<Match Preview>
The last two away games ended in a 0-0 draw against G Osaka and a 1-2 loss against Kobe. While their possession-based playing style has become more prevalent, they struggle when facing high pressure from the opponent. This match highlighted the challenges of their advanced playing style.
Kobe's game fell behind in the early stages of the match due to a struggle for the ball, and they were down by 2 points in the first half alone. Leandro scored a goal towards the end of the game, but coach Albert Puig Ortoneda reflected, "Our reaction was slow." Keigo Higashi called for a renewed effort from the players, saying, "We need to have another game where we put our hearts into it. We need to come together and raise our motivation even higher."
Kyoto, who will face off this week, is showing their strength with their hard work under the guidance of coach CHO Kwi Jae. If Tokyo's theme is their fighting spirit and strength in the ball, then they are the perfect opponent. In order to advance to the top this season, we cannot afford to drop any more points.
The second match of this season at the "sacred ground, National Stadium" is also a battle to show Tokyo's earnest attitude and determination for victory on the pitch, which they have cherished.
The matchday program is here
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: Was the issue of not being able to press in the Kobe match resolved in the past few days?
A: What I conveyed to the players was a message to regain our strengths. We were not playing badly in the early stages of the Kobe match. However, after conceding the first goal, there was a long period of inappropriate play, so we want to properly improve that and approach tomorrow’s match with that in mind. Matches have winners and losers, and various factors influence that, so we cannot fully control it. However, I told the players that we must not lose sight of what we need to do and our strengths. We want to recover the parts we have somewhat lost and return to the original team. I hope that tomorrow’s match against Kyoto, held at a wonderful venue, will be that opportunity.
Q: I think the strength of a team lies in its high intensity play. Kyoto is also a team with high intensity, but surpassing that will likely be the key to victory.
A: Of course, one of our strengths is intensity. And we must approach tomorrow's match with the same level of intensity. While maintaining high intensity, we want to express our style and high-quality play.
Q, if we can regain our strength by holding onto the ball, does that mean we can become a strong team with a good balance?
A: Indeed, balance is very important. However, because we have not yet maintained that balance, there have been unstable matches this season. We tend to lean too much towards holding the ball and end up not moving towards the goal. Conversely, there is also poor balance when we rush towards the goal and fail to keep possession of the ball. That is why we must take time to grow so that we can always maintain a good balance. It is a balance of aggressive defense, awareness of moving towards the goal, and ball possession.
Q, after the summer, the team gradually formed a base, and we were able to have good matches such as the Kashiwa and Yokohama FM matches in the second half. I thought we entered a state where we can materialize what we want to do from here. On the other hand, I think we had challenges in the Gamba and Kobe matches, but I expected that as part of the process of growth. Or was it a little unexpected?
A: The 2022 season is a season of growth. I believe everyone can understand that there has been clear progress compared to the beginning of the season. However, the team is still in an unstable state. Even within a single match, there are periods when we play well and periods when we do not. This was originally expected in this first season, so it is within our assumptions. Some people might mistakenly believe that once the team has grown, we can win every match, but soccer is not that simple. There are also those who fall into the extreme thinking that if we lose a match, everything is the worst. Of course, one of the attractions of soccer is the passion of the fans and supporters. However, as players and coaches, as professionals, we must approach this sport properly and continue steadily in the direction we aim for. Naturally, the team still faces instability. But considering that, we must focus on what needs to be done. First, I demand more from myself. I also demand more from the players.
Q: Tomorrow, we will have a game at the Japan National Stadium. Last time, you mentioned that you wanted to play a lot of games here. How do you feel about playing at the National Stadium and considering the weather?
A: What I previously said about the National Stadium is that, as a team bearing the name Tokyo and considering the location of the stadium, I thought it would be better to be able to play matches in the heart of Tokyo. Of course, we are supported by the people in this area through matches at Ajinomoto Stadium, and we are very grateful to those people and the community, and we are satisfied.
We are in the world of professional sports. I believe that professional sports are a form of entertainment. Since we carry the name Tokyo, I personally think that playing matches in the heart of a major city is a more appropriate place as professional sports and entertainment. Naturally, as a stadium, it is better not to have an athletics track, but of course, I do not think the location can be changed in the short term. However, from a long-term perspective, I personally believe that the future of FC Tokyo should be in the center of Tokyo. That said, I think time and patience are necessary.
[Player Interview]
＜Yuto NAGATOMO＞
Q, there was a talk that the team has definitely been able to build up after the Gamba game, on the other hand, I feel that there are still ups and downs like the Kobe game this season, but how is the current state of the team as we enter the final stages of the league?
A: As I mentioned after the Gamba game, the team as a whole has definitely built a stronger foundation compared to the start of the season, and I believe we are certainly improving. However, football is a difficult sport, and Kobe came with a lot of determination, supported by a loud home crowd, making them very aggressive. We conceded two goals in the first half, which made the match quite challenging. Still, I feel that the foundation of our football is steadily being established.
Q: What will be important to express what we want to do consistently, even though there are few remaining games this season?
A, maintaining possession and controlling the ball is of course important, but I feel that if we cannot apply pressure from the front and win the ball through aggressive defense, we cannot achieve advantageous possession in the opponent's territory. In the Kobe match, even when we tried to press forward a bit earlier, there was no coordination, and because we couldn’t push through there, the whole team gradually dropped back. Even when we won the ball, each player was exhausted, and the distance to the goal was too far, which remains an issue. So, while playing aggressive defense, we want to bring out the strengths of our attacking possession and style.
Q, this season, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has emphasized growth as a major theme and has been saying "building a base" over and over again. On the other hand, I think he has come without setting specific goals. What aspects do you want to fight with motivation for the remaining games?
A, my motivation remains constant, and of course, the possibility of reaching the ACL zone still remains. I believe that if we can firmly demonstrate the base we have built, the results will naturally follow. Although showing what we have accumulated is not an easy task, it serves as a great motivation, and I want to approach it with a high level of awareness for the sake of our growth.
Q: Please share your thoughts on standing on the pitch of the Japan National Stadium last time and your enthusiasm for tomorrow.
A: The moment I saw the pitch, I remember being moved by how beautiful the grass was, as if a carpet had been laid out. Not only in appearance but also when actually playing, the turf was stable throughout the match, leaving me with the impression that it was very easy to play on. The atmosphere was, of course, fantastic as well. As I have said many times, having experienced high school soccer, this is a dream stage for me, and I have always wanted to play at the National Stadium, so in that sense too, I felt it was a wonderful stadium. In the previous match against Gamba, we played good soccer, and we believe that the fans and supporters who came enjoyed it. Tomorrow, there will also be 1,500 fireworks before the game, and since such a wonderful entertainment is prepared, all that remains is for us to fully enjoy ourselves with our soccer and secure the victory.
Q: As a club, we aim to have the highest number of spectators. How does playing in front of a large crowd and receiving a warm reception contribute to your performance, Nagatomo?
A: If you look at my professional career so far, I think everyone knows that the more spectators there are, the greater the pressure, and the bigger the stage, the more I get fired up. When even one more person comes to watch, it becomes a huge source of power for me. Since this is a J.League match and also at my beloved FC Tokyo’s home, with possibly over 50,000 people, it’s going to be an electrifying atmosphere. I’m really looking forward to it.
Q: Both sides have been playing this season, but if there is anything you are mindful of individually, please let us know.
A: In my 15 years as a professional, this season is the first time I have played as a right side back. I am really enjoying playing on the right side as well. What I have learned from playing on the right has led to plays on the left that feel unlike my previous style, and I feel that I have grown as a player. Because of playing on the right, I also feel that my left side has improved. Additionally, depending on the combination and the characteristics of the surrounding players, I change my position, and depending on the match content and situation, whether I move inside or stay wide, the range of choices has greatly expanded, so the matches are very enjoyable.
Q: Is there any particular difference in consciousness between right and left?
A: There is no difference in awareness. I don't really feel there is any significant difference. My position changes depending on the players around me and the situation at the time, but other than that, I don't feel any discomfort within myself.
Q: What is the significance of FC Tokyo, a capital club, being able to play at the Japan National Stadium?
A: It is a great joy not only for soccer players but for all athletes, and for FC Tokyo, a capital club, to be able to play at the Japan National Stadium, which represents Japan. Of course, playing there is important, but I want to showcase wonderful soccer to the fans and supporters in Tokyo, as well as to the fans and supporters of the J.League and soccer in general.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
What do you need to do to control the game and prevent opponents from pressing with high intensity like Kobe did in the previous match?
A, sometimes positioning alone is not enough to get past that intensity, so individual adaptability and movements to shake off the opponent's marking become important. In the match against Kobe, there were actually moments when we couldn't advance, so if we can firmly position players between the opponents and add depth going forward, I think the team will be in a better situation like when we are playing well.
Q, I think it is also important to become a vertical pass from Matsumaki player's place to the front line and to become the starting point of the attack.
A, as an inside half, I believe it is my role to switch on both defense and attack. However, if I can create a little more time on the ball, I think the attack will become more substantial, so I want to actively work on that in the remaining matches.
Q: Tomorrow's opponent will be Kyoto, what kind of preparations will you make?
A, as a home game, I hope we can play our own football properly without respecting the opponent too much or becoming complacent.
Q: The opponent is also involved in the battle to avoid relegation and has had 1 loss and 1 draw in the same 3 consecutive matches as Tokyo. It is expected that they will come out with full determination and play.
A, of course, I think we will feel more pressure than usual in terms of pressing and mentality, and we must have a mentality that does not lose to that, otherwise we obviously cannot win. We haven't been doing well in recent matches, so we want to firmly win this match to gain momentum and continue winning the remaining matches.
Q: How do you think the third uniform wearing and the many events and performances will affect the players?
A: Last season, we wore it for three away games, and this season, I understand it will be for one game against Kyoto. There is a joy in being able to play while embodying the value and weight of the uniform even more. I think the fans and supporters will also be able to watch soccer in a different setting than usual, and we ourselves are really looking forward to playing soccer wearing that uniform.
Q, once again, please share your enthusiasm for tomorrow's match and ask the fans and supporters for their support.
A: Since it is a home game, we want to secure a solid win and build good momentum for the remaining matches. As I always say, I want to approach it with even more determination than usual.
