<Match Preview>
The J1 League, which was suspended during the international break, is resuming. This Sec. 17 match is the last game of the first half of the 34-match league season. The opponent is Shonan Bellmare. They also faced each other in the Levain Cup group stage, making this the third official match between the teams this season. In the Levain Cup, the home game was won by fielding players who also appeared in the league matches.
They lost the away game where the squad was selected mainly with young players.
Kuryu MATSUKI is absent due to an overseas expedition with the U-21 Japan national team, but Yuto NAGATOMO has returned from the Japan national team, and players who had been sidelined with injuries have also rejoined the team, allowing the main squad to come together for this match. This will be a different kind of battle compared to the Levain Cup, where young players were actively utilized.
In particular, FC Tokyo has won the last two league matches in a row, and especially in the match against Shimizu S-Pulse, as Coach Albert praised without reservation, "I also told the players directly, but I believe today was the start of a change in FC Tokyo's playing style. (Omission) It was a big step in the sense that we were able to firmly realize what soccer that loves the ball is like", the team both overwhelmed the opponent in terms of content and achieved the result of victory.
Also, in the match against the league leaders Kashima Antlers, Ryoma WATANABE, who was deployed on the right wing, moved into the central area to participate in building up the attack, fitting perfectly into the system. The team accumulated goals through quick transitions between offense and defense from a compact formation. Additionally, the team demonstrated their game management skills by maintaining the lead while keeping possession of the ball, as described by Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA as "defending with the ball." This proved the team's growth and the deepening adoption of their playing style.
That said, it is true that we are at a stage where further refinement is necessary to consistently implement our style and achieve results. In this match, attention will be focused on how Albert PUIG ORTONEDA chooses the player selection and positioning in the absence of Matsuki, a rookie who has played a central role in midfield.
Especially in midfield, Keigo HIGASHI has been deployed as the anchor and is demonstrating his full strength, increasing the options available. Can the team maintain quality and "play with the ball" regardless of who takes the field? To continue growing and accumulating victories in the second half of the season, we will not only refine our playing style but also expand the range of player selections.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q. There was a two-week break in the league matches; what did you work on during this time?
A. We were able to dedicate ample time to training on tactical aspects. It is also great news that several injured players have returned. I am very satisfied with the team's growth over these two weeks. The team is steadily progressing. It was a two-week period filled only with positive developments.
Q. What specific areas have improved over the past two weeks?
A. Especially in the attacking aspect. The players without the ball constantly provide various options to the ball holder. The training on this fluidity is progressing in a positive direction. The time has finally come to focus on this because the players are now able to play with confidence. Having gained that confidence, they have now taken the next step forward.
Q, I think you will demonstrate the results of that training in tomorrow’s match, but what kind of impression do you have of Shonan?
A, I have the impression that they really value possession of the ball. Considering the quality of their play, I think their current ranking does not accurately reflect their performance. In that sense, I expect it to be a match where both teams fiercely contest possession. Therefore, our defensive aspect will be important, and it will be crucial to prevent them from playing the style of football they want. We have already experienced that when we faced Shonan in the Levain Cup, if we give them the ball, the match becomes difficult for us.
Q, Based on that experience, what will be important tomorrow?
A, As always, scoring more goals than the opponent is the most important thing. Soccer is a sport where the number of goals matters, so it is naturally crucial. And to win the match, it is essential to clearly express our own playing style more than the opponent. Teams that can express themselves well have a higher chance of winning.
Q. You mentioned that the players have gained confidence. What made you feel that way?
A. I think it’s easy to understand how much confidence they have gained by comparing their play at the start of the season with how they play now. At the beginning of the season, I believe the players were somewhat afraid of receiving the ball. On the contrary, now they feel joy in receiving the ball. I think everyone steps onto the pitch wanting to receive the ball. When they have the confidence and desire to hold the ball, they can make better decisions in attack. As I have said many times, this season is about building a foundation with the team’s players. Based on that foundation, I believe the team will make even greater strides next season. In any case, there is no doubt that things are moving in a positive direction. I am happy that the players can play with confidence, and I feel that they will continue to grow.
Q, What can be expected going forward now that the players have gained confidence?
A, We can expect further growth in various aspects once again. This team had played with a different style for several seasons before. It was a style that did not value possession of the ball as much as now. Of course, they achieved results and won titles, but it seemed like they were gradually on a downward trend. I believe this season we have been able to reverse that trend and move upward. We have renewed the players’ motivation and changed the playing style, progressing in a positive direction. However, there is no doubt that this project has only just begun. The journey ahead is still long.
Q. Matsuki has gone to the national team, but how do you view the inside half position?
A. We have good players gathered, and there are players who can fully cover for his absence, so I am not worried at all. All the players have been growing since the start of this season. In that sense, selecting players is not as difficult as it was at the beginning of the season. As a coach, if I have one obligation, it is to develop all the players. Whether we win or lose a match is influenced by various factors beyond my control. On the other hand, I believe it is my duty as a coach to promote player growth, and the players are currently developing well. From among them, I want to select players who are in good condition.
[Player Interview]
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q. The Emperor's Cup was held in between, and there was a gap since the last league match. What kind of preparations have you made?
A. After a series of consecutive matches, we had a break which helped us recover from fatigue. Since I was able to move well in good condition, I didn’t rest completely but consciously kept my body active. Although it’s been a while since the last league match, we have prepared well.
Q. The team has won two consecutive matches, and I think there have been more opportunities to maintain possession and take shots, resulting in goals being scored.
A. It has only been in the last few matches that we have been able to score goals consistently, and although we won the Emperor's Cup, things did not go smoothly, so I believe we need to work on improving that.
Q, In that context, Watanabe has also started scoring goals. You seem to be able to play matches with a clear image of the goal and a good sense of the opponent’s movements. Was there any particular trigger for this change?
A, There wasn’t any specific trigger, but I think the reason I’ve been able to produce results is that I’ve been doing shooting practice after training and have been able to carry that good feeling into the matches. I want to continue growing through the games. I still want to score and assist more, and while playing to help the team win, I always want to be mindful of my own results as well.
Q, What do you think will be the key points going forward as you build a new style of soccer?
A, I believe it is first and foremost important that everyone shares a common understanding. It’s not good if even one person can’t do it, and if everyone can’t embody it, then it’s meaningless, so we need to be conscious of that.
Q. What kind of analysis has the team done on Shonan?
A. Their counterattacks after winning the ball are sharp, so we want to be careful about that.
Q. You have faced Shonan many times this season, but what kind of play do you personally want to focus on?
A. I want to make sure to win the ball battles without losing to the opponent's physicality, increase the time we keep possession, and focus on achieving results.
Q. Please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters as you aim for three consecutive wins.
A, we have many very important matches coming up, and the support of our fans and supporters will be essential. Since vocal cheering will be allowed for the July 6th match against Sapporo, I believe the players will gain even more energy. Everyone is working hard to repay that support with results, so please continue to back us until the very end.
