＜Match Preview＞
The match against Cerezo Osaka, which was scheduled for August 13th, has been postponed due to the influence of the typhoon, and Tokyo will play an official match for the first time in 3 weeks since August 7th. The opponent is Kashiwa Reysol, who is currently in 5th place. They are only 1 point behind Kashima Antlers, who are in 3rd place, and are in a position to aim for the AFC Champions League qualification zone.
The difference in points is "8" with Tokyo having played 2 fewer matches. They are within reach to catch up and it is a crucial match that they want to win at all costs in order to compete for the top positions. In the previous match in May, they faced challenges in their build-up play due to Kashima's sharp pressing and man-to-man defense, highlighting the need to improve their ability to maintain possession.
It has been about 3 months since the last match, where we started working on establishing a new style of soccer. Tokyo's style has also evolved and become more refined. How can we break through Kashiwa's intense pressing and move the ball towards Kashiwa's goal? The answer lies in the match we played against Hiroshima on July 30th.
In this match, despite being subjected to intense pressure from Hiroshima from the kick-off, as time passed, the build-up play, which combined the delicate distances between players and the length of passes, began to function and created several decisive chances. Additionally, even though they conceded the first goal, they patiently held onto the ball, moved the opponent, created space, and created a path to the goal, ultimately securing victory with a comeback goal in additional time.
Even in tomorrow's match against Kashiwa, there may be moments where the ball gets entangled in a tough press. Can we adapt flexibly as a team, such as aiming for the opponent's back? We want to grab 3 points in a patient battle and gain momentum for the first home game in about a month, which is scheduled for September 3rd.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, is it correct that you joined on Wednesday?
A, it's Wednesday.I have been living in Japan for about 1000 days now, which is my third season. During those 1000 days, I have been able to return to my hometown surprisingly few times. This time, I was able to temporarily return home during the break period. I was able to spend time with my family for 6 days. Even while I was away, the team continued to train with the staff members whom I trust. Since about 2 months ago, we have been able to possess the ball and control the game well. We are confident in playing with the ball and we are further digging into that aspect to promote the team's growth. We are moving in a good direction and I am satisfied. I see the match against Shimizu away as the start of the second phase. And now, we are nearing the end of the second phase, where we are confident in possessing the ball.
And, in the next phase, we have started training to play with more risk towards the goal. It is difficult to make high-quality passes in the final finishing zone without confidence. In that sense, I think it was important to first learn to play with confidence. The team has been able to have good training sessions these past few days. We recently had a training match with FC Machida Zelvia. We were able to play in a good shape so as not to forget the feeling of playing in a match. I am very proud of the team's growth, including all of that. Of course, there are wins and losses in a match. However, regardless of the match result, I am very satisfied that the team is holding onto the ball, being conscious of playing, and gradually expressing themselves on the pitch.
And recently, many young players have been included in the starting lineup. This is a significant difference from the team several months or years ago. And we have been preparing for every match, so I believe we have prepared well for tomorrow's match this week as well. I think it is more important to express our own characteristics rather than considering the opponent team's characteristics. If we can express the plays we expect, I think it will be very difficult for the opponent team to defend. In that sense, it is important to express our desired playing style rather than strategizing based on the opponent team's characteristics, and it is also true that it is difficult to do so.
Q, did you refresh yourself properly in Spain?
A, I am truly grateful to everyone who showed understanding for my temporary return home this time. I cannot explain the detailed reasons why I had to temporarily return home because it is a delicate matter. Of course, I think that if I explain in detail, you will understand it more, but honestly, it is not something that can be explained, so it is inevitable that anxiety and doubt will arise because I do not give detailed explanations. I returned home because there was an important matter concerning my family, but once again, the days spent away from my family have become very long. If possible, I would like you to understand how difficult it is for us. In that sense, I am truly grateful for the understanding shown by the fans and supporters once again. I don't mean that I needed an off, so I hope you can understand that I returned for a different reason.
Q, it was a practice match in the absence of the coach, but I think it was a good performance. What were your thoughts after receiving the report from the staff?
First of all, I think our team has wonderful players. And currently, we also have four great captains who are excellent professionals, which I believe can serve as role models for any team. In that sense, even during my absence, I had no worries at all and had complete trust in them. As for the staff, we had many members working together for the first time at the beginning of this season. By getting to know them over time, I realized that they are also wonderful individuals, just like the players. They are very professional and sincere. That's why the team functioned even in my absence. I think it's proof that we have great individuals.
Q: You mentioned that you have reached a stage this season where you are confident in connecting the ball. What is the most important thing to have confidence?
First, let's face reality. Let's take the example of Manchester United's start to this season. I think they have a great coach and great players. However, it seems like they are focused on expressing their playing style clearly from the start of the season. I believe they can build a great new Manchester United if they are given enough time. However, in the world of football, people get nervous if good results don't come. This season, we needed to accumulate points to give confidence to the players. I think that will lead to their confidence. In that sense, at the beginning of the season, we accumulated points while effectively utilizing the characteristics of the team we had. We want to eventually have confidence in possessing the ball, but first we need to accumulate points to gain confidence.
If the current score was 20 points, how would the players' confidence have been? I don't think the players were necessarily able to gain confidence. I don't think we played poorly in the Shimizu game at home. On the contrary, I think we played well. However, losing can change the evaluation of the surroundings and can lead to a loss of confidence. Even if we play with such dedication from the beginning of the season, we cannot gain confidence without accumulating points. We continue to convey the message to the players that they should love the ball. However, even if we convey that message, if we cannot accumulate points and have confidence, we cannot hold onto the ball and only time will pass. The team has gradually gained confidence, but that doesn't mean we can win every game in soccer. It is not that easy. There is still a long way to go to improve the team's completeness. That's why we are building the foundation for this season.
[Player Interview]
＜Kazuya KONNO
Q: What preparations have you made for the Kashiwa game?
First of all, I was thinking about maintaining my condition properly. Since there was a practice match, I talked to players in similar positions after the game or after practice about combinations, and I have a pretty good image, so I hope to show the results in the game.
Q, how much were you able to build the base while aiming to possess the ball in soccer?
In practice matches, we had a lot of possession and created many good opportunities. We were also able to score, so I think everyone has a positive image. However, it is important whether we can perform in tomorrow's match, and I believe the result will also depend on that.
Q, the previous match against Cerezo Osaka was postponed, so it will be the first league match in a while.
A, the start of the game may be difficult, but I think it will get better as time goes on. However, I think it is important not to concede a goal at the beginning of the game and to focus on solid defense.
Q, how do you analyze Kashiwa?
A, there is an impression that there are good players in the front line. In defense, it is important to create blocks and then counterattack quickly after stealing the ball, so we need to be aware of how we lose the ball and how we complete the attack until the shot. We also need to manage the transition between offense and defense and the risk of defense properly, otherwise the players in the opponent's front line will be able to freely do as they please, so I think it is necessary for the entire team to be aware of that.
Q: What kind of play does player Konno want to bring out?
I am asked to play on the side, so I hope to create opportunities from there. Recently, I have been able to develop good combinations with the side back, inside half, and center forward, so I hope to showcase my characteristics while incorporating those as well.
Q, I also want goals.
A, I think it's not enough because I have only scored 2 points this season. Whether it's a goal or an assist, I hope to increase plays that lead to points.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm.
A, I think everyone is well prepared. In away games, the support of the fans and supporters will be a source of strength, and I hope we can all fight together and win.
