[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: How is the selection of center-backs going for the Fukuoka match?
A: There were comments on social media expressing a desire for Renta HIGASHI. He is indeed one of the options, but since he is injured, we cannot count on him this time. However, of course, there are other options, and I believe there are solutions that will work well, so I am not worried.
Q: How is the analysis of Fukuoka?
A: In the season before last, when Fukuoka ultimately earned promotion to J1, we faced them in Niigata, so I closely observed how they changed their direction as a club at that time. During the 2020 season, their coach changed midway, and they shifted their focus toward a more aggressive defensive approach, steadily accumulating points thereafter. Since then, they have continued to strengthen their squad in line with their style of play, assembling forwards who excel in counterattacks and set pieces. I think they performed well last season too. I believe it is difficult for any team to face a team like them that solidifies their defense. In that sense, this match is expected to be one of the most challenging games of the season. Although the preparation period was short, we have made sure the players fully recognize the difficulty and importance of this match. There is a risk that even a single mistake could be exploited. Naturally, we hope to express our attacking strengths effectively in tomorrow’s game. I think Fukuoka has a mentality that is committed to competing. We have also been able to consistently play with a competitive spirit since the start of this season, and we want to continue doing so while expressing a winner’s mentality that surpasses theirs.
Q: I think there has been an increase in J-League clubs changing direction in the past 2-3 years, but Tokyo is starting this year. Although Tokyo is a latecomer, do you feel like it is catching up rapidly?
A: Of course, individual preferences may vary, but I believe all playing styles deserve recognition. However, from the perspective of youth development, I think soccer that does not value possession of the ball is inappropriate. On the other hand, in the professional world where competing to win is essential, I believe every playing style has value. First, as a club, it is necessary to thoroughly analyze what kind of play the fans and supporters expect and appreciate. Once the expected style of play becomes clear, any playing style is acceptable, but I believe that sticking to a playing style as a club is an accurate direction for the club, and being forced to change it based on match results is not accurate.
For example, I don't think it's accurate to say that Fukuoka will change their playing style from this season to the next just because things aren't going well. If the fans and supporters have a clear understanding of the playing style they expect, then I believe it's more accurate to stick with that style and bring in a coach and players who fit that style to improve the overall level. We tried the same thing in Niigata. And thankfully, I think they are still continuing in the same direction, which makes me proud.
Tokyo has changed its playing style this season. If that playing style is what the club aims for, I think it is accurate to say that the coach, whether it's me or another coach, will stick to the same direction. The playing style I expect is clear. However, considering the team composition this season with many players who have been playing since last season, I don't think it is accurate to drastically change the playing style. I think it is accurate to gradually transition the playing style while utilizing the characteristics of the existing players.This year's ideal is to bring out the strengths of the current players and fight, and when new players join next season, we will move on to the next stage. In any case, I think it is inevitable that the strengths of each individual player in front of us will have an impact on the team's playing style, regardless of the playing style.
Q, I think you were trying out different positions before the opening, were you testing the players?
A, of course I tried, and based on the opposing team, I thought about what kind of game plan to use for the upcoming match and placed players in the right positions. Even within the same match, the cards to play or whether to change the positions of players on the pitch vary depending on the flow of the game. Having various options at that time is a plus as a coach, so in that sense, I want to continue trying various things.
[Player Interview]
Ryoya OGAWA
Q, we have a game in 3 days, but we can continue playing and fight against Gamba Osaka with a positive mindset.
A, I think the victory against Gamba Osaka was significant. Winning allowed us to break into the top ranks and boosted the team's confidence. More than 40,000 fans and supporters came to the new Japan National Stadium, and the entrance presentation was amazing. I don't think there was a single player who didn't feel motivated playing in that atmosphere. On the contrary, I believe that was part of the reason we were able to win. That's why the next match is extremely important, and having won in the National Stadium environment, I hope we can maintain a high level of motivation and not let it end there.
Q, I think we can always create several scoring opportunities, but if we don't convert as many as possible into goals, we won't get the desired results.
A, when we faced Fukuoka in the Levain Cup, we had long possession of the ball and I think we played a good match. However, as a result, we couldn’t convert our chances and ended up losing. In this league match, it is important not to miss any opportunities. I believe we can definitely create several clear chances, but unless we convert even one more into a goal, the results won’t follow. I think we will have many periods of ball possession in the next match as well, so I want to stay focused, score surely, and win.
Q, if you hold the ball for a long time, the opponent can tighten their defense and you may struggle to attack, ending up just being held. In that situation, is the reason why Tokyo feels that they are able to create chances because the team has a common understanding of when to switch the attack while building up from the back?
A, there are definitely moments when we switch on the attack. Even if the opponent pulls back and tightens their defense (in that situation), we can't take the ball, so there are moments when they press from the front. We make sure not to miss those moments. When circulating the ball at the back, if we keep passing slowly at the same tempo, the opponent's defense won't break down. By using passes that skip a player or by increasing the passing speed of each individual, the opponent's sliding defense can't keep up, creating gaps. We want to target those opportunities without missing them.
Q: Do you have a sense of being able to negotiate with the opponent even with just one pass speed?
A, I think passes that are more playful or that bait the opponent will be necessary going forward. Although there are still areas to improve, I believe the team is gradually taking shape in that regard.
Q, I think that entering the central space from the position of the side back and playing there is a key point in the current soccer style attack. Is the timing and the required role clearly visible?
A, since we started playing Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's style of soccer, the biggest change has been the side backs increasingly moving inside and getting involved in the attack. Including myself, there are still parts we are not very accustomed to, but it is important for the team that the side backs become the starting point of the attack. It is not surprising since it has become common overseas for side backs to move inside and play there. We have the awareness that side backs need to be able to create the game more.
Q: Fukuoka has players like Fanma and Lukian who are tall and physically strong. What is your plan to deal with them?
A, There are powerful forwards up front. Fukuoka tends to kick the ball roughly to the front and pick up the second ball, so I think the flow of the game will change depending on how well we can shut that down and prevent them from keeping possession so that we can secure the second ball. As a defender, I want to do my best to shut down the forwards who become the target and not lose to them.
Q, it is also important to not let them easily kick by giving instructions from behind and limiting them, right?
A, preemptive measures are also important. Against teams that kick the ball long, we want to maintain our formation without stretching it out, raise the line when the forwards press up, and be able to play compactly. I also think they will deliver many crosses, so we want to respond firmly to that as well.
