＜Match Preview＞
There are only 3 games left in the first half. The second game of the consecutive matches, which will be played in 3 days, is an away game against Shimizu S-Pulse. The team is currently in a situation where they have been away from victory in the league for 4 games. On the other hand, the time of ball possession has increased, and the penetration of the style advocated by Coach Albert, which is to possess the ball and dominate the game, is progressing.
The challenges of breaking down the opponent in the attacking zone, coordination, finishing accuracy, and risk management for counterattacks have become apparent, and the team is facing new concerns as they enter a new phase. The vector is still pointing towards us. While it is important to respond to the opponent's soccer, we are currently focusing more on what we can do and how we can score goals and win.
Considering Shimizu's ranking and results, it is expected that the opponent will fight relentlessly to win at home. We want to start by taking away the opponent's press and maintaining possession of the ball without being influenced by their momentum, and then calmly take control of the game. Furthermore, in order to find a way to the goal, which is the current challenge, we want to continue to take on challenges.
In the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol, early in the game, a sharp vertical pass was made with few touches, creating a chance for Shuto ABE to break through. While passing the ball, he observed the opponent's movements and increased the tempo without missing the opportunity. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA effectively utilized the concept of "pausa" (calmness, brief pause) and wants to score goals by changing the tempo.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q: Even though it's a consecutive match this time, there are players who will have time to recover within three days. How do you plan to change the lineup?
A, there are several players who will be able to make it in time for the weekend, but will not be able to make it for tomorrow's game. Regarding the players who are feeling discomfort, they are scheduled to make it in time for the weekend, not tomorrow. On the other hand, most of the players who played the other day are preparing to make it in time for tomorrow's game.
Q: In regards to the attack while holding the ball, in the previous press conference it was mentioned that the players should consider the situation. Based on that, what is the most important thing you want the players to prioritize?
A, I am seeking to think about things. And that's why I think the new playing style is difficult. High-quality judgment by the players becomes important, and it is also a playing style that takes time to mature. Therefore, I think there are some coaches who make the decision not to adopt this playing style. I understand that. Professional coaches are expected to produce game results from the first day. It takes time for players to make appropriate judgments according to the situation. The level of technique also needs to be improved. Recently, the time to possess the ball has increased. Increasing the possession rate reduces the opponent's chances, so in a sense, that is a plus. However, despite having a high possession rate, we are not creating many chances. We are aiming to improve in that aspect.
Q: The impression is that the central area was closed off in the Kashiwa match. I think there will be similar opponents in the future. How do you plan to solve that?
A, of course, if the opponent closes the central space, it becomes important to push the opponent down by taking advantage of the space behind the opponent's defense. And if we can score the first goal, the opponent's game plan will change and their countermeasures will change, so it will be effective for us. In that sense, it is important to create opportunities and score the first goal as quickly as possible. For example, if we can score the first goal early on, the opponent team will have to take risks and play more aggressively. This may result in a decrease in our possession rate, but it may also create a game flow where our attacks become easier due to the opponent's offensive play. In the game against Iwata, we played very defensively and I think Iwata, who had been playing defensively, ended up winning because we couldn't create good attacks. Such things can happen in every game. Considering the long season, I think there is a connection between teams that attack more aggressively and climb up in the rankings. With the same theory, we want to take time to develop and grow this playing style. Because if the completion level of this playing style increases, the team will have a foundation to continue competing at the top for a long period of time. We are currently building that foundation.
Q: It was mentioned that what you have been able to do in practice recently is gradually starting to show in the matches. On the other hand, where do you feel the gap between the sense of accomplishment and the reality lies, considering that the results have not been forthcoming?
A, it's very easy. For example, if a player who is injured or has been injured is fighting in perfect condition, is it really true that they have lost several consecutive games? The Fukuoka and Iwata matches may have had different developments. We also conceded a goal in the final stages of the Tosu match. Naturally, if the game results don't come with confidence, doubts will increase. I think that if we can achieve victory, it will be a tailwind and everything will go smoothly. On the other hand, even if the players have been playing well, if the results don't come, it becomes even more necessary for the players and fans/supporters to have confidence. If we had gained 3 more points in the last few games, I think people's reactions would have been significantly different. However, I am calm now. Because I clearly understand that the path we are taking is very important for this club and the right direction. It is necessary to endure and continue until we reach a level where no one has any doubts. I don't think anyone will remember the process of reaching that point when we can consistently play well. A top club will be considered a big failure even if it finishes in 4th place. On the other hand, for us, finishing in 4th place will be evaluated as a good result.
[Player Interview]
＜Jakub SLOWIK Player＞
Q: We haven't been winning much lately, but it seems like our defense hasn't been falling apart. How do you feel about that?
A, I am confident that the moment will come when we will win. However, I believe that what is necessary is to continue believing until the results come out, and I think that we can only get 3 points by everyone moving towards victory. Shimizu is not an easy opponent, and there is no team that will easily give us 3 points without us doing anything, so I think that the situation will not improve unless we continue to play in this style and hope for victory. I think it is important to continue believing in our playing style until we get solid results. We have great players in the attacking aspect, so I think the moment to score is near, and all we have to do is continue to believe in our teammates as a team.
Q, the team has been holding onto the ball for longer periods of time, but as a result, we have seen an increase in situations where the opponent tries to counterattack. How do the defenders communicate to deal with this?
A, I also think that as a field player, it is very important for the team to possess the ball. However, even if we possess the ball, there are times when we lose it. We are conscious of quickly regaining possession of the ball through quick transitions between offense and defense the moment we lose it. This is one way to prevent counterattacks. Another way is to always be mindful of marking the opponent in a position closer to them during transitions between offense and defense, and to prepare for the next counterattack.
Q, in the early stages of the season, there were many scenes in which Swobik's big saves helped us in a single game, but now that we have more possession of the ball, it feels like there are fewer decisive scenes where big saves are needed. Is this because the pre-defensive structure of the team, not just the goalkeeper, is working well before the shots are taken?
A, I think it is very important to analyze the opposing team before the game, and it is also important to communicate with the defense after each play, even for small things during the game. I think that by accumulating these small things, the opponent's chances are decreasing and it is one of the factors that my saving is decreasing. Furthermore, player Morishige brings many things to the team, has experience, and returns that experience to the team in a good way, so his presence itself is very important for the team's defense. If I may give my personal opinion, I think he is definitely a player who should play for the Japan national team. What is important is to defend together as a team and attack together as a team. I am the last person in defense, but I also want to play with the awareness of being the first person in attack.
