<Review of the previous match against Vissel Kobe>
The achievement of a major record in J.League history could have easily been overshadowed by the end of the first half.
The match against the top-ranked Vissel Kobe was an away game, yet it got off to a smooth start. It can be said that Tokyo was in better form at the beginning. Their intensity in duels did not fall short of the opponent’s, and their play strongly conveyed vertical momentum and a strong desire to score.
However, as mistakes continued during the build-up, the control of the match slipped to the opponent. Once they gained momentum, it was extremely difficult to stop the leading team's drive. After conceding the opening goal, consecutive goals were allowed in the closing stages of the first half as they tried to regroup. They returned to the locker room trailing by three goals.
How to regroup? That reasoning was more about passion than logic.
No matter how much you discuss tactics, nothing can change without the will to fight. The captain, who achieved the great milestone of 450 J.League appearances, embodied this through his play. He threw his body into challenges for the ball, repelled the opponent’s long balls, carried the ball forward himself to lift the team, then drew out the opponent before delivering a mid-range pass that once again instilled the team with the desire to attack the goal.
The two goals in the comeback were from penalty kicks, but without the strong will to catch up and overturn the score, they probably wouldn't have even had those opportunities.
"In the second half, we were able to show strength in the challenges for the ball, but I wonder why we couldn't do that from the first half,"
After the match, Masato MORISHIGE spoke about the current state of the team in a stern tone, but his passion had not faded. From the start to the final whistle, for the full 90 minutes, they continued to surpass their opponents in their passion for victory. Returning home for a crucial match against a top-ranked team, we hope the blue and red warriors will be inspired by the fire of passion ignited by their captain.
<Match Preview>
They lost 2-3 away to Vissel Kobe, suffering their first league defeat in three matches. After the game, Takuya AOKI, who came on as a substitute to tighten the midfield, pointed out the defensive issue of conceding consecutive goals during bad phases, saying, "It's not good to concede goals in a row during bad momentum. We have to at least limit it to one goal conceded." Reflecting on the second half when Tokyo showed determination and narrowed the gap to one goal with two penalty kicks, AOKI said, "Those goals were scored with spirit, but from now on, we want to score goals by our own will." The match against the league-leading Kobe was one that confronted them with areas for improvement in both offense and defense.
This week's match against Yokohama F.Marinos will likely be a test of how well we have addressed the issues from the Kobe game. Last season's champions continue to earn points this season with their attacking style of play and currently sit second in the league. It will be important for Tokyo to maintain focus and actively take control of the game.
The player who holds strong feelings for this match is Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who played for Yokohama FM until last season. Ahead of facing his former club, NAKAGAWA declared, "Of course, we are going to win." He aims to engage in clean and intense play, taking on a direct challenge for Tokyo.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q. Please share your enthusiasm for this week's match against Yokohama F.Marinos.
A. I believe Yokohama F.Marinos is the highest quality club in the J1 League. They have many high-quality players, and they have been playing with the same style for four or five seasons, showing great continuity. Because of that, I know how difficult it is to compete against Yokohama F.Marinos. They play at a fast pace, dominate the midfield, and launch attacks. They entrust the ball to their highly skilled wingers and aim for the goal. Against such an opponent, we must show a fighting spirit and express an attacking style of play that controls the ball. While moving the ball, we want to pursue the goal actively and boldly. This week, I feel we have had very fulfilling and good training. I hope we can have a good match tomorrow. In a closely contested game, small events can greatly influence the flow of the match. Which team scores the first goal can significantly change the momentum with just one play.
Q. Regarding the ability to make adjustments during the match, what kind of guidance did Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA give to the players?
A. In the previous match against Vissel Kobe, conceding the first goal dealt us a significant psychological blow. In other words, we must not overthink the tactical aspects excessively. When we manage to score in a good way, confidence builds, which tends to lead to even better play. Of course, the opposite pattern is also possible. I believe there was such a negative flow in the Kobe match. Therefore, it is important to regain confidence and play. I believe that playing with confidence also helps reduce mistakes. We must not fear mistakes. Even if mistakes occur, it is crucial not to collapse but to get back up and continue playing. There may be some connection to Japanese culture and values that tend to fear mistakes.
Q, Are you saying that you told them to play calmly without fear of making mistakes?
A, I emphasize that each player should play with confidence. It is important for the players to have confidence in their own play, and mistakes in soccer are only a part of the game. Therefore, it is not about thinking that making mistakes is bad, but rather about what kind of actions and play they show after making a mistake.
Q. It seems that the results are greatly influenced by whether the team scores the first goal or concedes it.
A. I think this applies to every club in the J1 League. However, we have a particularly strong impression of this tendency. We fully understand that teams that score the first goal in the J1 League have a high winning percentage, and as I mentioned earlier, scoring first has a positive impact on the team. From the perspective of a winner’s mentality, Teruhito NAKAGAWA has a good influence on the team because he is a player who has experienced winning the championship.
Q. What did you say to Kuryu MATSUKI and Naoki KUMATA after their national team duties?
A. I spoke with them briefly. I believe it is extremely difficult to represent and fight for your country. In order to achieve good results, I told them they need to level up even further from here. Regarding tactics and individual techniques, I think there is not a significant difference compared to players from other countries, but I felt a gap in the mental aspect. This is something I have been continuously telling the players since I came to Japan. I believe that having a strong mentality allows you to play at a higher level.
Q, What kind of reaction did you get to your words?
A, I sensed that they were not satisfied with the results this time. Experiences like this are very important. I hope they analyze, improve, and connect it to the next match or tournament.
[Player Interview]
Teruhito NAKAGAWA
Q. This will be a match against my former club. How do you feel about it now?
A. Of course, we are aiming to win, and since we lost the previous match against Vissel Kobe, we absolutely want to avoid consecutive defeats. They are in good form, and personally, since it’s a match against my former club, I’m really looking forward to it.
Q. You have not won in your last five matches against Yokohama F.Marinos. How do you plan to overcome them?
A. When I was with Yokohama FM, my impression of Tokyo was that they often played by skillfully breaking through with passes toward the goal, which made it difficult to play against them. I also felt their strength in one-on-one plays and ball contests. (Now, as a member of Tokyo facing Yokohama FM) It is important not to give the opponent any freedom and to continue playing with high intensity. If we allow the opponent to have any breathing room in key moments, it could end up like the previous match against Kobe. I want to use the advantage of playing at home and approach the match with a stronger mindset than the opponent. Everyone can clearly see that Yokohama FM is a good team, and by reviewing past footage, I want to share with the entire team how we should strategize to overcome them.
Q. Yokohama FM’s Miyachi recently returned to the pitch in an official match. Please tell us about facing Miyachi again on the field after he overcame such a serious injury.
A. Including his rehabilitation, I think he endured and overcame a very long period of about 300 days. I also saw him playing energetically in the Levain Cup match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, and personally, I’m very happy about that. Even with such a major injury, I thought, "He’s really fast." Since he is expected to come on as a substitute, he is definitely someone to watch out for. However, I’m looking forward to meeting Miyachi, who wears number 23, on the pitch again, and I want us to grow by pushing each other and achieve results. Besides Miyachi, Kida, who I have played with for a long time, and Matsubara, who is the same age as me, are also with Yokohama FM, so I want to show “clean and intense play.”
Q. Is the team’s progress going as Nakagawa imagined?
A. I think there is a big difference between the good times and the bad times. And that difference is very apparent. Especially during the bad times, when one thing doesn’t click, it affects the whole team, and I feel fragility and weakness. I believe that smoothing out the ups and downs at a high level is the ideal state, and that is something the entire team feels. I also think this is connected to our poor winning percentage in away games. Ultimately, it’s us players on the pitch, and if we don’t focus on ourselves rather than the opponent, the results will change and our weaknesses will show. I want to change that aspect and bring stability to the team.
Q. Is there a sense that the team will shift in a positive direction starting with the match against Yokohama FM?
A. First of all, I think it’s very significant that we can play against Yokohama FM at home. We want to demonstrate the strength that comes from the home advantage. Just because Yokohama FM is an offensively strong team doesn’t mean we should just sit back; I believe FC Tokyo’s strengths will only show if we approach the defending champions as challengers, and not show too much respect—that will be the key to victory. Ultimately, it comes down to how much mental superiority we can hold.
Q. It seems that the team’s sense of unity is growing day by day.
A. I think the team’s sense of unity is very strong, but it seems there is a bad habit of getting discouraged when conceding a goal. This impression is especially noticeable in away games. Even if we concede one goal, the team must show the attitude of going for two or three goals; otherwise, we cannot build up victories. The mental aspect after conceding the first goal greatly influences the outcome, and even if we do concede, if we don’t show the determination to score, it would be unfair to the fans and supporters who cheer for us. I believe we need to show a stronger commitment to pursuing victory.
Q. Lastly, please give a message to the fans and supporters.
A. Our record at Ajinomoto is very good, and all the players feel that it is precisely because of the cheers and support from the fans and supporters that we can play in such a positive atmosphere. When the entire FC Tokyo, including the fans and supporters, creates an atmosphere of "going to defeat Marinos," it switches on our sense of responsibility and motivation to respond. I expect many supporters will come from Yokohama as well, so I will fight with enthusiasm while enjoying the match. I am also aiming to score, so let’s win and sing “Yuruneba” together.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q. After the match against Vissel Kobe, Coach Albert emphasized the 'fighting spirit.' What will you focus on heading into the match against Yokohama F.Marinos?
A. The coach told us to base our approach on the same level of playing intensity as in the recent match against Kawasaki Frontale, aiming to control the ball and secure victory. Since Yokohama FM will be the opponent, it is expected that they will have possession of the ball for much of the time, but within that, we want to value the ball and aim for goals through quick attacks. This is something we have been working on in training this week, so I want to express it well as a team.
Q. Speaking of the home match against Yokohama FM, you scored two goals last season. Is there anything you personally keep in mind regarding your compatibility with this opponent?
A. In that match, I was able to score two goals from set pieces. If I get the chance to play in tomorrow’s game, I want to make sure to strike cleanly. I know that I have to keep delivering results to stay on the pitch, so I will actively aim to score.
Q. Please tell us if there is anything the team has shared regarding facing Yokohama FM.
A. To avoid giving the opponent freedom, I think there will be many plays where we aggressively press on the ball side. It will be key to win the ball back after it reaches the opponent’s lone forward, to effectively limit their passing lanes, and against an opponent who spreads out during their attack, to quickly transition to offense once we regain possession. If we give them too much time, they will be able to play facing forward, so responding with coordinated pressing and pressing back will also be important. This is something we have been working on in training this week, so I want to focus on executing well as a coordinated unit.
Q. Would you say this match is a turning point for both the team and Tsukagawa personally to make a comeback from here?
A. I haven’t fully become the core of the team yet, and for me, each match right in front of me is very important. I have a strong desire to seize some good opportunity. I play in various positions, but I believe that showing results is everything. I want to continue playing with a focus on results. Playing in the position given by the coach and producing results connects to my value as a player, and I also think there is experience to be gained from playing in different positions. I believe everything in soccer is connected, so I want to keep that in mind and do my best.
