※Due to production schedule, there will be no MATCH PREVIEW & INTERVIEW for the Avispa Fukuoka match on May 3 (Wed, holiday) and the Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo match on May 6 (Sat) in mechacomic.
The next mechacomic will be the MATCH PREVIEW & INTERVIEW for the Kawasaki Frontale match on May 12 (Fri).
＜Previous Match・Albirex NiigataReview＞
"I don't intend to build the same style as Albirex Niigata," said Coach Albert. Taking into account the characteristics of the players on the team, Coach Albert is trying to implant the "Tokyo style" that maximizes the players' abilities.
It was a clear battle of differences. Niigata relentlessly connected the ball and showed a posture of pushing forward with short passes as the base, also with momentum vertically. On the other hand, Tokyo did not back down, applying pressure thoroughly on the ball side. After recovering the ball, if there was space, they also utilized long balls without hesitation. When it was necessary to calm down and slowly build up the attack, they pushed the opponent while holding the ball, avoiding Niigata's press.
Both goals scored were impressive and showcased their power and elegance, but it also revealed that Tokyo was trying to progress the game with a variety of options.
The first goal was scored by Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who quickly moved the ball vertically with few touches after winning it back in their own half in a counter-attacking style, before the opponent's formation could be organized. The second goal was created by exploiting the space on the side through short passing combinations and utilizing Shuto ABE, who found the space and pushed the opponent towards the goal. Although Diego OLIVEIRA had a powerful strike, the team had a common understanding of how to handle the ball, and the flow leading up to the shot was very smooth.
In the second half, Tokyo's attacking posture and diversity became more prominent, and they maintained a one-goal lead by creating more chances than their opponents, achieving their first consecutive victory in the league this season.
＜Preview＞
Last season, at the same timing, during the consecutive matches in the Golden Week, we played on May 3rd and ended up losing with a score of 1-5, despite Kuryu MATSUKI scoring his first professional goal.
After that, we have had draws in our home games, so it doesn't necessarily mean that we have a weak perception or image as a team. However, we have also played against them in the Levain Cup and have lost both matches in Fukuoka, so we hope to have a game that can erase that impression.
Tokyo and Avispa Fukuoka are currently tied with 15 points, with Tokyo slightly ahead in 6th place with a goal difference of +2. It is said that matches against close opponents have the value of 6 points. This match is truly a "valuable match worth 6 points" as it will determine whether Tokyo can widen the point gap or if they will fall behind, and also to distance themselves from their rivals as much as possible, they will definitely want to win.
With big center forwards like Wellington and Lukian, and versatile player Yuya Yamagishi moving around them like a satellite, the front line has depth. And above all, Kazuya Konno, who was with Tokyo until last season, is on the team. In Fukuoka, known for its solid defense and fast counterattacks, Konno's dribbling ability serves as a switch for the offense.
In a match against Fukuoka last season at Ajinomoto Stadium, Konno scored a stunning volley shot that woke everyone up. We definitely want to avoid the opposite scenario. However, as an opponent who knows both Tokyo's team and individual players' characteristics, they are a tough presence to deal with. We want to control the game at our own pace by stopping the players who work near the goal and those who make decisive contributions leading to goals, including former teammates.
In the match against Albirex Niigata, we had a common understanding as a team and gradually took control of the pace by using both fast and slow attacks. In the second half, we created opportunities to push the opponent back. In this match as well, while taking care of the opponent's powerful attacks, we want to create a path to the goal by involving multiple players when we have attacking opportunities and adjust the pace of our attacks according to the situation.
[Albert Coach Interview]
Q: Before Coach Albert's appointment, it seems that we have been struggling in away matches against clubs from Kyushu. What kind of game do you want to have in the upcoming match against Avispa Fukuoka?
A, we do not place much importance on past match results. However, Fukuoka has a very strong defense and there is no doubt that they will be a tough opponent. Naturally, as it is a home game for Fukuoka, the intensity of their defense is expected to increase, making it a difficult match. As you can see from Fukuoka's matches this season, I believe it is extremely difficult for any team to defeat them.
Q: How will you break through Fukuoka's strong defense against the team holding the ball?
A, once again, I think Fukuoka's strengths are solid defense and counterattacks, which are dangerous for us. For them, it will be a home game, and tomorrow's match will undoubtedly be a difficult one. On the other hand, we are also in a good condition. In the competitive J1 league, the details have a significant impact on the match results. For example, who scores the first goal, and small mistakes can lead to a significant change in the course of the game. I trust the team, and even though it is an away game, we will fight for victory, of course.
Q: Please give us your evaluation of the intensity and speed of play in the previous match against Albirex Niigata.
A, I am satisfied with the current pace of play and based on that, I have developed a game plan for the Niigata match. I recognize that we created 9 chances in the Niigata match. Niigata has been playing with their current style for 4 seasons, and I expected it to be very difficult to take the ball away from them and surpass them in possession rate when facing that club. The reason why we want to possess the ball is to create decisive chances. There were scenes where players jumped into the goal area with fluid play, not just counterattacks. I think Niigata entered the game in a good shape, but we were able to take the lead by exploiting the space created by the high positioning of both fullbacks.
The ball possession rate in this match was about 40 percent, but we were able to create many clear chances that we were expecting. If we had scored a third goal, Niigata would have played even more aggressively. As a result, a score of 4-1 or 5-1 was also a possibility. The important thing is to understand the flow of the game and play smart and effective. I think it was an exciting game for the soccer fans who watched the Niigata match.
Q: Please tell us the key points to win against Fukuoka.
A, it is important to withstand intense defense and eliminate mistakes in our defense. It is also important to utilize our weapons, such as holding the ball, quickly transitioning between offense and defense, and aiming for counterattacks, depending on the situation. It is important to choose the appropriate solution in each situation.
Q: If they play in the Fukuoka match, Shuto ABE will reach 100 J1 League appearances and Teruhito NAKAGAWA will reach 150 J1 League appearances.
I am very satisfied with the growth and performance of player ABE. I hope that he, who came from FC Tokyo U-15 and FC Tokyo U-18, will continue to play an active role as a key player for this club for a long time, and I have appointed him as one of the 3rd captains this season with various expectations. I look forward to further growth. Also, it was big news for us that experienced and high-quality player NAKAGAWA joined Tokyo. We hope that young players can learn a lot from him, who is a true professional. I sincerely hope for the further success of both players.
[Player Interview]
＜Shuto ABE＞
Q, please tell us how you feel about reaching 100 appearances in the J1 League with Avispa Fukuoka.
Until reaching 100 matches, it felt like it happened in the blink of an eye, but at the same time, it still feels like it's only 100 matches. There are many players in Tokyo who have achieved 300 or 400 matches, so I want to do my best to get closer to those players. If I participate, I think the Fukuoka match will become a special memory, so I want to aim for goals and victories.
Q: Kazuya KONNO, who joined at the same time as Tokyo, is also playing for Fukuoka.
A, playing against players I have played with for the past three seasons feels strange and they are unpleasant opponents. However, I also know a lot about them. I want to be conscious of playing and defending in a way that Konno dislikes.
Q, what kind of play do you focus on in an attacking position against a strong defense?
A, I want to skillfully aim for the space that becomes the opponent's pocket. I always want to be aware and break the opponent's formation.
Q, do you think playing in the opponent's deep area will be the key?
A, yes. I think if the opponent backs off, space will be created. I want to actively aim for it.
Q: Do you have any memorable matches?
It was the first match I played as a special designated player in 2019 against Vissel Kobe. I remember playing at Ajinomoto Stadium and being able to compete against Kobe's player, Andres INIESTA.
Q: How will you fight in the consecutive battles from here?
A, I am a type of player whose condition improves as I play more games, so I think my sharpness has increased compared to the previous match against Fukuoka.
Q: Do you have an image of a top attacking midfielder that Abe envisions?
A, I have a very strong desire to score. I think the attacking midfielder position offers many opportunities. I always have the desire to increase not only goals but also passes and movements that create goals.
Q, including player Abe, Tokyo seems to have a rich lineup of players with a lot of physicality.
A, there are many players in the midfield who can play with high intensity for 90 minutes. I think that such play has contributed to our winning streak in the league. I want to continue playing with the same high intensity in the future.
