this will be a match where they want to repay their debt at home.

As coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has stated, in this match, young players and players with limited playing time in the league were lined up in the starting lineup. Kojiro YASUDA made his first professional start. Renta HIGASHI and Naoki KUMATA, who are registered as U-18 players, also started, and Kanta DOI was included in the squad for the first time as a substitute. Yuta ARAI, who is set to join the team next season, also made the squad for the first time since the match against Júbilo Iwata on March 15th.

As the game progressed with both teams sharing possession of the ball, Tokyo gradually pushed their opponents back after the 25th minute of the first half. Towards the end of the first half, they were able to maintain possession in the vital area and launch a thick attack, also recovering second balls. However, they were unable to finish their chances and the game remained 0-0 at halftime.

Tokyo continues to dominate possession in the second half. They are struggling to break through the opponent's defensive block as they push forward. In the 26th minute of the second half, they create a chance from a set piece. Renta HIGASHI heads in a corner kick from the left side, but the shot is saved by the opponent's goalkeeper. Tokyo continues to push forward without giving the opponent a chance to counterattack, constantly moving the ball and searching for a way to score. In the final minutes, Hirotaka MITA breaks through into the penalty area, but is unable to find the back of the net. The game ends in a 0-0 tie.

Although we were unable to achieve victory, the young players expressed the team's playing style firmly, and the veteran players supported them to boost their performance. As we strengthen our unity as a team, we continued to take control of the game and constantly threatened the goal, which will be a positive factor for the league. This was a match where we gained confidence as we prepare for the upcoming match against Kashiwa Reysol in just two days.

[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]

Q: please review the game.
A, today, I would like to reflect on the growth of our young players in particular. In the first 10-15 minutes, the young players were unable to adapt to the pace of the game, and it was a chaotic time. Although we did not give the opponent any chances, I don't think we were able to play as we expected. If we continue to lose the ball easily in unnecessary situations, we cannot play as we expect. Of course, in the zone close to the opponent's goal, the attack zone, bold plays that take risks are required. However, until we get closer to that zone, we need to play more accurately and carefully.
Morishige hasn't played on the pitch for a long time, and there was also a 17-year-old player playing alongside him, so it's natural that it was difficult to get into the rhythm of the game at the start. And there was also an intention to try Keigo Higashi as a defensive midfielder.

Due to various reasons, we were unable to build up from the back in a good way for the first 10-15 minutes. However, I think the game progressed in a different way after that. We were able to create two clear chances in just the first half. And I think we showed good play at various points at the tempo we expected. Mori Shige, who returned from injury, was planned to play for only 45 minutes to regain his match fitness, so he was substituted at halftime. I think it was a good performance for 45 minutes, and it led to his next appearance.

There were several dangerous players on the bench for Fukuoka. In order to support 17-year-old Renta HIGASHI when these dangerous players were brought on in the second half, the center back was changed to three. It is still difficult for a 17-year-old center back to face Lukian. Therefore, the system was changed to three center backs in order to cover any mistakes that may occur. However, the system is not particularly important. What is most important is the playing style, and I think we were able to express ourselves well even with a change in position. I think the young players were able to adapt well to the changing situation. We were able to create some chances in the second half and even had some opportunities for a penalty kick. Of course, this is not criticizing the referee.

In the second half, there was a long period of time when three 17-year-old players were on the pitch at the same time. I think Fukuoka had many key players in the team. It is worth noting that the young players, who are 17 years old, boldly demonstrated their individuality against tough opponents. In that sense, I am proud of the young players who were on the pitch. Additionally, veterans Keigo Higashi, Hikaru Mita, and Jun Kodama deserve recognition for supporting the young players' bold play.
I think it was a game where we could highly appreciate that our academy is able to develop players well. I had a similar situation when I was the academy director at FC Barcelona. If there are talented players among the young players, we must give them a chance. As long as I am at FC Tokyo, I want to give opportunities to talented young players.

Q, please evaluate Keigo HIGASHI as an anchor player.
A, he was playing well. Of course, I think he is a player with attacking strengths, and I think he can contribute on the defensive side as well. When watching his play during training, I evaluated not only his technical skills but also his ability to distribute the ball well. He can also contribute on defense in aerial battles. He also has the strength of being able to position himself well. For various reasons like these, I wanted to try him as a defensive midfielder, and I think the test went well. It can be said that we have added another option for the defensive midfielder position.
I told him directly, but our midfield role is not about running ourselves, but about making Shuto ABE and Kuryu MATSUKI run in front of us to maintain balance. The defensive midfielder behind the inside half is a player who can give composure to the team. In that sense, players like Naofumi AOKI or Keigo HIGASHI are players who have such strengths. I think Keigo HIGASHI as a midfielder today can give a good score.

Q, what kind of attitude do you want to see from young players in the future, now that the Levain Cup, which has given young players a chance, is over?
A, I would like to continue looking for opportunities to give young players a chance. It will be difficult to give many chances to young players in the league. However, I think that training with the top team and participating in training matches set up by the top team can be a wonderful opportunity to promote growth. I would like to continue giving young players a chance and promoting their growth in that way.

The Levain Cup is not guaranteed to have 10 games at first. It is a format where teams play 6 games in the group stage and then advance to the playoffs. When advancing, many coaches may choose to use more experienced players rather than young players in order to aim for a higher position. In that sense, even if young players get more chances when advancing, it is not necessarily the case.

It was a good question, so I came up with a good idea. For example, as an improvement plan for the Levain Cup, how about having the group stage played by more teams? And, what about adding a rule that at least 5 U-23 players must be used as starters? Japan does not have a reserve league. In that sense, I think it is necessary to promote the growth of young players.

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[Player Interview]
＜Keigo HIGASHI＞

Q: You played as a defensive midfielder, what were the expectations from the coach when you entered the game?
First of all, there was a discussion about wanting the team to be united because there were many young players, rather than focusing on the position. They were told to be conscious of not disrupting the position balance as much as possible, rather than giving detailed instructions.

I think that during the league matches, you were playing as the center, paying attention to both the front and the back, while the members and formations were changing, for the entire 90 minutes.
A, today I played as a defensive midfielder for the first time and there are some challenges, but I want to show my strengths no matter what position I play in and play hard to help the team win.

Q, where do you want to further improve as an individual from here?
I think I can make decisive passes even as a defensive midfielder, and I think that is one of my strengths. In terms of defense, I am not originally a defensive player, so I think I need to improve my intensity and crisis awareness even more. I am 32 years old this year, but I still want to grow and become better. I am learning various things under the new coach, so I want to absorb more and contribute to victory when the next opportunity comes.

Q, how did you feel playing as a defensive midfielder?
A, it is a position that has a significant role in risk management and ball recovery, and I think I have been able to do it several times. After that, I would like to adjust the position while playing and improve the reading part while practicing.
In terms of distribution, I think it is a position that improves the accuracy of kicks and vertical passes to create team circulation, so there are parts that I was able to do and parts that I couldn't. I think it was good that I was able to play for 90 minutes as a defensive midfielder. The condition is good, and I have been able to play well since practice, so I want to continue and meet the expectations of the coach.

Q, I think it can also be a hint for other players that if you have the ball in a good state while the ball is moving well, it is also good to make a vertical pass.
A, I think it is necessary for the midfielder to pass vertically even when the opponent is creating a block and defending, in order to break the block and make use of the surroundings. And regardless of the position, I want to increase the scenes where we can break through with more combinations as a team.

Q: U-18 player Kumada made his professional debut as a starter, and there are many young players playing. Are there any areas for improvement?
A, I haven't been able to practice with the U-18 players in particular, but I think he is a player who can show his goodness if he can distribute the ball, so I think it is important for the people around him to support him and bring out his potential.

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Manato SHINADA

Q: Coach Albert has referred to the Levain Cup as a place for nurturing young players. What requests did the coach have for player Shinaida in today's match?
In the pre-match meeting, there were instructions for Watanabe and myself as the inside halves to "run as many kilometers as possible," and there were two instructions for the young players to "play boldly."

Q: I always have the image of calmly distributing the ball, but today I felt there were many dynamic plays. How did it feel?
A, there was a scene that can be said to be the best chance of the day in the first half, from carrying the ball to shooting, and I am frustrated that I couldn't score there, and I think I won't be chosen in J1 league matches if I don't produce results. However, I think it was good that I was able to put one form into practice because I had been playing with that kind of play in the practice matches so far.

Q, did you get the feeling of being an inside half in today's game?
A, Albert Pobor's way of doing things had some rules, so I played while thinking about them. Before the game, I was told to play with all my might, especially for young players, so I entered the game with the intention of playing freely. I think I was able to show my strengths in connecting and attacking.

Q: Did you have the consciousness to bring together yourself in the midst of many players who were U-18 graduates or academy players?
A, I also thought it was my last chance today, so I didn't have the luxury of bringing the team together, but it was easy to do.

Q: Please tell us about your mindset going into today's match, as we could see your passionate play right from the start of the game.
A, I haven't been able to get involved in the game so far, so I approached this match with the feeling that if I can't do it here, there won't be another chance. I wanted to create a strong mindset and leave some numbers, but I think I was able to express my own play a little.

Q, I didn't lose my motivation until the end.
A, wearing the FC Tokyo emblem, it is the minimum requirement, and since I have been wearing the number 18 since last season, I wanted to achieve results both individually and as a team based on those aspects.

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<Renta HIGASHI>

Q, how was it playing for 90 minutes in a professional match?
A, today I was able to play alongside my admired player Morishige, and it became the biggest experience for me so far. Morishige is a player who has fought in the world, so I wanted to learn various things down to the smallest details. I am watching and learning from his play in practice, but today I was able to experience top-class play up close, such as attracting opponents and expanding to the opposite side, which was really great.
I was really bad in the first half. I made a lot of passing mistakes, but players like Higashi, Mita, and Morishige gave me a lot of encouragement, so I was able to switch and play in the second half and finish the game. Mita gave me a good ball from a corner kick in the second half, but I couldn't finish it, so I think if I had finished it, we could have won, and finishing it was also a challenge for today.

Q, How was it to play in front of many fans and supporters at Ajinomoto Stadium?
A, today my mother came to watch the game. She always supports me, but today it was a special feeling because I was able to show her me standing at Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time. She is my biggest supporter, so I played with all my strength to meet her expectations.

Q: How do you feel about your performance so far this season and what are the challenges you have faced?
A, gradually the number of challenges has increased, and I have been able to fill in those areas, but I am still not at the level of a professional and there are also areas where I cannot compete even in the U-18 level. I am grateful for the valuable experience I am being given, so I think I need to clarify my challenges and raise my awareness in training even more.

Q, now that the Levain Cup is over, how do you feel about the upcoming league matches?
A, with players like Morishige and Kimoto, and with Henrique returning, I need to strengthen myself enough to be able to compete with them. I'm still not at their level, but I want to absorb players like Morishige and make their play my own, increasing the number of times I do so, with the goal of eventually surpassing them. I don't want to just admire them, I want to become their rival and compete with them.

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<Naoki KUMATA>

Q, this was your first start in the top team. Please reflect on the game.
A, I knew it would be a difficult match, but personally, I was expecting a result. Of course, it's frustrating that we couldn't win, but not being able to score is the most frustrating and regrettable thing.

Q, please tell us your impressions of playing at Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time.
A, many fans and supporters came, and it really gave us strength and created a comfortable playing environment.

Q: Has playing for the top team for a long time today made your future goals more realistic?
A, without thinking about such things, I want to continue training and playing with 100% effort in the future, and I also want to reach this stage again.

Q: Did you find any challenges for the future after experiencing today's match?
The intensity of the matches at U-18 level was completely different. So, getting used to this intensity is one thing, and in U-18, I want to make use of this experience to be able to lead the team.