＜Match Preview＞
The match against Cerezo Osaka, which was scheduled for August 13th, has been postponed due to the influence of the typhoon, and Tokyo will play an official match for the first time in 3 weeks since August 7th. The opponent is Kashiwa Reysol, who is currently in 5th place. They are only 1 point behind Kashima Antlers, who are in 3rd place, and are in a position to aim for the AFC Champions League qualification zone.
The difference in points is "8" with Tokyo having played 2 fewer matches. They are within reach to catch up and it is a crucial match that they want to win at all costs in order to compete for the top positions. In the previous match in May, they faced challenges in their build-up play due to Kashima's sharp pressing and man-to-man defense, highlighting the need to improve their ability to maintain possession.
It has been about 3 months since the last match, where we started working on establishing a new style of soccer. Tokyo's style has also evolved and become more refined. How can we break through Kashiwa's intense pressing and move the ball towards Kashiwa's goal? The answer lies in the match we played against Hiroshima on July 30th.
In this match, despite being subjected to intense pressure from Hiroshima from the kick-off, as time passed, the build-up play, which combined the delicate distances between players and the length of passes, began to function and created several decisive chances. Additionally, even though they conceded the first goal, they patiently held onto the ball, moved the opponent, created space, and created a path to the goal, ultimately securing victory with a comeback goal in additional time.
Even in tomorrow's match against Kashiwa, there may be moments where the ball gets entangled in a tough press. Can we adapt flexibly as a team, such as aiming for the opponent's back? We want to grab 3 points in a patient battle and gain momentum for the first home game in about a month, which is scheduled for September 3rd.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, is it correct that you joined on Wednesday?
A, it's Wednesday.I have been living in Japan for about 1000 days now, which is my third season. During those 1000 days, I have been able to return to my hometown surprisingly few times. This time, I was able to temporarily return home during the break period. I was able to spend time with my family for 6 days. Even while I was away, the team continued to train with the staff members whom I trust. Since about 2 months ago, we have been able to possess the ball and control the game well. We are confident in playing with the ball and we are further digging into that aspect to promote the team's growth. We are moving in a good direction and I am satisfied. I see the match against Shimizu away as the start of the second phase. And now, we are nearing the end of the second phase, where we are confident in possessing the ball.
And now, we have begun training for the next phase, which involves taking greater risks to move toward the goal. It is indeed difficult to deliver high-quality passes in the final finishing zone without confidence. In that sense, I believe that playing with confidence was the first thing we needed to master. Over the past few days, the team has been able to train well. Recently, we arranged a training match against FC Machida Zelvia. We were able to play well to maintain our match sharpness. Including all of that, I am very proud of the team’s growth at this point. Naturally, matches have winners and losers. However, regardless of the match results, I am very satisfied that the team is firmly maintaining possession, being conscious of how they play, and gradually expressing that on the pitch.
And recently, many young players have been included in the starting lineup. I think this is a significant difference compared to the team from a few months or years ago. Also, since there is preparation for every match, I believe we have made good preparations for tomorrow’s game this week as well. I think it is more important to express our own characteristics rather than focusing on the opponent’s traits. If we can express the style of play we expect, I believe it will be very difficult for the opposing team to defend against us. In that sense, it is more important to express the style of play we want rather than devising countermeasures based on the opponent’s characteristics, although it is also true that this is difficult.
Q, did you refresh yourself properly in Spain?
A, I am truly grateful from the bottom of my heart to everyone who showed understanding regarding my temporary return home. The detailed reasons why I had to return temporarily are honestly delicate matters, so I cannot explain them. Of course, I believe that if I explained in detail, people would understand better, but since it is not something I can explain, I think it is inevitable that anxiety and suspicion arise due to the lack of detailed explanation. I returned because of an important family matter, but once again, the days spent apart from my family have become very long. I hope you can understand how difficult that is for us, if possible. In that sense, I am truly grateful once again to the fans and supporters for their understanding. It was not that I needed a break; I hope you understand that I returned for a different reason.
Q, it was a training match without the manager present, but I think it was a good performance. What are your thoughts after receiving the report from the staff?
A, first of all, I believe our team is made up of wonderful players. Currently, we also have four captains who are outstanding professionals and serve as role models for any team. In that sense, I was not worried at all during my absence and had complete trust in them. Regarding the staff, many members were working together for the first time at the start of this season, but as I got to know them over time, I realized that, like the players, they are also composed of excellent individuals. They are very professional people and sincere as well. That is why the team functioned even in my absence. I believe this is proof that we have gathered remarkable people.
Q: You mentioned that as the season has progressed, the team has entered a phase where you confidently connect passes. What is the most important thing to have confidence?
A, first of all, it is important to face reality. For example, let's take the start of this season for Manchester United. I think they have a wonderful manager. And I believe they have a great group of players. However, from the beginning of the season, it seems they are committed to clearly expressing their playing style. Without a doubt, if given enough time, they can build a fantastic new Manchester United. But in the world of soccer, if good match results do not come, people become nervous. This season, we had to accumulate points first to build the players’ confidence. I believe that leads to their confidence. In that sense, at the start of the season, we accumulated points while effectively utilizing the characteristics our team had up to that point. Ultimately, we want to reach a stage where we confidently maintain possession of the ball, but first, it is necessary to bring points to gain that confidence.
If the team currently had 20 points, how would the players' confidence be? I believe that the players would not necessarily have gained confidence. Honestly, I don't think the performance in the home match against Shimizu was bad. On the contrary, I think they played well. However, when you lose, the evaluations around you change, which can lead to a loss of confidence. Even if you play with such commitment from the start of the season, you cannot gain confidence without accumulating points. I keep telling the players to love the ball. But even if that message is conveyed, if they cannot accumulate points and gain confidence, they will not be able to maintain possession, and only time will pass. The team has gradually gained confidence, but does that mean they can keep winning matches easily? Soccer is not that simple. There is still a long way to go to improve the team's completeness. That is why we are building the foundational parts this season.
[Player Interview]
＜Kazuya KONNO
Q: What preparations have you made for the Kashiwa game?
A: First, I focused on maintaining my condition steadily. Since we had a practice match, I talked with players in similar positions after the game and after training about our combinations, and I have a very good image of it, so I hope to show the results of that in the match.
Q: In aiming for a style of soccer that maintains possession of the ball, how much of that foundation have you been able to build?
A: In the practice match, we had the ball for a long time and were able to create many good opportunities. We also scored goals, so I think everyone has a positive image, but whether we can show that in tomorrow’s game is important, and I believe the results will change accordingly.
Q: The previous match against Cerezo Osaka was postponed, so this will be our first league game in a while.
A: The start of the match may be challenging, but I believe things will steadily improve as time goes on. However, it is important to be mindful not to concede goals at the beginning of the game and to make sure we start with solid defense.
Q, how do you analyze Kashiwa?
A, I have the impression that they have good players up front. Defensively, they form a block and sit back, and their main approach in attack is to quickly counter after winning the ball. Therefore, we need to be very conscious of how we lose possession and ensure that our attacks are carried through all the way to the shot. We also have to be diligent about switching between offense and defense and managing defensive risks; otherwise, the opposing forwards will be able to operate freely. I think the entire team needs to be aware of this.
Q, what kind of play does Konno want to show?
A, I am expected to hold the side and take the initiative, so I hope to create chances from there. Recently, I have been developing good combinations with the fullbacks, inside halves, and center forwards at good distances, so I want to incorporate those elements and showcase my strengths.
Q, you want to score goals as well, right?
A, I have only scored 2 goals this season so far, so I think it is far from enough. Whether it’s goals or assists, I just want to increase the number of plays that lead to scoring.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm.
A, I believe everyone is well prepared. In away games, the support from our fans and supporters gives us strength, and we want to fight together with everyone and win.
