※Due to production schedule, there will be no MATCH PREVIEW & INTERVIEW for the Avispa Fukuoka match on May 3 (Wed, holiday) and the Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo match on May 6 (Sat) in mechacomic.
The next mechacomic will be the MATCH PREVIEW & INTERVIEW for the Kawasaki Frontale match on May 12 (Fri).
＜Previous Match・Albirex NiigataReview of the Match＞
"I have no intention of building the same style as Albirex Niigata," said coach Albert. Taking into account the characteristics of the players, the "Tokyo style" that coach Albert is trying to instill is to choose a way of fighting that maximizes the players' strengths.
It was a clear battle between the two teams. Niigata showed a strong attitude of connecting the ball and pushing forward with short passes, while also maintaining momentum vertically. On the other hand, Tokyo did not back down and put pressure on the ball side, and when they recovered the ball, they were not afraid to use long balls if there was space. They also calmly built up their attacks, avoiding Niigata's press and pushing the opponent while holding onto the ball.
The goals that were born were both highlighted for their power and elegance, but it was also clear that Tokyo was trying to advance the game with many options.
The first goal was scored by Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who quickly moved the ball vertically with few touches after winning it in a counter-attacking style in their own half, before the opponent's formation could be set up. The second goal was created by utilizing the space on the side with short passing combinations, and Shuto ABE was able to push the opponent towards their goal. Although Diego OLIVEIRA had a powerful strike, the team had a common understanding of how to handle the ball, making the flow leading up to the shot very smooth.
In the second half, Tokyo's attacking posture and diversity became more prominent, and they were able to maintain a one-point lead while creating more chances than their opponents, achieving their first consecutive victory in the league this season.
＜Preview＞
Last season, at the same timing, during the consecutive matches in the Golden Week, we played on May 3rd and ended up losing with a score of 1-5, despite Kuryu MATSUKI scoring his first professional goal.
After that, we have drawn at home games, so it's not necessarily that we have a sense of weakness or a negative image as a team. However, we have also faced each other in the Levain Cup, and with the result of 2 losses in 2 games in Fukuoka, we hope for a match to dispel that impression.
Tokyo and Avispa Fukuoka are currently tied with 15 points, with Tokyo slightly ahead in 6th place with a goal difference of +2. Matches against close opponents are said to have the value of 6 points. This match is truly a battle to either gain or maintain a lead in points, or to distance oneself from a rival and secure a victory, making it a "6-point match".
With big center forwards such as Wellington and Lukian, and versatile player Yuya Yamagishi moving around like a satellite, there is depth in the front line. And above all, Kazuya Konno, who was with Tokyo until last season, is now on the team. In the solid and fast-paced Fukuoka, Konno's dribbling ability serves as a switch for the attack.
Last season, at Ajinomoto Stadium, in the match against Fukuoka, Konno scored a stunning volley goal. We want to avoid the opposite pattern at all costs. However, as they are familiar with both Tokyo's team and individual players' characteristics, it is certain that they will be a tough opponent. We want to control the game at our own pace by stopping the players who work near the goal and those who make decisive plays that lead to goals, including our former teammates.
In the Albirex Niigata match, we had a common understanding as a team and used both quick and slow attacks to gradually control the pace and create opportunities to push the opponent in the second half. In this match as well, while taking care of the opponent's powerful attacks, we want to create a path to the goal by using multiple players and adjust the pace of our attacks according to the situation.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: Before Coach Albert's appointment, it seems that we have been struggling in away matches against clubs from Kyushu. What kind of game do you want to have in the upcoming match against Avispa Fukuoka?
A: I do not place much importance on past match results. However, there is no doubt that Fukuoka has a very solid defense and will be a difficult opponent. Naturally, since it will be a home game for Fukuoka, their defensive intensity is expected to increase even more, making it a challenging match. As you can see from watching Fukuoka’s matches this season, I believe it is extremely difficult for any team to secure a victory against them.
Q: How will you break through Fukuoka's strong defense against the team holding the ball?
A: Once again, I believe Fukuoka's strengths lie in their solid defense and counterattacks, which are dangerous aspects for us. It will be a home game for them, so tomorrow's match will undoubtedly be a difficult one. On the other hand, we are also in good condition. In the closely contested J1 League, the details greatly influence the match outcome. For example, which team scores the first goal, or how a small mistake can drastically change the flow of the game. I trust the team, and although it is an away game, we will of course fight aiming for victory.
Q: Please give us your evaluation of the intensity and speed of play in the previous match against Albirex Niigata.
A: I am satisfied with the current pace of play, and based on that, we built our game plan for the Niigata match. I recognize that we created nine chances in the Niigata match. Niigata has been playing in this style for four seasons, and when facing that club, I anticipated it would be very difficult to win the ball and surpass them in possession rate. The reason we want to keep possession is to create decisive chances. Not only through counterattacks, but also by controlling the ball and with fluid play, there were scenes where players made runs into the penalty area. I think Niigata started the match well, but by exploiting the space created when both fullbacks positioned themselves high, we were able to score the opening goal.
The ball possession rate for this match was about 40%, but we were able to express ourselves well in terms of creating decisive chances that we were expecting. If we had scored a third goal, Niigata would have played even more aggressively. By doing so, I think there was a great possibility of a 4-1 or 5-1 result. The important thing is to play smart and effective in understanding the flow of the game. For all the soccer fans who watched the Niigata match, I think it was an exciting game.
Q: Please tell us the key points to win against Fukuoka.
A: It is important to firmly withstand their high-intensity defense and eliminate mistakes in our own defense. Maintaining possession, quickly switching between offense and defense, and aiming for counterattacks—making use of the weapons we have according to the situation—will also be crucial. Choosing the appropriate solution in each situation is essential.
Q: If they play in the Fukuoka match, Shuto ABE will reach 100 J1 League appearances and Teruhito NAKAGAWA will reach 150 J1 League appearances.
A: I am very satisfied with Abe’s growth and performance. Having come through FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi and FC Tokyo U-18, I hope he will continue to play a central role in this club for a long time. With various expectations in mind, we appointed him as one of the 3rd captains this season. We look forward to his further development. Also, the addition of Nakagawa, who is experienced and highly skilled, to Tokyo was big news for us. We hope that the young players will learn a lot from him, a true professional. We sincerely wish both players continued success.
[Player Interview]
＜Shuto ABE＞
Q, please tell us how you feel about reaching 100 appearances in the J1 League with Avispa Fukuoka.
A, I feel that reaching 100 matches went by in the blink of an eye, but at the same time, it still feels like only 100 matches. There are many players at Tokyo who have reached 300 or 400 matches, so I want to work hard to get closer to those players even a little. If I play, the Fukuoka match will be a milestone, so I want to aim for goals and victory.
Q: Kazuya KONNO, who joined at the same time as Tokyo, is also playing for Fukuoka.
A, it feels strange to face a player I played with for three years until last season, and he is a tough opponent. Because of that, I also know many of his tendencies. I want to focus on plays and defense that Konno dislikes.
Q, what kind of play do you focus on in an attacking position against a strong defense?
A, I want to skillfully target the pockets of space in the opponent's formation. I will always be aware of this and aim to disrupt their defensive shape.
Q, do you think playing in the opponent's deep area will be the key?
A, yes. I believe that if the opponent drops back, more space will open up. I want to actively target that.
Q: Do you have any memorable matches?
A, it was the match against Vissel Kobe in 2019 when I first appeared as a specially designated player. I remember it well because I was able to play at Ajinomoto and also face Kobe’s Iniesta.
Q: How will you fight in the consecutive battles from here?
A, I am the type of player whose condition improves as I play more matches, so I think my sharpness will be even better in the Fukuoka match compared to the previous game.
Q: Do you have an image of a top attacking midfielder that Abe envisions?
A: I have a very strong desire to score goals myself. I believe that the attacking midfielder position offers many opportunities to create chances. I always have the mindset not only to score but also to increase the passes and movements that lead to goals.
Q, including player Abe, Tokyo seems to have a rich lineup of players with a lot of physicality.
A: We have midfielders who have a lot of stamina and can play at a high intensity for the full 90 minutes. I believe that kind of play has also contributed to our consecutive league wins. I want to continue playing at this high intensity without change moving forward.
