<Match Preview>
The Emperor's Cup, which is the third tournament of the season, will start. J1 League teams, including Tokyo, will appear from the 2nd round and compete in the first match of the tournament.
The first opponent is Fukushima United FC, which belongs to the J3 League. As FC Tokyo U-23, we have played 8 matches in the J3 League, but this will be the first official match against the top team. As for Tokyo, we have a connection with them off the pitch, as we have been selling the famous "Imokuri Sataro" from Fukushima, known for their stadium gourmet, at our home games at AO-AKA PARK as part of our support for the East Japan earthquake recovery efforts.
Fukushima is currently in 18th place in the J3 League, having played 12 games this season with 3 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses. They have been playing a defensive game, repelling the opponent's attacks and then launching a quick counterattack. Veteran player Kaito YAMAMOTO, who has been entrusted with scoring goals for many clubs, will be the key player for the team. It is expected that they will first retreat and strengthen their defense against Tokyo's attacks.
As Tokyo, it is expected that the possession time of the ball will be longer. Even in a crowded space, we want to calmly pass the ball in and out of dangerous areas and immediately switch to a counter press after losing the ball. At the same time, we must not neglect the care of the space behind the defensive line, and we also want to pay close attention to the opponent's set piece opportunities.
The fear of the one-shot Emperor's Cup has been keenly felt by the club through many experiences. Matches against teams from different categories require special attention. The opponent who devotes all their energy to one chance will carefully defend their goal and try to hold on to their lead. While facing the pressure of "elimination from the tournament if you lose", which is different from the usual league matches, Tokyo wants to continue their style and open the way to the 3rd round.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, we will face the 2nd Round of the Emperor's Cup in 3 days after the previous match.
A, I believe everyone knows that it is difficult to face teams from different categories. Of course, we are aiming only for victory. Considering the difficulty of the match, we want to give opportunities to players who have not had much playing time and to young players.
Q, how do you perceive and analyze the match with Fukushima United FC?
A, if my memory serves me correctly, in the 2021 season, Tokyo lost to university students. We also fought against university students last season, and it was a tough battle. The Emperor's Cup is a tournament where such things can happen. Naturally, there is a difference in categories, but there is a tendency for teams in the higher category to come at us with higher intensity in order to defeat them. That's why the match will be difficult. We, the players on the pitch, must recognize that we need to start with the same intensity as the opponent in a focused manner, and I hope they play with high intensity from the start. It will undoubtedly be a difficult match.Fukushima tends to line up five players in defense. Of course, I also have the recognition that they are a wonderful team that values the ball. Unlike league matches, there are significant differences in the atmosphere in a tournament where it's over if you lose.
Q: Is it important to go and steal the ball from Fukushima with a strong defense?
A, applying good pressing and quickly transitioning from defense to attack is one of the key points. Additionally, it is important to express our own style more than the opponent. By pressing appropriately, we can prevent the opponent from playing as they intend, and by winning the ball through good pressing, it leads to our attacks.
Q, please tell me what is important to prevent an upset.
A, first of all, it is important to start the match with a high level of intensity. While it is important to play calmly over the course of 90 minutes, if you start too calmly, it will undoubtedly become a difficult match. Of course, tactics play an important role in the game. However, even more important is maintaining a good psychological state. Once the match begins, the flow of the game may proceed as expected and within the anticipated range, but there are also times when it does not. In such cases, how you respond to the psychological impact is crucial. Starting with a good psychological state is essential.
[Player Interview]
Junya SUZUKI
Q, I want to make it a game where my favorite crosses come alive.
A, I want to show bold and decisive play. Tokyo's forward line is filled with players who have height and strength, so I aim to deliver pinpoint crosses to connect with them.
Q, How do you want to deliver high-precision passes within the flow of the game?
A, by developing the style of soccer that values careful ball possession as demanded by Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, I believe the opponents will come to try to take the ball. At that timing, I want to supply the ball while observing the space opened behind the opposing defenders and the movements of the wing players on the opposite side. I intend to play without forgetting to make choices that leverage my strengths while executing the team tactics.
Q, is it an image of utilizing your own strengths while being aware of cooperation with the wing player on the same side?
A, by boldly making the choices and decisions to bring out my strengths myself, I believe the Tokyo players can more easily align with my decisions, and I think half-hearted play only causes confusion. My teammates understand my characteristics, so by playing with a proactive attitude, I believe the relationships with players in front and beside me will also improve. Until three seasons ago, I myself played in the J3 League. I want to demonstrate my strengths and show the difference. I don’t want the players of Fukushima United FC I face to think, "He can do it." I want to play boldly.
Q: Do you have a strong desire to make this match a moment where you can feel the changes and growth of Suzuki player himself?
A, Of course, the growth gained by adapting to Tokyo's current style of soccer is important, but at present, the players listed as starting members give the impression that they are firmly expressing "their own colors." I want to make it a match where I can clearly show the plays the team should execute while also bringing out my own strengths. I believe this is necessary not only for tomorrow's match but also to break into the group of players involved in future matches.
Q, I think you have experienced the high motivation when playing against higher-ranked clubs in the Emperor's Cup, but what is the best motivation to fight with?
A, rather than focusing on the opponent, I have a strong desire to firmly achieve results with Tokyo myself, so I have no intention of just accepting whatever comes. Personally, my top priority is to play boldly, but I do think there is a real difficulty in facing opponents from different categories as a team. However, many players participating in tomorrow's match are highly motivated with a strong desire to "achieve results," so I want each player to fully unleash their energy from the start of the game without mismanaging their pace.
