<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, will be an away game against Shimizu S-Pulse. The team is currently in a situation where they have not won in 4 league games. On the other hand, they have been able to hold onto the ball for longer periods of time, and the style of dominating the game by keeping possession, which is advocated by coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, is becoming more prevalent.
As a result, challenges such as coming up with ideas and coordination to break down the opponent in the attacking zone, precision in finishing, and risk management for counterattacks have become apparent, and the team is facing new worries as they move into a new phase. The vector is clearly pointing towards us. While responding to the opponent's soccer is important, 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 do whatever it takes to win at home and fight without hesitation. We want to start by taking control of the game, without being affected by the opponent's momentum, by breaking their press and holding onto the ball. And then, in order to find a way to score, we want to continue challenging ourselves, which is our current task.
In the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol, Shuto ABE created a chance to break away with a sharp vertical pass and few touches early in the game. While passing the ball, he watched the opponent's movements and increased the tempo without missing the opportunity. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA wants to make good use of "pausa" (calmness, pause) and score goals by changing the tempo.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
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 has eliminated the central space, it becomes important to utilize the space behind the opponent's defense to push them back. If we can score the first goal, the opponent's game plan will change, and their countermeasures will also shift, which will be beneficial for us. In that sense, creating chances and scoring the first goal as early as possible is crucial. For example, if we can score the first goal early on, the opposing team will have to take more risks and play more aggressively. This may lower our possession rate, but because the opponent is attacking, it could create a flow in the game that makes it easier for us to attack. In the match against Iwata, we were played very defensively, and we struggled to create good attacks, ultimately leading to Iwata, who played more defensively, winning the match. Such situations can occur in every game. Considering a long season, I believe there is a connection where teams that attack more aggressively will rise in the rankings. With the same theory, we want to take time to develop this play style. Because as the completeness of this play style increases, the team will have a foundation to continue competing at the top for a long time. We are currently building that base.
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?
It's very simple. For example, if players who were injured or are currently injured are fighting in perfect condition, would we really have experienced a series of losses in the last few matches? The matches against Fukuoka and Iwata might have had different outcomes. In the match against Tosu, we also conceded a goal in the final moments. Naturally, when the results of the matches do not follow, confidence is lost and doubts increase. I believe that if we could achieve victories, we would have a tailwind, and everything would progress smoothly. On the other hand, even if good plays are made, when the results do not follow, it becomes increasingly necessary to encourage both the players and the fans/supporters to have confidence. If we had taken 3 more points in the last few matches, I think people's reactions would have changed significantly. However, I am calm right now. This is because I clearly understand that the path we are currently on is very important for this club and is heading in the right direction. It is necessary to endure and move forward until we reach a level where no one has doubts. When we are able to consistently perform well, I don't think anyone will remember the process it took to get there. Top clubs are evaluated as having failed significantly even if they finish in 4th place. On the other hand, for us, finishing in 4th place would be considered a not bad 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.
