[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: Happy New Year! At yesterday's new system announcement, you mentioned the aspect of humanity that you expect from the players. Can you please tell us more about it?
A: A soccer team, like a company or any organization, is important for each individual to express the value they possess. As a coach, I want each player to give everything they have for the team. It is my job to bring that out. If each individual does not give their all, naturally the team’s overall performance will decline. If the workplace has an atmosphere where each person can go forward with joy—for example, in our case, if the atmosphere in the locker room or during today’s training is better—players will naturally be encouraged to express everything they have. That is why it is important for me to first draw out everything from each individual. To give their all, I believe the organization needs to have a good atmosphere. This is true not only for soccer teams but for all organizations. I conveyed the same thing to the players. I told them there are two non-negotiable points. One is to “be a good person.” The other is to “love the ball.” I communicated this to the players. Aside from these, everyone makes mistakes, and I make mistakes too. But these two points are parts I will not compromise on.
Q, Last season was a start from 0, so we started from the very basics. What do you want to achieve and how far do you want to go in this first training camp?
A, For this preseason, I want to delve deeply right from the start. Today’s training is for the fans and supporters, and tomorrow, after traveling, we will have a light training session to loosen up the body. However, from the following day onward, I want to begin solid, in-depth training. The first training session on Tuesday morning will be conducted as if it is a continuation of the training from the end of last season. I want the players to participate with that mindset. Additionally, I want all the staff to maintain continuity from last season as well.
Q, Can we hear the coach's opinion on Matsuki's performance throughout last season?
A, I think Kusu had two phases last season. In the first half of the season, of course, he expressed his bold play and ambition on the pitch, and that was highly commendable. However, there were many mistakes both tactically and technically. On the other hand, in the second half of the season, I believe he proved himself to be a more mature player. The mistakes I mentioned earlier gradually decreased. However, in the away match against Nagoya Grampus near the end of the season, he made a childish mistake that led to a goal and contributed to the defeat. But since he is only 19 years old, it is understandable that young players make mistakes. He is still young and needs time. He is not only an important player for us but also an important player for Japan, and I believe he will grow into an even more important player in the future. There is still plenty of room for growth, and he must continue to grow. For that reason, he needs time.
Q, I was the only rookie who played an active role. What was the difference between me and the other rookies who didn't get a chance to play?
A, I believe Kusu's greatest strength is his mental toughness. The World Cup has just taken place, and the players who perform well in such a tournament are only those who are mentally strong. That, I think, is the difference between him and the other young players.
Q, Once again, please tell us about the style of soccer the coach aims for and how well it was achieved last season.
A, I think my style is very simple. It is about attacking and defending with the ball. Always with the ball. That is my style. There are various styles in soccer. For example, there is a style where you concede the ball to the opponent and aim for a counterattack along with the space in front of you. However, Japan is a country with top-level economic power in the world. That is why I believe Japan, as a subject, has the potential to aim for soccer that takes center stage in matches. Which style is better for winning matches is another story. But we carry the name Tokyo. Therefore, I believe we have the destiny to aim for victory with a style that takes center stage in matches. Even in the final stages of last season, in the match against Nagoya Grampus, we went for the win with our style and controlled the game, but we could not win. In the final round, at home against Kawasaki Frontale, I think we controlled the match, but we did not win. Match results are something we cannot control. We can choose how to aim for victory, and we must aim for victory in a way that takes center stage in the match. That is the style we aim for. There is still a long way to go to improve the completeness of the team.
Last season, we were able to reach about 60% completion in terms of completeness. From here, we need to continue to grow and improve, and with the addition of new players and the performance and growth of young players, we want to increase the completeness of the team. And as a medium to long-term goal, what I think this club should have is not just winning titles, but always competing at the top and having the potential to continue to compete for titles. I want this club to grow into a club that always has the potential to be in the top three in a way that is suitable for Tokyo. However, this project is only in its second season. I am not foolish enough to set big goals that put pressure on myself like a boomerang and set goals that seem impossible to achieve deep down. On the other hand, in J1, if we are the number one or number two club in terms of management scale, I think we have a destiny to compete for titles right away, but our club has not yet reached that scale.
MIXI joined the club and started the project from last season with the goal of growing the club and becoming a top-level club in this country. We still have a long way to go. As I have mentioned many times last season, I think Japan is a mysterious country. This is because when the season starts, all teams set their goal to win the league. In La Liga, it is not common for clubs with a small management scale, such as Real Betis, to declare their goal of winning the league at the beginning of the season. However, it is natural for clubs with a small scale to set a goal to grow and aim for that. This does not mean that we do not aim for victory in the upcoming matches, but we always give our best and aim for victory in each match with our best performance. We will continue to strive for that.
Q, How did you see Spain in the World Cup?
A, For example, does Japan surpass Germany in terms of potential? From my perspective, the Germany national team is many times superior to the Japan national team. However, in a single soccer match—which is one of the wonderful aspects of this sport—there is always a possibility for either team to win in any given match of a tournament. The moment Japan defeated Germany in a World Cup match, it would be a mistaken interpretation to say that Japan has already surpassed Germany. In a single tournament, various match results can occur. The Spain national team also challenged this World Cup as a team with great potential, but like several other countries, they were unable to achieve the expected results. However, we must not forget that Spain was eliminated on penalties. Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina. Does that mean Saudi Arabia is better than Argentina, who won the World Cup? Absolutely not.
Cup competitions, including the World Cup, have various elements that can sometimes affect the outcome of a match, including luck, and determine the winner. I think the victory of Ventforet Kofu in last season's Emperor's Cup is still fresh in our memories. There is a big difference between long-term league competitions and cup competitions. That's why I believe that the long-term league competition is the tournament that properly evaluates the abilities of each team and club. However, as a recent trend in the soccer world, I think there is a balance in the strength of national teams. Last year's J1 was also a battle where the level was balanced.Yokohama F.Marinos also had the potential and were lucky enough to win in the end, which I think is proof of the balanced league. And while it is unbelievable for Shimizu S-Pulse to be relegated based on their potential, I think that is possible in this balanced league.
Q, As a coach, how do you feel as a coach, as a leader, and as a father when you hear those words, knowing that you are well aware that you are not spreading out the big futon of Albert's coach, not aiming for the championship, but Kuryu Matsuki player, for example, mentions the triple crown, and the new players who have come to Tokyo say they want to win the championship in Tokyo?
A, If they did not have the desire to win titles, I would tell them to go home and sleep (laughs). They must have such aspirations. However, as a realist, I am in a position where I must speak appropriately as a coach. As I said yesterday, I believe that setting overly ambitious goals that raise excessive expectations inevitably leads to great frustration. That is why, as a coach, I recognize that aiming for victory in the next match is the true goal, and when considering the season over a longer span, the goal is to express better play in every match than last season. The world of soccer is very simple. If you keep losing matches, you have to leave this club—that is the reality of the soccer world. As a coach, I must face reality and speak as a realist.
Q, Although there was an announcement at yesterday's new system presentation, what are your thoughts on this year's reinforcement, considering the ideal and reality of the coach?
A, I am very satisfied with the new players who have joined this time. Of course, if there had been more reinforcements, I believe it would have been a plus for the club. Our path is to gradually increase investment and steadily grow.
Q, I heard that Nakagawa will participate in today's coverage. How do you feel about Nakagawa?
A, He is indeed an experienced and mature player. His position is a special one, and both he and I are well aware of that. What we expect from him is clear. I sincerely hope that he will once again demonstrate the abilities he has shown over the past few years while wearing our uniform.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, what are your thoughts on the team's overall practice starting?
A, Since new members such as young players and experienced players are joining, I want them to quickly adapt to the team, have the awareness that they are part of the team, and work for the team. Compared to last year, I think there will be even more competition this year, so if each individual can win within that environment, the team's level will rise and the team will become stronger. I want to make it a year like that.
Q, In the second year under coach Albert's leadership, what do you plan to build upon from last season's play?
A, I think the only thing to do is to improve the quality step by step. Besides that, by repeating trial and error and gaining experience in this style of soccer and with this team, I believe we will be able to develop further, so I want to focus on doing that properly.
Q, What did you think when you heard that you will be the captain again this year?
A, being the captain puts good pressure on myself, and it also allowed me to see things from a different perspective, which I believe has contributed to my growth. I have to keep thinking about it, but having tried it last year, I found it enjoyable, so I think this year will also be a rewarding team to be part of.
Q, Last year was a difficult year, but based on that, please tell us what kind of results you are aiming for this year.
A, We always have to win titles, and I believe that the team Tokyo must aim not only to be the best in Japan but also to compete in Asia. I think it is our role to aim for that.
Q, Please tell me your personal goals.
A, I think it's important for me to go through the whole year without getting injured while thinking slowly at the camp. For that purpose, I think it's important to take care of myself and spend as much time as possible for soccer every day.I think it will come back to me how much I can spend for soccer. Of course, I think there will be times when things don't go well, but I want to create a condition where I can play in the game throughout the year by spending a fulfilling day.
Q, What is your plan for leading this team, which has many young players?
A, I think what we can do is limited, but the best thing is to give them good experiences, so for that reason, we definitely want to aim for the championship and compete for the title. There are things that become clear in that process, and if we can let the young players experience that early on, I believe it will be a great experience and asset for the future of Tokyo. Of course, it’s not something we simply give them; we want to make sure everyone works together to earn it.
Q, Last season was the first year of changing the style, so there was a certain aspect of focusing on the content rather than the results. This season, we have come to the point where we have to score points, win and become champions, but is it easier to play in a situation where we can't make excuses?
A, last season we were not in a stance of "cut us some slack because it's a new approach," but we were always aiming for the championship. I think the coach's communication externally and internally differs, and we have constantly been battling pressure within ourselves, striving to balance results with the style of soccer the coach wants to implement. What matters now is how well we can express that at a high level and link it to results. From last season, we realized that unless we demand more from each other at a higher level, we won't achieve results. So, I believe we must fight every single match with all our might, as if it’s a must-win game.
Q, The triangle of Masato MORISHIGE, Yasuki KIMOTO, and Keigo HIGASHI, combined with the strong inside half, has become quite solid with 5 players in the center. As a confident area, what parts do you think need to be strengthened in order to win more?
A, Until now, there haven't been many players, especially Japanese players, who can score a lot of goals. In that sense, Nakagawa is a Japanese player who has been able to put up numbers, so I think players like him should emerge. Just like Matsuki became the team's core last season, it is ideal for one or two young players to come forward and bring energy to the team, so I believe that kind of presence is necessary.
Q, There was a period last season when the team couldn't win when player Morishige was absent due to injury. I have a strong impression that the quality of the team's formation was significantly different when Morishige was on the field compared to when he was not. What specific qualities do you want to see from your teammates and what aspects of the formation do you want to focus on in order to improve the team's performance?
A, Last season, we were somewhat exploring as we went along, and through fine-tuning, it was only around the second half of the season that we finally understood, "This is how it should be." I think the number of times everyone was troubled decreased somewhat. From there, it’s about how much we can raise the quality, such as minimizing mistakes in a single final pass, which is the most difficult and also the most important part of this style of soccer. I believe the secret to winning in this soccer is how well we can perform the basics at a high level.
Q, Is there anything you learned from the World Cup matches?
A, Individual ability is the most necessary factor. No matter how well the team is organized, in the end, it comes down to whether individuals outperform or underperform. If individuals in each position can surpass their opponents, the team as a whole will inevitably win. Watching the World Cup, I was once again reminded that it really comes down to the individual.
Q, Earlier, player Morishige mentioned the word "title," and the players who appeared at the new team announcement also said similar things. From Morishige's perspective, who has won titles and experienced championship battles, do you feel that the current season's members and the style of soccer you aim to play have the conditions to compete for a title?
A, Although we have felt a sense of readiness many times in the past, various things have happened midway through the season. Therefore, rather than focusing on how we feel right now, I believe it is much more important to consider how the team can respond to and overcome accidents or setbacks throughout the entire year. This depends on how much unity the team can maintain and having ideas or team management strategies in place to solve problems when they arise. I think these aspects are crucial.
Q, Earlier, Nakagawa was mentioned, and I think it’s a big deal that a player with league championship experience has joined us. What aspects do you hope he will contribute and convey to the team?
A, I don’t think everything will go smoothly just because one such person has joined. We also listen to various stories, and there are always hints in them, so I believe it’s about how we can utilize those hints within this team. Even if we do exactly the same thing, different results can occur, so I want to think about how we can make use of those hints in this team.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, After finishing the first full practice, do you have any enthusiasm or feelings?
A, The fans and supporters also came, and I feel that the second season is about to start. I have the desire to aim for a higher ranking than last year.
Q, What kind of play do you want to add this season? Please let us know if there is anything you want to strengthen compared to last year.
A, I definitely want to be involved more in plays that lead to goals and assists. I aim to become a defensive midfielder or shadow midfielder who can dive into the area in front of the goal more often.
Q, What did you do during the off-season and how much did you move around?
A, After finishing activities with the Japan national team by age group, I spent about one or two weeks with my family. From there, I switched to this year and have been focusing on strengthening my muscle training and agility.
Q, did you talk about wanting to be involved in scoring? Do you have any specific numbers in mind?
A, I don't have any specific numbers. I believe a good player is one who contributes to the team rather than focusing on individual achievements, so if that leads to my own goals, that would be great.
Q, Please tell us the reason for the change of your jersey number, whether it was your own wish or if there was a discussion with the club.
A, Mita transferred to Yokohama FC, and since I also wanted to wear number 7, I contacted him. He told me, "I want you to wear it," so I confidently discussed various matters with the club and was allowed to wear number 7.
Q, what are your thoughts on playing with the number 7 this season?
A, wearing Tokyo's number 7, I want to create my own style of number 7 without playing in a way that would disgrace the great seniors who have worn it before me.
Q, do you think there are parts where you can relax in a good way in your second season, and how do you feel about the opening of the season?
A, I experienced my second year in high school, but it will be a difficult year, so I want to approach the camp with a more intense condition and mindset than the new players.
Q, Araki said, "I want to be active like Matsuki in my first year," but do you have any awareness when a junior comes in?
A, I think I have to be a good role model. I believe the juniors will also compete fiercely in camp to get playing time, so I want to match that and even go beyond it.
Q, I think you watched the World Cup, but is Matsuki's main goal to become a regular member of the Japan national team or to win the World Cup?
A, Isn't it winning the World Cup? I think most people would say that.
Q, please tell me the reason.
A, I believe there is no team that does not aim to win when representing Japan.
Q, Did you feel anything when you watched the World Cup?
A, My teammate Yuto NAGATOMO was playing, which made me feel a greater sense of closeness, and I also want to perform on the big stage and achieve results like Yuto NAGATOMO.
Q, Last season, I think we were able to dominate the ball quite well towards the end as a team. What specific things do you want to do as a team to aim for the league championship this season?
A, Since we have brought in attacking players, I think we need to try different combinations during the camp when it comes to scoring. We also conceded many goals, so I want us to play possession football that both prevents conceding and scores more goals.
Q, Is it fair to say that without taking risks in defense and attack, points will not increase even if there is a risk of conceding?
A, Yes. I think that requires communication with the forward players, so I hope we can deepen that during the camp.
Q, do you want to emphasize more on the attacking aspect as an inside half and get involved in scoring goals?
A, As an inside half, I am also an attacking player, so I think I have to be involved in scoring. Among the competition, I believe I am the most fiercely determined, so I hope to achieve results there.
Q, What were the difficult aspects of your second year?
A, It was in my second year of high school when I realized I had to lead the team while also gaining confidence. Having that experience, I think I can remain calm but still maintain my characteristic intensity—not exactly clinging, but being relentlessly hungry to go after goals.
Q, Please tell us what kind of year you want to have as a new adult.
A, yes, becoming an adult. I will become an adult in April, and I think I will take one more step up the ladder of maturity, so I want to make it a year worthy of an adult. Like, I’m not a kid anymore. Since I now have juniors, I think I have to teach them various things.
Q, Do you have a desire to lead the team more after playing as a key player for one year?
A, That's right. The seniors who have led the team so far have each gone to different clubs, so since I also have plenty of match experience, I hope to be able to lead the team.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q, How was the first full practice at the Shin-taisei announcement and the Koda Grand? Please share your thoughts as a member of Tokyo.
A, There are still many things I haven't grasped yet. I've been busy with moving and today was my first time at the clubhouse, so there are parts where I don't know what is where. The condition of the turf and having facilities like this are things I feel fortunate about. My previous team didn't have such an environment, so I truly feel lucky.
Q: Please tell us about the image you had of Tokyo from previous matches.
A, what I felt when competing against them was the intensity in one-on-one battles. Since Albert PUIG ORTONEDA became the coach, I had the impression that the team enters the game with a focus on ball possession and building play from the back.
Q, What specific image do you have in mind for the type of play that is expected of you when you join the team?
A, I think the style I had at Marinos and the style at Tokyo are similar but not quite the same. They are the same in terms of possession, but the way they do it is something I still need to fully internalize. I believe I need to adapt more, so it’s something for the future. Within that, I hope to add my own strengths as a plus alpha.
Q, I heard that you are quite laid back. I also heard that you have a lot of routines before the game, how many are there?
A, If I start counting, it would be endless. But I think the number of things I do easily exceeds 20, so it's quite a lot. On top of that, since I’m laid back, I always end up cutting it really close on time, but I think that’s both a good and a bad trait I have as a soccer player, so I want to keep doing it without wavering. Of course, if someone points something out, I’ll improve it (laughs).
Q, will it be just the right balance when it is arranged with such one by one?
A, That’s the image I have. I make sure to do what I need to do and have my preparations fully in place before warming up and entering the match, and if I don’t do that, it bothers me. For that reason, I try to do the same things as much as possible before every game.
Q, Do you feel that your routine affects your performance?
A, Of course there is. I believe that my performance comes after those things, so continuing that is one part of my football career, and I want to keep doing it.
Q, How do you feel about your physical condition heading into this season, considering you were able to play throughout last season without any long absences?
A, I was able to score in the opening match and the second round of last season, so the start was good. However, although it has not been officially announced, the honest truth is that I was involved in matches while injured after the second round. That has settled down, and around summer, my condition and the quality of my play gradually improved. I think if I can maintain that this season and gain one more level of strength, good results will come.
Q: I think that for Nakagawa, who is like the face of Marinos, he made the decision to transfer from a comfortable place with a strong determination. Please tell us your enthusiasm.
A, Marinos was Marinos, and I felt that one era of mine had come to an end—a good milestone. Coupled with the turning point of my age, I decided to take on a new challenge. At that time, Tokyo approached me with an offer, and after hearing about their future vision and their hopes for this season, I decided to take on the challenge as well. It is also a challenge for me to see how much I can achieve results with Tokyo, and I believe I have a mission to deliver results. When this season ends, I think it will be clear how much I contributed based on the results I produced and how the team performed. I put that kind of pressure on myself. Actually, I have been doing so all along.
Q, What was the most impactful word during the discussion?
A, I can't go into details, but they told me that my abilities were needed, and their enthusiasm came through to me.
Q, What do you think is important for the winning team?
A, From my two experiences, I felt that a sense of "family" is extremely important. I also conveyed at yesterday’s new system announcement that we highly value this "family feeling." I believe that the team coming together as one is the shortcut to winning the championship, and if someone looks like they are struggling during play, it is natural for someone else to go help. Thinking of it as a family, I believe that accumulating these small acts will create a strong team. I came here aiming to be part of a strong team, so I want to build such a team.
Q, Do you want to point out if there is something you need to be aware of (in order to become a strong team), or do you want to lead by example through your play and actions? Which one is it?
A, I don't have captaincy, so I hope to show it through my play and attitude during practice.
Q, Have you experienced any changes after winning the championship?
A, The sense of accomplishment when winning the championship was so incredible that I was left speechless, having endured tough times and sacrificed my freedom to play soccer. I want everyone in Tokyo to experience that feeling.
Q, Did you say you came to the ground for the first time today? Do you know anyone here?
A, There are almost none. I think the only person might be Yasuki KIMOTO, with whom I played a little during university.
Q, How will you expand the circle?
A, I hope to take things at my own pace (laughs). I'm not the type to go out of my way to start conversations, but if people come to talk to me, I’m happy to talk, so I’d be glad if more people come and talk to me. Now that I’m 30 years old and everyone around me is young, it’s a bit hard for me to initiate conversations... (laughs).
Q, Did you have the opportunity to talk with the coach at the new system announcement and today's practice?
A, I contacted him just once.
Q, What was the content?
A, An English message was sent to me via LINE, so I hardly understood it (laughs).
Q, What do you think is being asked of Nakagawa by the club and coach?
A, I think the expectations will become clearer from now on, but what the coach just told me on the field was to freely take the initiative in the attacking zone and create chances such as goals and assists. I have to express even a little of what the coach expects, and I want to play in a way that satisfies him.
