＜Match Preview＞
The last two away games ended in a 0-0 draw against G Osaka and a 1-2 loss against Kobe. While the possession-based playing style has become more prominent, it becomes a problem if they cannot avoid the opponent's press. The content revealed the challenges of the advanced playing style.
In the match against Kobe, we fell behind in the early stages of the game due to losing out in the battles for the ball, and we were trailing by 2 points at halftime. Leandro managed to score a goal near the end of the match, but Coach Albert reflected, "Our reaction was slow." Keigo Higashi said, "We need to play another game with full commitment. We need to discuss among ourselves and raise our motivation even higher." He called for a revival among the players.
Kyoto, who will be playing against us this time, has been demonstrating their strength by utilizing hard work under the guidance of coach CHO Kwi Jae. If Tokyo's theme is their fighting spirit and strength in ball contests, then Kyoto is the perfect opponent. In order to advance to the top this season, we cannot afford to drop any more points.
This is the second battle of the season at the "sacred ground, Kokuritsu", and it is also a battle for Tokyo to demonstrate their earnest attitude and determination to win on the pitch.
Matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q: Was the issue of not being able to press in the Kobe match resolved in the past few days?
The message we conveyed to the players is to regain our strengths. We didn't play poorly in the early stages of the Kobe match. However, after conceding the first goal, there was a long period of inappropriate play, so we want to improve that and approach tomorrow's match with confidence. In a match, there is a win or lose, and it is influenced by various factors that we cannot fully control. However, we told the players that we should not lose our strengths. We want to regain the parts that we have lost a little and return to our original team. We hope that tomorrow's match against Kyoto will be a wonderful occasion.
Q: I think the strength of a team lies in its high intensity play. Kyoto is also a team with high intensity, but surpassing that will likely be the key to victory.
A, of course, one of our strengths is intensity. And we must approach tomorrow's game with the same intensity. While maintaining a high intensity, we want to express our style and high-quality play.
Q, if we can regain our strength by holding onto the ball, does that mean we can become a strong team with a good balance?
A, balance is indeed important. However, because the balance has not been maintained, there have been unstable matches this season. There is a tendency to focus too much on ball possession and not move towards the goal. On the other hand, there is also a lack of balance in not being able to hold the ball while rushing towards the goal. That is why it is necessary to grow and always maintain a good balance over time. It is a balance of defensive aggressiveness, awareness of moving towards the goal, and ball possession.
Q, after the summer, the team gradually formed a base, and we were able to have good matches such as the Kashiwa and Yokohama FM matches in the second half. I thought we entered a state where we can materialize what we want to do from here. On the other hand, I think we had challenges in the Gamba and Kobe matches, but I expected that as part of the process of growth. Or was it a little unexpected?
A, the 2022 season is a season of growth, and I think everyone can understand that there is clear growth between now and the beginning of the season. However, the team is still in an unstable state. Even within one game, there are periods of good play and periods that are not. This was originally expected in this first season, so it is within expectations. Some people may mistakenly think that the team can win every game once it has grown, but soccer is not that easy. Some people fall into the extreme thinking that everything is the worst if they lose a game. Of course, I think one of the charms of soccer is the passion of the fans and supporters. However, as players and coaches, as professionals, we must grasp this sport and continue to move in the direction we are aiming for. Of course, the team is still in an unstable situation. However, we must focus on what needs to be done based on that. First of all, I am demanding more from myself. And I am also demanding more from the players.
Q: Tomorrow, we will have a game at the Japan National Stadium. Last time, you mentioned that you wanted to play a lot of games here. How do you feel about playing at the National Stadium and considering the weather?
I previously mentioned about the Japan National Stadium because as a team representing Tokyo, it would be better to have matches in the center of Tokyo. Of course, we are grateful to the people and the community in this area for their support, which has allowed us to exist and we are satisfied with playing matches at Ajinomoto Stadium.
We are in the world of professional sports. I believe that professional sports is entertainment. Since we carry the name Tokyo, I personally think that playing games in the center of a big city is a more suitable place for professional sports as entertainment. Of course, it would be better for the stadium not to have a track and field, but I don't think it can be changed in the short term. However, in the long run, I personally think that the future of FC Tokyo should be in the center of Tokyo. However, I think it takes time and patience.
[Player Interview]
＜Yuto NAGATOMO＞
Q, there was a talk that the team has definitely been able to build up after the Gamba game, on the other hand, I feel that there are still ups and downs like the Kobe game this season, but how is the current state of the team as we enter the final stages of the league?
A, as I mentioned after the Gamba game, I think the whole team has definitely improved and become better than at the beginning of the season. However, football is a difficult sport, and Kobe was also very determined. With the support of the home crowd, they came at us aggressively. We conceded two goals in the first half, and it became a tough match. However, I feel that the foundation of our football is definitely being built.
Q: What will be important to express what we want to do consistently, even though there are few remaining games this season?
A, it is important to possess and control the ball, but I feel that in order to possess the ball, it is necessary to pressure the opponent with an attacking defense from the front line. Without being able to aggressively steal the ball in the opponent's territory, it is difficult to have an advantageous possession. Even in the Kobe match, there was a lack of coordination when trying to do it a little earlier, and as a result, the entire team gradually dropped back. Even if we manage to steal the ball, each individual is exhausted, and the distance to the goal is too far, which remains a challenge. Therefore, I want us to demonstrate our possession and strengths in our attack while playing aggressive defense.
Q, this season, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has emphasized growth as a major theme and has been saying "building a base" over and over again. On the other hand, I think he has come without setting specific goals. What aspects do you want to fight with motivation for the remaining games?
A, because the motivation is always constant, there are still possibilities including the ACL zone. I believe that if we can firmly demonstrate the base that we have built, the results will naturally follow. It is not easy to show what we have built up, but it will be a great motivation and we want to approach it with a high level of consciousness in terms of our own growth.
Q: Please share your thoughts on standing on the pitch of the Japan National Stadium last time and your enthusiasm for tomorrow.
A, the moment I saw the pitch, I remember being impressed by how clean the turf looked, as if it was laid out like a carpet. Not only did it look good, but when I actually played on it, the turf was stable and it left a strong impression of being very easy to play on. The atmosphere was also amazing, of course. I've said it many times, but for someone like me who has experienced high school soccer, it's a dream stage, and I've always wanted to play at the national stadium, so in that sense, I felt that it was a wonderful stadium. In the previous Gamba game as well, we played good soccer and we also think that the fans and supporters who came enjoyed it. Tomorrow, there will be 1500 fireworks before the game as well, and it's been prepared as great entertainment, so we just need to enjoy ourselves with our soccer and aim for victory.
Q: As a club, we aim to have the highest number of spectators. How does playing in front of a large crowd and receiving a warm reception contribute to your performance, Nagatomo?
A, if you look at my professional career so far, the more spectators there are, the more pressure there is, and the more it is a big stage, I think everyone knows that I have a burning personality. If really many people come, it will be a huge power for me, so in J-League matches, and also at the beloved home of FC Tokyo, it might exceed 50,000 people, so it seems like it will be a really exciting development. I'm looking forward to it.
Q: Both sides have been playing this season, but if there is anything you are mindful of individually, please let us know.
A, I am playing as a right back for the first time this season in my 15-year professional career. I am really enjoying playing as a right back. By playing on the right side, I have learned things that make my play on the left side different from before, and I feel that I have grown as a player. I also feel that playing on the right side has improved my performance on the left side. Additionally, depending on the characteristics of the players around me and the game situation, I have the flexibility to change my position and decide whether to move inside or stay wide. This has made the game very enjoyable.
Q: Is there any particular difference in consciousness between right and left?
A, there is no difference in consciousness. I don't feel like there is such a big difference. The player is there, and my position changes depending on the situation at that time, so I don't feel any discomfort in myself.
Q: What is the significance of FC Tokyo, a capital club, being able to play at the Japan National Stadium?
It is a great pleasure for FC Tokyo, not only as a soccer player but also as an athlete as a whole, to be able to play at the new Japan National Stadium, which represents Japan and is the capital club. Of course, playing there is important, but I also want to play fantastic soccer and captivate the fans and supporters of Tokyo, the J-League, and soccer in general.
＜Player Kuryu MATSUKI＞
What do you need to do to control the game and prevent opponents from pressing with high intensity like Kobe did in the previous match?
A, because there are times when the strength cannot be overcome by positioning alone, I think it is important to have individual adaptability and movements to remove the opponent's mark. In the Kobe match, there were actually places where we couldn't move forward, so I think it would be a good team situation if we can have people standing firmly between the opponents and have thickness in moving forward.
Q, I think it is also important to become a vertical pass from Matsumaki player's place to the front line and to become the starting point of the attack.
As an inside half, I think it is my role to switch between defense and attack. However, I would like to actively create more time for myself to increase the depth of our attack, so I want to continue doing that in the remaining matches.
Q: Tomorrow's opponent will be Kyoto, what kind of preparations will you make?
A, as a home game, I hope we can play our own soccer without respecting the opponent too much and without being arrogant.
Q: The opponent is also involved in the battle to avoid relegation and has had 1 loss and 1 draw in the same 3 consecutive matches as Tokyo. It is expected that they will come out with full determination and play.
A, of course, in terms of the press, I think I always feel more pressure on the emotional side, and I have to have a mentality that doesn't lose to that and can't win naturally. In the recent games, things haven't been going well, so I want to win this game firmly and keep winning the remaining games.
Q: How do you think the third uniform wearing and the many events and performances will affect the players?
A, last season I wore it for 3 away games, and this season I heard that I wore it for 1 game against Kyoto. There is joy in being able to play the game while embodying the value and weight of the uniform. I think the fans and supporters will be able to see soccer in a different scene than usual, and I myself am really looking forward to playing soccer wearing that uniform.
Q, once again, please share your enthusiasm for tomorrow's match and ask the fans and supporters for their support.
A, since it's a home game, I want to win solidly and approach the remaining games with good momentum. I always say this, but I want to approach it with more than usual feelings.
