<Match Preview>
In this season, which has been positioned as the first year of reform, the J1 League has reached the halfway point of the schedule and entered the second half. However, the team is facing difficulties as they were defeated 0-2 by Shonan and suffered the most goals this season, tying with 5, against Tosu.
After the Tosu match, Masato MORISHIGE said, "I knew this time would come," and he has been having discussions among the players to overcome this situation, saying, "We can only rebuild this situation ourselves. We have no choice but to do what we have to do." The players themselves are also working with a strong determination to create a winning team while establishing a new playing style.
Meanwhile, Tokyo will return to Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time in a month.
To overcome the bad momentum, the support of the home fans and supporters will be the most powerful ally. This week's opponent, Fukuoka, was defeated 1-5 in the away match. If we can break through Fukuoka's organized defense and get revenge, it should be the opportunity for the team to get back on the upward trend.
Ryoya OGAWA believed that "young players will lead the team" and left for Portugal. On a summer night, we also hope for the rise of young players who will make Ajinomoto Stadium even more exciting.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, has the practice time been moved up due to the heat?
A, we decided to start an hour earlier in hopes of avoiding the heat as much as possible.
Q, how is Diego's return?
A, he is a very important player for us. I believe his absence had a significant impact. He played many matches while enduring pain. We are truly grateful that he has returned now. This time, the pain has not disappeared, but he himself wished to accelerate his comeback while enduring the pain and is preparing for tomorrow's match. In that sense, we are very thankful for his effort.
Q: How significant is the impact of losing several players who have adapted to this season's football?
A, it was not the fact that we lost the match against Tosu in the previous round that concerned me, but rather the team's play after conceding the second goal. In the Nagasaki match, we were able to play our own game, and I think we also played well in the first half against Tosu. Although Tosu scored a difficult goal in a similar manner to the one conceded in the Nagasaki match, we ended the first half without converting our clear chances. However, after the second goal, I believe the loss of the team's fighting spirit caused a disconnect between the match content up to that point and the final result.
Q, I was concerned about the 5th goal conceded. While it is true that the defense player who came on as a substitute was in a fresh state, there may also be difficulties. What was not good?
A, that substitution was made urgently considering Morishige's fatigue. Of course, Okazaki also made a mistake, but the fifth goal conceded was not only due to Okazaki's mistake; I believe there were multiple mistakes by other players on the third and fourth goals as well. I'm not trying to blame anyone, but there were player errors that led to the last three goals conceded. While the goal resulted from a pass mistake by Okazaki, I do not feel he is solely responsible. Rather, it was a situation where we had to urgently bring someone on because we wanted to substitute Morishige.
Q, how is the conditioning of the players this week?
A, the physical condition has been maintained in a good state. It is a typical example in the soccer world that when you win a match, your condition remains good, but when you lose, it is said to be bad. What happened in the Tosu match was not a decline in performance due to physical condition issues after conceding the second goal, but rather multiple goals conceded afterward because the team lost the fighting spirit mentally. I felt anger about that part, and it must never happen again. I also told the players directly that it is okay to lose a match. However, the fighting spirit until the very end must not be lost. I conveyed to the players that losing the fighting spirit after the second goal in the Tosu match, resulting in a loss and multiple goals conceded, must never happen.
Q: How is player Abe's condition? Is it going to be a long one?
A, he is injured. I think he will be able to return in about 2 to 3 weeks. He was in good condition, but I believe he may have suffered a muscular injury when he fell after receiving a bruise. Since he was lying on the pitch, we hoped the play would be stopped so we could make a substitution, but the play continued and the first goal was conceded.
Q: How do you think about the side back position after Ogawa left?
A, we are considering having Nagatomo and Yoshifu cover for (Ogawa's) absence.
Q: What changes will occur when moving Nagatomo to his natural position on the left, where he has always played, after using him on the right?
A: I consider Nagatomo to be ambidextrous in a sense. Since we have a typical left-footed side back like Ogawa, I think it would be a waste to use the ambidextrous Nagatomo on the left side. Yoshifu is a left-footed side back, but he is still young and needs to gain more experience going forward. If there is a clear left side back, then using an ambidextrous player on the opposite side is a natural course of action for me.
Q, will we continue to use it together for a while?
A: I definitely want to utilize both players. By doing so, I want to encourage the growth of Kashifu. He has very good qualities offensively. However, he needs to learn more about defense. How to improve that can be learned by giving him playing opportunities in matches. Gaining experience there is important, and I want to consider that when selecting him. Having a player like Nagatomo, who can play on both sides, is very positive for our team.
Q, there was talk about mental condition and physical condition, but I think the part about linking is also significant. What do you think?
A: Basically, I believe mental condition has the greatest impact. If there is no physical coach and the training is lackluster, naturally the team might end up in an extremely poor physical condition, but in today’s professional world, such teams are almost nonexistent. Even if the same physical condition is maintained, the players’ situations can lead to different performances. When the mind is fulfilled, I believe players can deliver higher performance even under the same conditions. I think the drop in performance after conceding the second goal recently was due to a decline in mental condition. As professional players, a mentality that constantly focuses on competing is necessary. Moreover, this mentality of competitiveness must be built not only among the players but throughout the entire club and team. Even if the playing style improves, nothing can be gained unless the winner’s mentality develops properly. FC Tokyo has yet to win a league title. We must create a new history ourselves.
Q: How do you plan to utilize the lessons learned from June in the future?
A, regarding the improvement of the mental aspect, we are having thorough discussions with the players and working towards making improvements. Also, since we can make five substitutions per match, we want to effectively utilize players who are in good condition. However, there are certain positions where substitutions are rarely made, which makes it difficult. That is the current situation, so we have to endure and continue to use the same players in those positions.
[Player Interview]
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, this season will be the 4th match against Fukuoka. What kind of impression do you have?
A, they have a solid defense and tend to launch attacks that directly lead to goals rather than focusing on passing. We have played many matches against them this season, and they are a very tough opponent.
Q: What kind of measures are you considering as a team?
A, Our desire to maintain possession of the ball does not change regardless of the opponent. On the contrary, if we lose the ball carelessly, like in the previous match against Tosu, we give the opponent chances. Avoiding careless ball losses and better neutralizing set pieces and the opponent’s strengths will give us a good chance to win. I want to focus carefully on every single detail as I play.
Q: What have you been focusing on as a team and individually in preparation for the Tosu match from the previous round?
A, in the match against Tosu, we conceded a goal at the start of the second half, and the team collapsed all at once. I think we need to correct that part. The summer battles are about to begin, and there will be times when we cannot play the style of soccer we want. This was something we couldn’t do in the previous match against Tosu, but I believe it will get better if we can all endure and play together even when things aren’t going well.
Q, what kind of play becomes important when you can't score goals easily?
A, I believe that if we can increase our chances, we will be able to score goals. There have been matches where we scored multiple goals. In the past few games, we have conceded goals too easily, and when we fall behind first, we get overwhelmed by the opponent's pace. So, while making sure not to concede first, we want to create scoring opportunities from the back.
Q: What kind of fighting style do you think is necessary during the hot summer season?
A, I think it is important to play with a clear mind while pursuing the style of soccer we aim for. During the summer, due to physical stamina issues, even when we cannot do what we want, it becomes necessary for the team to unite and play steadily without wavering.
Q, it's been a while since we had a home game in the league. Please tell us your enthusiasm.
A, looking back, I think we have been able to play good matches at home and have achieved good results. I believe the support from our fans and supporters is crucial, and we want to firmly win at home to show the place and results we aim for.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: In the previous match, we suffered a 5-goal defeat against Tosu. Considering it was Ryoya Ogawa's last game, it must have been a disappointing result.
A, Ogawa is a left-back like me and has always been a role model. I felt sorry that we couldn't send him off in a good way. Personally, I wasn't even on the bench for the Tosu match and watched it from Tokyo, so I feel even more frustrated.
Q, I think you had many opportunities to talk with Ogawa. What kind of senior was he?
A, I have watched him closely since my U-18 days, and he has been my ultimate goal. Even after joining the top team, I always tried to imitate Ogawa's play and from there, developed my own style. Although we are rivals competing for the same position, he was a senior who created an atmosphere where I could consult him about anything. I am truly grateful for that.
Q: Does the transfer of player Ogawa bring about any change in your mindset for future battles?
A: I think the competition for positions will continue to be intense, but even so, I am practicing with the determination to definitely secure a starting spot. No one wants to watch the game from the bench, and I am no different. I want to give my all in practice and keep appealing to the coach with high-intensity play. Ultimately, I believe that will also contribute to the overall strength of the team.
Q, this week's home game is the first in about a month. We ask for the enthusiasm of Ajinomoto Stadium's fans and supporters.
A, we haven't been able to achieve good results in the past few matches, but precisely because of that, I am fired up to change this momentum at our first home game in a while. I want this match to be a turning point where we can shift gears and gain momentum for the second half of the season. Personally, I will do my best to produce visible results such as goals and assists. Please give us your full support!
