<Match Preview>
The J1 League is finally reaching the halfway point with 34 games played, and is now entering the second half of the season. At this timing, Tokyo is once again facing challenges in its journey of evolution. This time, the first match of the J1 League second half is against a perfect opponent to overcome these challenges and gain valuable insights.
In the latter half of the first half, Tokyo won consecutive victories against Shimizu S-Pulse and Kashima Antlers, and both teams felt a great sense of growth in terms of content. However, in the match against Shonan Bellmare, which concluded the first half, they were unable to find an attacking strategy in the face of the opponent's press and quick defensive transitions, and dropped points for the first time in four games.
And in the Emperor's Cup 3rd Round, which was played just 3 days after the Shonan match, the game against V-Varen Nagasaki ended in a 2-2 draw after extra time, with the winning goal being scored in the first half of extra time, resulting in the team's elimination from the tournament. Nagasaki also had a strong defensive block, with a quick speed in organizing their defense and having a high intensity press from the front line. On the other hand, Tokyo was unable to score a goal that would lead them to victory, despite having possession of the ball.
The upcoming match, which will take place in just three days, will be against Sagan Tosu. As mentioned during the first half of the season, Tokyo has struggled against Tosu in recent years. In fact, they have lost six consecutive league matches since the 2019 season. In the previous match of this season, Tokyo hit the post twice but failed to equalize the one goal they lost from a free kick.
Tosu also has the characteristic of coming aggressively from the front line to the ball side, just like Shonan. In the first half of the game, players were caught in a man-to-man style, unable to build up and losing the ball, and there were scenes where they were pushed back by Tosu's dynamic attack, with players constantly flying out from the back in a short counter.
On the other hand, if we can create a numerical advantage against the opponent who comes to catch people, move the ball and take it away, and extend the time to hold the ball, we can greatly advance the countermeasures against teams that play in a similar way. Challenges are also necessary for growth. We want to find a way to build up without being affected by high pressure, even against a team like Sagan Tosu, which we are not good at facing.
And above all, we want to send off Ryoya OGAWA, who will be playing his last game before transferring, with a victory.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, will you bring fresh players to the Tosu match?
If there are 3, 4, or 5 consecutive matches, player selection based on condition may come up, but it's okay not to prioritize it too much for 3 consecutive matches. If there are 4 or 5 matches and consecutive weekday matches over a period of 2 weeks, the schedule will be tight, so it will be important to consider the condition when selecting players.
Q: Are you ready to face the Tosu match in good condition?
A, we must consider that there was an overtime game the other day. Some players may be extremely fatigued after playing in overtime, so we take that into consideration. However, there are also players who can maintain their condition even after playing in overtime, so we will handle that on an individual basis. We have had injuries in the center-back position, so we need to carefully select the players. In any case, there is no doubt that we can approach the game with a good team.
Q, what kind of play do you expect from player Ogawa in his last match?
A, he is one of the physically fit players. I spoke with him before the season started, and he always had a strong desire to go to Europe. So, I suggested that he should learn European-style football with me and prepare well until at least the summer for challenging Europe. It turned out that way, so I hope he will perform well there. I think the league he is going to is a mid-tier league in Europe. In that sense, I hope he performs well there and can take the next step, stepping up to the true Europe. I am satisfied with Ryoya Ogawa's professional behavior, play, and performance in the past six months, and I look forward to his further success in the future.
Q: We lost to Shonan in the Emperor's Cup and Nagasaki in the league. I think the game against Tosu will be an important match. What do you expect from the players?
I think the match against Shonan was the worst performance of the season. This is something that can naturally happen, and it just so happened in the match against Shonan. On the other hand, I evaluate the Emperor's Cup match against Nagasaki as a good game. I understand that many people focus only on the match results. However, I am looking at a different aspect. I have the role of focusing on parts that are not just the match results. In the Nagasaki match, I believe we clearly outperformed them in terms of play and the number of chances throughout the 120 minutes. However, in soccer, such match developments can occur. The opposing team can win the match by converting all their few chances. However, in a long battle like the league, I believe that the team that consistently plays well will rise to the top. What we are currently seeking is to build a playing style that consistently brings good results. In other words, it is a battle to achieve continuous good performance in the long fight of the league. It is not about playing for good results in cup competitions. Naturally, I think Nagasaki achieved victory in their own way, but even though we lost, I am very satisfied with the players' performance in that match. Tomorrow, we have another difficult match ahead as a different battle, but I want to seize points in a good way.
Q, in the second half of the league, we will have matches against the opponents we played against in the first half. Will you change your playing style from the first half when facing them for the first time?
Yes, of course, there is an impact from having played one match. However, quite a bit of time has passed since the last match against Tosu, and many things can happen in that time in football. There are recent trends and conditions that will have an impact, but it is not that significant. Our team is also growing. In that sense, the content of our play based on that growth is important, and at the same time, the match results are also important. However, the match results are not determined solely by our play; they are influenced by various factors, so we cannot control the match results by ourselves. Since our team is still in a growth phase, we have not yet reached a stable state where we can consistently express our playing style and be in a position to decide the match in a good way. Individual mistakes by our players can also affect the match results. On the other hand, even if the overall performance of the team is poor, a single action by an individual player can lead to a victory, which is possible in football. Such a single action can determine the flow of the match, and the development of the game can change significantly, so we must adapt and fight accordingly.
The team is growing in a positive direction, and I believe the quality of our matches is improving with each game. However, when it comes to stability, we have not yet reached that point. I don't think we are at the level where we can consistently score multiple goals and surpass our opponents. In that sense, when it comes to a single match, I think we are still in a situation where we cannot fully control what happens. We are currently in the second phase of growth, and I believe the team is still in an unstable state. Because the team is in a growth stage and still unstable, I have communicated to the players that in order to continuously achieve better match results, it is important to maintain a high level of focus and intensity in our play, which I believe will lead to earning more points in the second phase of growth.
[Player Interview]
＜Takuya AOKI Player＞
Q, we lost to Nagasaki in a close battle in the Emperor's Cup, and now only the league matches remain.
It was a tournament that was also a chance to go to the ACL, so it's really disappointing, but we have no choice but to switch our mindset and keep going.
Q: As you aim for a new style of soccer, there is a feeling that you are becoming more capable of holding the ball and building attacks. How do you feel about this, player AOKI?
A, I want to increase the variations of carrying the ball to the attacking zone and I also want to move the ball more smoothly.
Q, what kind of play do you think will be important in the future to take the next step with a new style from player Aoki's perspective?
A, I think it would be even better if each individual has the consciousness of creating the game and can make game plays from anywhere in the match. There are players who are used and players who use them, but I think it would be great if everyone could do both.
Q, what is your impression of Tosu?
A, the impression is that there are many young players who can run and work hard. We have consecutive matches, but we also need to show more aggressiveness because we have had disappointing performances in the last two matches and we cannot afford to lose.
Q, what is the key to victory?
First, we need to play aggressively, run, and fight. We were defeated in the Shonan match, so I think we need to bring out that aspect.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm as a team and as an individual.
A, there are still chances to go up in the league in the second half, and I want to prepare mentally and fight to win each game.
<Ryoya OGAWA>
Q,Is there a sense of reality in the last match at FC Tokyo?.
A, There is still no sense of reality..
Q. You have continued to play as a left side back,,when you go to Portugal,how do you want to make use of your experiencein Tokyo?
A. Wearing Tokyo's emblem and being able to participate in many matches and gain experience is a valuable asset, and I am confidentinhaving been given the opportunity to play in matches for Tokyo.I want to play with confidence there as well.I think so.
Q,Do you already have an image of being active?
A, Yes, I have confidence and I have an image of being active because I intend to do my best..
Q,I think language barriers will arise, but how do you plan to overcome them?
A, at firstI think it will be tough, but I want to approach it positively. I’m not the type to be sensitive, but by using various gestures and interacting cheerfully, I believe the other side will understand what kind of person I am. Going to Portugal and gradually getting used to it is important, I think.
Q,What kind of mindset do you want to approach the Tosu match with?
A, In the past few games, the results have not been satisfactory for the fans and supporters, so we definitely want to end with a win. Everyone is not satisfied, so we definitely want to end with a win.
Q,Are you also aiming for goals and assists?
A, I am aiming for them, but the most important thing is for the team to win the game, so I just want toscore, anyonecan do it, soI hope we can score and win.
Q,Please share your enthusiasm for the last match.
A, Since it will be my last game in Tokyo, it will be a special match for me and I believe it will be a very emotional game. I want to play with the goal of winning.
Q,Please give a message to the Tokyo staff, officials, fans, and supporters who have supported you so far.
A, 7 seasons and a half, the reason I have been able to grow to the level where I can be called overseas like this is100 percent thanks to Tokyo, and deciding to join Tokyo at the age of 18 was definitely the right choice. I am truly grateful, and I want to repay that gratitude even a little by winning in the final match.
Ryoya OGAWA Player Memorial Goods Now on Sale!
