＜Match Preview＞
In the recent J1 League 8th round, Cerezo Osaka suffered a 1-2 defeat, experiencing their first home loss of the season. After conceding the opening goal, they equalized with a splendid volley shot by Ryoma WATANABE, but later conceded a goal due to a defensive imbalance in the final stages of the match. There were opportunities to take the lead, so there are remaining challenges in managing the game. After the match, Yasuki KIMOTO said, "Losing may cause us to lose confidence or have doubts. However, it is important to move forward in one direction. I want us to overcome this period together without wasting it."
This week, we will welcome Gamba Osaka at home as we aim to advance to the Prime Stage of the Levain Cup. In the previous week, Tokyo faced Gamba Osaka with a team consisting mainly of young players and suffered a complete defeat against a strong opponent. After completing three matches in the group stage, we are in a situation where we cannot afford to lose with a record of 1 win and 2 losses.
In April, Tokyo has continued its streak of not winning in the official matches for four games. We hope for the emergence of fresh players to energize the team. One player to watch is Naoki KUMATA, who scored five goals in the U-20 Asia Cup in March and was crowned the top scorer of the tournament. He aims to score a goal to stop Gamba Osaka, who is leading Group E, and avenge the previous match.
Matchday program here
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, What do you expect from Takuya AOKI in tomorrow's lineup, which will be centered around young players?
A, As I always say, for me the Levain Cup is a chance to give playing time to players who haven't had much opportunity in the league and to gain experience. By incorporating experienced players into a team mainly composed of young players, our aim is to promote growth while competing. Of course, we expect experienced player Takuya AOKI to lead the team, but since he has been out of the game for a long time, it is important for him to regain his game sense first. It will take a little more time for him to regain his game sense and ball control accuracy, rather than his physical condition. I think tomorrow's game will be an important one for him as well.
Q: Among the young attackers in the front line, is it difficult to make it into the league's match lineup without deepening the understanding of defense and other common aspects?
A, young players must each learn more. The challenges vary for each player. Some players need to deepen their understanding of defense, while others need to learn on the attacking side. Taking into account the challenges and situations of each young player, it is my job to control their growth by sometimes allowing them to play in matches and sometimes waiting for opportunities to play. Many of the young players have trained as academy members on the artificial turf pitch next to our training ground. It is also my job to support newly promoted players in applying their skills effectively. In official matches, if a young player makes a big mistake, there is a risk of losing their potential for the future. I do not want such a thing to happen. I myself have gained a lot of experience so far. I want to give back that experience to Tokyo and promote the growth of young players. For example, there may be players like Kuryu MATSUKI who grow with a sense of speed. However, not everyone is like that.
Q, Soma ANZAI player has also joined the practice.
A, I am attracted to his confident playing style. I have only been able to confirm his playing for a few days, but I recognize that he has good technique and a high level.
Q, it is also the halfway point of the group stage of the Levain Cup. How do you feel about the performance so far, the growth of the young players, and the upcoming matches from here?
The away match against Gamba Osaka, especially the first 45 minutes, was the worst performance of the season so far when looking back. Some may think that because the team is unable to produce good plays, the young players are also unable to show good plays, but the young players are fighting hard. In order to encourage their growth, we have integrated experienced players and fought in the previous three matches. The matches against Cerezo Osaka and Kyoto Sanga F.C. were good. Regarding Cerezo Osaka, although we were defeated, it doesn't mean that the performance was not good. As for the Kyoto match, many goals were scored, resulting in a good game both in terms of performance and content. The match against Gamba Osaka in the third game did not go well in all aspects. In this match, we tried to make adjustments from the poor performance in the first half and actively used young players, which made them more conscious of playing more boldly. As a result, we gave away additional points in the end, but we appreciate their play.
Based on the above, it is necessary to integrate young players and veteran players. Of course, I think that fans and supporters want to win games and win titles. On the other hand, I believe that creating opportunities to promote the growth of young players is what the Levain Cup is all about. This season, many young players have joined the top team. It is very difficult for them to grow only through daily training. I understand fully that there is responsibility on my part when it comes to advancing from the group stage of the Levain Cup and seeking victory, even if the results do not follow. However, as I have mentioned many times, the idea of providing a growth opportunity for young players has not changed. As a club, we are in a situation where we must gradually proceed with a generational change. In that case, I believe that it is even more valuable to promote the growth of young players. I look forward to seeing young players play an active role as key players in the team in the near future. Who will grow in such a way? For that, it is necessary to give them opportunities to play in official matches. I think that growth can only be obtained through playing in official matches.
Q, Kanta DOI has also joined the practice.
A, it has only been a short time since he joined the club as a professional player, and he has only been able to join the practice for a few days. Last season, he suffered a major injury, so it's like he just joined the team at the start of the preseason. However, he is a young player, so I think he will quickly adapt to the team. He has just returned from a major injury, so I think it will take some more time before he can play in matches.
[Player Interview]
Soma ANZAI
Q, What kind of play would you like to show if given the chance?
A, if there are opportunities to play, I want to play with many options such as taking a high position during the attack and sometimes changing positions inside and outside. There are many skilled players in the midfield of Tokyo, so it is important how to get involved and how to create a rhythm. As for defense, I think aggressiveness including high press is required, so I want to fully demonstrate my strengths.
Q, I think there is joy in being able to play at Ajinomoto as an academy graduate.
I think it would be a great honor to be able to debut at Ajinomoto Stadium. I am happy to be able to play in front of the fans and supporters in Tokyo after going through high school and college. Tomorrow, I want to actively show my strengths.
Q, what kind of image do you have when you approach a game?
A, I want to show my strong points and at the same time, I want to show my fighting spirit first. I want to show my aggressiveness in the ball contest more than anyone else, my determination to run until the end, and my fighting spirit.
Q, What is your current state of mind after participating in practice since joining the team?
A, It has been about a week since the announcement of my joining the team, and things are moving faster than I expected. I have a strong desire to give my all if given the chance. My determination to win is stronger than anyone else's.
Q, please give a message to the fans and supporters.
A, if I can stand on the pitch, I would like to show the growth from my middle school days playing for FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa to the fans and supporters on the pitch. We are going through a tough period as a team, but I will do my best to deliver victory. Thank you for your support.
<Seiji KIMURA>
Q, how is your current condition?
A, I think the body's agility is good, and I don't have much concern about being able to continue in a good condition for a long time.
Q: There is also a European expedition for the U-22 Japan national team, and it seems that there are not many opportunities to play in the league matches. How do you perceive the current situation?
I have only been included in the lineup for one match in the A, J1 League, and that was when we played with a back three, so I only made it to the bench because three center backs played in the match. It's frustrating that I haven't been able to contribute much so far, and I do have the desire to be used more, but in the Levain Cup match against Cerezo Osaka and the match against Gamba Osaka, I didn't score when I had the chance and we conceded goals and lost... It's difficult for a coach to use a player who hasn't produced results, and in that regard, it's my own fault or my own problem for not being able to deliver results. The match against Gamba Osaka on Wednesday is a revenge match, and I think it's a must to produce results in that match for the sake of the league. I also feel a sense of crisis about not producing results, so I have to do something about it.
Q, as a defender, does the team's condition and coordination affect the results, so there are parts that cannot be achieved by individual efforts alone. As an individual, do you sometimes feel like "I can do more"?
A, of course. Unlike the league matches, the Levain Cup features many young players and not just experienced ones, so there are not as many scenes where combinations work well or individuals can defend by thinking. As a center back, I have to call out from the back and move the players around, including that. It's not meaningful to complain about that, as it is the role of the back players to make it easy for me and the whole team to defend, and it's something I have to do, so I think I have to do my best.
Q: After experiencing loan transfers with three different teams, you returned to FC Tokyo in the summer of last season. It has been some time since then, but have you noticed any changes in yourself or the team?
A, there is an image of wanting to connect somehow, as I don't kick as much as when Mr. Kenta HASEGAWA (former coach) was in charge. The coach has always been saying that he wants to cherish the ball, and the players are also becoming more conscious of it. I think that is the most changed aspect.
Q, how do you feel about adapting to the connecting soccer as a player, Kimura?
A, I was not originally a skilled player (in passing), so it is easier to play a kicking style of soccer, and even if the ball is taken away, there is a part where I can just focus on defense. It is difficult and risky to try to connect passes, but I think if you can do that, you can adapt to any team, and I think it will contribute a lot to my own growth. In that sense, I think being able to challenge with Tokyo's new style is a very positive aspect.
Q, have you played football under the guidance of three coaches, Kyoto Sanga F.C., S.C. Sagamihara, and Montedio Yamagata, on a temporary transfer? Did that experience help you improve your playing skills?
A, it hasn't changed much (laughs). Of course, each team has its own colors, but if you ask if there is something dramatically different, not really... Sagamihara was the team I played for the most, and at that time, I gained confidence in areas other than soccer. When I was in Yamagata, I played a little at the beginning of the season, but then I didn't play at all. However, in Sagamihara, I gained confidence, so I developed a rebellious spirit or a feeling of "why don't you use me?" So, the biggest change was that I became able to have confidence. I think that since I came back to Tokyo, my footwork has improved a little, and I can see the surroundings.
Q, defense is also a position where confidence is important.
A, I think the attacking players are physically tougher, but the players at the back are constantly under mental pressure, so it's a big deal to be able to have confidence.
Q, recently I often hear that "Kimura's condition is good", and I heard that he played well especially during the European expedition. I think the fans and supporters also want to see him play in the league as soon as possible. What kind of play do you want Tokyo fans and supporters to see?
A, I have been saying this all along, but the high physical ability is our selling point, so I want you to pay the most attention to that aspect. Also, the building up part that we have been practicing all along should be improved compared to before, so that is something that we have to do in the league matches, and I want you to see the challenging spirit.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the Gamba Osaka match.
A, we lost 0-3 last time and were completely torn apart in terms of content, so there are many points to reflect on. However, I don't think we lost in terms of individual abilities, and I think we can defeat the opponent by improving each point of reflection one by one. This time, I want us to hold them scoreless and score points to win. Personally, I am aiming to score from set plays, so I hope I can contribute to a successful victory.
