<Match Preview>
Tokyo will enter a tight schedule of 3 games in 3 days. They will face Kansai teams Gamba Osaka, Vissel Kobe, and Kyoto Sanga F.C. First, they will play away against Gamba Osaka.
The opponent was in 16th place in the playoff zone at the time of the game, and in order to break out of the relegation battle, they changed coaches in the final stage. Although they lost to Sagan Tosu in the previous match, they had won consecutive matches against Nagoya Grampus and Avispa Fukuoka in the previous match, and have steadily accumulated points since the appointment of coach Hiroshi MATSUDA.
The first half of the match was the first J1 League game held at the Japan National Stadium, where Tokyo won with 2 goals from Adailton and Leandro.
For Tokyo, regardless of the opponent's ranking, the key to this match will be how well we can maintain possession of the ball and maintain our own style of taking control of the game. Not only the performance in the match, but also the pursuit of a third consecutive victory since the start of the season will be important in this match.
In the previous match, we didn't back down against Yokohama F.Marinos, who are competing for the top spot, and created many decisive chances from our passing play, taking advantage of their weaknesses. We managed to equalize the 2-point deficit from set plays and earned 1 point. Although we had the potential to win, there is still a challenge of converting chances into goals. We will use overcoming this challenge as motivation and give our all on the pitch this match, aiming to bring back 3 points to Tokyo.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: Will you give it your all in the first game of the three-game series?
A: Naturally, we are fully focused on tomorrow's match in terms of tactics and concentration. However, regarding player selection, since it is a three-game series, we need to take that into consideration.
Q: G Osaka may have changed their coach and system since the last match. What is your current impression?
A: Since time has passed, I think this match will be very different from the first half of the season encounter. First of all, both teams have grown over time. I consider each match to be a completely different one. Also, as we approach the end of the season, the standings will have an impact on the match. In that sense, it is expected to be a very different game from the first half of the season. However, I am focused on pushing forward in the direction we aim for. Whether the opponent is Yokohama FM, Kawasaki, or G Osaka, that will not change, and I want to concentrate solely on what we need to do.
Q: What do you think Tokyo needs to do in order to win games and further grow, considering they are playing good football?
A: I believe that mental factors definitely influence the growth of the team. In any industry or field, the feeling of improving and growing leads to results because it builds confidence in what you are doing. Naturally, we want to play well, but the reason for that is to win matches. However, I do not want to adopt the mindset that we must win at all costs. Neither I nor the team feel the need to unnecessarily put pressure on ourselves. There is such a thing as necessary pressure. That is the pressure we must constantly feel as professionals—to win against the opponent in front of us in every single match and practice, to win this match, and to perform at our best in training. I believe that is what being a professional should be.
Q: Do you have any particular focus on aiming for the AFC Champions League based on the results of the three consecutive matches?
A: I find what can happen in the world of soccer very interesting, but do you think there are players who step onto the pitch wanting to lose when a match is right in front of them? This applies to the media, fans, and supporters alike—they all want us, the coaches and players, to show a desire to win, and I believe they feel that way. However, I think it is natural for everyone to want to win a match, and it is something that does not need to be explicitly stated. We have, of course, played every match with the intention to win. That said, when changing a soccer style, even if you want to win the match, situations naturally arise where the desire for the team’s growth increases the possibility and risk of losing. Still, the desire to win is a given and exists as a matter of course in this world. I don’t think it needs to be restated or emphasized. Right now, we have 24 points in front of us. If possible, everyone expects us to take all 24 points in the upcoming eight matches. I believe all teams think the same way, not just us. However, it is impossible for every team to take all the points because each match has a winner and a loser. For example, if a fan or supporter says we must win the match, the feeling of needing to win and wanting to win is something everyone naturally has. What I expect in the medium to long term is that if we can properly develop this playing style, it will lead to the team achieving many victories continuously and stably. But to repeat, during the growth process, both the players and I want to win every match.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryoma WATANABE＞
Q, how is the condition including the three consecutive games?
A, It will be an important set of three consecutive matches, and regardless of whether I play or not, I want to maintain my condition and prepare to be able to compete fully in all three games.
Q, there have been many scenes where we have been able to break the opponent's defense well while holding the ball in the attacking situation, and the number of goals has also increased in the past few matches.
A, I think the team is able to attack collectively, which adds depth to our offense. On the other hand, since we have been conceding more goals, that is an area the team needs to improve. While we are scoring goals, we want to raise our awareness of transitioning quickly after losing possession.
Q: What impression do you have of G Osaka?
A, I have the impression that they have fast players vertically and good side halves. I hope we can play at our own pace while maintaining possession of the ball so that they do not create chances from there.
Q, where is the key point to win the game?
A, I think the opponent uses a 4-4-2 formation, so if we can create a numerical advantage in their midfield, we will be able to advance. We have gradually been able to circulate the ball at the back, and I believe the key is how well we can get behind the opponent in the attacking phase.
Q, I think there are many scenes where the ball settles down at Watanabe's place and chances are created when watching the game.
A: There are still moments when I lose the ball due to simple mistakes. Since this happened several times in the match against Yokohama FM as well, I want to eliminate those errors and play in a way that allows me to be involved in scoring.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the game.
A, this is the first match of a three-game series, and I think it will be an important game that determines whether we can move up in the rankings based on the results of these three matches. First, we want to get 3 points in the G Osaka match and build momentum for the team.
