＜Previous Match・Shonan Game Review＞
A match in which New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Kazuchika Okada appeared as a guest. The match was titled "Rain of Goals Falls at Ajista!!" based on Okada's catchphrase, and the one who scored the goal was the "Rainmaker of Tokyo".
When player Teruhito NAKAGAWA dribbles and confuses the opponent, player Kuryu MATSUKI enters the penalty area at the perfect timing, receives the ball, and carries it to the finish. Even if the net is not shaken on the first attempt, NAKAGAWA, who passed the ball, is tightly packed near the goal, and the player who should win it, wins it.
Tokyo's opening goal was in an ideal form.
There were times when we struggled in the build-up, but we were able to create opportunities in a closely contested match by utilizing individual skills. Although we were initially trailing in the second half, Matsuki player initiated a set-piece chance and led to Henrique TREVISAN's equalizing goal.
Although we couldn't win, it was a big win with 2 goals and 1 important point to change the negative flow for the team that had 2 consecutive losses and no goals in official matches. Whether we can make use of this point will depend on tomorrow's match against Cerezo Osaka.
"The rainmaker of Tokyo" will also make it rain "goals" at Ajinomoto Stadium tomorrow.
In the previous match, we drew 2-2 with Shonan Bellmare, but players Hotaka Nakamura, Shuto Abe, and Ryoma Watanabe, who were sidelined due to injury, have returned to the lineup one after another. It is a positive sign for the future that they have showcased their individual strengths. Teruhito Nakagawa, who scored his second goal of the season, also spoke positively about the team's current situation, saying, "In the past few matches, there has been some inconsistency in our play due to changes in the lineup. With the return of injured players, we now have sufficient strength to compete. Each player has a high quality, so we want to polish our combination play and pose a threat to our opponents."
This round, we will face Cerezo Osaka at home. The focus will be on the "friendship showdown" between Shinji Kagawa, who returned to his former club C Osaka after 12 and a half years, and Yuto Nagatomo from Tokyo. Before the match, which will be the first since March 20, 2010 in the J-League, Nagatomo said, "I have been inspired and grown a lot thanks to Shinji. I want to show him that growth right in front of his eyes. However, Tokyo will be the one to win," as he burns with fighting spirit.
A showdown between two individuals who have long supported the Japanese soccer world will take place on the stage of J-League. Both are determined to win, but of course, Tokyo will emerge victorious.
Matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q: Did the 4-2-3-1 formation work well in the previous match and do you plan to continue using this system in future games?
The difference between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 is very slight. There are some slight differences in defensive approach, but I would like to continue using them depending on the situation in the future.
Q, in the previous match against Shonan Bellmare, Shuto ABE player was functioning in the attacking midfield position.
A, I think it is related to the fact that his technical aspect has improved. Until last season, Abe showed many scenes of stealing the ball, but there were also scenes where he lost it. However, now he is showing a calm play. If asked if he is a typical attacking midfielder, there are also parts that are not. In my opinion, a typical attacking midfielder is a player who touches the ball for a long time and plays for a long time between the lines. As for Abe, I think he is a type of attacking midfielder who actively dives into space. His movements of going behind the opponent's players or into space also function as a weapon for the team. Considering the characteristics of the players, diving behind is effective. Also, if the attacking midfielder focuses too much on the attack, the positions of both attack and defense tend to be divided into two groups. We do not want the players to be separated on the pitch and we seek coordination, so we need the presence of a hardworking attacking midfielder like Abe to prevent this division.
Q: With the addition of members who have recovered from injuries, I think the coordination has also improved. Did you feel any progress in terms of teamwork during this week's practice?
To regain their game sense, the players who were out of the front line will need a little more time. In the previous match against Shonan, players Ryoma WATANABE, Yasube, and Hotaka NAKAMURA returned, but they still need some more time. There are a few other clubs with fewer injured players, but if we had been able to continue fighting with the same members as those clubs, our coordination would have improved even more. The players who were out of the front line have returned at this timing. We hope they will regain their game sense in good shape. Additionally, the young players are also performing well. Of course, we have high expectations for their growth as well.
Q, I think that playing between the lines is also important in order to make the most of talented wing players.
There are two main types of wing players. One type is the wing player who needs space for speed. The other type is the wing player who can create opportunities even in tight spaces. The latter type of player is an impression that has not been seen in this club before. Players like Kota TAWARATSUMIDA and Ryoma WATANABE fit into this type. In order to make the most of their strengths, we need to control the midfield well and keep the opponent pressed for a long time. TAWARATSUMIDA is a wing player who can create opportunities in tight areas with changes of pace, and we need plays that can make use of players like him as a team. We are progressing step by step as a team, but unfortunately, the midfield players have been out of action for a long time, which has slightly hindered our growth speed. In the world of soccer, memory is recognized as a short period of time. Some of you may only remember recent memories, but we have been growing consistently since last season. I think there was a big difference from last season's matches, such as the opening match against Urawa Reds. It is inevitable that injuries occur. From here, we want to reset firmly and promote further growth.
Q: Please tell us what will be brought about by the return of players Watanabe and Abe.
A, of course, their return is great news, but they also need time to regain their game sense. This is not about physical condition, but about the ability to express ball touches and read the flow of the game on the official pitch. I think they are currently in that process.
Q: Have you ever had a match day that coincided with your birthday in your past experiences?
It seems like it didn't happen, and it's probably the first time. I would like to celebrate my daughter's birthday, which falls on the same day as mine. My daughter was born on the same day and at the same time as me.
Q, what kind of game do you expect the Cerezo Osaka match to be tomorrow?
A, Cerezo Osaka has players with technique and attacking power. Especially when facing teams that defend deep, their ability is clearly evident. We must make good use of our weapons against such opponents. We particularly want midfielders to play with high intensity and speed. If we don't approach the opponent's goal with a strong awareness, Cerezo Osaka's weapons will shine and the game situation will become difficult. We want to make good use of the characteristics of Tokyo players and express the points we just talked about.
[Player Interview]
Yuto NAGATOMO
Q, we are also looking forward to a match against Shinji KAGAWA, who plays for Cerezo Osaka, this weekend. It will be the first time in 13 years that we will face each other in the J-League. Please tell us how you feel right now.
A, what is fresh in memory from the match against player Kagawa is the match that took place in the United States as a friendly match when he was playing for Manchester United and Inter Milan respectively. Personally, it feels like fighting on the J-League pitch for the first time. Kagawa and I were selected for the Japanese national team at the same time and we have been getting along well. I have received a lot of inspiration from Kagawa and have grown through this process. I want to show that growth in front of him and I want to win.
Q: What kind of presence is Kagawa for Nagatomo?
A, we are friends and comrades who have shared joys and sorrows together.
Q, how many years has it been since we last met?
After the Qatar World Cup, I went to meet Kagawa.
＜Yasuki KIMOTO player＞
Q, the match against Shonan Bellmare in Sec. 7 ended in a 2-2 draw, and it seemed like a difficult game with many challenging moments. How do you reflect on it?
A, throughout the first and second halves, there were parts where Shonan was superior as a team and prevented us from doing what we wanted to do. In that sense, we were able to catch up and earn one point, but it was still a home game and we were aiming for three points, so it's a frustrating feeling.
Q, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA mentioned that there were challenges in the build-up after the game.
A, not only in the Shonan match, but this year there have been difficulties in building up from the back, and I feel responsible for that. It is certainly a matter of individual skills, but we also need to make adjustments in terms of team distance, support, and positioning. Building up is more important in terms of team positioning than individual aspects, so I think we have been able to make adjustments in those areas during this week's training, and we have also been able to have discussions. I hope we can gradually improve.
Q, certainly, building up is more important than individual skills, it is important to have a unified team consciousness.
Both the Gamba Osaka match in the Levain Cup and our own quality are not low, so I think it's important to think that Gamba Osaka and Shonan are able to build up well, not just individually but as a team.
Q, in that sense, there may also be an impact of having many injured players in the early stages of the season and not being able to fix the lineup.
A, I think there are at least some, but I can't use that as an excuse, and I think there is enough depth in the player roster to compensate for it. The injured players coming back have had a positive impact, but I don't want to use that as an excuse.
Q, isn't it also a positive aspect that young players are getting a chance as substitutes for injured players?
A, young players' performance not only improves the team, but also they are the players who will carry Tokyo in the future, so the success of young players is also a motivation for veteran players who are above the middle level. I think it is also our role to create an environment where such young players can play freely and easily, so I think we need to do that at the same time.
Q, as an individual player, Kimoto has started in every league match so far. As you enter your second season in Tokyo, are there any aspects that have changed in your awareness?
A, I have the consciousness of leading the team more than last season. I think I am able to express the part of pulling the team together by speaking up, but I feel that I haven't been able to show my strengths in terms of performance, and I feel like I'm struggling a bit in this season.
Q, what part do you want to further appeal?
In the role of creating a more solid rhythm even in the build-up phase, we have been struggling to create rhythm from the back, which has resulted in negative outcomes and has given the opponent momentum. I also feel that we have been giving the opponent a sense of "we can do it", so I think we need to play in a way that makes the opponent more uncomfortable and continue to build up in order to face tougher challenges in the future.
Q, is there a special feeling when playing against Cerezo Osaka, the former team where you spent 5 seasons?
A, yes. It's been the third year since I left Cerezo Osaka, but there is a special feeling when we compete against them. I'm looking forward to it.
Q, we haven't lost at home yet this season, but please give us your enthusiasm for the fans and supporters.
At home, the support and atmosphere from the fans definitely give us a boost. I think we were able to catch up in the previous match because of the home atmosphere, even in difficult situations. So, I hope we can create a good atmosphere for the Cerezo match and deliver a victory. Thank you for your support.
＜Ryoma WATANABE player＞
Q, please look back on the Shonan Bellmare match from the previous round after returning from injury.
A, I was able to play honestly and enjoyably. It has been a long time since I experienced a period of not being able to do anything for about a month. I was able to play for 45 minutes and feel the gratitude and enjoyment of being able to play soccer. As for the second goal conceded, the loss of the ball was bad when I made a small mistake. I think we need to pursue it further from now on.
Q, in the previous match against Shonan, you played for 45 minutes shortly after returning.
A, it became a longer playing time than originally planned. However, once on the pitch, there is no choice but to do it properly, and if asked "Can you do it?", the answer is yes. I stepped onto the pitch with determination.
Q, how did the team look from the outside?
When the team is doing well, the ball will circulate and we will score goals and be able to win without thinking too deeply. However, I felt that we still lack the ability to fix things when even one problem occurs. I realized that I need to think more and play soccer better when I returned.
Q: What aspects of the game against Cerezo Osaka in the next match will you focus on?
In the Shonan game, I was also aiming for a goal myself. There were scenes where I thought that shot would go in. Even as a substitute, if I can focus and push forward, I believe it will lead to a goal. This season, I have set a goal to improve my scoring ability, so I will continue to do my best.
Q, what kind of play do you want to show as a team?
With the return of the players who were absent, we have more options now. Of course, we must win. If we focus on the details such as communication without compromise, I believe the results will follow.
Q: Do you have any specific approaches to change for the better from here?
A, I think the first thing I can do is express a sense of distance and not lose the ball. If I don't lose the ball easily, I can create smooth plays and I think chances will increase as well. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA also demands that we play without losing the ball easily, so I want to play consciously.
Q: I don't think we were able to make the start we envisioned, but what will be important from here?
A, it is important to demonstrate through goals and assists.
Q: In a situation where the number of goals and shots is also struggling to increase, how do you want to help the team?
I think it is important to finish with a shot. Before tactics, there are more things that can be done, and I want to delve into the fundamental aspects of football.
