<Match Preview>
After a break due to the activities of the Japan national team, the J1 League will resume after a two-week hiatus. Tokyo will face Sanfrecce Hiroshima in an away game. Hiroshima is currently in 6th place, and for Tokyo in 7th place with a 3-point difference, this is a direct match against a close opponent. As the season enters its final stretch, winning against a close opponent holds great significance in the fight for the top spots.
The first half of the match was a stage for Tokyo's first home game of the 2022 season. For Hiroshima, it was the second game since the arrival of coach Michael SKIBBE, who took command from this season. Despite the short time since the start of his coaching, SKIBBE's influence was strongly reflected in Hiroshima's play.
From the start of the match, Tokyo was continuously pressed by Hiroshima, who aggressively pressed from the front. Tokyo struggled to build up their play as they were pushed back. In the second half, Masato MORISHIGE scored the first goal from a set piece, followed by another goal just one minute later. Despite facing a fierce attack from Hiroshima towards the end of the match, Tokyo managed to hold them off and secure the victory with a one-goal lead.
Compared to the first half of the season, the number of matches has increased and Hiroshima's tactics should be more refined. On the other hand, under the guidance of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, Tokyo has been promoting the adoption of a new style. While there may be fluctuations in performance depending on the match, Tokyo has also evolved compared to the beginning of the season.
Especially in Tokyo, it is often difficult to build up against opponents who press hard from the front line, making it an important battle to overcome. We want to create a numerical advantage by sticking to our positions and break through Hiroshima's pressing to approach the goal. Although injuries have been ongoing and the situation is not easy, we will use the full strength of Tokyo, including new players, to take 3 points.
In addition, as a team that operates in a city affected by the atomic bombing, Hiroshima will hold a "Peace Match" on July 30th and use soccer to promote the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of world peace. Tokyo also supports the purpose of the "Peace Match" and on the day before the match, club communicator Naohiro Ishikawa visited Hiroshima on behalf of the club. Along with team officials from Hiroshima, he laid flowers at the Atomic Bomb Memorial and paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Kazumi Matsui.
Respect each other even in the game and fight the "Peace Match".
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: How do you feel about the new players who have joined and practiced?
A: I am happy about the addition of the three players. They have already begun to properly adapt to the team. Moreover, they are wonderful individuals as people. I also highly appreciate that they possess the high level of technical skills we expect. Of course, they still need to further adapt tactically to the team, which will require a bit more time. In any case, I am very pleased with the addition of these three players and am satisfied with their professionalism and their conduct over this past week.
Q, I think all three players have been playing the same style of football that Coach Albert Puig Ortoneda has in mind in their previous teams.
A: First of all, Luiz PHELLYPE has a very high level of technique and is a player we expect to perform as a center forward. He is a player who will provide the team with the clinical finishing in front of goal that we needed, and he also contributes in the play that connects the ball.
Regarding Tsukagawa, his original characteristics might have been different, but having played for a year and a half at Kawasaki, I believe he has fully acquired the playing style we expect. Also, his polyvalent abilities will be a great asset to the team.
Regarding Kimura, he has been playing for Yamagata this season and has a playing style that values possession of the ball. In that sense, I imagine all three players have played in a style close to the one we aim for. Naturally, mid-season summer reinforcements are difficult for any team. Therefore, acquiring these three players who possess the qualities we expect is very wonderful news.
Q: In the previous Hiroshima match, we struggled with defense from the front line. What are the key points for this match?
A, I think Hiroshima is also facing the same challenges going into tomorrow's match. The key is how to break through our high press. Indeed, I believe tomorrow's match will come down to how each team overcomes the opponent's high press. We are one of the teams in J1 that applies the most high pressing. We aim to maintain possession of the ball, but we are currently at a stage where we are still growing while facing some difficulties.
Q: We had a two-week preparation period until the Hiroshima match. What areas did you spend your time on?
A: Since we had a congested schedule, we first prioritized the players' recovery from fatigue. Additionally, during the break period, we trained aiming for further tactical growth. Throughout this past week, we continued to emphasize training so that the players can play with confidence and avoid losing the ball easily.
Q, as the league season enters its final third, what are the goals and objectives that you want to achieve?
A: We want to place importance on maintaining possession of the ball. In the first third of this season, maintaining possession was not necessarily a high priority. If we focus too much on possession from the start, while our level of completion is low, the number of times we lose the ball increases, leading to conceding goals. Because there was a risk of not achieving good match results, we did not emphasize possession that much at the beginning. To continue growing steadily, confidence is essential. For that, points are necessary. However, I am not talking only about match results. People’s emotions are influenced by match outcomes, but I have not been fixated solely on results. Of course, I understand that match results are important, but I am not a coach who prioritizes only that.
Q: In the summer, Coach Albert Pobor mentioned that the team's phase had improved. Do you also want to raise it one more phase in the last three minutes?
A: I mentioned the other day that we have moved to the next phase. However, after that, there were player transfers. Also, several players got injured. Because of the departure of such players, for example, Kashif BANGNAGANDE has been able to get playing time with the team, and this week we have even more newly joined players. Because all these various things happen, it is never accurate to think that adding a specific player will directly lead to winning matches. Soccer is not that simple. One of my most important jobs is to promote the growth of the team. I recognize that the team is steadily growing, so I can calmly watch over the team. This is not something that is influenced solely by match results.
Q: How do you plan to utilize Tsukagawa as a versatile player, as he mentioned?
A, first of all, regarding him, we are considering deploying him as a defensive midfielder. Playing as a lone defensive midfielder in Japan is very difficult, and finding players for that role is also challenging. Therefore, I have in mind to try him in that position. He is also at a good age of 28, so I want to have high expectations and first try him in this difficult position. Of course, there are other positional options, so I want to consider his deployment while keeping those in mind as well.
[Player Interview]
＜Kashif BANGNAGANDE Player＞
Q: What preparations did the team make for the Hiroshima match?
A: With the break since the Tosu match, our physical condition is good, and including the three newly joined players, we were able to train in a positive atmosphere this past week. I believe we have prepared well for the league restart.
Q, how do you analyze Hiroshima?
A: We all agree that they are a team that has been gaining very good momentum, and they apply a lot of pressure from the front line. If we can bypass them through build-up play, it will create opportunities, and I think that will be crucial. If I can manage to get past one opponent, I believe we can effectively use the space on the sides and behind to launch attacks, so I want to be mindful of that.
Q: How do you feel about playing more in the starting lineup as the games progress?
A: While I am getting the chance to play in matches, I want to deliver the kind of play the team expects and also bring out more of my own strengths.
Q, what kind of play do you want to show?
A, my strength lies in plays related to offense, but although I have been able to participate in matches, I have not yet been able to fully demonstrate it. I want to actively show it while contributing to the team's victory.
Q, how is the cooperation with the team?
A, it is getting better with each game, and I feel that I am able to play well in practice too.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm.
A, I think this will be an important match to see if we can move up to the top positions. The whole team will unite, and we definitely want to beat Hiroshima and share the victory.
