＜Match Preview＞
FC Tokyo defeated Kyoto 2-0 at the Japan National Stadium and won the away game against Kashima 1-0 in the previous round. They have achieved two consecutive wins in the league and climbed to 6th place in the standings. Shuto ABE, who scored the crucial winning goal in the Kashima match, expressed his gratitude to the Tokyo fans and supporters who fought alongside the players, saying, "It was reassuring to see the away section filled with fans. I was happy to share the joy with the fans and supporters."
This season, there are only 4 matches left. While Kashif BANGNAGANDE says, "I will fight with the intention of every match being a final," Seiji KIMURA says, "It is important to stick to our own style." Their attitude of seeking both the quality of play and the results will not change until the end.
This round, we will welcome Shonan at home. Although they are currently struggling in 15th place, their last three matches have all ended in a draw. They have been accumulating points tenaciously towards remaining in the league, so it won't be an easy match.
Bangnagande says about the previous match against Shonan, "We lost because the intensity of our play dropped, so we must not lose there again." In order to demonstrate the progress of this season, we will directly challenge Shonan's style and achieve three consecutive wins in the league.
Matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, is the football that Tokyo is currently expressing what the coach envisioned?
A, of course, what I always envision is to possess the ball and dominate the game. The first thing I felt when I came to Tokyo was that the team's mentality was a bit difficult, as if they were in a tough situation. As a team, we were still ingrained with a linear play towards the goal, and we had players who were like that. At first, it was also difficult to connect three passes. We were losing all the balls we took away too easily. Initially, we fought by attacking the back while holding the ball and not suppressing the individual characteristics of the players. And we accumulated points.
However, as it became a transitional period to hold the ball more as the next phase of the new style, there were times when the players became confused and dropped points. However, since we accumulated points at the beginning of the season and then entered a period of confusion, we were able to proceed with the season a little more calmly. However, I think that after people around us had expectations because we accumulated points at the beginning, a little disappointment came afterwards, but that's not true. In my mind, that is natural and I can say that it has been progressing smoothly in the process. I think the team can see it in training and in matches, but the level of expression has become higher. I think it is a team that needs to regain motivation and ambition from the mental collapse of last season, and I feel that it is gradually being regained.
The Tokyo style that we are currently expressing needs to be gradually built up and further refined while moving the ball. It is about dominating the game. This season, we have established a foundation for the team. Our goal is to control the game while maintaining possession of the ball and play aggressively. The foundation includes making quick moves into space and also being able to switch to fast attacks while in possession of the ball. In the upcoming season, we must attack in a manner that suits our style. The most valued aspect of this season for the team is that the players gave their all in 99% of the matches. I believe that no one can criticize that.
Q: This will be the fourth match against Shonan this season. How do you feel about it?
A, I think this will probably be the most difficult match out of the four matches from here. Shonan is fighting to avoid relegation. And they are a good team, and we lost away. They can change the way they play according to the situation. And the players understand what the coach is asking for. Tokyo players are in a calm zone when looking at the rankings. However, they need to express their ambition on the pitch from that state.
Q, Shonan has only lost to Yokohama FM since September. What do you think?
A, it will be a very difficult match, so we need the support of the fans and supporters. The team had a good practice this week, so we hope to have a good game.
[Player Interview]
＜Diego OLIVEIRA
Q: The last four matches have come to an end. How do you reflect on your performance up until now?
With only 4 games left, everyone on the team understands that the next match against Shonan Bellmare is extremely important. We believe that if we don't fight each game seriously, there won't be a future for ourselves. So first, we want to prepare well for the Shonan match and have a good fight.Regarding my performance this season, I injured my foot during training camp, so even when I was able to play in matches, I had to endure the pain in my foot and it was a difficult season. I don't know if I was able to play better than last year. However, I think I was able to do what I could for the team, like running for the team.
Q: Did your playing style change at all due to the change in coach from last season?
A, of course, as a professional player, I understand that the way of doing things differs depending on the coach.However, in terms of this season, while aiming for a soccer that surpasses the opponent in terms of possessing the ball for a longer time and in terms of technique, there were many scenes where it was difficult or didn't go well at the beginning of the season, but as we continue to play games, we are gradually adapting and I think we are able to love the ball and play with it firmly.So I think that we are able to play soccer that satisfies not only the staff but also the fans and supporters, because the players are satisfied.
Q: As the vice captain this season, have you noticed any changes in how you interact with your teammates compared to before?
First of all, I am happy to be chosen as the vice captain, as I believe it is a recognition of my past actions and performance over the past few years.I don't think my approach will change just because I became the vice captain this year, as I believe I was chosen based on my previous behavior. If there is a need for communication on the field, I will communicate as before and continue to act as I have been.In that regard, in the previous match against Kashima Antlers, Seiji KIMURA was selected as a starter. I knew that he is a player with quality and if he can express that on the pitch, he will contribute to our victory. I had a little chat with him before the game to help him play more calmly, and he entered the game in a good state and helped the team to win. In that sense, I think such communication was important.
Q, what kind of encouragement did you give?
As I mentioned earlier, I gave the instruction to "play calmly". Since we always practice together and the entire team recognizes his abilities, I told him to enter the pitch calmly and demonstrate that. Also, I encouraged everyone to run for the full 90 minutes and strive for a victory in the end.
Q, does player also feel that "the team is still in the process of being built this season and will get better in the future" as coach Albert Puig always says?
A, the soccer I have been playing up until now and the soccer I am aiming for this year are significantly different, so this year has been a year of change.In that sense, I think it was very difficult. However, the coach has been saying since the camp, "I want to play this kind of soccer," and I think the players themselves have been adapting well and growing with each game, and they have become able to win against strong opponents while growing. Also, whether it's at home or away, I think we have shown the attitude of fighting firmly by keeping possession of the ball. Even in the matches we lost, I think we showed the attitude of not giving up and trying to keep possession of the ball, so when I look back on this season as a whole, it was a difficult year, but I think it was a year that we were able to overcome while adapting. I am convinced that it has definitely led to next year.
Q: This season, with the gradual lifting of the ban on vocal support, the voices of fans and supporters in the stands can be heard. Does it still feel different?
I believe that the cheers of the fans and supporters are a great source of strength. Even if we are pushed into a difficult situation during the game, the support of the fans and supporters can transform into our own energy and help us overcome many matches. Therefore, the act of cheering and supporting from the fans and supporters is indeed a tremendous force. I think that all the remaining matches of this season will be filled with vocal support, and I would be happy if cheering is allowed in all matches from now on.
Masato MORISHIGE
Q: How was the match against Kashima without player Morishige?
As we continue to play more games, we have been able to improve the precision of what we should do as a team. In this process, I believe we had a good game where we were able to express clearly the kind of battle we wanted to have, rather than focusing on the opponent.
Q, I think there are parts where you have an understanding of how to play against Shonan in the Levain Cup, but what kind of image do you have?
A, there is a challenge in how we can break down the opponent in front of the goal while the opponent is pulling the block, so I think the opponent will also defend persistently, but we want to play while enjoying how to score.
Q: How is the team situation in the second half?
A, as we struggled in the first half, things we need to do have become clearer and improved. I hope that as we continue to play games and repeat trial and error, the team's level will also rise.
Q, the movement of the players around when the defense line has the ball also seems to have improved.
A, we are able to share the image of the build-up and the coordination with the midfield as well as the defense line, so I think we are able to smoothly move the ball and switch to attack for the entire team.
Q, what do you need to do to establish a newer style among them?
I think it is important for individuals to show their characteristics among the things that the team should do. I think there are limits to just doing what the team should do, so I think it is important to make a difference individually.
Q: How do you plan to approach the remaining 4 matches of this season?
A, we must do what we need to do to level up. Rather than focusing on our ranking, we want to strive to improve the team's overall completion.
Q, I think we are in a position to aim for the ACL as well.
If we keep winning, I think it will naturally become visible, so I want to play well with good motivation.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the long-awaited match at Ajinomoto Stadium.
A, I want to do my best to win in front of the fans and supporters at home Ajinomoto Stadium, as we often have good performances in the second half of the season.
