<Match Preview>
In the previous match, we scored a club record-tying 6 goals in the J1 league against Kashiwa and won our first official game in 3 weeks. During the break, the players had discussions and made detailed adjustments to their positions. The fact that we were able to dominate the game in many time periods was a result of these efforts.
Kazuya KONNO, who was involved in 2 goals, said, "I have progressed to the stage of not just turning with one or two touches, but also incorporating dribbling and ball retention. I have also become better at using combinations between simple passing and dribbling." He also talked about the sense of accomplishment that the team's cooperation has matured.
This round, we will welcome Yokohama FM, who are competing for the top spot in the league, to Ajinomoto Stadium. It will be interesting to see how our confidence and playing style, which we gained in the Kashiwa match, will hold up against a strong opponent. Kuryu MATSUKI, who scored the opening goal in the Kashiwa match, said, "The opponent plays a well-established tactical style, so it will be a tough match. We also have a solid foundation, so we want to ride the momentum and win."
Aim for top defeat. It is the best opportunity for the players to come together and demonstrate the soccer they have built up so far.
Matchday program here
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, is Yokohama FM going to challenge as a top team?
A, I believe this match will definitely be an attractive one. We do not have the mindset of simply challenging. However, Yokohama FM is a more mature team, and we are a team that is just beginning to mature. In terms of the matchup between these two teams, I see it as a very appealing and interesting game. I also think it will be a match for our players to once again test the level they are at. Naturally, this is an opponent we must overcome, so I want our players to do just that this time.
Q, I think Yokohama FM, having been eliminated from the ACL, has high motivation for this match. I believe there is no shortage on their part.
A, I believe it will be a truly exciting match. As I always say, the development and flow of the game can be greatly influenced by a single detail. And as I have been saying since the start of the season, what we aim for is daily growth.
Q, both teams have their strong points in side attacks, so I think it will be about how we can surpass that.
A, from a tactical perspective, I think it will indeed be a match focused on battles along the flanks. However, match results and tactical maneuvers are by no means the same thing. There is a common tendency in the world to think that if you win, the tactics were correct, and if you lose, the tactics were wrong. But the tactical aspect and the match result are never equal. That said, since both teams have weapons on the sides in this match, I agree that it will be a game centered on flank battles in that sense.
Q, the last time we faced each other, the team had not yet been able to establish a new style, but this time it will be a match after having built it. Are you thinking of increasing the time you hold possession of the ball?
A, indeed, time has passed. In that sense, our game plan has also changed, and this time we aim to maintain possession of the ball. However, whether that will go well or not is uncertain, but we want to express proof of the team's growth. This season, it is very rare for us to have a lower possession rate than our opponents. However, in the match against Yokohama FM, we had a lower possession rate than them. It is very difficult to surpass an opponent with a high possession rate. Furthermore, they have been playing in this style for many years. Nevertheless, we aim to surpass them in possession rate.
Q: What is important to surpass in possession rate?
A, I believe we must keep our feet firmly on the ground and progress step by step. We are in a stage of continuous growth, and that is where our focus lies. The opponent’s high press is also one of their weapons. How well we can break through that high press will test how much the team has grown, making it a very exciting match.
[Player Interview]
＜Jakub SLOWIK Player＞
Q, what preparations have you made for the Yokohama FM match?
A, first of all, we have focused on our own play and have strived to prepare better. I think it will not be an easy game, but we want to play solidly to achieve a good result.
Q, I think the team has a good image after winning by a large margin in the previous match.
A, we were able to score many goals in good form against Kashiwa, and I believe the attacking players can approach the next match against Marinos with confidence. The opponent will also prepare countermeasures, but since we have a solid game plan and are well-prepared, I think it will be a truly good match, and we want to deliver a good result to our fans and supporters.
Q, I think build-up play starting from the goalkeeper is important in the style of soccer we are aiming for now.
A, as everyone knows, I believe our playing style has greatly progressed and grown compared to the opening match. For me, this playing style is something that helps me grow personally as well. By seriously engaging in daily practice, both I and the team will continue to develop, and we want to keep working together to achieve good results.
Q, how do you analyze Yokohama FM? Are there any players you are paying special attention to?
A, the opponent is an attacking team. I think it is very important for us to keep our defensive block more compact. Every player is strong, but especially we want to organize our defense to suppress their attackers.
Q, what do you want to keep in mind heading into the match?
A, I am always preparing to perform well, so if I may be greedy, I want to stop every shot. I don’t think the next match will be easy, but I want to do my best to contribute positively and help the entire team secure a victory.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, we won the Kashiwa Reysol match in the previous round with a score of 6-3 in a high-scoring game. How do you look back on it?
A, in the first half, we were able to circulate the ball and control the game just as we had envisioned. However, since we conceded three goals in the second half, I think the way we started the second half is one area for improvement.
Q, it was the first league match in three weeks, but I think the start was really good. Does it mean that what you prepared worked well?
A, the opponent was a top-ranked team, so of course we were fired up. Moreover, from practice, we could see the determination to "take down the top teams," and I think everyone maintained a high level of motivation during training.
Q, the opening goal was your second goal of the season. You were waiting in the center for the cross, then you back-stepped and drifted to the far side. Was that movement natural for you?
A, not naturally, but I intentionally tried to disappear from the opponent's field of vision.
Q, it feels like I was able to move as I imagined and the ball came to me.
A, yes. However, the ball was faster than I expected, so I did my best just to connect with it. I'm glad I was able to score successfully.
Q, won't your feelings also rise because you were able to contribute to the victory?
A, by scoring goals, I can take some pressure off the team. Abe also scored, but I think it’s a positive for the team when both shadow players get involved in scoring.
Q, about goal performances. Did you plan Okada Kazuchika's Rainmaker performance in advance?
A, yes, I was talking with the PR staff (laughs). I originally planned to do it standing up, but my butt hurt, so I ended up doing it while sitting down.
Q: Do you have any plans to do something if you score a goal in the future?
A, I have liked that kind of celebration since high school. Of course, that is not the main goal, and first and foremost, I want to focus on scoring goals properly.
Q: There seems to be an impression that there are more scenes where you enter the goal area and show your face skillfully, including this goal. Do you feel that your play has changed compared to the beginning of the season?
A, compared to the first half of the season, I have the impression that such scenes have increased.
Q, have you changed your mindset or has the team become more proactive in moving forward?
A: I also hoped to be more involved in scoring, but it didn’t go very well. There were many instances where the post was against me, and I often missed shots by a wide margin. I think I need to continue improving that through practice, but as I was able to score in the Kashiwa match, I believe my awareness of getting into the goal area has greatly increased.
Q: It's not yet time to summarize the season, but are there any parts where you feel a sense of accomplishment from playing?
A: Playing under Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, I have learned a lot about possession, the positions to receive the ball, and how to engage with the ball. Although I still have a long way to go, there are many places where I don't need to run depending on my positioning, and I am currently learning throughout this season how to play soccer while thinking strategically.
Q, if you have any points of interest or enthusiasm for tomorrow's Yokohama F.Marinos match, please let us know.
A, it will be a home game, and since the opposing team, Yokohama F.Marinos, is ranked higher than us, I want to make sure we don’t lose in terms of spirit. Moreover, if we can run more than them, compete firmly in challenges, and fight hard for every ball, I believe there is no opponent we cannot beat.
As we were able to demonstrate in the Kashiwa match, we have built a solid foundation to some extent. Without becoming complacent, I want to approach the game with full focus.
And I hope that the fans and supporters will enjoy it.
