[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q: Happy New Year! At yesterday's new system announcement, you mentioned the aspect of humanity that you expect from the players. Can you please tell us more about it?
A, As for soccer teams, both companies and organizations, it is important to express the value that each individual has. As a coach, I want each player to give everything they have for the team. It is my job to bring that out. If each individual does not give their all, the team's performance will naturally decline. So if it is a workplace where each individual can go with joy, for example, in our case, if the atmosphere in the locker room or the atmosphere of today's practice is better, the players will naturally be encouraged to express themselves. That is why it is important for me to first bring out everything from each individual. In order to give our all, I think it is necessary for the organization to have a good atmosphere. I think this applies not only to soccer teams, but to all organizations. I also told the players the same thing. There are two points that cannot be compromised, I told the players. One is to "be a good person" and the other is to "love the ball". I told the players that. Everyone makes mistakes, and I make mistakes too. But these two things are non-negotiable.
Q, Last season was a start from 0, so we started from the very basics. What do you want to achieve and how far do you want to go in this first training camp?
A, for this pre-season, we want to dig deep from the start. Today's training is for the fans and supporters, and tomorrow, after traveling, it will be a light training to loosen up our bodies. But from the day after that, we want to start a thorough and in-depth training. The first training on Tuesday morning the day after tomorrow will be like a continuation of the training at the end of last season, and we want the players to participate with that in mind. We also want to ask all the staff to continue from last season.
Q, Can we hear the coach's opinion on Matsuki's performance throughout last season?
A, I think there were two phases for Nagoya Grampus last season. As for the first half, of course, he showed his bold play and ambition on the pitch, which was highly valued. However, there were many tactical and technical mistakes. On the other hand, I think he proved to be a more mature player in the second half of the season. The mistakes I mentioned earlier gradually decreased. However, in the away game against Nagoya Grampus at the end of the season, he made some childish mistakes, which led to conceding a goal and contributing to the defeat. However, he is only 19 years old, so I think it is natural for him to make mistakes because he is still young. He still needs time. He is not only an important player for us, but also an important player for Japan, and I believe he will become an even more important player in the future. There is still room for growth and he must continue to grow. Therefore, he needs time.
Q, I was the only rookie who played an active role. What was the difference between me and the other rookies who didn't get a chance to play?
A, I think the biggest strength of Kusei is his mental toughness. Even though the World Cup has just ended, the players who perform well in such a tournament are only those who are mentally strong. That is the difference between him and other young players.
Q, Once again, please tell us about the style of soccer the coach aims for and how well it was achieved last season.
A, I think my style is very simple. It is to attack and defend with the ball. Always with the ball. That is my style. There are various styles in soccer. For example, there is a style of giving the ball to the opponent and aiming for a counterattack with the space in front of you. However, Japan is a country with top economic power in the world. That is why I think Japan has the potential to aim for soccer that can be the main character in the game, even in the subject of Japan. Which style can win the game is a different story. However, we carry the name of Tokyo. That is why I think we are destined to aim for victory with a style that can be the main character in the game. Even in the end of the season, in the game against Nagoya Grampus, we went to win with our style and dominated the game but could not win. Even in the final match, against Kawasaki Frontale at home, I think we dominated the game but could not win. We cannot control the game result. We can choose how to aim for victory, and we must aim for victory with a style that can be the main character in the game. That is the style we aim for. There is still a long way to go to improve the completeness of the team.
I think it was a year in which we achieved about 60% completion in terms of the level of completion of last season. We need to continue to grow from here and improve the team's completion level along with the addition of new players and the performance and growth of young players. And as a medium to long-term goal, what I think this club should have is not just winning titles, but constantly competing at the top and maintaining the potential to be involved in the title race. I hope that we can grow into a club that always has the potential to be in the top three teams in a way that is suitable for Tokyo. However, this project is only in its second season. I am not foolish enough to set big goals that put pressure on myself like a boomerang and set goals that seem impossible to achieve deep down in my heart. On the other hand, in J1, if we are the number one or number two club in terms of management scale, I think we are destined to compete for titles right away, but our club has not yet reached that scale.
MIXI joined the club and we started this project from last season with the hope that the club will grow and become a top-level club in this country. We still have a long way to go. I have commented many times last season, but I think Japan is a mysterious country. This is because when the season starts, all teams set their goal to win the league. In La Liga, clubs with not so big management scale, such as Real Betis, rarely declare winning the league as their club goal at the beginning of the season. However, I think it is natural for clubs that are not necessarily large in scale to set a goal to grow towards that. What I am saying now is not that we do not aim for victory in the upcoming match, but that we always give our best and aim for victory in the upcoming match with the best performance. We will continue to strive for that.
Q, How did you see Spain in the World Cup?
A, For example, does Japan surpass Germany in terms of potential? From my perspective, I think the German national team is far superior to the Japanese national team. However, in a single game of soccer, there is the wonderful aspect of this sport where there is a possibility for both teams to win in a single tournament. In a single game of the World Cup, it would be a mistake to interpret that the Japanese national team has surpassed Germany the moment they win against the German national team. In a single tournament, various game results can occur. The Spanish national team, as a team with great potential, also challenged the World Cup this time, but like several other countries, they were unable to achieve the expected results. However, we must not forget that Spain also lost in a penalty shootout. Saudi Arabia also achieved victory against Argentina. Does this mean that Saudi Arabia can be interpreted as being superior to Argentina, who won the World Cup? Absolutely not.
Cup competitions, including the World Cup, have various elements that can sometimes affect the outcome of a match, including luck, and determine the winner. I think the victory of Ventforet Kofu in last season's Emperor's Cup is still fresh in our memories. There is a big difference between long-term league competitions and cup competitions. That's why I believe that the long-term league competition is the tournament that properly evaluates the abilities of each team and club. However, as a recent trend in the soccer world, I think there is a balance in the strength of national teams. Last year's J1 was also a battle where the level was balanced.Yokohama F.Marinos also had the potential and were lucky enough to win in the end, which I think is proof of the balanced league. And while it is unbelievable for Shimizu S-Pulse to be relegated based on their potential, I think that is possible in this balanced league.
Q, As a coach, how do you feel as a coach, as a leader, and as a father when you hear those words, knowing that you are well aware that you are not spreading out the big futon of Albert's coach, not aiming for the championship, but Kuryu Matsuki player, for example, mentions the triple crown, and the new players who have come to Tokyo say they want to win the championship in Tokyo?
A, if they didn't have the desire to win the title, I would want to tell them to go home and sleep (laughs). They must have that desire. However, as a realist, I am in a position where I must speak as a coach in an appropriate manner. As I said yesterday, I believe that setting unrealistic expectations and goals will only lead to frustration. That's why, as a coach, my goal is to aim for a victory in the next game, and if we look at this season in a longer span, the goal will be to express better play in every game than last season. The world of football is very simple. If you keep losing games, you have to leave this club, that's the norm in this football world. As a coach, I am in a position where I must face reality and speak as a realist.
Q, Although there was an announcement at yesterday's new system presentation, what are your thoughts on this year's reinforcement, considering the ideal and reality of the coach?
A, I am very satisfied with the new players who have joined this time. Of course, if there were more reinforcements, it would have been a plus for the club. Our path is to gradually increase investment and gradually grow.
Q, I heard that Nakagawa will participate in today's coverage. How do you feel about Nakagawa?
A, he is an experienced and mature player after all. His position is a special one, and both he and I are aware of that. What we expect from him is clear. I sincerely hope that he will continue to demonstrate the abilities he has shown in recent years, together with our uniform.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Masato Morishige＞
Q, what are your thoughts on the team's overall practice starting?
A, I would like the new members such as young players and experienced players to quickly adapt to the team and have a sense of being a part of the team, and to do their best for the team. I think there will be even more competition this year compared to last year, so if each individual can win in that competition, I believe the team's level will rise and the team will become stronger. I would like to make it a year like that.
Q, In the second year under coach Albert's leadership, what do you plan to build upon from last season's play?
A, I think there is only one way to improve the quality one by one. After that, I want to do it firmly by repeating trial and error, and by gaining experience in this soccer and in this team.
Q, What did you think when you heard that you will be the captain again this year?
By being the captain, I also have good pressure and I think it's helping me grow because I can see things from a different perspective. I still have to keep thinking, but I enjoyed doing it last year, so I think this year will be a team with a lot of challenges.
Q, Last year was a difficult year, but based on that, please tell us what kind of results you are aiming for this year.
A, we must always aim for the title, and as a team from Tokyo, we must not only aim to be the best in Japan, but also in Asia. That is our role and responsibility.
Q, Please tell me your personal goals.
A, I think it's important for me to go through the whole year without getting injured while thinking slowly at the camp. For that purpose, I think it's important to take care of myself and spend as much time as possible for soccer every day.I think it will come back to me how much I can spend for soccer. Of course, I think there will be times when things don't go well, but I want to create a condition where I can play in the game throughout the year by spending a fulfilling day.
Q, What is your plan for leading this team, which has many young players?
A, I think our options are limited, but I believe the best thing we can do is to give them a good experience, so we still want to aim for the championship and compete for it. In doing so, there are things that will become visible, and if we can give them that experience at a young age, it will be a great asset for Tokyo in the future. Of course, we are not the ones who can give it to them, so we want to work together to achieve it.
Q, Last season was the first year of changing the style, so there was a certain aspect of focusing on the content rather than the results. This season, we have come to the point where we have to score points, win and become champions, but is it easier to play in a situation where we can't make excuses?
A, last season we were not taking a lenient stance just because it was a new stance, and we were always aiming for victory. I think the way the coach communicates with the outside and inside changes, and we have always been trying to balance the pressure and the style of soccer the coach wants. It's about how well we can express that at a high level and turn it into results. We learned last season that if we don't demand more from ourselves at a higher level, we won't get results. So I think we need to fight for victory in each and every match with all our might.
Q, The triangle of Masato MORISHIGE, Yasuki KIMOTO, and Keigo HIGASHI, combined with the strong inside half, has become quite solid with 5 players in the center. As a confident area, what parts do you think need to be strengthened in order to win more?
A, Until now, there haven't been many players who can score a lot of points, especially as Japanese players. In that sense, I think it's necessary for players like Nakagawa, who can score as a Japanese player, to emerge. Last season, it seemed like Matsuki became the center of the team, and it would be ideal for one or two young players to come out and bring energy to the team. That's why I think it's necessary to have players like that.
Q, There was a period last season when the team couldn't win when player Morishige was absent due to injury. I have a strong impression that the quality of the team's formation was significantly different when Morishige was on the field compared to when he was not. What specific qualities do you want to see from your teammates and what aspects of the formation do you want to focus on in order to improve the team's performance?
A, Last season, there were parts where we were feeling our way through, but as we made adjustments, around the second half, we finally understood "this is how it should be" and I think the number of times everyone was struggling decreased. After that, it's about how much we can improve the quality, whether it's with one final pass or minimizing mistakes in those areas. That's the most difficult and important part of this soccer, being able to do the basics at a high level. I think that's the secret to winning in this sport.
Q, Is there anything you learned from the World Cup matches?
A, it is most important to have individual ability. No matter how much you do as an organization, in the end it comes down to whether the individual is superior or inferior, so I think if each individual can win against the opponent in their position, the whole team will inevitably win. Watching the World Cup, I realized once again that it's all about the individual.
Q, There was a word "title" from Morishige's mouth just now, but the players who appeared at the new system announcement also said the same thing. From Morishige, who has won the title and experienced the championship battle, do you feel that the members of this season and the soccer they are trying to do have the conditions to aim for the title? A, I feel that it is more important to be able to deal with accidents as a team and overcome them throughout the year, rather than how I feel now, as many things have happened in the middle of the season despite having a sense of accomplishment many times in the past. It is important for the team to have a sense of unity and to have ideas or team management that can solve problems when something happens.
Q, Earlier, the name of Nakagawa player was mentioned, and I think it's a big deal that a player who has experienced winning the league has joined us. What aspects do you want to convey and return? A, I don't think everything will go well just because one person like that has joined. We also listen to various stories, and there are always hints in them, so I think it's about how we can make use of those hints in this team. Even if we do the exact same thing, the results will be different, so I want to think about how we can make use of those hints in this team.
＜Player Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q, After finishing the first full practice, do you have any enthusiasm or feelings?
A, We have the feeling that the second season is about to begin, and we want to aim for a higher ranking than last year, with the support of our fans and supporters.
Q, What kind of play do you want to add this season? Please let us know if there is anything you want to strengthen compared to last year.
A, I still want to make a lot of plays involving goals and assists. I want to become a more attacking midfielder or shadow so I can jump into the goal more.
Q, What did you do during the off-season and how much did you move around?
After the activities of the Japan national team by age group ended, I spent about 1-2 weeks with my family. From there, I switched to this year and have been focusing on strength training and agility.
Q, did you talk about wanting to be involved in scoring? Do you have any specific numbers in mind?
A, there are no numbers. I think it's a good player who contributes to the team rather than individual performance, so I hope it leads to my own score.
Q, Please tell us the reason for the change of your jersey number, whether it was your own wish or if there was a discussion with the club.
Player A, Mita, transferred to Yokohama FC and I also wanted to wear the number 7, so I contacted Mita. Mita also said "I want you to wear it", so I confidently talked to the club and was able to wear the number 7.
Q, what are your thoughts on playing with the number 7 this season?
A, As the number 7 in Tokyo, I hope to create my own number 7 without playing in shame to the great seniors who have worn this number before me.
Q, do you think there are parts where you can relax in a good way in your second season, and how do you feel about the opening of the season?
In my second year, I experienced a difficult year in high school, so I want to approach the camp with a more intense condition and mindset than the new players.
Q, Araki said, "I want to be active like Matsuki in my first year," but do you have any awareness when a junior comes in?
A, I think I have to be a good example. I think my juniors will also compete in the camp to play in the game, so I want to do more than that, so I don't lose to them.
Q, I think you watched the World Cup, but is Matsuki's main goal to become a regular member of the Japan national team or to win the World Cup?
A, it's not a World Cup victory. I think everyone would say that.
Q, please tell me the reason.
A, I don't think there is a team that doesn't aim for victory when representing Japan.
Q, Did you feel anything when you watched the World Cup?
A, My teammate Yuto NAGATOMO was playing and I felt a closer connection, and I also want to play like NAGATOMO on the big stage and achieve results.
Q, Last season, I think we were able to dominate the ball quite well towards the end as a team. What specific things do you want to do as a team to aim for the league championship this season?
A, I think we need to try different combinations during the camp for the scoring part, as we have acquired offensive players. We also conceded a lot of goals, so we want to play a possession-based football where we don't concede and score more goals.
Q, Is it fair to say that without taking risks in defense and attack, points will not increase even if there is a risk of conceding?
A, yes. I think it's necessary to have communication with the front line players, so I hope we can deepen that at the camp.
Q, do you want to emphasize more on the attacking aspect as an inside half and get involved in scoring goals?
A, I think that the inside half is also an attacking player, so they have to be involved in scoring. I think that I am the most passionate in the midst of competition, so I hope I can leave results there.
Q, What were the difficult aspects of your second year?
When I was a second year high school student, I realized that I had to lead the team while also being able to relax. I have experienced that, so I think I have a sense of calmness and a sense of intensity that is also my own characteristic. It's not about sticking to it, but I think you have to be greedy and go towards the goal.
Q, Please tell us what kind of year you want to have as a new adult.
A, yes, it's becoming an adult. I will become an adult in April, but I want to make it a more adult-like year by climbing one more step of the adult ladder. I want to show that I'm not a child anymore. I also have juniors now, so I think I need to teach them various things.
Q, Do you have a desire to lead the team more after playing as a key player for one year?
A, yes. Since the senior members who have been pulling us along have gone to different clubs, I am also an experienced player and I hope to lead the team.
＜Teruhito NAKAGAWA player＞
Q, How was the first full practice at the Shin-taisei announcement and the Koda Grand? Please share your thoughts as a member of Tokyo.
A, there are still many things that I can't grasp. I've been busy with moving and today is my first time coming to the clubhouse, so there are parts that I don't know where things are. The condition of the turf, and having facilities like this, are parts that make me feel happy. In my previous team, we didn't have such an environment, so I feel happy about it.
Q: Please tell us about the image you had of Tokyo from previous matches.
A, what I felt when I played was the intensity of the ball. Since coach Albert came, I have had the impression of entering the game while being conscious of holding the ball and connecting from the back.
Q, What specific image do you have in mind for the type of play that is expected of you when you join the team?
When I was with Marinos, I thought that the style was similar to Tokyo's style. In terms of possession, it's the same, but the way of doing it is still something I have to incorporate myself, so I have to get used to it. I think it's from now on. I hope I can add my strengths to it.
Q, I heard that you are quite laid back. I also heard that you have a lot of routines before the game, how many are there?
A, is it countless? But, I think there are more than 20 things to do, so it's quite a lot. In addition, I am a person who goes at my own pace, so I always end up running out of time. However, I think it's both a good and bad thing that I have as a soccer player, so I hope I can continue to do it without wavering. If someone tells me something, I will improve (laughs).
Q, will it be just the right balance when it is arranged with such one by one?
A, as an image, that's how it feels. There are times when I worry if I don't do what I need to do and prepare properly before warming up or entering a match. That's why I try to do the same things every game.
Q, Do you feel that your routine affects your performance?
A, of course. I think that playing is one of the things that happens after that, so I want to continue doing it as part of my soccer life.
Q, How do you feel about your physical condition heading into this season, considering you were able to play throughout last season without any long absences?
A, I was able to score points in the opening game and the second round of last season, so the start was good. However, to be honest, I was involved in the game while injured after the second round, although it has not been officially announced. As things settled down, my condition and the quality of my play gradually improved around summer, so I think if I can maintain that and gain more strength this season, I can achieve good results.
Q: I think that for Nakagawa, who is like the face of Marinos, he made the decision to transfer from a comfortable place with a strong determination. Please tell us your enthusiasm.
A, Marinos' era has ended, or rather, it was a good ending. With the milestone of my age, I wanted to take on a new challenge, and when Tokyo approached me with their future vision and their thoughts for this season, I thought I would also take on the challenge. It is also a challenge for me to see how much I can achieve in Tokyo, and there is also a mission to achieve results. At the end of this season, I will see what results I have achieved and what results the team has achieved, and I will know how much I have contributed. I am putting pressure on myself in that sense. Or rather, I have been doing it until now.
Q, What was the most impactful word during the discussion?
A, I can't say much, but he told me that he needed my help and his enthusiasm came across.
Q, What do you think is important for the winning team?
A, what I felt through my two experiences is that the "sense of family" is extremely important. I also mentioned at yesterday's new system announcement that the "sense of family" is highly valued. I believe that the key to winning is for the team to become one, and it is natural for someone to help when someone is struggling during a game. By thinking of ourselves as a family, I believe that these small things can add up to make a strong team. I came here to aim for a strong team, so I want to make it into that kind of team.
Q, Do you want to point out if there is something you need to be aware of (in order to become a strong team), or do you want to lead by example through your play and actions? Which one is it?
There is no captaincy, so I hope to demonstrate through my play and attitude during practice.
Q, Have you experienced any changes after winning the championship?
The feeling of accomplishment when winning is indescribable, as we have endured difficult times and sacrificed our freedom to play football. I hope everyone in Tokyo can experience it.
Q, Did you say you came to the ground for the first time today? Do you know anyone here?
A, there are almost none. I think it's about Yasuki KIMOTO, who I played with a little bit in college.
Q, How will you expand the circle?
A, I'm thinking of doing it at my own pace (laughs). I don't usually go to talk to people, so if you come to talk to me, I'm the type to talk, so I'm happy if you come to talk to me more and more. I'm also 30 years old and everyone around me is young, so it's hard for me to go talk to them... (laughs).
Q, Did you have the opportunity to talk with the coach at the new system announcement and today's practice?
A, it's just about contacting once.
Q, What was the content?
A message in English was sent to me on LINE, so I don't really understand it (lol).
Q, What do you think is being asked of Nakagawa by the club and coach?
A, from now on, I think we will be asked for more clarity, but what the coach said to me on the field earlier was to freely attack in the attacking zone and create chances for goals and assists. I have to express what the coach is asking for, and I want to play in a way that satisfies the coach.
