<Match Preview>
In the previous match, they lost 0-2 to Shimizu and missed out on their third consecutive win. Yasuki KIMOTO commented on the disappointing result, saying "As professionals, we have to focus on the results. It's very difficult to build a foundation for our playing style and get results, but now that two-thirds of the league is over, the fans and supporters can't wait any longer."
Furthermore, Ryoma WATANABE also spoke about the challenge of "accumulating points against lower-ranked teams and then being able to take points from higher-ranked opponents, which is important for us to overcome."
The difference in points between Tokyo, currently in 7th place, and 3rd place C Osaka, who will be the opponent in this round, is 6. With the possibility of aiming for the top still open, the result of this match becomes crucial. C Osaka is currently on a 3-game winning streak in the league and advanced to the semifinal round of the Levain Cup by defeating Kawasaki on Wednesday. Tokyo's true value will be tested as they face a team that shines with their strength in battles.
In the March match, Kazuya KONNO scored one goal in the away game and secured the victory. We hope to see a passionate battle like the previous match and grab the win.
Matchday program is here!
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: Is there anything prepared for tomorrow considering the typhoon forecast?
A, it is natural that the game is affected by poor pitch conditions such as rain and wind.
Q: After the previous match against Taku SHIMIZU, what kind of adjustments have you made this week?
A, we are now entering a different phase. We have continued to emphasize training to confidently hold the ball this week as well. Of course, we have picked up several points for improvement from the Shimizu match in the previous round and have been working on them. In the previous phase, we started to hold the ball. Now, I want us to grow in the part of confidently holding the ball and I emphasize it because I think we should grow.
Q: When I talk to the players, they say that in the previous match against Hiroshima, they were able to move the ball because the opponent came out to defend from the front line. However, they mentioned that they were confused when trying to move the ball against teams like Shimizu, who solidify their defensive block. What is your impression, Coach Albert?
At the beginning of the season, there were completely opposite reactions. Of course, growth is encouraged by encountering various situations and overcoming them in the process of growth, and we must overcome them. Shimizu's aim was to lower the defensive block in a 4-4-2 formation and quickly switch between offense and defense after winning the ball. That is because it is their playing style. If we continue to grow, more teams will come to defend by lowering their defensive block and closing the spaces. Now, many teams that play against Kawasaki tend to close the spaces and strengthen their defense. Whether this is an advantage or a disadvantage, a plus or a minus, depends on how you perceive it. Cerezo Osaka also has characteristics like Hiroshima, and I think they also have characteristics like Shimizu. I hope we can play well against Cerezo Osaka, who has such mixed characteristics, and overcome them.
Q, what specific areas do you want to improve on the offensive side?
A, it is important for the team to adapt to the characteristics of the players in any system. This also applies to the new addition, Luiz (Phellype) PHELLYPE. Of course, there are also parts where the player needs to adapt to the team. On the other hand, there are also parts where we need to adapt to Luiz's characteristics. In that sense, the addition of new players allows us to add different details than before. However, regarding Luiz, he joined us without going through a proper preseason, so we are currently in a situation where we need to improve our condition in a preseason-like manner. We have asked Tsukagawa to provide his characteristics to the team effectively. However, ultimately, it is the players, not the coach, who play on the pitch, so there are many things that need to be resolved during the game. Even if they have the same playing style, the team's play will naturally change depending on whether the center forward is Ibrahimovic or Messi. That's why I want each new player to integrate their individual characteristics into the team and make adjustments to the details of the team. The most important thing is to further bring out the strengths of the players, not to cover up their weaknesses.
Q, was player Luis the center forward that coach Albert was looking for?
A, yes. I believe he is a player who has the characteristics of the type of center forward I was looking for. If Luis can score a lot of goals, I would like to say that I wanted this player in hindsight (laughs). From what I have seen in training, his technical level is excellent, just as I expected. And I think he also has a very good finishing quality. He is a player who can play both on the side and in the center. However, his physical condition is not as expected at the moment, so we need to train him properly in that aspect. Therefore, he is working on a separate training program to improve his physical condition. I think he will be able to play in the best physical condition for him in September. In any case, he is the type of center forward I am expecting, with high technical and quality skills, and good finishing quality. However, I think he needs a little more time to adapt well to the team. In terms of defense as well, we need to see a little more if he can do what we expect from him on the pitch. We haven't been able to fully assess his abilities yet. I think we need a little more time to evaluate him.
[Player Interview]
＜Yasuki KIMOTO
Q: What kind of adjustments did the team make for the match against Shimizu?
A, rather than making corrections, we all talked about doing the football we are aiming for again.
Q, How would you describe the permeability of the soccer that Coach Albert is looking for?
A, although it is not perfect, I think we are able to connect and not easily lose the ball compared to the beginning of the season. The team is growing and I believe everyone believes in this football.
Q, what impression do you have of C Osaka?
A, now, I think it is the most powerful and in good shape team in J1 League. It shows that they are also in the top of the league and still have Emperor's Cup and Levain Cup. The team is well organized and in good shape, so I think they are very strong opponents.
Q: How do you feel about playing against your former team?
A, I have a very strong desire not to lose. I am grateful to C Osaka and it is still an important club, but because it is such a team, I don't want to lose. It is very frustrating that our ranking is lower, and if we win this time, we still have a chance to break into the top. In that sense, I think we need to have a strong determination, not only in the content of soccer but also in the results, while playing our own soccer.
Q, as a team and as individuals, what kind of plays do you want to make?
A, personally, I conceded 2 goals in the previous match, so I want to keep a clean sheet and make a bigger impact in defense. In terms of attack, I think we need to be able to build up more effectively and distribute from the back. In the previous match, our team lost the ball poorly and couldn't aggressively defend, so it's important to showcase our strengths in both offense and defense.
Q, there are fewer remaining league matches, but we ask for the enthusiasm of the fans and supporters.
A, since we only have league matches left this season, we have to give our all in those games and at the same time, the team must continue to grow. I think we need to play football that the fans and supporters can approve of, so we must not waste the remaining matches. I believe we can still aim higher and achieve results.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q: It seems that Tsukagawa has played as a full-back, winger, and forward in the past. What do you think are your strengths?
A, I think my strengths are my dynamism, the power to go for the ball and the power to enter the goal area. Because I am tall, I think the opponents would dislike it if I play like that, so I consider it my greatest strength and I want to show it.
Q, I scored 9 goals during the 2020 season while playing for Matsumoto Yamaga F.C.
A, at that time, I entered the goal area many times. I think I also scored when playing as a double pivot, but I also entered as an inside half several times, which resulted in getting closer to the goal. Also, my teammates provided good passes, so there were many scoring scenes where I just had to jump in.
Q, do you also have the characteristic of going into the goal area and scoring if you have a chance?
A, I think that feeling is also within myself. In the teams I have been in so far, I have often played defensive positions such as anchor, and I have had more playing time towards the end of the game. There were various tasks that were not just about myself, considering the team's situation. There were also parts where I restrained myself, so even though I joined in the middle of the season this time, if I have the opportunity to play in a forward position, I want to go forward as much as possible.
Q: Since joining, you have played in two matches as a substitute against Hiroshima and Shimizu. Both matches were in difficult situations where we needed one point. Please reflect on your performance.
A, personally, I feel that there are still parts that are not fitting together. I think I need to choose plays that bring out the strengths of my teammates and I still need to push myself to explore areas where I can improve. There is still a slight misalignment between my senses and everyone else's, and I think that is an area that needs to be aligned.
As a team, we are aiming to play a style of soccer that connects passes, but we also believe that our counterattacks can be a threat to the opponent. It is a good thing to have the strength to counterattack depending on how the opponent plays, rather than being fixated on connecting passes. The coach also emphasizes this point, saying that because there are parts where we connect passes, the opponent will come forward and create space in the front line. If we can play soccer while firmly maintaining control, I think we can become a better team.
Actually, the coach also said that the parts we are trying to do are starting to come together, and I hope I can be a solid part of it.
Q, the place to connect and the vertical speed. That means it's a judgment while watching the opponent.
A, yes. I think it would make a difference overall if players like inside halves and side backs could share with everyone more about "what the current situation of the opponent is", "whether the opponent is coming to take the ball or not", "where they want to steal the ball", and "what they don't like when it happens".
The more parts we can share, the more the team will come together, and I think that will determine the overall movement. So, I hope we can discuss more and convey information when the ball is out, while observing the situation. I haven't played in a game yet, so I think it would be good to understand that atmosphere more while playing in a game.
Q, the talk tends to be about tactics, but in the end, it's the players on the pitch who have to create the football.
The feeling you get from watching outside and the pressure you feel inside are completely different. Among them, I think it's really important to feel how many players on the pitch are connected and whether you can feel that. I still have a lot to learn, so I hope we can grow together while learning from each other.
Q: Please tell us about your impressions of your teammates. Since joining FC Tokyo, have you encountered any players who have made a strong impact on you, such as thinking "this player is interesting" or "I want to give this player a pass like this"?
I think it's amazing that players Abe and Matsuki, who play as inside halves, can run so much and produce intensity. I also think they still have room to grow. Even when we practice together, I often talk with the two of them, and I think the team changes depending on the type of play those two inside players bring.
Q: Cerezo Osaka is currently on a three-game winning streak and in good form. Considering that they are in 3rd place, FC Tokyo must see them as an opponent they want to beat. Please share your enthusiasm for this upcoming match.
A, I think Cerezo is in good shape, and when they are in good shape, they feel like everything they do goes well, or rather, there is a good flow. The important thing is to not let the opponent play comfortably. If we can take the initiative, such as with high pressure or by securely holding onto the ball after taking it, I don't think the opponent will be able to play comfortably, so it's important to give them an impact like "today is different." So, it's important to go aggressively from the start and not let the opponent do anything unpleasant or play comfortably. I think it's really important to focus on the first 10-15 minutes and try to take the initiative.
Q: If you participate, what aspects would you like the fans and supporters to see?
A, I want to become a player who can win after transferring. I want to fight to produce results for the team, and I think that the joy of the fans and supporters is when results are achieved, so I want to work hard to stick to the results so that we can celebrate together.
