＜Match Preview＞
In the previous match, they won 3-0 against Shimizu and broke the streak of 4 winless games. After the match, Coach Albert praised the performance as follows: "It was the first game where we expressed the playing style we expected and won. We have learned well over the past 4 months and they showed the attacking style that we aim for."
Especially in the second half, they created scoring opportunities one after another with a high ball possession rate and overwhelmed Shimizu. While pointing out areas for improvement, the coach also expressed satisfaction with the team's growth, saying they have taken a big step forward.
Kashima, who will be the opponent in this round, has invited a European-born coach for the first time in the club's history this season and has changed their policy from the traditional Brazilian route. The Swiss coach Rene Biler, who has taken over, is aiming for a speedy soccer by combining high press and short counter. So far, Ueda Kisei and Yuma Suzuki have been scoring goals in the front line. They have been steadily accumulating points since the opening and have become one of the leading candidates for this season's title.
"A battle of transformation and innovation." For Tokyo, it should be a litmus test to determine the results of "taking a big step forward."
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: Ryoya Ogawa's transfer has been decided, it must be sad.
A, I think the impact is significant. However, it is a wonderful thing that he has a dream of competing in Europe and being able to challenge himself. I would be happy if what he has learned in these few months has had a positive influence on his performance in Europe. I think he has definitely grown compared to when the season started. I sincerely hope for his success. It is not easy to succeed in Europe. Compared to other countries in Europe, Portugal and Belgium are not top leagues. However, I think it is a very good place to aim for the next step by performing well. I also hope that the Japan national team will closely follow his progress.
Q, under the guidance of Coach Albert, what specific areas do you think you have grown in by working on a new style?
A, in terms of situational judgment, the importance of holding the ball, and firmly taking the initiative to find solutions to situations. I think it is also important to be accustomed to training methods similar to those in Portugal. I gave him direct advice as well, but it is important to blend in. I believe this is the same challenge that many Japanese people face when they challenge themselves abroad. I think it is a mistake for anyone, regardless of their nationality, to not try to blend in when they go to a different place. A representative example is Yuto NAGATOMO. No matter which country he goes to, he has blended in and thrived in that city and place. This applies not only to Japanese people going abroad but also to foreign players coming to Japan. While it may be difficult to understand everything, it is important to make an effort to understand the culture of that place or to try to blend in, and I believe that will resonate with the people around you.
Q, tomorrow is a match against the top-ranked Kashima.
A, I think their biggest strength is their high-intensity play. They come with aggressive defense and a strong awareness of going directly towards the opponent's goal when they have the ball. They have been fighting worthy battles to be in the top position. We want to focus on the team's continuous growth in every match and fight tomorrow's game. The challenges we need to overcome will vary depending on the game. I believe that attempting to overcome these challenges will contribute to the team's growth.
Q, there was a post on your Twitter that said "The beginning of a dream", what does that refer to?
AI think the second half of the match against Shimizu was the first game where we continuously expressed the kind of play we expect. There is still a gap to the level we want to reach, but I believe that we were able to express the direction we aim for, which is to control the ball, create more chances, and score more goals. I think the opening goal relieved our anxieties. With the opening goal scored, the players were able to play confidently and enjoy playing with the ball in the second half. At the beginning of the season, we struggled to maintain possession of the ball, and there were several matches where we approached the opponent's goal in a straight line. After that, our possession rate increased, but we continued to have matches where we couldn't create many chances. On the other hand, in the match against Shimizu, we enjoyed having the ball. For some players, it may have been their first experience of continuously controlling the ball and creating chances for such a long time. While it is not easy to express that kind of play in every match, I believe that having that experience, even once, has given the players great confidence. Of course, there will be matches that go well, and there will be the opposite as well. However, it is important to continue to grow steadily in the long run.
Q: Ryoma WATANABE was used as a winger. Until now, he has mostly played on the side as a winger, but he has had many opportunities to play inside. Has the desired role changed?
A, as a process of the team's growth stage, there is a high possibility that both wings taking width will create a difficult situation in the central area to create a numerical advantage. In the Shimizu match, Ryoma showed up in every zone and played a role in creating a numerical advantage. At the same time, Diego also showed up in various zones and contributed to the same thing. The full-backs also need to play a role in creating a numerical advantage depending on the situation. If the team can do it well and fluidly as a team, it will become a play where the team travels together. However, if everyone tries to receive the ball at their feet, it will be easier for the opponent to defend, so it becomes necessary for players to make runs into the space behind naturally.
Q: Is it believed that Watanabe player is suitable for bringing fluidity?
A, when Leandro was here, he played a similar role. Players with characteristics like his are by no means common. It is important to bring out the strengths of each individual player. I think Konno is a winger type who takes width. The still young (Yasuda) Koshiro will learn more and provide more options. My role is to consider the strengths of the players in front of me and approach the match with a good combination. Things are moving in a good direction, so I believe the club, fans, and supporters can rest assured. One of the important points this season is for more players to grow into the base that supports this club. I also hope to encourage the growth of young players so that they can become players who support this club.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryoya OGAWA Player＞
Q, you have decided to transfer overseas, haven't you?
A, since the beginning of this season, I have been talking with Coach Albert about wanting to challenge in the summer, and I am very grateful that he has supported me in what I want to do. I have no lack of confidence, and I also have a strong desire to leave FC Tokyo in the middle of the season and succeed in a higher stage.
Q: What was the reason for deciding to transfer?
A, I had always vaguely wanted to play overseas. Last season, when I joined the Japanese national team and played with players who were playing overseas, I felt the difference in soccer that I do on a daily basis, and that became a strong motivation for me to play overseas. Looking at the current team, even if I were not here, there are many players who can succeed in the J1 League, and I also don't want to hinder Yoshifu's growth, so I thought this timing was the best.
Q, what are your prospects after the transfer?
AI want to go to a higher level team, but going to Europe is not the ultimate goal. I want to perform well there and join a stronger team, and also be involved with the Japan national team.
Q, How much do you think you have grown at FC Tokyo?
A, in the professional world, I only knew FC Tokyo, so I learned everything I needed as a professional and as a soccer player, as well as what is necessary as a working adult, all from FC Tokyo. There is no doubt that I owe my current self to FC Tokyo. In terms of soccer, I have been able to grow significantly compared to when I first joined, and I have been able to raise my level to the point where I can play in the J1 League and transfer overseas. I am extremely grateful.
Q, what kind of performance do you want to show in the remaining matches?
A, it is important to accumulate points while I am here, and I want to go after stacking up 3 points per game as a player of FC Tokyo until the end of June, so that I won't be thought of as playing lightly just because the transfer has been decided.
Q, just like Ota Kosuke for Ogawa Yusuke, I want Bangnagande Kashif to be a role model too.
A, I want to play as an example for Yoshifu and I only have about one more month, but I want to teach him everything I can. If it leads to his growth, I also want to listen to his concerns and do what I can. I think it will benefit both FC Tokyo and Yoshifu.
Q, Wasn't the previous match against Shimizu the game where we were able to best express the style we are aiming for?
A, thanks to the thoroughness of being in the position where Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, the coach, said I should be, I was able to effectively evade the opponent's press and especially in the second half, I was able to move the ball smoothly without stress. In the process, I created decisive chances and was able to score goals. Even in front of the goal, I was able to make the best choice without forcing it, and that led to a goal. Everyone made calm and good choices, positioned themselves well, and played good football.
Q: Were there any moments in the first half where you felt trapped by the opponent's press?
A, every team starts with energy and runs, so the press becomes very strong. However, by continuing to possess the ball, we felt that the opponent's legs began to stop towards the end of the first half, so it is very important to continue doing what we should do. We were able to make the opponent feel "it's useless to press this team", so they stopped pressing in the second half and spaces opened up, and we feel that what we wanted to do fit perfectly.
Q, Kashima is a very strong opponent among the teams we have faced so far.
A, even when watching the footage, they keep coming from the front, and I think there are definitely times when we have to endure. So, when we endure, if we can play the soccer we want without wavering, I believe there is no team that cannot win.
Q, even if it becomes our rhythm, when considering a fast and strong vertical attack from the opponent, it is necessary to pay close attention to not easily lose the ball inside the opponent's territory.
A, Kashima has strong players up front, so we have to be very careful about how we lose the ball. However, when we are playing good soccer, the distance between players is also good, so I think we are in a position to immediately recover the ball when we lose it. Therefore, when it is our rhythm, I think it is fine to take on challenging balls actively, and rather than fearing mistakes and not challenging, it is very important to be in a position where we can quickly regain possession even if we make a mistake.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q, in the previous match, we defeated Shimizu away and achieved our first victory in 5 league matches.
A, winning 3-0 gave the players confidence and brought a positive atmosphere back to the team. It would be great if this momentum continues, but there are good periods as well as times when things don’t go as planned, so we continue to fight with a sense of urgency. I believe how well we can compete against Kashima this match will be truly important.
Q: In the Shimizu match, Ryoya OGAWA scored 2 goals. Can we say that the involvement of the side back in scoring opportunities is a characteristic of Tokyo this season?
A, as a side back, I want to improve my timing, positioning, and quality to participate more effectively in the attack. However, since I am a defender, I cannot neglect my defensive duties. There are many demands placed on me, so it is challenging, but in terms of growth, I am spending fulfilling days.
Q: Many people say that they are inspired by the attitude of focusing on soccer by young players, especially Nagatomo. What kind of things are you conscious of when interacting with your teammates?
A, I have played for various clubs overseas for 11 years. I actively share that experience on a daily basis, aiming to create a positive atmosphere within the team. I believe that a person's true value is tested especially in tough situations, so I want to be someone who can support the team in such moments.
Q, please leave a message for the fans and supporters.
A, over the past month, when the team was struggling, your support truly encouraged us. I have once again realized that we have fans and supporters full of love. I feel happy to be able to play in front of all of you, and I am proud to be a Tokyo player. Kashima is a tough opponent, but I want to show a battle full of spirit with a strong will so as not to be overwhelmed by their momentum!
