<Match Preview>
Entering a tight schedule of three games in three days, the first match will be against Gamba Osaka on the 10th. Although there were many opportunities to score, they were unable to break through the opponent's goal and ended in a 0-0 draw.
This round, we will continue to play Vissel Kobe in two consecutive away games. Just like when Gamba Osaka faced them, who were in 16th place in the playoffs, we will also face Kobe who is currently in 17th place and fighting to avoid relegation.
Although there is no consistent data on the opponent's ranking and Tokyo's record, when watching the second half of the game, there is a tendency for Shimizu S-Pulse to struggle against lower-ranked teams, such as losing 0-2. Especially when the opponent focuses on defense, they are unable to find attacking opportunities and often concede counterattacks due to unexpected mistakes while trying to connect passes.
Kobe stopped the unpleasant streak of three consecutive losses in official matches by drawing with Nagoya Grampus in the previous round. The desire to accumulate 3 points in this match at home is immeasurable in order to break away from the relegation battle. In particular, when looking at individual players, they have many Japan national team players and players with national team experience, and they should demonstrate their top-class abilities in situations where individuals clash.
Tokyo wants to maintain their own pace and take control of the game, rather than being passive against their opponent's momentum. They want to maintain possession of the ball while also varying the pace of their attacks and using a mix of short and long passes depending on the situation, in order to keep their opponent on the defensive.
In particular, in the Gamba Osaka match, there were many scenes where we lost the ball due to the opponent's press and had to run back to our own goal. We want to seize victory by accurately assessing the opponent's movements, having a common understanding as a team, and choosing the best strategy that we couldn't achieve four days ago.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, will it be a tough match against Vissel Kobe, who are also fighting to avoid relegation like Gamba Osaka in the previous round?
A, I think they will come and defend with a high intensity, focusing firmly on the situation. That's why I think it will be a very difficult match for us. In the previous match against Gamba Osaka, our challenge was to improve the high number of ball losses at the start of the game, and I would like to approach tomorrow's match with that improvement in mind. And I would like to start playing in a way that firmly expresses our style.
Q: In the interview after the previous match, he mentioned that we need to improve our defense.
A, the defensive challenge we are considering is the high number of ball losses and the defensive response from there. There are also challenges in defending one-on-one situations. As a team as a whole, I think we were able to have good tactical defense, but there are still areas that need improvement. It is a situation that we want to avoid as it puts us in a position where we have to defend by losing in one-on-one situations or easily losing the ball.
Q: What is your impression of Kobe?
A, indeed, Kobe has been changing. Unlike before, they are demanding a high-intensity defense and seeking quick plays. Of course, there are also times when they connect the ball, but I think there is a tendency to prioritize quick attacks, transitioning between offense and defense, quickly heading towards the goal, and aiming for the opponent's defense behind. Therefore, at least in terms of intensity, we must express the same level as them. At the same time, it becomes important to firmly express our style in the game from the start, even more so than them.
Q: In the previous match, we used player Nagatomo as a left fullback. What was the intention behind this decision and how would you evaluate his performance?
A, what he was saying after the Gamba game is exactly his attitude towards soccer that can be a role model for young players. I think the Japanese player who has played the most matches in a great club in Europe is probably Yuto NAGATOMO. And I think he will play in the Club World Cup for the fourth time this time. Even now, at the age of 36, he is full of eagerness to learn. Many experienced 36-year-old players may think, "What can I learn now? I have learned enough." But he is different. It is because he is full of eagerness to learn like him and at the same time has a strong mentality to compete that he has continued to perform brilliantly. Therefore, I think his actions and words should be a reference for young players, not just his play. Because without a mentality to compete, you cannot fight at a high level. At the same time, I think eagerness to learn can also be expressed as a humble feeling. It is because he has a humble feeling that he continues to learn and grow. It is a great honor for me to be the coach of the team he is in. I hope that many Japanese players will take him as a role model.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, what are your thoughts on the improvements made since the Gamba Osaka match in the previous round and your impression of Kobe?
A, Kobe has not produced results, but the quality of play is high, and I think that if we give them an opening, the opponent will also gain momentum. By reflecting on the previous match, if we concentrate together from the beginning, hold the ball without showing any openings, and attack, we can carry the game at our own pace and create many opportunities.
Q: Who are the players to watch out for?
A, because there are players of the representative class in each position, I think it is important for everyone to not lose to the opponent in front of them rather than who they are, and I think we have to win there.
Q, it is also expected that the opponent will play fiercely in the three consecutive matches in the battle for survival.
A, no matter how the opponent is, we also need to play with high intensity, and it is something that we should do naturally before tactics. We must not lose there.
Q, how is the team's condition and the completion level of the new style?
A, I think the team is gradually improving, so it is necessary to continue making small adjustments and maintaining the current style of play, while increasing accuracy through trial and error and accumulating experience. By doing so, I believe that the team's level of completion will increase and we will get closer to our goal.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm towards Kobe.
A, because we have had two consecutive draws in the last two matches, I want to play in a way that we can bring a win. I feel the team's growth along with the victories. We will continue to strive for victory in this round as well.
