<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?
A: We want to continue giving opportunities to young players, but I believe that this match against Cerezo Osaka is an important one for advancing to the Prime Stage. We fully recognize the significance of this game and will carefully select the members. So far in the Levain Cup group stage, we have accumulated 3 points at home. We want to secure a solid win in this match as well, keeping the possibility of advancing to the Prime Stage alive for the final round. After tomorrow's match, we have a league game against Vissel Kobe with only two days in between. Although the schedule is tight, we aim 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: In the Levain Cup matches, they showed play worthy of victory, but in the league matches, injured players had returned and the team was moving toward improvement, though it seemed they 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 inside the box. In the match against Kashima, we used Koki TSUKAGAWA 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, Matsuki already possesses what is necessary to succeed in the professional world. First, he has a high learning ability; second, he has a strong mentality to fight and to win. Having both of these qualities, Matsuki will surely continue to grow further. The reason we gave him a starting opportunity from the opening match of last season was because I strongly felt his mental strength through his eyes. Without a doubt, he has continued to develop from the opening match of last season until today.
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 absolutely no surprise, but he himself believes that further improvement and growth are necessary from here. However, I think what he has been steadily building up through daily training to level up has manifested in this way.
[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, at the timing of my return from injury, I experienced a couple of setbacks in my condition and had a rather tumultuous return. Since then, I have been gradually increasing my training, so I feel like I am getting better.
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 I participated in the opening match, so being able to play as a starter,I was also selected for theJapan national team for the first time, and I think it has been a completely different start compared to the previous3 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'm not aware of it. However, I think I would like to dye my hair at least once in my life (laughs). I was planning to dye it before the last match of last season against Kawasaki Frontale, but I ended up being unable to play due to accumulated warnings. When I dyed it, I felt refreshed, so I have been thinking about continuing with this new hairstyle for the new season.
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, in the Sapporo match, neither the team nor I performed well, and I had the impression that the opposing Sapporo played with confidence. There are lessons to be learned from past defeats, but now I have shifted my focus toward the match against Cerezo Osaka. Since the last time I played in the Sapporo match, I have been training well, and my condition is also in good shape.
Q, Please tell us what you are conscious of when playing in the front line position.
A, as a forward player, I am always conscious of movements to score goals, but the most important thing I focus on is playing in a way that leads to the team’s victory. For example, running for the team and actively defending from the front line are also important contributions beyond just scoring. Whether I score the goal myself or another player does not matter; I believe that if I give my all for the team’s victory first, 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?
A, Coach Albert also mentioned before today's practice that the match against Cerezo Osaka is a crucial game that we cannot afford to lose in order to advance to the prime stage. To achieve a good result, I want to stay fully focused from the start of the match.
Q, Please tell us again about your strong points.
A, I want you to notice my movement inside the box and the accuracy of my mid-range shots from outside the area 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 match against Kyoto was a very good game. I believe that both as a team and individually, we were able to perform well overall. Preparation for the match is very important, not only for tomorrow’s game against Cerezo Osaka but for every match. We want to work hard as a team and make it a great game where we can share joy with our fans and supporters.
