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The 30th season of the J-League begins. Yokohama F.Marinos welcomes Teruhito NAKAGAWA from Sagan Tosu, Kei KOIZUMI from Fagiano Okayama, Shuhei TOKUMOTO from Brazil's Chapecoense, and PEROTTI. In addition, two college graduates and five high school graduates rookies have also joined. In the second year of the Albert PUIG ORTONEDA era, they have been working on continuing and evolving their positional play, where they possess the ball themselves, since last season.
The theme is to break through the opponent's defense in the attacking third and create a path to the goal. In the preseason, we have been trying out new attacking patterns that utilize the spaces on both sides of the penalty area to connect to shots. The coach feels a sense of accomplishment, saying that the team is progressing smoothly in a positive direction.
For Tokyo, Diego Oliveira's energetic presence is even more reassuring. Last season, he was troubled by hip pain, but now he shows a smile, saying, "I can practice and play without any pain." Not only the fans and supporters, but also himself, are looking forward to the complete comeback of the ace, who possesses overwhelming power and speed. He is eagerly awaiting the opening game, saying, "I think everyone knows that the previous Diego will come back."
Among the new recruits, Nakagawa and Koizumi quickly fit into the team and have shown a strong presence. In addition, the expectations for young players, led by second-year player Matsuki Kuryu, are higher than ever before. High school rookies such as Naoki Kumata, Kota Tawaratsumida, and Yuta Arai have continued to make strong appeals during the preseason period and have shown a proactive attitude in trying to absorb as much as possible from their seniors. It will be important for them to threaten the positions of the key players in order to compete in the long season.
As expectations rise, they face the opening match against Urawa Reds. Urawa has appointed Maciej Skorza as the coach, who has won the league title four times in the Polish league from this season. Shunsuke Kikuchi returns from Sapporo, and they have acquired Marius Hoibraten, a Norwegian defender. The new coach aims for a more aggressive style with a focus on moving the center of gravity forward compared to last season, so it will be important for Tokyo to be able to possess the ball and take the initiative.
Manager Albert says, "We want to continue our style and fight with determination." Captain Masato Morishige, who is entering his 18th year as a professional, also says, "Our biggest enemy is ourselves." First and foremost, our attitude of sticking to our style will not change this season. Tokyo will kick off a match that will show what kind of soccer they will play on the pitch in this memorial season.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q: It has been 6 weeks since the start date. How do you assess the team's situation?
A, we were able to spend the preseason in good shape. Of course, in soccer, even if you have a good feeling, you can lose the game. However, the feeling is important. However, because games involve various elements, each game is a different world. The team is currently growing in good shape. The new players have quickly integrated into the team, and the new young players have contributed to maintaining the balanced strength within the team by getting involved in the competition for positions in good shape. Of course, it is still a challenging journey to further improve the completeness. As I have mentioned before, what I want to aim for this season is to firmly connect the accumulation of last season to victory. I want to establish FC Tokyo's unique style and connect it to victory. Instead of imitating the style of other clubs, I want to establish Tokyo's unique style. And I want to pursue it while being aware that the ball is the protagonist.
Q: I think we were able to play the game aggressively, advancing with our own style of soccer, regardless of the opponent, during the practice matches at the training camp.
A, we aim to level up the attacking aspect more than last season. Of course, we want the team to be able to push the opponent, but we also expect them to connect short passes to break through and make through passes to players who have moved behind the defense. We also want the team to be good at high pressing and to use quick transitions between offense and defense after winning the ball as a weapon. Of course, we want to have high ball possession and create numerical advantages near the ball holder. However, we also want to make runs into space, not just at our feet. What I mean is that we want to further improve various elements and establish Tokyo's unique style.
Q: Who are you expecting among the players?
A, this season, the good part for the team is that the level of the players is evenly matched, making it difficult to prioritize.
Q: Are players strongly encouraged to prioritize winning the upcoming match, and is it because they want them to have a strong desire to win?
A, it is assumed that we want to focus on each game. However, I do not possess the magic to instantly change the team in 24 hours in order to achieve that. This club has also accumulated a history of over 20 years. Even within this long history, we have not achieved a league championship. In order to aim for that, we have a sense that we are walking the right path. The reason why we want to focus on winning each game is because if I were to mention aiming for a league championship in the way that everyone expects, and then we lose two consecutive games in the opening match and the second match, it would easily make people nervous and create a risk of saying, "What does these two consecutive losses mean when you said you were aiming for a championship?" On the other hand, if we grow into a club of a management scale that can enter the top three and reinforce the team with five or six players who can play as starters, then we will have over 40,000 fans and supporters filling the stadium at every home game. Also, when everyone living in Tokyo becomes aware that Tokyo is our club, I think we will be in a position to declare our goal of winning titles. However, not everything I just said exists in reality. If the current situation is not yet in place, I believe that we should take one step forward at a time.
Q, What is your evaluation of player Kashif BANGNAGANDE?
A, his continuous growth is remarkable. I think the element that a player must have is learning ability. I think no one can predict how much a player with learning ability like him will grow. He needs to grow more and still has room for improvement. I think he is a player who is expected to grow more. Nakamura is also the same. He has grown dramatically in one year.
Q, how do you feel about the opening?
A, I feel very confident towards the opening. I have confidence that my team can play with a strong determination to win against any opponent. However, the J1 League is a very competitive league. I think it is impossible to predict what the outcome will be, but I can definitely feel the players' confidence.
[Player Interview]
＜Diego OLIVEIRA
Q: Approaching the opening match of this season in Tokyo, which marks my 6th year with the team. Please share your current state of mind.
A, this is the 6th year of the season, but every team is thinking about a "good start dash" at this time of the year, and this opening match is at home, and the opponent is Urawa Reds, so I think the stadium will also have a wonderful atmosphere. We want to do what we can and start in a good shape.
Q, is it a feeling of excitement before the opening, or is there any anxiety?
Every game is important, and it is natural for us to be highly motivated towards them. However, the opening game is even more exciting. As I mentioned earlier, our opponent this time is very tough, so we need to stay focused and not lose concentration. I want to tighten our spirits and stay determined.
Q: "The coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA said, 'I feel like we have been able to prepare smoothly from the camp this season.' How do you feel about the current condition?"
A, this season is the second year of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, so the players also understand the style that the coach aims for. In that regard, I think there are advantages to starting in various aspects, and we have been training with high intensity, including the camp, so I think we can start the opening match in a good shape. Personally, last season I had many periods where I couldn't play my usual game due to injuries, but now I have no pain and I am in a very good condition. However, considering it is the opening match, I want to approach it with a firm mindset.
Q: I've heard that new players like Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Kei KOIZUMI have already fit in well with the team. From Diego's perspective, do you have high expectations for the new recruits?
A, I think this year's new recruits are also very wonderful and reliable players. In addition to the two mentioned, there are also young players and players promoted from U-18, so they are very high-quality players who will be a plus for the team. Perotti has also joined, and Nakagawa and Koizumi are players with a track record in the J-League, so I think they will be a plus for the team. It has only been a few months since we played together in Tokyo, but I feel that they are able to demonstrate their abilities and are fitting into the team, including their combinations. I think they will be a big plus for us. The other new recruits also have strength, so I feel that the team's overall strength has been raised.
Q: Please tell us your goal for this season.
I want to have a great season throughout the year. Of course, I have the desire to win the title, but I believe it is important to fight each game in front of me and achieve good results. The opening match against Urawa will be tough, so I am thinking of preparing for that first. I hope that by winning each game, we will ultimately achieve good results. I aim to win the title, but first, I want to value each game.
Q, in the final match of the 2019 season and the Levain Cup final of the 2020 season, Tokyo did not have Diego on the pitch. I believe that the fans and supporters want to win the title with Diego. Including such expectations, I would like to ask the fans and supporters for a message.
A, I have been in Tokyo for a long time, but since I came here, I have been warmly welcomed by the fans, supporters, team members, and various other people. I would like to express my gratitude once again. I was unable to play in those two matches due to injury, which was very disappointing. However, injuries are a part of football, and I think it's unavoidable that I couldn't play in that match. The fans and supporters are a source of strength for us, and their support brings out the desire to "run" and "win" for all of you, so I want to fight together with the fans and supporters this season as well. Once again, thank you for supporting us so far. From now on, I hope you will continue to support us as you have done before, and we also want to give you more strength, and together with you, achieve the team's goals for ourselves. So, please continue to support us this season as well.
Q: The opening match will allow vocal support, and Ajinomoto Stadium, which has been without cheering for a long time, will be back. In that sense, are there high expectations for the fans and supporters?
I'm very excited to be able to experience that atmosphere again after a long time. Even during the pandemic, many fans and supporters came to the stadium, but due to the regulations, they couldn't cheer out loud. However, this time I think we can shout out loud, so I believe we will receive even more energy than before. We know that the Urawa game will be a tough match, but we are focusing and putting our emotions into the game, and we believe that many people will come to support us. Of course, we are the ones fighting on the pitch, but we will do our best to fight together with the fans and supporters and achieve good results. We still have a few more days of tough training, so we will do our best to achieve good results.
Q, will you show us "the strongest Diego" again this year?
A, of course, I hope to have a good season every season, and I do it with such feelings. There are times when I can score goals and make good plays, and there are times when I can't. However, I will not forget what I can do for myself and "for the team" in that situation. I have been doing it like this so far, and I want to continue doing it in the future. Last season was a very tough season for me, including injuries, so I want to approach this year's season in a good way.
＜Player Keigo HIGASHI＞
Q, how do you feel on the eve of the J-League opening?
A, every season, I feel that the time from the start of the camp to the opening passes quickly. I'm really looking forward to the long season starting from tomorrow. I think there are many aspects that can change depending on ourselves.
Q, all players say they feel a sense of accomplishment.
First of all, you need to have confidence and confidence is necessary to win. However, I think many things will happen during the long season. There may be injured players and the impact of the coronavirus, but I think there will be a good view beyond such situations, so I think tomorrow's game will be important and I want to win each game one by one.
Q: Where do you feel the sense of accomplishment?
With the appointment of Albert PUIG ORTONEDA as coach, it is clear that we are able to challenge ourselves in soccer and take the initiative. There is a sense of accomplishment in that. However, no matter what tactics we use, I believe that attention to detail will determine the outcome of the game. I think this season is important in terms of whether we can focus on those details.
Q, speaking of attention to detail, I think it's about scoring goals, and I heard that you have been focusing on it in practice as well.
A, it is necessary to win. However, I think there are times when it cannot be opened depending on the game. At that time, I think it is important to somehow defend and gain 1 point, as it is a detail to accumulate points and aim higher. I think it is necessary to challenge there as well.
Q: Do you have any thoughts on the upcoming season, which will be significantly different from last season's opening?
A, I have been playing as an anchor since last season, and there are still challenges and anxieties. In the midst of that, I have to practice and gain the confidence to believe that I can do it and face the game. I think it's something that needs to be repeated every day. In that sense, I want to play with confidence because I was able to prepare well from the camp.
Q: Please share your thoughts on the opening match.
I think they are the opponents we have to beat. Of course, I have some weaknesses, but we have to win against such opponents. I am very excited and anxious, but I hope we can have a good game and make the J-League more exciting.
Q, what is your impression of Urawa?
A, it is difficult because I have not seen the game or the players' play, and I do not have information about the team, but I think the members have not changed much from last season. The coach has changed, and I think the required parts are different, but I hope to adjust while playing. Since I cannot watch the game footage at the opening, I think it is important to get into the game.
Q: How is the newly joined player Teruhito NAKAGAWA?
A, he is an experienced player, so I think he understands how we play. In that regard, I think there will be accents that were not present last season, so while we already have good players, I think I can support from behind a little bit, so I want to bring out everyone's strengths because we have players with various characteristics, and I want to be brought out as well.
Q, As the number 10 in Tokyo, what kind of play do you want to make? A, The content of the play does not change with the jersey number, but I have to take responsibility when playing in a game and I am thinking of playing with the desire to win in the forefront.
Q: Tomorrow's match allows 100% capacity and vocal support from all seats. What kind of power does the voice of the fans and supporters have?
A, it is a privilege of home games, and Urawa also has a lot of supporters, so we can put pressure on the opponent with the voice of the fans and supporters, and I think it is important. We haven't had a game where we can shout from all seats for a long time, so we have forgotten about that environment. I think there will be cheers from the warm-up, so I want to approach each play with a feeling of savoring it.
Q: Are you aiming for a goal in the opening match?
Because I have a lot of time to defend, I don't think I have an image of scoring goals, but of course, if there is a chance, I would like to aim for it. I don't think that just scoring goals can make the team win, so I want to contribute to the team's victory in other ways, and in any case, I want to fulfill my role.
Q: Do you feel any changes in Matsuki's performance in his second year?
A, I think Matsuki has been playing with a strong determination since last season, and I think it will not change this season. I think there is pressure among the expectations of everyone, and I think there is an age difference that I can support, so I hope I can support him well. I want him to play freely on the pitch. There is also a lot to learn from him, and he is a wonderful player.
Kuryu MATSUKI
Q, the J-League is finally starting. How do you feel?
A, I'm very excited. We are becoming a good team as we approach the opening, and I am also in good shape, so I want to concentrate and do my best to win against Urawa. I'm really looking forward to having many fans and supporters come to Ajinomoto Stadium.
Q: Tokyo has not been able to beat Urawa for the past few seasons. What kind of impression do you have?
A, Urawa will come with a new coach and I think they will come with determination. However, I think their tactics are not yet settled, so I hope we can take advantage of that as an opportunity.
Q: How is the team or individual's condition? Also, what kind of play do you want to make as an anchor?
A, I want to switch between offense and defense quickly and win the battle for second balls. Through the camp, our variety of scoring options has increased. I think we have been able to level up while maintaining our strengths such as passing and short counters. I would like you to pay attention to our ability to calm the game down and our movements to get into the goal area, which I think we have strengthened.
Q: Do you feel a sense of growth day by day in your practice?
A, I have to keep growing, and I understand that the most. I hope to stay grounded and grow one or two steps within the game without looking too far ahead.
Q, I think the addition of new players has made the team stronger. How do you feel about the competition for positions and the atmosphere of the team's training?
A, I think that no matter who plays in the team this season, we can play good football. Compared to last season, the player depth has become stronger this season, and I hope that we can win with team strength by playing with confidence from the beginning at 100 percent.
Q, I think many fans and supporters will visit as vocal support is fully allowed at Ajinomoto Stadium.
I hope that many fans and supporters will come, so I want to win the home game and make the fans and supporters happy. I want to play confidently and entertain the audience. I am the type of person who gets fired up when there are many fans and supporters, so I am really looking forward to it.
Q: As you enter your second season, what kind of role do you want to play for the team?
A, last season, I was able to deeply understand Coach Albert's soccer by playing in many games. I want to permeate that to the team. And I want to prove that I can fight the most for the team and achieve results. The ultimate goal is to win the championship. As the coach also says, everyone has a common recognition of winning the current match, so we are only thinking about winning against Urawa first.
