<Match Preview>
The J1 League is finally reaching the halfway point with 34 games played, and is now entering the second half of the season. At this timing, Tokyo is once again facing challenges in its journey of evolution. This time, the first match of the J1 League second half is against a perfect opponent to overcome these challenges and gain valuable insights.
In the latter half of the first half, Tokyo won consecutive victories against Shimizu S-Pulse and Kashima Antlers, and both teams felt a great sense of growth in terms of content. However, in the match against Shonan Bellmare, which concluded the first half, they were unable to find an attacking strategy in the face of the opponent's press and quick defensive transitions, and dropped points for the first time in four games.
And in the Emperor's Cup 3rd Round, which was played just 3 days after the Shonan match, the game against V-Varen Nagasaki ended in a 2-2 draw after extra time, with the winning goal being scored in the first half of extra time, resulting in the team's elimination from the tournament. Nagasaki also had a strong defensive block, with a quick speed in organizing their defense and having a high intensity press from the front line. On the other hand, Tokyo was unable to score a goal that would lead them to victory, despite having possession of the ball.
The upcoming match, which will take place in just three days, will be against Sagan Tosu. As mentioned during the first half of the season, Tokyo has struggled against Tosu in recent years. In fact, they have lost six consecutive league matches since the 2019 season. In the previous match of this season, Tokyo hit the post twice but failed to equalize the one goal they lost from a free kick.
Tosu also has the characteristic of coming aggressively from the front line to the ball side, just like Shonan. In the first half of the game, players were caught in a man-to-man style, unable to build up and losing the ball, and there were scenes where they were pushed back by Tosu's dynamic attack, with players constantly flying out from the back in a short counter.
On the other hand, if we can create a numerical advantage against the opponent who comes to catch people, move the ball and take it away, and extend the time to hold the ball, we can greatly advance the countermeasures against teams that play in a similar way. Challenges are also necessary for growth. We want to find a way to build up without being affected by high pressure, even against a team like Sagan Tosu, which we are not good at facing.
And above all, we want to send off Ryoya OGAWA, who will be playing his last game before transferring, with a victory.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, will you bring fresh players to the Tosu match?
A: When there are 3, 4, or 5 consecutive matches, player selection prioritizing condition may come into play, but 3 consecutive matches are not something we need to emphasize that much. However, if there are 4 or 5 matches held on weekdays over two consecutive weeks, it becomes a congested schedule, so it is important to consider player deployment based on their condition.
Q: Are you ready to face the Tosu match in good condition?
A, we have to take into account that there was an overtime match recently. Some players are extremely fatigued after playing overtime, so we consider that. However, there are also players who have maintained their condition despite the overtime, so we handle that on an individual basis. Since there is an injury in the center-back position, we need to select players carefully. In any case, there is no doubt that we will face the match with a good lineup.
Q, what kind of play do you expect from player Ogawa in his last match?
A, he is one of the players in good physical condition. I spoke with him before the season started, and he always had a strong desire to go to Europe. I suggested that at least until summer, for about half a year, he learn European-style soccer with me and prepare well before challenging Europe. Since things have progressed that way, in that sense, I hope he will succeed over there. I think the league he is going to is mid-level within Europe. In that regard as well, I hope he performs well there and takes the next step, truly stepping up to Europe. I am satisfied with Ryoya OGAWA’s professional conduct, play, and performance over these past six months, and I look forward to his further success in the future.
Q: We lost to Shonan in the Emperor's Cup and Nagasaki in the league. I think the game against Tosu will be an important match. What do you expect from the players?
A: I think the match against Shonan was the worst in terms of content this season. That is something that can naturally happen, and it is neither more nor less than that it happened in the Shonan match. On the other hand, I evaluate that we played a good match in the Emperor's Cup against Nagasaki. Of course, I understand that many people focus only on the match result. However, I look at other aspects. I have the role of focusing firmly on parts beyond just the match result. In the Nagasaki match, I believe that throughout the 120 minutes, we clearly outperformed them both in terms of play quality and the number of chances. However, such a match development can occur in soccer. The opposing team scored on all of their few chances and won the match. But in a long competition like the league, I think the teams that consistently play well rise to the top. What we are currently seeking is to build a playing style that consistently brings good results. In other words, it is a battle to continuously achieve good results over the long haul of the league. It is not about playing to achieve good results in a cup competition. Naturally, I think Nagasaki secured their victory in their own way, but although we lost, I am very satisfied with the players' performance in that match. Tomorrow, another difficult match awaits as a different battle, but we want to snatch points in a good way.
Q, in the second half of the league, we will have matches against the opponents we played against in the first half. Will you change your playing style from the first half when facing them for the first time?
A, of course, having played one match against them has an impact. However, quite some time has passed since the last match against Tosu, and many things can happen in soccer during that period. There are also recent trends and form to consider, so while there is some influence, it is not that significant. Our team is also growing. In that sense, the content of our play based on that growth is important, and at the same time, the match result is also important. However, the match result is not determined solely by our style of play; various factors decide the outcome, so the result is not something we can control by ourselves. Since the team is still in a growth phase, we have not yet reached a stable state where we can consistently express our playing style and decisively win matches in a good way. Individual mistakes by our players can affect the match result. On the other hand, even if the overall team performance is poor, a single action by an individual player can lead to victory in soccer. Such a single action can determine the flow of the match and drastically change the course of the game, which can happen in matches, so we must adapt and fight accordingly.
The team is growing in a positive direction, and I believe the quality of our matches is improving with each game. However, when it comes to stability, we have not yet reached that point. I don't think we have consistently reached the level where we can always score multiple goals and outperform our opponents. In that sense, when it comes to a single match, I believe we still cannot fully control what might happen. We are currently in the second phase of growth, and the team is still in an unstable state. Because the team is still in a developmental and unstable phase, in order to continuously achieve better match results within that context, I have also communicated to the players that maintaining strong focus and consistently playing with high intensity will lead to earning many points even in this second phase of growth.
[Player Interview]
＜Takuya AOKI Player＞
Q, we lost to Nagasaki in a close battle in the Emperor's Cup, and now only the league matches remain.
A, it was a tournament where we had a chance to qualify for the ACL, so it’s truly disappointing, but we have no choice but to switch our mindset and move forward.
Q: As you aim for a new style of soccer, there is a feeling that you are becoming more capable of holding the ball and building attacks. How do you feel about this, player AOKI?
A, I want to increase the variety of ways to carry the ball into the attacking zone, and I also want to move the ball more smoothly.
Q, what kind of play do you think will be important in the future to take the next step with a new style from player Aoki's perspective?
A, I think it would be even better if each player is aware of creating the game and can make plays from anywhere during the match. There are players who are used and players who use others, but I hope everyone can do both.
Q, what is your impression of Tosu?
A, I get the impression that there are many young players who run a lot and work hard. Although it’s a series of consecutive matches, we must not lose either. We have played disappointing games in the last two matches, so I think we need to show more aggressiveness.
Q, what is the key to victory?
A, first of all, we need to play aggressively, run, and fight. We were defeated in those aspects in the Shonan match, so I think we must bring out that part.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm as a team and as an individual.
A, From here on in the second half of the league, there are still many chances to move up, and I want to prepare mentally and fight to win each and every match.
<Ryoya OGAWA>
Q,Is there a sense of reality in the last match at FC Tokyo?.
A, There is still no sense of reality..
Q. You have continued to play as a left side back,,when you go to Portugal,how do you want to make use of your experiencein Tokyo?
A. Wearing Tokyo's emblem and being able to participate in many matches and gain experience is a valuable asset, and I am confidentinhaving been given the opportunity to play in matches for Tokyo.I want to play with confidence there as well.I think so.
Q,Do you already have an image of being active?
A, Yes, I have confidence and I have an image of being active because I intend to do my best..
Q,I think language barriers will arise, but how do you plan to overcome them?
A, at firstI think it will be tough, but I want to approach it positively. I’m not the type to be sensitive, but by using various gestures and interacting cheerfully, I believe the other side will understand what kind of person I am. Going to Portugal and gradually getting used to it is important, I think.
Q,What kind of mindset do you want to approach the Tosu match with?
A, In the past few games, the results have not been satisfactory for the fans and supporters, so we definitely want to end with a win. Everyone is not satisfied, so we definitely want to end with a win.
Q,Are you also aiming for goals and assists?
A, I am aiming for them, but the most important thing is for the team to win the game, so I just want toscore, anyonecan do it, soI hope we can score and win.
Q,Please share your enthusiasm for the last match.
A, Since it will be my last game in Tokyo, it will be a special match for me and I believe it will be a very emotional game. I want to play with the goal of winning.
Q,Please give a message to the Tokyo staff, officials, fans, and supporters who have supported you so far.
A, 7 seasons and a half, the reason I have been able to grow to the level where I can be called overseas like this is100 percent thanks to Tokyo, and deciding to join Tokyo at the age of 18 was definitely the right choice. I am truly grateful, and I want to repay that gratitude even a little by winning in the final match.
Ryoya OGAWA Player Memorial Goods Now on Sale!
