<Match Preview>
Having defeated Kyoto 2-0 at the Japan National Stadium and won the previous away game against Kashima 1-0, the team secured two consecutive league victories and rose to 6th place in the standings. Shuto ABE, who scored the priceless winning goal against Kashima, expressed his gratitude to FC Tokyo’s fans and supporters who fought alongside the players, saying, "The away seats were completely filled, which was very encouraging. I was happy to share the joy with the fans and supporters."
Only four matches remain this season. Kashif BANGNAGANDE says, "We will fight as if every match is a Final Round," while Seiji KIMURA states, "It is important to stick to our own style." Their attitude of pursuing both quality of play and results will not change until the very end.
This week, we welcome Shonan to our home ground. Although they are currently struggling in 15th place, their last three matches have all ended in draws. Since they are steadily accumulating points in their fight to avoid relegation, it will not be an easy match.
Regarding the previous match against Shonan, Kashif BANGNAGANDE said, "We lost because our playing intensity dropped, so we absolutely must not lose there." To demonstrate the progress made this season, we will face Shonan's style head-on and aim to secure our third consecutive league win.
The matchday program is here
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q. Is the style of football that Tokyo is currently expressing what you envisioned as the coach?
A. Of course, what I always envision is maintaining possession of the ball and controlling the match. When I first came to Tokyo, I felt that the team was in a somewhat difficult mental situation. As a team, they were still ingrained with a direct style of play towards the goal, and the players were of that type. At first, even connecting three passes was difficult. We were losing every ball we won very easily. Initially, while maintaining possession, we played many attacks targeting the space behind the defense, trying not to suppress the individual characteristics of the players. And we steadily accumulated points.
However, as we entered the next phase of the new style, focusing more on ball possession, confusion arose among the players, and we dropped points. But since we had accumulated points at the start of the season before entering this confusing period, we were able to proceed through the season with some calm. I think some people developed a sense of disappointment afterward because of the initial accumulation of points, but that is not the case. For me, that was natural, and I can say we have progressed smoothly through the process. I believe you can see it both in training and during matches—the level at which the team can express itself has risen. After last season’s mental breakdown, I felt the team needed to regain motivation and ambition, and it seems that is gradually happening.
The style Tokyo is currently expressing is something I have gradually built up and must continue to refine while moving the ball. It is about controlling the match. This season, we established a foundation for the team. Our goal is to be a team that controls the game while maintaining possession of the ball and fights even more aggressively. The base includes making runs into space and, while holding the ball, also having quick transitions in attack. Next season, we need to properly execute attacks that fit this style. What I value most about this season is that the players gave their all in 99% of the matches. I believe no one can criticize that.
Q, This will be the fourth match against Shonan this season. How do you feel about it?
A, I think this will probably be the most difficult match among the next four games. Shonan is fighting to avoid relegation. They are a good team, and we have lost to them away. They can change their style of play depending on the situation. Their players also understand what the coach expects from them. Looking at the standings, Tokyo’s players are in a stable zone. However, they must express on the pitch whether they have ambition beyond that state.
Q, Shonan has only lost to Yokohama FM since September. What do you think?
A: It will be a very difficult match, so we need the support of our fans and supporters. The team has had good training this week, so we want to play a good game.
[Player Interview]
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: With only four matches left, how do you look back on your performance so far?
A: With just four matches remaining, everyone on the team understands that the upcoming match against Shonan (Bellmare) is extremely important. We believe that if we don't fight seriously in each match, we won't have a future, so first, we want to prepare well for the Shonan match and have a good battle.Regarding my performance this season, I have been struggling since injuring my leg during the camp. Even when I was able to play in matches, I endured the pain in my leg, so it has been a tough season. I’m not sure if I was able to perform better than last year. However, I think I was able to run for the team and do what I could for the team properly.
Q: Since the coach changed from last season, has there been any change in your playing style?
A: Of course, as a professional player, I understand that each coach has a different approach.However, regarding this season, we are aiming for a style of play where we maintain possession of the ball for longer periods and surpass our opponents technically. At the beginning of the season, there were many difficult moments and scenes where things didn’t go well, but as we played more matches, we gradually adapted. I believe we have come to truly love the ball and can play well with it.The fact that the players are satisfied with this means that not only the staff but also the fans and supporters can be satisfied with the kind of football we are playing.
Q: As the vice captain this season, have you noticed any changes in how you interact with your teammates compared to before?
A: First of all, being chosen as vice captain means that my way of spending time and playing over the past few years has been recognized and appreciated, so I am very happy about that.I believe I was selected as vice captain based on my past behavior, so becoming vice captain this year hasn’t changed how I interact with others; I communicate on the field when necessary and have continued as I always have.In that context, in the previous match against the Kashima Antlers, Seiji KIMURA was selected in the starting lineup. Knowing he is a player with quality, I was confident that if he could express that on the pitch, he would contribute to the victory. I spoke with him briefly before the game to help him play more calmly, and he entered the match in good condition, helping the team to win. In that sense, I think such communication was important.
Q: What kind of words did you say to him?
A: As I mentioned earlier, I told him, "Stay calm and play." Since we always practice together and the entire team recognizes his ability, I encouraged him to enter the pitch calmly to fully demonstrate that.Also, I told him to do his best to run through the full 90 minutes together and finish with a victory.
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA always says, "This season's team is still a work in progress and will get better from here." Do you feel the same way as a player?
A: The style of soccer we've played until now is very different from what we are aiming for this year, so this past year has been a year of change.In that sense, I think it has been very difficult. However, since the coach has been saying since camp, "This is the kind of soccer I want to play," the players themselves have been adapting well, and I believe we have been growing more and more with each match, becoming able to beat strong opponents as we improve. Also, whether at home or away, I think we have been able to show an attitude of firmly maintaining possession of the ball and fighting. Even in matches we lost, I believe we showed the attitude of not giving up and trying to keep possession. Looking back on this season as a whole, it was a difficult year, but I think it was a year in which we adapted and overcame challenges well. I am confident that it has definitely become a year that will lead into next year.
Q. This season, vocal cheering has gradually been allowed again, and we can now hear the voices of fans and supporters in the stands. Does it feel different?
A: I believe the cheers from the fans and supporters are a great source of strength. Even when we are pushed into very difficult situations during matches, the support from the fans transforms into our energy, allowing us to overcome many games. So, vocal cheering from the fans and supporters is truly a huge power for us. I think all the remaining matches this season will allow vocal cheering, and I would be happy if vocal cheering is permitted in every match from now on as well.
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q. How did you find the match against Kashima without Morishige on the field?
A: As a team, we have been able to carry out what we need to do with increasing precision as we play more matches, and rather than focusing on the opponent, we were able to clearly express how we want to fight. I think it was a good match.
Q. We faced Shonan in the Levain Cup as well, so I think there are parts where we understand how they play. What kind of image do you have of them?
A. Since the opponent will set up a block, our challenge is how to break them down in front of the goal. I think they will defend tenaciously, but we want to enjoy playing while figuring out how to score.
Q: How is the team’s condition in the second half of the season?
A. Having struggled in various ways during the first half of the season, what we need to do has become clearer and things are improving. I hope the team’s level will rise as we continue to repeat trial and error with each match.
Q: It seems that the movement of the players around the defense line when they have the ball has also improved.
A. We have shared the image of the build-up, and not only the defense line but also the coordination with the midfield is going well, so I think the overall team’s ball movement and attacking switches are happening smoothly.
Q, what do you think is necessary to establish an even newer style within that context?
A, I believe it is important for individuals to express their unique characteristics within what the team needs to do. Simply doing what the team is supposed to do has its limits, so I think it’s about making a difference individually.
Q: How do you plan to approach the remaining 4 matches of this season?
A: We must firmly do what we need to do in order to level up ourselves. Rather than focusing on our ranking, I want to proceed while thinking about raising the team's overall quality.
Q, I think we are in a position to aim for the ACL as well.
A, I believe it will naturally become clear as we keep winning, so I want to play well with good motivation.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the long-awaited match at Ajinomoto Stadium.
A, we have often been able to play well in the second half of the season, so I want to do my best to win in front of our fans and supporters at our home ground, Ajinomoto Stadium.
