A conversation between FC Tokyo's new coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA and Mr. Teruo IWAMOTO at the 2023 FC Tokyo New System Announcement held on January 7, 2023, and the conversation that continued in a separate room due to lack of time on stage will be posted.
If you would like to watch the video of the discussion at the new system announcement, please also check the YouTube at the end of this article.
Mr. Iwamoto
How do you feel about the new foreign players joining the team this season? Do you have any desire to bring in Spanish players?
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
It is important to be a good player, regardless of nationality. I have high expectations for new signing PEROTTI and honestly, I want him to score more goals as a center forward. I hope he can contribute in terms of scoring.
Mr. IWAMOTO
Do coaches also expect center forwards to play defensively, in addition to their roles of scoring, assisting, and maintaining possession?
Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
I expect him to score goals as a goal hunter first. Secondly, I also want him to make supporting movements for other players to score goals. And thirdly, I am asking for his defensive contribution from the front line as the team's first defender.
Mr. Iwamoto
When watching J-League and World Cup matches, there are teams that put pressure from the front line. In the World Cup, Japan was able to successfully press from the front line in the matches against Spain and Germany, but in the match against Croatia, both Mitsuhiro Tomiyasu and Takefusa Kubo were unable to be contained. In order for Japan to reach the quarter-finals or semi-finals, coach Moriyasu stated that these players need to reach a higher level. What are your thoughts?
Manager Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
I think that player development should be improved as a whole country. For example, in the Levain Cup, there is no rule that requires 5 or 6 players under the age of 23 to be used, so it is difficult to give playing opportunities to young players who have been promoted from the academy. As I mentioned earlier, if there is no rule that requires young players to be used, the manager must take responsibility if they are used and lose. At the beginning of last season, we were struggling with the spread of the new coronavirus. We wanted to use more young players in the Levain Cup to develop them, so we used them due to the impact of the coronavirus. Young players cannot grow without being given the opportunity to play. In the 33rd round of last season's league match against Nagoya Grampus, we lost due to a childish mistake by an 18-year-old player, but that was because he was young. So what should we do? Many players in the Morocco national team are playing as starters at big clubs in Europe. Of course, there are also multiple players who are playing as starters in the Japan national team, but there are not many. If we are going to send Japanese players to Europe, it should be for playing, not for sitting on the bench. It also depends on which level of league they go to. That's why I think that the development of young players is important for the overall policy of the country.
Mr. Iwamoto
There was a discussion about player development with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, who has extensive experience coaching in youth divisions. So, I would like to ask, what do you think is the most important thing during the transition from upper elementary school to middle school in terms of player development?
Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
I think a high-level tournament is necessary.
Mr. Sho IWAMOTO
How was it at FC Barcelona's cantera (academy organization)?
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
The important thing is to understand the sport of soccer, which competes with the ball. It is not about winning continuously, but by continuously focusing on the competition, growth is achieved. FC Barcelona's academy belongs to the league in Catalonia, so they win most of their matches. However, if there are fewer tough matches to focus on, the players' growth will stop. As a solution, they participate in international tournaments more than 10 times a year, gaining experience in close matches. For example, I think there are few opportunities for 18-year-old Japanese players to play against overseas teams. Some players may not have the opportunity at all.
Sho IWAMOTO
Earlier, there was a conversation with coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA that Japanese players should go to big clubs overseas, but I also believe that it is good for coaches to go abroad and gain experience. Alternatively, I think we should learn from foreign coaches who have come to Japan from overseas.
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
I believe that foreign coaches who come from overseas like me have a responsibility to provide something that Japan does not have. If we cannot offer something special, there is no point in foreign coaches coming to Japan. I served as the academy director of FC Barcelona for four years. I believe that FC Barcelona's academy is the number one in the world. Now, in my fourth season in Japan, I have rarely been asked about developing young players. Having too much pride and pride can become a brake on growth. I believe that a humble attitude can turn into the energy of growth.
Mr. Iwamoto
When listening to comments about developing coaches, I can't help but think that in 8 years, Mr. Albert Puig Ortoneda will become the coach of the Japan national team.
Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
First of all, I have to do a good job in Tokyo. I like Japan, so of course I am interested, but I have to prove myself if I am suitable for the position. I am proud of the good coaching I have done in Niigata for 2 years. This season, I want to do a solid job in my second year in Tokyo.
Mr. IWAMOTO
I am looking forward to Tokyo this season. It's my second year and the fact that the players understand how to play is a big advantage. When I talked to player Morishige earlier, he said, "It's really interesting and easy to play, so I think this season will be good."
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world, comparable to only a handful of others. Is Tokyo living up to its name as the capital city, carrying the weight of such a great city and playing defensively, waiting for counterattacks? Perhaps playing defensively and waiting for counterattacks will lead to more wins. Of course, there will be wins and losses, and Tokyo will inevitably lose at times. However, by attacking aggressively and ultimately losing the game, many supporters will still be satisfied. It's not about winning or losing. As the name Tokyo suggests, there is a destiny to attack in order to win. For example, when the Japan national team plays against Spain or Germany, they may choose to play defensively and wait for counterattacks, but it's not about winning or losing. It's about choosing which method best represents their identity.
Sho IWAMOTO
This season, I'll predict third place for myself.
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
For me, true success is for Tokyo to continue to compete for a top three spot in four years, five years, and beyond. If we always play at a high level, we may win titles at times, and I believe we can grow into a team that consistently competes for titles with the top three teams. Even if I am not there at that time, it can be said that my time in Tokyo was a success.
Mr. Sho IWAMOTO
I hope he will continue to bring great things to Japanese football in Tokyo, just as he did in Niigata.
Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
First of all, I have to prove my own value firmly.
Sho IWAMOTO
Looking forward to it. Thank you very much.
Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA
Thank you very much.
【Video of Interview】
New System Announcement (11 minutes 40 seconds~)
