[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, the members are different from the previous Levain Cup, but I think Iwata's attack was quite powerful. Can't we come up with countermeasures by defending properly?
A, looking at the games of Iwata in recent years, I analyze that there is a stronger defensive tendency. I think they defend by putting more players behind the ball and use counterattacks as a major weapon. They are also dangerous in set plays and skilled in attacking from the sides. They have multiple high-quality players. They tend to proceed with the game carefully, but when they are in a situation where they have conceded and are losing or need to win, they also have a tendency to change the shape of the game by using direct plays boldly and steer towards aiming for victory.
However, it is more important for us than the opponent. At this stage, the team has moved to the next phase of growth, and the team has been able to increase the time to possess the ball and control the game with the ball. In the process of growth to the next phase, various problems will arise. We have accumulated points from the beginning of the season. It is also possible in the process of growth that we have not been able to do that. I think the same thing happened in the Tosu game.
For example, in the away match against Kyoto at the beginning of the season, we achieved victory, but I don't think the quality of our play was good. Maybe everyone evaluates it because we gained 3 points, but the match performance and the result were not necessarily linked. In the process of growth, there are often many cases where the team's growth is not properly reflected in the match results. The players have been able to express better play in training. They are gradually becoming able to apply that play effectively in official matches.
Q: Although we lost to Iwata in the away game of the Levain Cup, I think there were some good parts in terms of combination.
A, the combination in the team has gradually improved in the Iwata and Tosu matches. However, it has not necessarily been reflected in the match results. We were able to play well, but we lost both of those two matches. On the other hand, we were not necessarily able to play well in the Kyoto and Hiroshima matches, but we achieved victory. However, I believe that experiencing the struggles of growth is a valuable process in order to continue achieving significant growth and success in the future. It is my role to nurture this club to be able to continue winning more matches in the future.
Q, do you want to let those players play in the game precisely because they have a good image remaining?
I am prioritizing the sensation I have had in the past few days of training over the sensation I had in the game against Iwata when selecting players.
Q: Can the team make detailed adjustments?
A, up until now Tokyo was not accustomed to pushing the opponent and continuously attacking into tight spaces. They were required to play quickly in a larger space and move towards the goal faster.
The time when we can control the game and push the opponent like in the Tosu match has increased as I expected. The fluid attack when pushing the opponent, the timed attack, is exactly what we are training for, and at the same time, because we are pushing, it becomes important to train the defense to prepare for the opponent's counterattack the moment we lose the ball.
Q, I think it's about how long we can hold the ball and how we can connect it to a goal. What is the most emphasized thing for the players right now?
A, we are emphasizing the importance of playing with composure. I believe that in the part of the game where we possess the ball, the team as a whole has been able to build up with more composure in the past few matches compared to the beginning of the season. It is still necessary to express that composure even more effectively in front of the goal. It becomes necessary to continue training diligently in that aspect.
Q, do you want to develop your skills or your judgment more?
A, of course I want to develop both, but I think the technical aspect is still lacking. There are many plays in tight spaces, so all the players are used to fast attacks in spaces, and we must definitely utilize that as our weapon. We don't need to lose that, and I think we need to continue to make the most of it. I think it's important to adapt to every situation without sticking to one thing and make good choices each time.
Q, is it also important for the players to have a challenging attitude when they are encouraged to challenge themselves more?
A, that's exactly right. However, when pushing in, it is necessary to make a risky play at the right timing. If you can do that well, you can quickly regain the ball even if you lose it.
Q: Is creating the shape of a goal through repetitive practice improvisational?
A, it is important to acquire calmness in order to effectively utilize imagination. I think confidence is what enables that. In that sense, in addition to the soccer aspect, we also train daily in the mental aspect, playing with confidence.
Q: How many Tokyo players are able to practice the concept of "pause" or "break" (in Japanese) that has recently started to permeate in Japan?
First of all, I think everyone should have it. However, as a player's characteristic, for example, Shuto ABE struggles to possess a pause. From their own playing style, I think Leandro and Yojiro TAKAHAGI have a pause. However, ABE Shuto contributes greatly to the team by stealing the ball more than the two who have a pause. On the other hand, the contribution of the two in that aspect is not as significant as ABE Shuto's. In that sense, it becomes important to maintain a good balance throughout the team.
[Player Interview]
Adailton
Q: How do you feel about facing your former team Iwata for the first time?
I'm really excited and motivated to play against my former team away. I'm looking forward to seeing the players I fought with before, but I want to make sure to prepare well and achieve good results.
Q, Do you have any memories of Yamaha Stadium? You must have a desire to score goals as well, right?
I spent 5 years in Iwata, so I have many good memories. Although this time it's not our home game, I think we can approach the match with a positive mindset and aim to win 3 points and return to Tokyo with a good performance.
Q: What do you need to do to change the team's negative momentum?
A, although the results are not yet showing, our determination remains unchanged. I believe that if we can achieve results, the team atmosphere will improve even more, and we all want to fight together to reach a higher position.
Q, I think you were involved in chances, such as shooting that was deflected by the post, in the Tosu match. How is your performance?
There are also scenes where the ball hits the goalpost and doesn't go in, and conversely, there are times when the opponent scores a goal by hitting us in the Gamba Osaka match, so of course luck is involved, but I think the process of getting to the goal is important as well. I feel like I'm in good shape and I think I just have to keep going.
Q, what do you think is required of Adailton to further deepen the new soccer style within the team?
A, I think there is some confusion among everyone, including myself, as the coach has changed and we are playing a new style of football. However, there are also parts that we are able to do well within that. Personally, I am trying to talk to the coach and resolve any confusion, and I hope to contribute to the team by deepening my understanding and playing well.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the fans and supporters who continue to support us positively.
We also feel the support from all the fans and supporters who have been cheering for us. We understand that we have been unable to win games recently and that the fans and supporters may have to be patient, but our determination remains unchanged. We are looking forward to winning the title or finishing in the top and sharing the joy with everyone.
