<Match Preview>
The third match of the group stage, which is the first Levain Cup game in April, will be played away against Gamba Osaka. In the previous match against Kyoto Sanga F.C., a mix of players who had limited playing time and those who had been gaining opportunities were fielded. With Naoki KUMATA scoring his first professional goal among others, the team won decisively 5-0, and the home Ajinomoto Stadium was thrilled with a goal show.
In this rain-soaked match, Kuryu MATSUKI, who participated as a member of the Japan U-20 national team at the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023, made an immediate start upon returning home and played a key role in the two goals scored in the first half. Additionally, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, making his first home game appearance, repeatedly moved up and down the left side and contributed to the team with an assist. PEROTTI demonstrated his presence by scoring the opening goal that energized the team and executing a skillful shot that passed behind his supporting foot from a difficult position.
Naoki KUMATA, who won the top scorer title at the U-20 Asian Cup, came on midway through the second half. With a skillful headed shot, he finally netted his long-awaited first professional goal, concluding this match filled with many goals and new hope.
Both FC Tokyo and Gamba Osaka faced tough results away in their most recent league matches. With a short preparation period, it remains to be seen how much the team can recover both physically and mentally. The outcome and achievements of this match, where a young player-centered lineup is expected, will undoubtedly be reflected in Tokyo’s future and the upcoming league match against Shonan Bellmare this weekend. In the previous round, heroes emerged in each position. We look forward to seeing new heroes appear in this round as well.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q. In the Levain Cup match against Cerezo Osaka, you changed the lineup, and in the Kyoto Sanga F.C. match, you used some of the league match members as well. How do you plan to approach tomorrow’s game?
A. Regarding the Levain Cup Sec. 2 match against Kyoto Sanga F.C., we used a lineup similar to the league match, but included many young players on the bench. This time as well, we want to skillfully blend veteran and young players and compete. I especially see this as an opportunity to give young players chances, so we want to continue doing that. We do not intend to change our approach while competing in the Levain Cup. However, when selecting young players, if the lineup consists too much of only young players, it can have negative effects, so we want to maintain a good balance in player selection. Good fusion is important to perform well. Also, if players perform well in the Levain Cup, we plan to use them in the league matches as well.
Q. Both PEROTTI and Naoki KUMATA scored goals in the previous match, so I imagine it’s a difficult decision on whom to field.
A. Of course, we welcome such a pleasant dilemma. We want to continue giving opportunities to players who have performed well, including KUMATA. If young players are given chances and they play well, we intend to use them in league matches as well.
Q, Considering you have been using many young players, isn’t it difficult to select the lineup for this match against Gamba Osaka?
A, We currently have many injured players. In certain positions, there are no substitute players available. However, at the same time, there are young players we want to give opportunities to, and some players who need longer playing time. We are thinking about player selection that balances these factors well. I believe maintaining balance is becoming increasingly important.
Q. There are differences between league matches and cup matches, but in the previous match against Sagan Tosu, there were moments when we couldn’t break through in front of the opponent’s goal.
A. Since the opening match against Urawa, we have had issues with the depth of players in midfield. We have never been able to play with the same lineup for two consecutive matches. Of course, I understand that winning and losing is the most important thing. In the previous match, we started Terayama as a starter. We gave young players a chance, but there were scenes where he ran out of energy from the middle of the first half. We deployed Nagatomo and Tokumoto as fullbacks. There were good plays, but it’s not like they had the same attacking qualities as Nakamura or Yoshifu. Watanabe is a unique player who moves from the side into the center with a distinctive style. Abe is a player skilled at bursting forward from the inside half position. Aoki had been out of action for over eight months. Given these team circumstances, SLOWIK made a mistake he normally wouldn’t make. However, as professionals and as part of our job, we must accept such situations and move forward. Ending the match against Tosu in that manner was a blow to me as well. It was a very unbelievable development.
However, it became an opportunity to clearly reaffirm our ideas. I have come to realize once again that my role in leading Tokyo is to change the team’s playing style, give chances to young players, and promote generational change. We have been making gradual changes so that fans and supporters can calmly watch over the team. We will continue to do so and push forward with what needs to be done. Rather than focusing on the current situation, I want to prioritize what the team can leave behind in the future and approach my daily work with that in mind. I intend to keep holding onto that idea and adapt to the players I select for each match. I understand that some may find this difficult to comprehend, but we must make use of the characteristics of the players available and face each match accordingly.In the recent match against Sagan Tosu, there were several chances in the first half. There were comments about achieving an 80 percent success rate in building up play from deep within our own half, but since the match did not unfold that way, it did not become a topic of discussion. Many people tend to focus solely on the match result. Similarly, in the Tosu match, despite some players being inexperienced in building up from deep positions, they were able to perform well. However, many midfield players are currently sidelined, leaving the squad thin in that area. Tsukagawa is a player who can demonstrate his strengths in positions other than midfield, and Terayama is still a very young player. Given the team circumstances, I believe Koizumi did all he could. The only midfielder on the bench available as an option to bring on during the match was Aoki. In such a limited situation, as a realist, we will fight for victory together with the existing players to win.
However, there were also positive aspects. For example, the build-up from deep positions has improved, and it is good news that Tokumoto, who played as left side back, showed good performance. The 18-year-old Tawara Tsukida has been improving his play with each match, and Kumada is also progressing positively as he gains more playing time. I make a point of focusing on these positive aspects, as I believe they are connected to the future of this club. I firmly believe that this will lead to great success, and I want to continue walking this path while working with the club’s future in mind. Once again, in the Levain Cup, I want to see more young players take the field. However, for young players to perform well, the support of veteran players is necessary.
Q: Some players who had been injured were seen in today's practice. From the coach's perspective, how did the returning players look?
A: Regarding Watanabe, the focus is on improving his condition and restoring his physical fitness. Aoki also needs to improve his physical condition while simultaneously regaining his ball touch. Nakamura and Abe have entered the final phase of their recovery. I believe they will regain their ball touch precision as they accumulate official match experience. Matsuki and Higashi have no issues since their injuries were not muscle-related. Kashifu is making every effort to return as soon as possible. If all players can participate and we can field a young average-age squad, combined with continuity in matches, I believe this will contribute to the team's maturity. Currently, many negative factors are overlapping. However, it is precisely because of these difficult circumstances that players like Tawara Tsukida and Kumada have been given opportunities, leading to their growth. Nishido is also progressing well, as are Arai and Nozawa. Terayama is beginning to mature as a professional player through increased playing time. If these challenging situations are fostering the development of young players, then I think we can view this situation positively as well.
[Player Interview]
<Seiji KIMURA>
Q. What kind of play will you show in this matchweek?
A. Not losing in physical strength and speed. Additionally, I want to be involved effectively in the build-up to the attack.
Q. You have also experienced playing as a three-back with the U-20 Japan national team. Has your range of play expanded?
A. There were many scenes where I played in deeper positions, such as carrying the ball forward and making inner overlaps. I wouldn’t say my range has expanded that much, but I think it was a good point that I was able to express plays I had hardly experienced since turning professional.
Q. In the match against Sagan Tosu, there were moments when the team struggled to move the ball forward, but there were also instances where a skipped pass created chances.
A. The coach has shown a style of play that involves building up from the back, which is the football he originally wants to play, so I want to communicate while being mindful of the distances and play accordingly. I’m not particularly focused on making an assist with a single pass from the defensive line. I want to challenge myself so that the players up front can play comfortably, with the players at the back smoothly circulating the ball and advancing without any brakes.
Q: It means that it will be important for Kimura himself to play calmly for the full 90 minutes, right?
A: Ideally, I think the best situation is when the center back has no highlight moments. I want to fulfill my role as a center back focusing on risk management during attacks. Regarding offense, I trust the forwards and want to be involved in attacking through set pieces and such. If I can score in the process, I believe it will lead the team in a positive direction, so I want to play without pressure.
Q, I think if you can perform well in the Levain Cup, opportunities to play in the league matches will also become visible.
A, I definitely think that is possible. There were many league matches where we couldn't secure a win, so if we can achieve good results in this round of the Levain Cup, I believe the chances to play in matches will increase. In Sec. 1 against Cerezo Osaka, I was able to show good individual play, but the team couldn't win, and I didn't get opportunities to play in the following matches. As a defender, leading the team to victory without conceding goals will be absolutely necessary to get playing time in future matches.
Q. It seems there are few occasions where you build up play from the center-back position.
A. After the players in the back line receive the ball from the goalkeeper, it is also important to recognize when there is no space and to shorten the distance. There are times when the team’s build-up does not go well, but we want to make good adjustments among the players on the pitch. Nothing goes perfectly from the start, so if we can circulate passes well throughout the 90 minutes, I believe we can demonstrate the team’s shape.
Q. What kind of play do you want to show in the Levain Cup, where young players take the lead?
A. I think it’s important to play aggressively and take on challenges. Experienced players will cover for us, and our willingness to challenge will inspire the team to become even better. For young players, seizing opportunities is crucial, so I want to focus on taking on challenges with a positive mindset.
Q. Please tell us your impression of Gamba Osaka, whom we face tomorrow.
A. They give the impression of carefully connecting passes from the back. If we can capitalize on the simple mistakes that occur when they try to connect passes and target those moments well, I think our chances to score will increase. They have players with high technical skills on the ball, so there will be times when the opponent controls the game. However, I believe we can defend well, especially with the members of the back line, so we want to endure the tough periods firmly and seize our chances. If we can win, the young players will gain confidence that they can compete in the league matches as well, so we aim for victory.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q. This week is the Levain Cup, but what kind of match do you want it to be?
A. The previous match against Sagan Tosu was not a very good performance. First, I want to fight for the team's victory in the Levain Cup.
Q. We want to build a good momentum that will carry over to the next league match, right?
A. Yes, that's right. The young players, including myself, will do our best to perform well and connect that to the league matches.
Q. In the Levain Cup, where young players take the lead, I think your extensive experience and leadership are expected, Matsuki.
A. It's not just about showing leadership; above all, I want to focus on achieving results.
Q, There were some issues in the transition from midfield moving forward in the Tosu match. Regarding carrying and connecting the ball, what kind of play do you focus on, Matsuki?
A, I mainly focus on plays that directly lead to goals, but the connecting part before that did not go well in the Tosu match. I want to become a player who can fulfill the role of a connector and a playmaker, and by being part of the lineup, I want to enhance the team’s attack even more.
Q. I believe you played as an attacking midfielder for the U-20 Japan national team. It seems that the experience of playing in that position has been beneficial.
A. During my time with the national team, I was allowed to play in a position close to the goal. I gained valuable experience playing in positions where I could receive the ball and see the entire field, which was personally very meaningful.
Q. I think the opponent, Gamba Osaka, is a team that focuses on connecting passes. If our high press works well, do you think it will lead to scoring opportunities?
A. I believe Gamba Osaka is a team that often connects passes through the center. In that context, we aim to win the ball in the center and use quick counterattacks as a weapon to score. Also, since this is a group league like the previous match, we want to play while considering the goal difference by scoring many goals.
Q. I think tall players, including PEROTTI and Kumada, will be a threat during set pieces.
A. If players with distinctive qualities take the field, there will be opportunities leading to victory through simple plays such as crosses from the sides. I believe simple play is also important, so I want to firmly control the game with myself at the center.
Q, do you want to bring a tailwind and momentum to the team once again?
A, we want to achieve solid good results in the Levain Cup, and since we have a match against Shonan Bellmare this weekend—a tough game from last season’s encounter—we aim to secure good results that will also carry over into the league matches.
Q. As was mentioned earlier, regarding build-up play, where do you think the causes lie when things don’t go well?
A. I think it’s when players become isolated and the distances between them grow too large. However, I believe this is something that can be resolved individually, and the passing rhythm changes depending on one person’s sense of distance. I want to play while making adjustments on the pitch myself.
Q. Matsuki, do you feel that your field of vision has expanded compared to last season?
A. What I can see is completely different from last season. That is something I have gained through a lot of experience, so I want to make it even better by competing in the Levain Cup.
Q, In a good way, does this mean you have become able to make adjustments on your own?
A, I believe that being able to solve things individually is also a plus for the team. To further enhance the team’s strength, it is important to improve individual abilities, so I will aim to level up even more and seek solid results in this Levain Cup.
