<Match Preview>
There are only 3 games left in the first half. The second game of the consecutive matches, which will be played in 3 days, will be an away game against Shimizu S-Pulse. The team is currently in a situation where they have not won in 4 league games. On the other hand, they have been able to hold onto the ball for longer periods of time, and the style of dominating the game by keeping possession, which is advocated by coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, is becoming more prevalent.
As a result, challenges such as coming up with ideas and coordination to break down the opponent in the attacking zone, precision in finishing, and risk management for counterattacks have become apparent, and the team is facing new worries as they move into a new phase. The vector is clearly pointing towards us. While responding to the opponent's soccer is important, we are currently focusing more on what we can do and how we can score goals and win.
Considering Shimizu's ranking and results, it is expected that the opponent will do whatever it takes to win at home and fight without hesitation. We want to start by taking control of the game, without being affected by the opponent's momentum, by breaking their press and holding onto the ball. And then, in order to find a way to score, we want to continue challenging ourselves, which is our current task.
In the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol, Shuto ABE created a chance to break away with a sharp vertical pass and few touches early in the game. While passing the ball, he watched the opponent's movements and increased the tempo without missing the opportunity. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA wants to make good use of "pausa" (calmness, pause) and score goals by changing the tempo.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: Even though it's a consecutive match this time, there are players who will have time to recover within three days. How do you plan to change the lineup?
A: There are players who will be ready by the weekend, while there are also several players who will not be ready for tomorrow's match. Players who are feeling discomfort are expected to be ready by the weekend, not tomorrow. On the other hand, most of the players who played recently are preparing well enough to be ready for tomorrow's match.
Q: In regards to the attack while holding the ball, in the previous press conference it was mentioned that the players should consider the situation. Based on that, what is the most important thing you want the players to prioritize?
A: We are indeed asking the players to think. And precisely because of that, I believe the new playing style is quite challenging. High-quality decision-making by the players is crucial, and it is a playing style that takes time to mature. For that reason, I think some coaches decide not to adopt this playing style. I understand that. Professional coaches are expected to deliver match results from day one. To ask players to make appropriate decisions according to the situation, time for growth is necessary. The level of technique also needs to improve. Recently, the time we can maintain possession has increased. Increasing possession rate has, in a way, contributed to reducing the opponent’s chances, so that is a positive aspect. However, despite the high possession rate, there are aspects where it has not led to creating many chances for us. We are aiming to improve in that area.
Q: The impression is that the central area was closed off in the Kashiwa match. I think there will be similar opponents in the future. How do you plan to solve that?
A: Of course, when the opponent closes down the central space, it becomes important to make better use of runs into the space behind their defense to push them back. If we can score the opening goal, it will force the opponent to change their game plan and adjust their tactics, which will work to our advantage. In that sense, creating chances and scoring the first goal as early as possible is crucial. For example, if we score early, the opposing team will be forced to take more risks and play more aggressively. While this might lower our possession rate, the fact that the opponent pushes forward will likely make it easier for us to attack, potentially shifting the flow of the match in our favor. In the match against Jubilo, they played very defensively, and we struggled to mount good attacks, ultimately resulting in a victory for the more defensive Jubilo side. Such situations can happen in every match. Considering a long season, teams that play more aggressively tend to climb the rankings. With the same logic, we want to take time to develop and grow this playing style. Because as the level of completion of this style improves, the team will build a foundation to consistently compete at the top over a long period. We are currently building that base.
Q: It was mentioned that what you have been able to do in practice recently is gradually starting to show in the matches. On the other hand, where do you feel the gap between the sense of accomplishment and the reality lies, considering that the results have not been forthcoming?
A, It’s very simple. For example, if the players who are injured or have been injured were in perfect condition, would the recent losing streak really have happened? The matches against Fukuoka and Iwata might have unfolded differently as well. We also conceded a goal late in the match against Tosu. Naturally, when results don’t follow, confidence is lost and doubts increase. I believe that if we were able to secure victories, a tailwind would blow, and everything would proceed smoothly. On the other hand, even if we are playing well but results don’t come, it becomes even more necessary to take actions that encourage confidence among both players and fans/supporters. If we had earned 3 more points in the last few matches, I think people’s reactions would have changed significantly. However, I am calm now because I clearly understand that the path we are currently on is very important and the right direction for this club. We need to endure and keep moving forward until we reach a level where no one has doubts. When good play becomes consistent, no one will remember the process it took to get there. Top clubs are judged as having failed miserably even if they finish 4th. On the other hand, for us, finishing 4th would be considered a decent result.
[Player Interview]
＜Jakub SLOWIK Player＞
Q: We haven't been winning much lately, but it seems like our defense hasn't been falling apart. How do you feel about that?
A, I am confident that the moment will come when we will win. However, I believe that what is necessary is to continue believing until the results come out, and I think that we can only get 3 points by everyone moving towards victory. Shimizu is not an easy opponent, and there is no team that will easily give us 3 points without us doing anything, so I think that the situation will not improve unless we continue to play in this style and hope for victory. I think it is important to continue believing in our playing style until we get solid results. We have great players in the attacking aspect, so I think the moment to score is near, and all we have to do is continue to believe in our teammates as a team.
Q: The team has been holding possession of the ball for longer periods, but as a result, there have been more situations where the opponents aim for counterattacks. How do you communicate with the defenders to deal with this?
A, I also think that as a field player, it is very important for the team to possess the ball. However, even if we possess the ball, there are times when we lose it. We are conscious of quickly regaining possession of the ball through quick transitions between offense and defense the moment we lose it. This is one way to prevent counterattacks. Another way is to always be mindful of marking the opponent in a position closer to them during transitions between offense and defense, and to prepare for the next counterattack.
Q, in the early stages of the season, there were many scenes in which Swobik's big saves helped us in a single game, but now that we have more possession of the ball, it feels like there are fewer decisive scenes where big saves are needed. Is this because the pre-defensive structure of the team, not just the goalkeeper, is working well before the shots are taken?
A, I think it is very important to analyze the opposing team before the match, and also to communicate with the defenders after each play, even about small details, during the game. I believe that this accumulation of small efforts has reduced the opponent's chances, which is one of the reasons why my saves have decreased. Furthermore, Morishige brings a great deal to the team; he has experience and effectively shares that experience with the team, so his presence itself is extremely important for the team's defense. If I may express a personal opinion, I believe he is definitely a player who should play for the Japan national team.
What is important is that everyone defends together and everyone attacks together. I am the last line in defense, but I also want to play with the awareness of being the first line in attack.
