<Match Preview>
Kawasaki Frontale, who played at the Japan National Stadium, stopped their losing streak at 2 by defeating their "Tama River Clasico" against Kashima Antlers 2-1. In the following away game, Diego OLIVEIRA scored a penalty kick he earned himself, resulting in a 1-1 draw against the opponent who has been on a 5-game winning streak without conceding a goal. It was a performance that showed the team's improvement in form.
However, Keigo HIGASHI reflected on the Kashima game, saying, "We couldn't make it to the point of turning the game around," and emphasized the frustration of not being able to win. "It was good that we were able to recover without getting nervous even after conceding a goal. However, if we don't keep winning and getting 3 points, we won't be able to climb up the standings," he said, tightening his determination towards our high goal.
This round, Tokyo will face Cerezo Osaka in the remaining 2 matches of the Levain Cup group stage. It is an important match to secure a victory and advance to the Prime Stage, in order to provide more opportunities for young players to grow.
One of the young players expected to make a leap, Soma ANZAI, has vowed to "become a player who can lead the team to victory on both offense and defense." In order to give Tokyo an even stronger tailwind, we hope to see the dynamic play and victories of these fresh players.
Matchday program here
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: Are you considering using young players for tomorrow's match against Cerezo Osaka, which comes just three days after the Kashima Antlers match?
I want to continue giving opportunities to young players, but I think the match against Cerezo Osaka this round is an important game towards advancing to the Prime Stage. I want to carefully select the members, recognizing that it is an important game. In the group stage of the Levain Cup so far, we have accumulated 3 points at home. I want to win this match as well and keep the possibility of advancing to the Prime Stage in the final round. After tomorrow's match, we have a league match against Vissel Kobe in 2 days. It's a tight schedule, but I want to win both matches.
Q: This season, Cerezo Osaka has not had any victories, including in the league matches. Please tell us your impression of the two matches played.
A, regarding the Levain Cup matches, we showed plays deserving of victory, but in the league matches, although the injured players returned and the team was heading towards improvement, the impression was that we were not in perfect condition.
Q, we have high expectations for new goal scorers like Diego OLIVEIRA and Teruhito NAKAGAWA.
A, PEROTTI is a player who excels at playing in the box. In the match against Kashima, Koki TSUKAGAWA was used as a forward player who can make runs into space.
Q: Kuryu Matsuki, who was selected for the U-20 Japan national team, has already produced results. Please tell us about his upgraded performance since last season.
A, player Matsuki already has what it takes to succeed in the professional world. The first is a high learning ability, and the second is the ability to fight and have a strong mentality towards victory. Matsuki, who possesses these two qualities, will continue to grow in the future. The reason he was given the opportunity to start in the opening game of last season was because he keenly felt his mental strength from his perspective. Without a doubt, from the opening game of last season until today, he has continued to grow.
Q, it's not surprising for coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA that you scored in the group stage of the U-20 World Cup.
A, there is no surprise at all, but he himself thinks that improvement and growth are further necessary from here. However, I think that it is manifested in this way because he has been accumulating daily training for level up.
[Player Interview]
Kashif BANGNAGANDE
Q, how is your current condition since returning from the injury in the Japan national team match in March?
A,I have been gradually improving. However, I had a couple of setbacks in my recovery, such as falling ill twice after returning from injury and dealing with various issues. Since then, I have been gradually increasing my training and I feel like I am making progress.
Q, please review the season so far. This is the fourth season since being promoted to the top team, but it seems that the view is different from the previous three seasons.
A, it was the first time for me to participate in the opening match, and I was able to play as a starter. I was also selected for the Japan national team for the first time, so it was a completely different start compared to the previous 3 seasons.
Q, have you been able to gradually produce the results of being greatly inspired by participating in the Japanese national team?
A, honestly, I still have a long way to go. Since my return, I haven't been able to play to my satisfaction yet, so before thinking about the national team, I am now working hard to be able to express myself better in my play.
Q, do you have any image of thinking about your own play, such as how to extend your play or how to appeal more here?
A, I want to be more involved in scoring on the offensive side. In particular, I consider the numerical results to be a clear challenge for this season. Since I haven't scored or assisted yet, I want to focus the most on achieving clear results in terms of numbers and I feel that it is something I must do.
Q: I feel like I'm starting to realize that I need to become a key player as I go through various experiences.
ARather than being the center, I have been supporting the surrounding players as a young player until now. However, starting from this season, I don't consider myself young anymore, so I have made up my mind to play a leading role in the team and I am approaching this season with that in mind.
Q, do you have the consciousness of "breaking the shell" by dyeing your hair from this season?
A, it's not that I don't have that awareness. However, I've always wanted to try dyeing my hair at least once in my life (laughs). I was planning to dye it before the last match of the previous season against Kawasaki Frontale, but I couldn't play in the game due to accumulated warnings. When I dyed it, I felt refreshed and in a good mood, so I've been thinking of continuing the new season with this new hairstyle.
Q, did winning the "Tamagawa Clasico" in the last two matches and also taking 1 point in the tough match against Kashima Antlers in the previous round have a big impact on the team?
A,In the midst of not getting results, we were able to switch to a positive direction as a team by winning on the big stage of the Clasico.
Q, it must have been a big deal to have such passionate fans and supporters in front of you, and it must have had a significant impact on your mindset heading into the game.
A, I think there is that too. In the games leading up to the Kawasaki match, there were areas where we lost in terms of ball control and mentality, so I think the Kawasaki match was a game where we were able to make those adjustments.
Q, if we can win against Cerezo Osaka this round, we will greatly approach the prime stage of the Levain Cup. Please once again show your enthusiasm.
A, it will be a very important match in terms of advancing in the Levain Cup and also in terms of the team getting into a good flow, so if there is a chance to participate, I would like to prioritize winning first. I think the emotional aspect is the most important, so I want to make sure not to lose there and fight as a team with a focus on victory, rather than settling for a draw.
Q, It's been a little while since your last appearance against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. How do you feel about your performance in that match and your current condition?
A, the Sapporo match was not good for both the team and myself, and Sapporo, the opponent, seemed to play with confidence. There are things to learn from past defeats, but now I am switching my focus to the Cerezo Osaka match. I have been training well since the last Sapporo match and my condition is also good.
Q, Please tell us what you are conscious of when playing in the front line position.
As a forward player, I am always conscious of the movements to score goals, but the most important thing I consider is to be aware of plays that contribute to the team's victory. For example, running for the team and actively defending from the front line are also important plays that contribute aside from scoring goals. Within that, whether I score the goal myself or another player does, it doesn't matter. I believe that if I give my all for the team's victory, the results will naturally follow.
Q, This season, Cerezo Osaka has lost 2 matches in the league. How do you want to contribute with your play?
Coach Albert also mentioned before today's practice that the Cerezo Osaka match is a crucial game that cannot be lost in order to advance to the prime stage. I would like to approach the game with a strong focus from the beginning in order to achieve a good result.
Q, Please tell us again about your strong points.
Please watch his movements inside the box, shots from outside the area, and his accuracy as a finisher.
Q, We have high expectations for goals like the one in the Levain Cup Sec. 2 match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. Please share your enthusiasm with us.
A, the Kyoto match was a very good game. I think we were able to have a good fight both as a team and as individuals. It is very important to prepare for the Cerezo Osaka match tomorrow, as well as any other game. I want to work hard as a team and have a good game where we can share joy with the fans and supporters.
