<Match Preview>
In the previous match, they lost 0-2 to Shimizu and missed out on their third consecutive win. Yasuki KIMOTO commented on the disappointing result, saying "As professionals, we have to focus on the results. It's very difficult to build a foundation for our playing style and get results, but now that two-thirds of the league is over, the fans and supporters can't wait any longer."
Furthermore, Ryoma WATANABE also spoke about the challenge of "accumulating points against lower-ranked teams and then being able to take points from higher-ranked opponents, which is important for us to overcome."
The difference in points between Tokyo, currently in 7th place, and 3rd place C Osaka, who will be the opponent in this round, is 6. With the possibility of aiming for the top still open, the result of this match becomes crucial. C Osaka is currently on a 3-game winning streak in the league and advanced to the semifinal round of the Levain Cup by defeating Kawasaki on Wednesday. Tokyo's true value will be tested as they face a team that shines with their strength in battles.
In the March match, Kazuya KONNO scored one goal in the away game and secured the victory. We hope to see a passionate battle like the previous match and grab the win.
Matchday program is here!
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: Is there anything prepared for tomorrow considering the typhoon forecast?
A: Naturally, rain, wind, and poor pitch conditions will obviously affect the match.
Q: After the previous match against Taku SHIMIZU, what kind of adjustments have you made this week?
A: We have now entered a different phase. We have continued to emphasize training this week on confidently maintaining possession of the ball. Of course, we have also picked up several points for reflection from the previous match against Shimizu and have been working on improvements. In the previous phase, we had just started focusing on holding the ball. Now, I want the players to grow even more confident in maintaining possession, and I believe they should, so I am emphasizing this.
Q: When I talk to the players, they say that in the previous match against Hiroshima, they were able to move the ball because the opponent came out to defend from the front line. However, they mentioned that they were confused when trying to move the ball against teams like Shimizu, who solidify their defensive block. What is your impression, Coach Albert?
A: I think there was a completely opposite reaction at the start of the season. Of course, encountering various situations during the growth process and overcoming them is what promotes growth, and we must overcome them. Shimizu’s aim was to drop their defensive block in a 4-4-2 formation and quickly switch between defense and offense after winning the ball. That is simply their style of play. As we continue to grow, more teams will drop their defensive blocks and defend by closing down space. Currently, many teams facing Kawasaki tend to defend by closing down space and solidifying their defense. Whether that is an advantage or disadvantage, a plus or a minus, depends on how you perceive it. Cerezo Osaka has characteristics similar to Hiroshima as well as those like Shimizu. I hope we can successfully break through and play against Cerezo Osaka, who have such a mixed set of characteristics.
Q, what specific areas do you want to improve on the offensive side?
A, it is important for the team to adapt to the characteristics of the players regardless of the system. This is also true for the new addition, Luiz PHELLYPE. Naturally, there are parts where the player must adapt to the team. On the other hand, there are also parts where we must adapt to Luiz’s characteristics. In that sense, having a new player join allows us to add different details than before. However, regarding Luiz, he joined us without having properly completed preseason, so currently he is in a situation where he needs to raise his condition as if it were preseason. I have told Tsukagawa to skillfully provide his characteristics to the team. But ultimately, it is not the coach but the players who play on the pitch, so there are many things that must be resolved during the match. Even if the playing style is the same, the team’s play will naturally change depending on whether the center forward is Ibrahimović or Messi. That is why I want to skillfully integrate the characteristics of each new player into the team and make adjustments to the finer details of the team. The most important thing is to further bring out the players’ strengths, not to cover their weaknesses.
Q, was player Luis the center forward that coach Albert was looking for?
A: Yes. I believe he has the characteristics of the type of center forward I was looking for. If Luis scores a lot of goals, I’d like to say in hindsight, “That’s the player I wanted” (laughs). From what I’ve seen in training, his technical level is excellent, which meets my expectations. I also think he has very good finishing quality. He can play both on the sides and in the center. However, his current physical condition is not yet at the level I expect, so he needs to train hard in that regard. Therefore, he is working on physical conditioning training separately. I think by September, he will be able to compete in matches at his best physical condition. In any case, he fits the type of center forward I expect—technically skilled, high quality, and with good finishing ability. That said, I think he needs a bit more time to adapt well to the team. We also need to observe a little longer whether he can perform the defensive tasks we require on the pitch. We have not yet fully confirmed all of his abilities. I believe more time is needed to properly evaluate him.
[Player Interview]
＜Yasuki KIMOTO
Q: What kind of adjustments did the team make for the match against Shimizu?
A: Rather than making adjustments, we all talked about going back to playing the style of soccer we aim for once again.
Q, How would you describe the permeability of the soccer that Coach Albert is looking for?
A, it is not perfect yet, but compared to the beginning of the season, I think we have improved our awareness of connecting play and not losing the ball easily. The team is growing, and I believe everyone trusts this style of soccer.
Q, what impression do you have of C Osaka?
A, I think they are currently the most momentum-driven and in-form team in the J1 League. Their position near the top of the league standings, as well as their continued presence in both the Emperor's Cup and the Levain Cup, demonstrate this. The team is well-organized and in good condition, making them a very strong opponent.
Q: How do you feel about playing against your former team?
A, I have a very strong desire not to lose. I am grateful to C Osaka and it remains an important club to me, but precisely because it is such a team, I don’t want to lose. It’s very frustrating that we are ranked lower, and if we win this time, there is still a chance to break into the top ranks. In that sense, I believe we must have a strong mindset, focus on the quality of our soccer, play our own style, and at the same time be committed to achieving results.
Q, as a team and as individuals, what kind of plays do you want to make?
A, personally, since we conceded two goals in the last match, I want to keep a clean sheet and make a stronger presence in defense. In attack as well, I think I need to distribute the ball more effectively from the back to enable better build-up play. In the previous match, the team lost possession poorly and couldn’t defend aggressively, so we couldn’t show our strengths. Therefore, it’s important to bring out our good qualities both offensively and defensively.
Q, there are fewer remaining league matches, but we ask for the enthusiasm of the fans and supporters.
A, we only have league matches left this season, so we must put everything into those games while also continuing to grow as a team. I believe we need to play football that our fans and supporters can recognize and appreciate, so we want to make sure we don’t waste the remaining matches. I think we can still aim higher and want to achieve results.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q: It seems that Tsukagawa has played as a full-back, winger, and forward in the past. What do you think are your strengths?
A, I believe my strengths lie in my dynamism, the intensity I bring when going to win the ball, and the presence I show when entering the goal area. Because I am tall, I think opponents dislike facing that kind of play from me, so I consider that my greatest strength and something I want to continue to demonstrate.
Q, I scored 9 goals during the 2020 season while playing for Matsumoto Yamaga F.C.
A, at that time, I entered the goal area frequently. I believe I also scored goals when playing as a double pivot, but there were several occasions when I played as an inside midfielder, which meant I got closer to the goal. Also, my teammates provided good passes, so many of my goals came from simply making runs into the box.
Q, do you also have the characteristic of going into the goal area and scoring if you have a chance?
A, I believe I have that sense within myself as well. In the teams I have been with so far, I often played defensive positions like the anchor, and my playing time was mostly toward the end of matches. I had various tasks to consider beyond just myself, taking the team's situation into account. There were parts where I held myself back, so although I joined midway through this season, if I get the chance to play in a more advanced position, I want to push forward actively.
Q: Since joining, you have played in two matches as a substitute against Hiroshima and Shimizu. Both matches were in difficult situations where we needed one point. Please reflect on your performance.
A, on a personal level, I feel there are still parts that are not quite in sync. I think I need to choose plays that can bring out the best in my teammates, and there are still areas where I need to delve deeper into what might be better to do. There are slight mismatches, and my sense and everyone else's sense still don't quite align, so I think those are parts that need to be adjusted.
As a team, the style of football we are aiming for now involves connecting play, but I also think that the attacks that pose a threat to the opponent come from counterattacks. It’s good not to be fixated on just connecting play; depending on how the opponent reacts, having that strength is a positive thing. The coach also mentions this, saying that it’s not just about connecting play—because we connect, the opponent pushes forward, creating space up front. If we can maintain control and play that kind of football, I believe we will become an even better team.
In fact, the coach also said that the parts we are trying to do are coming together, and I hope I can firmly become a part of that as well.
Q, the place to connect and the vertical speed. That means it's a judgment while watching the opponent.
A, yes. I believe that if the inside halves and fullbacks can share more about "what kind of situation the opponent is in right now," "whether the opponent is coming to take the ball or not," "where they want to win the ball," and "what they dislike being done to them," the whole team will change significantly.
The more parts we can share, the more united the team will be, and I think the overall movement will be decided accordingly. So, I hope we can communicate more, observe the situation, and convey information when the ball is played. I haven't played much in matches yet, so I hope to get more playing time and better understand that kind of atmosphere.
Q, the talk tends to be about tactics, but in the end, it's the players on the pitch who have to create the football.
A, the feeling from watching outside and the pressure felt inside are completely different. In that context, how many players on the pitch are connected and whether they can feel that connection is very important. I still have a lot to improve on, so I hope we can learn from each other and grow together.
Q: Please tell us about your impressions of your teammates. Since joining FC Tokyo, have you encountered any players who have made a strong impact on you, such as thinking "this player is interesting" or "I want to give this player a pass like this"?
A: I think it's amazing that inside halves Abe and Matsuki can run that much and maintain such intensity, and I believe they still have a lot of room to grow. Even when we practice together, I often talk with those two, and I think the team changes depending on how those two inside players perform.
Q: Cerezo Osaka is currently on a three-game winning streak and in good form. Considering that they are in 3rd place, FC Tokyo must see them as an opponent they want to beat. Please share your enthusiasm for this upcoming match.
A: I think Cerezo is in good form, and when a team is in good form, it feels like everything they do goes well, like they have a good flow. First and foremost, it’s important not to let the opponent play comfortably. Whether it’s high pressing or maintaining solid ball possession after winning the ball, if we can take control of the game, the opponent won’t be able to play comfortably. I think it’s crucial to make an impact right from the start that says, "Today is different from usual." Therefore, it’s important to come out aggressively from the beginning and do things that make it unpleasant for the opponent and prevent them from playing comfortably. I want to value the first 10 to 15 minutes and hope we can take control of the game then.
Q: If you participate, what aspects would you like the fans and supporters to see?
A: Since transferring here, I want to become a player who can help the team win. I want to fight to deliver results for the team, and I believe that achieving results brings joy to the fans and supporters, so I want to focus on the results and work hard so that we can celebrate together.
