<Match Preview>
After winning 3-0 at home against Sapporo, the following away game against Urawa ended in a 0-3 defeat. The record in the last 5 games is 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 losses, with a total of 12 goals conceded. Fixing the defense is an urgent task.
Amidst the tough battle, Shuto ABE, who had been sidelined due to a right calf injury, rejoined the team's full practice from July 13th. The return of the reliable midfielder is great news. ABE stated, "I missed three league matches and was able to objectively reflect on certain things. When I step onto the pitch, I want to raise the intensity higher than before my absence and have a positive impact on those around me," showing his determination to lift the entire team.
This week, the opponent we will face at home is Iwata, who returned to the J1 league this season. Tokyo has already faced them three times, including the Levain Cup, and has 1 draw and 2 losses. Iwata is currently on a 3-game losing streak in the league and is facing a tough battle, but it will not be an easy game. The key to the game will be how we can break through the opponent's defense, which is set up with 5 defenders.
The team's overall strength, including young players, will be tested due to the tough situation with many injured players. We also hope for the emergence of new heroes to energize the team for the future.
Matchday program is here!
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, I felt that today's practice time was longer than usual.
A, today we conducted sprint training linked with finishing. That might be the reason it took longer.
Q: Did you focus on shooting practice and training towards the goal this week, considering that there was no goal in the previous match?
A, no, we emphasized training on ball possession. I also conveyed to the players how valuable it is to have the ball, and if throughout this season the players can fully understand and express that, I believe it can be considered a great success. That is one of the major goals for this season. Of course, many people might think it is easy to understand, but truly understanding and expressing it from the heart is by no means easy.
For example, in the match against Urawa, we lost the ball easily many times, which allowed them to create chances. I believe mistakes happen because the players still do not fully understand how important it is not to lose the ball. It takes time to improve this. Therefore, we have emphasized this aspect in our training.
Many players have long expressed a style of play that values rushing, so they struggle to calmly and securely maintain possession of the ball. For example, when it comes to what good defense is, it is difficult to make players who understand defense as narrowing space and playing solid, tight defense or pressing aggressively realize that maintaining possession of the ball is actually better defense. To me, the most excellent way to defend is to not lose the ball. In addition to improving that aspect, there are many players who have accumulated fatigue due to longer playing time caused by numerous injuries. Perhaps influenced by that, there were many instances where we lost the ball frequently. If you look back at Urawa’s goal, you will understand. Most of their chances were born from our mistakes.
Q, I think the soccer philosophy of ball possession was cultivated by Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA in Spain. How did he teach the importance of ball possession to the local people in Spain?
A, I think there may be some misunderstandings. Liverpool and Bayern Munich also value ball possession. I believe Paris Saint-Germain also values the ball. It is not only Spain that values ball possession. To express modern football, you must understand the importance of holding the ball. Once you understand that, there is the task of bringing out the strengths of the players in front of you. At the same time, if there are players who excel at making forward runs, it is important to play in a way that brings out those characteristics. However, for that, holding the ball is indeed crucial. Not losing the ball easily is emphasized in every country and region. I believe many teams in the European leagues value ball possession.
For example, in Spain, players who are good at making runs into space are not necessarily many. Therefore, a characteristic is to break through with solid short passes. In Germany, the tendency is that there are many players who excel at making runs into space and taking mid-range shots. While making use of that, they also value ball possession. As seen in the recent match against Urawa, if we ourselves lose the ball easily, we will not be able to perform the expected play. Losing the ball is bad primarily when it results from simple mistakes. That must be learned as a fundamental.
Q, this will be the 4th round of matches against Iwata this season.
A, I have informed the players that Iwata is a team that significantly changes its playing style depending on the flow of the match. They are good at both maintaining possession and combination play. They are also skilled at dropping their defensive block and launching counterattacks. On the other hand, when they want to score, they tend to use more direct play. I think they are a very dangerous team that drastically changes their playing style depending on the match situation. Therefore, they are a difficult opponent to face. However, our players have been able to recover their fatigue well in good form. Also, since we have been able to perform well and get good results in home games this season, we want to have a good match tomorrow as well.
Q, I think I have been associated with Coach Ito since my time in Kofu.
A, that's right. I have faced Coach Ito many times, so I fully understand his characteristics. When he was leading Kofu, there were several matches where we conceded goals in the final stages. However, at Niigata, there were also times when he scored late goals to win. I think he is a good coach. I hope it will be a good match.
[Player Interview]
＜Shuto ABE＞
Q: After getting injured, you made a quick return. What were you conscious of during this period and how did you approach it?
A, I spent the time away from the pitch focusing on recovering from my injury as quickly as possible to return to the field.
Q, how is your condition?
A, I had proper rest during the rehabilitation period as well, so I believe my condition is well-prepared and I can approach the match in perfect shape.
Q, we won the Sapporo match with a large goal difference, but lost the Urawa match with a large goal difference. I think there are extreme differences between winning and losing, but what factors are causing this?
A, when the team is in good condition, we are able to score multiple goals. In matches that don’t go well, I think it becomes very important to play while thinking about how we can improve in a positive direction without conceding multiple goals.
Q: We have played against Iwata many times this season. What kind of impression do you have?
A, they move the ball starting from player Endo and sometimes use long balls. They also deliver crosses and have several patterns, so facing them leaves an unpleasant impression.
Q: What plays does the team need to make in order to win?
A, first of all, each player must not lose to the opponent right in front of them. When the opponent uses long balls, the battle will come down to who can pick up the spilled second balls. I think it is very important to bring the game to our own pace, so I want to play with an awareness of picking up the second balls.
Q, I think that with the return of Abe, there will be more plays in the midfield to win the ball and pick up second balls, which will increase the time for attacking.
A, I want to make the most of my strengths and play in a way that contributes to the team. Having missed three matches and caused trouble for the team, I feel that I must perform in the Iwata match, and while showing my characteristics, I also want to aim for goals.
Q, please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
A, since it is a home game, I believe many fans and supporters will come rushing to Ajinomoto Stadium. For their sake as well, I want to deliver 3 points as a gift, and since there will be a gap until the next match at Ajinomoto Stadium after the Iwata game, I want to secure a victory firmly before heading into the next away match.
Yuki KAJIURA
Q: How do you feel about making your J-League debut in the home Sapporo match and starting in the following Urawa match? Looking back on the two games.
A, regarding the Sapporo match, I felt that I was able to show my play from the start. In the Urawa match, one mistake disrupted my rhythm a little and led to a goal against us. I believe that if I had been able to quickly correct and switch my mindset after the mistake, the result would have been different, so I want to make use of this experience going forward.
Q, Coach Albert Puig Ortoneda always emphasizes "giving opportunities to young players". Do you feel hopeful?
A, I believe that Coach Albert Puig Ortoneda does not focus only on young players but gives opportunities to all players. If you cannot deliver results there, you cannot continue to appear in matches. I think that is quite normal in the professional world.
Q, what kind of play is the coach expecting from you?
A, it’s not just me, but inside half players are primarily required to have a high intensity in defense. I am good at anticipating defensively, so in matches I want to play with strong intensity and become a player who can show my own style.
Q, this week's opponent, Iwata, is the team that Almir scored his first professional goal in the away game of the Levain Cup. Don't you think we can approach it with a good image?
A, I was happy to have achieved the result of scoring a goal, but that made the frustration of losing the match even greater. It was a game that made me keenly aware of the harshness of the professional world.
Q, please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
A, when I stood on the pitch at Ajinomoto for the Sapporo match, I got goosebumps and felt a strong determination of "we cannot lose." Although the team is certainly not in a good situation right now, we will never hang our heads. We want to stick to our current style, play matches that make everyone want to cheer even more, and deliver victory as a united team.
Matchday program is here!
