<Match Preview>
In the previous match, we scored a club record-tying 6 goals in the J1 league against Kashiwa and won our first official game in 3 weeks. During the break, the players had discussions and made detailed adjustments to their positions. The fact that we were able to dominate the game in many time periods was a result of these efforts.
Kazuya KONNO, who was involved in 2 goals, said, "I have progressed to the stage of not just turning with one or two touches, but also incorporating dribbling and ball retention. I have also become better at using combinations between simple passing and dribbling." He also talked about the sense of accomplishment that the team's cooperation has matured.
This round, we will welcome Yokohama FM, who are competing for the top spot in the league, to Ajinomoto Stadium. It will be interesting to see how our confidence and playing style, which we gained in the Kashiwa match, will hold up against a strong opponent. Kuryu MATSUKI, who scored the opening goal in the Kashiwa match, said, "The opponent plays a well-established tactical style, so it will be a tough match. We also have a solid foundation, so we want to ride the momentum and win."
Aim for top defeat. It is the best opportunity for the players to come together and demonstrate the soccer they have built up so far.
Matchday program here
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, is Yokohama FM going to challenge as a top team?
A, I think this match will be an attractive match. I don't have the feeling of challenging. However, Yokohama FM is a more mature team, and we are just starting to mature. In terms of the match between the two teams, I see it as a very attractive and interesting match. And I think it's a match that will test our players' level again. Of course, they are opponents that we have to overcome, so I want the players to do it firmly this time.
Q, I think Yokohama FM has a high motivation for this match as they were eliminated from the ACL. I don't think the opponent is lacking anything.
A, I think it will be a truly impressive match. As I always say, the development and flow of the game are expected to be greatly influenced by one detail. And, as I have been saying since the beginning of the season, what we aim for is to grow every day.
Q, I think it's about how we can surpass the strong point of both teams, which is side attacks.
A, speaking from a tactical perspective, I think it will be a game of attack and defense on the sides. However, the game result and tactical maneuvering are not necessarily equal. As a trend in the world, when you win a game, your tactics are considered correct, but when you lose, those tactics are often considered incorrect. However, the tactical aspect and the game result are not equal. However, in this game, both teams have weapons on the sides, so I think it will indeed be a game of attack and defense on the sides.
Q, the previous match was played at a time when the team had not yet been able to establish a new style, but this time it will be a match within the established style. Is it your intention to have more possession of the ball?
A, time has certainly passed. In that sense, the game plan will also be different, and this time we want to aim to possess the ball. However, I don't know if it will work well, but I want to express the proof of the team's growth. It is very rare for us to have a possession rate lower than the opponent this season. However, in the Yokohama FM match, we had a lower possession rate than the opponent. It is very difficult to surpass an opponent with a high possession rate. Furthermore, they have been playing with this style for a long time, for multiple years. However, we want to aim to surpass their possession rate.
Q: What is important to surpass in possession rate?
A, I think we have to keep our feet on the ground and take one step at a time. We are in a stage of continuous growth. We are focusing on that. The opponent's high press is also one of their weapons. It will be a very attractive match to see how much the team has grown by whether we can break through that high press.
[Player Interview]
＜Jakub SLOWIK Player＞
Q, what preparations have you made for the Yokohama FM match?
First of all, we have been focusing on our own play and making efforts to prepare better. We believe that it will not be an easy game, but we want to play well and secure a good result.
Q: I think the team had a good image with a victory by a large number of points in the previous match.
I think the attacking players can go into the next Marinos game with confidence as they were able to score many goals in a good way against Kashiwa. We are preparing with a solid game plan while the opponent also comes with countermeasures, so I think we can have a really good game and deliver good results to the fans and supporters.
Q, I think that the soccer we are aiming for now is one where the build-up from the goalkeeper becomes important.
A, as you all know, I think our playing style has improved a lot and we have grown since the opening game. I also think that this playing style helps me grow as an individual. I want to continue working hard in our daily practices and grow both myself and the team, in order to achieve good results together.
Q: How do you analyze Yokohama FM? Are there any specific players you are paying attention to?
A, the opponent is an attacking team. I think it is very important for us to defend with a more compact defensive block. All the players are strong players, but we especially want to play organized defense to contain the attackers.
Q, what do you want to keep in mind for the game?
A, I always prepare myself to be able to do a good job, so if I were to ask for something, I would like to stop all the shots. I think the next game won't be easy, but I want to give my all to contribute in a good way and help the team win.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, we won the Kashiwa Reysol match in the previous round with a score of 6-3 in a high-scoring game. How do you look back on it?
A, in the first half, we were able to pass the ball as we had envisioned and control the game. However, we conceded 3 goals in the second half, so I think our start in the second half is an area for improvement.
Q, it was the first league match in three weeks, but I think the start was really good. Does it mean that what you prepared worked well?
A, the opponent was a team in the upper ranks, so of course we were motivated. Moreover, the feeling of "let's beat the top team" could be seen from the practice, and I think everyone was able to maintain a high level of motivation for the practice.
Q, the opening goal was your second goal of the season. You were waiting in the center for the cross, then you back-stepped and drifted to the far side. Was that movement natural for you?
A, I intentionally thought about disappearing from the opponent's field of view, not naturally.
Q, it feels like I was able to move as I imagined and the ball came to me.
A, yes. However, the ball speed was faster than I expected, so I did my best to adjust. I'm glad I was able to score.
Q, won't your feelings also rise because you were able to contribute to the victory?
A position that can make the team feel at ease by scoring goals, and I think it's a plus for the team that both Abe and the two shadow players are involved in scoring.
Q, about goal performances. Did you plan Okada Kazuchika's Rainmaker performance in advance?
A, yes, I was talking to the PR person (laughs). I actually wanted to stand up and do it, but my butt was hurting so I ended up doing it while sitting.
Q: Do you have any plans to do something if you score a goal in the future?
A, I have liked that kind of celebration since high school. Of course, that is not the purpose, and first and foremost, I want to focus on scoring goals.
Q: There seems to be an impression that there are more scenes where you enter the goal area and show your face skillfully, including this goal. Do you feel that your play has changed compared to the beginning of the season?
A, there is an impression that there are more scenes like that compared to the first half.
Q, have you changed your mindset or has the team become more proactive in moving forward?
A, I also thought that I would be able to contribute to scoring goals, but it didn't go well and there were many scenes where I was disliked by the post or missed the shot by a wide margin. I think I need to improve in those areas through practice, but I believe that my awareness of getting into the goal area has become very high, as I was able to score in the Kashiwa game.
Q: It's not yet time to summarize the season, but are there any parts where you feel a sense of accomplishment from playing?
I have been playing football under the guidance of Coach Albert, and I have learned a lot about possession, receiving the ball, and how to interact with it. I still have a long way to go, but there are many areas where I don't have to run in terms of positioning, and I am learning to play football while using my head throughout this season.
Q, if you have any points of interest or enthusiasm for tomorrow's Yokohama F.Marinos match, please let us know.
It will be a home game, and the opposing team is Yokohama F.Marinos, who are higher ranked than us, so we want to make sure we don't lose with our determination. If we can run more than the opponent, compete firmly in the battles, and fight for the ball, I believe there is no opponent we cannot beat.
As we were able to express in the Kashiwa match, we have been able to build a certain foundation. Without being complacent, I want to approach the game firmly. And I hope that the fans and supporters will enjoy it.
