<Match Preview>
Entering a tight schedule of three games in three days, the first match will be against Gamba Osaka on the 10th. Although there were many opportunities to score, they were unable to break through the opponent's goal and ended in a 0-0 draw.
This round, we will continue to play Vissel Kobe in two consecutive away games. Just like when Gamba Osaka faced them, who were in 16th place in the playoffs, we will also face Kobe who is currently in 17th place and fighting to avoid relegation.
Although there is no consistent data on the opponent's ranking and Tokyo's record, when watching the second half of the game, there is a tendency for Shimizu S-Pulse to struggle against lower-ranked teams, such as losing 0-2. Especially when the opponent focuses on defense, they are unable to find attacking opportunities and often concede counterattacks due to unexpected mistakes while trying to connect passes.
Kobe stopped the unpleasant streak of three consecutive losses in official matches by drawing with Nagoya Grampus in the previous round. The desire to accumulate 3 points in this match at home is immeasurable in order to break away from the relegation battle. In particular, when looking at individual players, they have many Japan national team players and players with national team experience, and they should demonstrate their top-class abilities in situations where individuals clash.
Tokyo wants to maintain their own pace and take control of the game, rather than being passive against their opponent's momentum. They want to maintain possession of the ball while also varying the pace of their attacks and using a mix of short and long passes depending on the situation, in order to keep their opponent on the defensive.
In particular, in the Gamba Osaka match, there were many scenes where we lost the ball due to the opponent's press and had to run back to our own goal. We want to seize victory by accurately assessing the opponent's movements, having a common understanding as a team, and choosing the best strategy that we couldn't achieve four days ago.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, will it be a tough match against Vissel Kobe, who are also fighting to avoid relegation like Gamba Osaka in the previous round?
A: Due to the situation, I think they will focus well and play defense with high intensity. That is precisely why it will be a very difficult match for us. We want to improve on our issue from the previous match against Gamba Osaka, where we lost the ball frequently at the start of the game, and approach tomorrow’s match with that in mind. Also, we want to start playing in a way that clearly expresses our style.
Q: In the interview after the previous match, he mentioned that we need to improve our defense.
A, the defensive issues we are considering are the frequent loss of possession and the defensive response from there. There are also challenges in one-on-one defensive situations. As a whole team, I think we were able to defend well tactically, but finer details remain as issues. We want to avoid situations where we lose one-on-one battles or easily lose the ball, forcing us into defensive situations.
Q: What is your impression of Kobe?
A, indeed, Kobe has been changing. Unlike before, they are demanding high-intensity defense and tend to seek quick play. Of course, there are times when they maintain possession, but more than that, I think their awareness of quick attacks, rapid transitions between offense and defense, quickly moving toward the goal, and targeting the space behind the opponent’s defense has become stronger. Therefore, at least in terms of intensity, we must express the same level as they do. At the same time, it is important that from the start of the match, we firmly express our style on the field even more than they do.
Q: In the previous match, we used player Nagatomo as a left fullback. What was the intention behind this decision and how would you evaluate his performance?
A: What he said after the Gamba match truly reflects his attitude toward football, serving as a model for younger players. Yuto NAGATOMO is probably the Japanese player who has played the most matches at great clubs in Europe. And this will likely be his fourth World Cup appearance. Even now, at 36 years old, he is full of eagerness to learn. Many experienced players at 36 might think, "What more can I learn? I've learned enough," but he is different. It is precisely because he is filled with a strong desire to learn and, at the same time, possesses a strong mentality focused on competition that he has continued to perform wonderfully. Therefore, I hope not only his play but also his actions and words serve as a reference for younger players. Because without a mentality focused on competition, it is impossible to compete at a high level. At the same time, the desire to learn can also be expressed as humility. It is because he has this humble attitude that he continues to learn and grow. Being able to coach a team with him is a great honor for me. I sincerely hope many Japanese players will look up to him as a role model.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, what are your thoughts on the improvements made since the Gamba Osaka match in the previous round and your impression of Kobe?
A, although Kobe has not been getting results, their quality of play is high, and if we give them any openings, they will gain momentum. By learning from the reflections on the previous match, if we can all stay focused from the start, show no gaps, maintain possession, and attack, we will be able to control the game at our own pace and create many chances.
Q: Who are the players to watch out for?
A, there are national team-level players in every position, so rather than focusing on any one player, I think it is important that everyone does not lose to the opponent in front of them, and we must win in those individual battles.
Q, it is also expected that the opponent will play fiercely in the three consecutive matches in the battle for survival.
A, regardless of the opponent, we must also play with high intensity. This is something that should be done naturally before even considering tactics. We must not lose in that aspect.
Q, how is the team's condition and the completion level of the new style?
A, I think the team is gradually improving, so it is necessary to make fine adjustments and continue with the current soccer style while repeatedly trying and correcting to increase accuracy and accumulate experience. By doing this, the team's level of completion will improve, and I believe we will get closer to our goal.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm towards Kobe.
A, we have had two consecutive draws recently, so I want to play in a way that brings us a win. I feel the team is growing along with the victories. We will do our best to aim for a win in this match as well.
