[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, Sanfrecce Hiroshima has been playing an aggressive defense since the new coach took over. How does Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA view Hiroshima's soccer?
A, I analyze it the same way. I feel that rather than dropping the defensive block and defending, there is a strong tendency to come forward aggressively and apply pressure. I expect that in tomorrow’s match as well, they will come out aggressively with pressing from the front. I think one-on-one battles in key moments are important in every match, and we have been able to focus our training on that. The players have also prepared well and are able to concentrate on the match, so I hope for good play. If I were to express it in tactical terms, it would be covering, but what is important is the awareness of supporting each other. We have a united group of players. In that sense, it is important for each individual to bring out their strengths and give their all, both offensively and defensively.
Q: When you were the coach of Niigata and even after coming to Tokyo, you have been using players with high technical skills like Watanabe as the right fullback in several matches. Is it because high technical skills are important for a fullback?
A, In the world of soccer, fullbacks play an important role. When I was young, fullback was a position for less skilled players. However, in modern soccer, it has become a position with many tactical responsibilities. What is required of a fullback is, of course, technical skill, but also a solid tactical understanding of the situation, enabling participation in attacks both from the flanks and centrally. In that sense, I am pleased with Watanabe's growth and very satisfied with his current performance. It is an important position for the style I aim for, and I expect further development. Not only Watanabe, but we also have high-quality players like Nagatomo and Nakamura. I trust all the players and am satisfied with their growth.
Q: There were injuries, substitutions, and dismissals of midfield players in the match against C Osaka. Looking back, how was it?
A, I think the flow of the match can be broadly divided into two phases: before and up to the sending-off. Until the sending-off, we controlled the game well and created several opportunities to score additional goals. Scoring those additional goals is an area for improvement. C Osaka’s chances in the first half also came from mistakes in our build-up play. If we had avoided those mistakes and converted our chances, we could have managed the game more calmly. However, the team is still in a growth phase. After the sending-off, the game changed drastically, and ideally, we should have moved to maintain possession and control the match, but reacting in the opposite way is a point to improve. We have just started this new style. It is understandable that we couldn’t respond appropriately after the sending-off, and this is a point where the team wants to grow. On the other hand, the fact that the players played with a strong competitive spirit is commendable. It is also highly appreciable that the players clearly showed their hunger for victory and success on the pitch. Although there are areas to improve in the last 30 minutes of the C Osaka match, the mentality towards competition was excellently demonstrated.
Q, what was the intention behind the positional change between players Abe and Matsuki, who played as inside halves, in the Kawasaki and C Osaka matches?
A: I like to have right-footed players play on the right side and left-footed players on the left side. However, in the match against Kawasaki, I reversed that. I expected Matsuki to take middle-range shots after winning the ball, and I thought he could make good use of that, so I deployed him accordingly. That said, I want the players to make their own decisions freely during the match. The two inside halves have more dynamic roles, so their positions on the left and right can sometimes switch.
Q: Are there cases where you choose a player with a weaker foot as a winger? Is it only the inside half who wants to play on their dominant foot side?
A, It varies depending on the situation and also on tactical factors. The way players are utilized changes depending on whether they are making runs into space or receiving the ball at their feet to play. We acknowledge that their positions on the pitch can switch between left and right depending on the circumstances.
Q, This is a match at home at Ajinomoto Stadium. Please tell us your enthusiasm.
A, I have been looking forward to meeting many fans and supporters at home. I want to greet everyone. I recognize that this new project has begun to move forward together with all of you. And the team intends to give their all on the pitch. For that, support is necessary. The players’ full effort will surely make the fans and supporters proud. I also believe professional soccer is a form of entertainment, so I hope the fans and supporters who come to watch will enjoy the high-quality entertainment expressed by the players.
Q, Leandro player has been injured, but are there any players who cannot be put on the bench for tomorrow's game due to the influence of Corona?
A, muscle injuries take time to recover from, so it is unfortunate. He had been training diligently and always showed a level of play that demonstrated his loyalty to the club, so I was satisfied with his performance. However, injuries are inevitable in both matches and training. In a way, I think they cannot be avoided. In any case, I hope he will return in good form soon. When he does return, I believe he will contribute to the team.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, please reflect on the previous match against Cerezo Osaka.
A, it was a game where there were both good parts and parts that became difficult after one person was reduced. One thing I can say is that we should have expressed our style throughout the game. After the game, I felt that was a challenge for the team. Instead of giving up easily and focusing only on defense when we were reduced to one person, I wanted us to continue expressing our style even in a numerical disadvantage. In that game, it had become an atmosphere where we didn't possess the ball from the beginning when we were reduced to one person, so first of all, I wanted us to continue challenging the soccer we wanted to play.
Q, don't you think there is more response than you expected regarding the team's style penetration by participating in the Fukuoka and C Osaka matches of the Levain Cup?
A, it is important to improve the completion level because we are clear about what we should do. It's not about how the opponent plays soccer, but I feel that we are getting better day by day in terms of everyone's commitment. Also, as the opponent changes, the soccer style changes, and there may be accidents like the Cerezo Osaka match. However, I have a sense of improvement that if we accumulate the experience of "let's do this in this situation", we will get better.
Q, even if there are troubles or irregularities within the 90 minutes, I feel like I can handle them on the pitch.
A, I think that's my role as someone who is watching from the back. I need to understand the team's situation during the game and make adjustments within the game. I hope experienced players can take the lead and make things clear during the game.
Q: As a player, Morishige, you have been given the captaincy after a long time. Do you feel any changes or differences compared to when you were captain before, as you go through the matches?
A, honestly, what hasn't changed at all is what we are doing. However, if we are not sensitive to the changes in the team, the team can quickly decline, so we need to somehow lift it up. We need to keep our antennas up and make sure that everyone is not satisfied with the current situation.
Q, it's been 3 months since our last home game. The fans and supporters have been eagerly waiting.
A, I think the fans and supporters who have been watching us play, including the Levain Cup, up to this point, have high expectations. I believe that in home games, we are expected to deliver both in terms of the quality of the game and the results, in order to meet those expectations. We want to make this game a solid representation of that.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: Cerezo Osaka game was a complete shutout victory for the team. What were the good points about the defense that was able to hold on in a situation where a player was sent off?
A, regarding the first half, we were able to apply pressure from the front line, which allowed us to play defense that the opponent disliked. We only allowed the opponent to create one or two chances, and by focusing on the contest, we were able to defend the goal well and put our bodies on the line for good defense.
Q: How do you feel about the first two matches since the opening?
A, more than individually, as a team, the tactics such as ball circulation have shown very good aspects in these two matches, so I feel a sense of confidence.
Q: Do you think the positioning of the defense in the box is good, and is it getting even better?
A, we practice positioning in defense and as a team, we are conscious of boxing out to prevent opponents from entering the box. We strive to defend in a way that keeps the opponents out as much as possible, so I think we haven't allowed many chances.
Q, in terms of defense, I felt the presence of player Jakub SLOWIK was significant throughout the two matches. How would you describe the defensive awareness, considering that there is an assumption that SLOWIK will prevent shots?
A: I believe that by watching Jakub SLOWIK's performance in these two matches, people can feel that he is an outstanding player. Both individually and as a team, the fact that SLOWIK does not stand out in a good way means that the defense is working well. There is a sense of security knowing that he will stop shots from a certain distance, which allows us to defend boldly. In that regard, he is an extremely reliable presence.
Q, I think it would be possible to calculate the defensive stance while stopping to some extent. What do you think?
A: First, we defend to prevent shots, but there are times when shots inevitably get through. Depending on the area, we can play with the mindset that it's acceptable to be shot at, which allows us to defend boldly.
Q, where are the harvest and challenges in the assembly process?
A, there are mistakes in the build-up phase, but it is important to play without fear. Using both short and long passes effectively in the build-up is an area that has been improving through matches, so I think we are gradually able to create build-ups that the opponents dislike.
Q: What impression did you have of the match against C Osaka, your former team?
A, it is the team where I started my professional career, and it is a club that helped me grow a lot over five years, so I felt very grateful to be able to play against Cerezo Osaka, but above all, I was very happy to have won.
Q: Were there any specific areas you were conscious of?
A, there were some players I had played with before, and personally, there were moments when my emotions got involved. However, in terms of fighting for FC Tokyo's victory, although there were some feelings related to my former club, I think the best thing was being able to focus on winning regardless of that.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the home opening game.
A, due to the impact of COVID-19, it took a long time before we could play a match at home, but the team has come together as one, and having won the previous match, we are now facing this game against Hiroshima. I want to do my best to secure a solid victory at home as well.
Q, how is the atmosphere of the current team?
A, the training has been very fulfilling, and we are able to switch between on and off modes. During the off time, everyone is able to enjoy themselves together, so I think the atmosphere is good.
Q, does it feel like the players are finally coming together and starting now?
A, we have finally returned from COVID, and while there is competition, we are able to train well. I believe we are able to play the style of soccer we want through the matches, so in that sense, I feel very fulfilled.
Q: How do you feel about the progress on the offensive side?
A, we have only scored one goal, but we have created many chances in these three matches. I believe short counters are one of our strengths, so if we can create chances both through short counters and while maintaining possession, we can become a team without weaknesses. Therefore, I want to keep improving the team without becoming complacent.
Q, do you have a sense of being able to play while holding the ball through several games?
A, it has only been three matches so far, but I think we have been able to show some really good aspects. We observe the opponent's defensive positioning and adjust our own positioning accordingly while attacking. It's still far from perfect, but being able to play as a team like this in just three matches is a good thing, and I am really looking forward to what comes next.
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q, we won our first victory of the season by defeating C Osaka 1-0 with a goal from player Konno in the previous match.
A, after the league opening match, the team’s activities were suspended due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection, and it was a game played under difficult conditions. Even so, I believe the victory came as a result of each individual doing everything they could. Of course, I am happy to have scored the goal, but including enduring the tough periods, I think the entire team earned these 3 points together.
Q, how do you feel about the possession soccer that coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA aims for?
A, since it has changed drastically from last season, there are still parts that have not fully permeated the team, but it is gradually improving and it is enjoyable to play. Especially in my position as a winger, I am required to take on one-on-one challenges, and I think it is a style that allows me to make the most of my strengths.
Q: Player Konno experienced a long-term absence of about 7 months due to injury last season. Doesn't that make his determination for this season even stronger?
A, it was my first time experiencing such a serious injury, so I was worried about whether I could make a successful comeback, and I also felt frustrated not being able to play in matches. However, thanks to the trainer, my rehabilitation progressed smoothly, and now I am able to play in better condition than before the injury. I want to maintain this condition and perform even better to repay everyone who was concerned about me.
Q, this game is the first home game of the 2022 season. Please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
A, first of all, we want to firmly show our style of soccer at home, the soccer of Tokyo this season. Personally, I have also scored a goal, so I can approach the match with mental confidence. I want to play greedily seeking results, and above all, since it’s a home game, winning is essential. We will prepare thoroughly and want to deliver victory to everyone!
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