＜Match Preview＞
The start of the Emperor's Cup, the third tournament of the season, is here. J1 league teams, including Tokyo, will make their appearance from the second round and compete in the first match of the tournament.
The first opponent is Fukushima United FC, which belongs to the J3 League. As FC Tokyo U-23, we have played 8 matches in the J3 League, but this will be the first official match against the top team. Tokyo has a connection with them off the pitch, as we have been selling the famous "Imokuri Sataro" stadium gourmet from Fukushima at our home games in the AO-AKA PARK, as part of our support for the East Japan earthquake recovery efforts.
Fukushima is currently in 18th place in the J3 League this season, having played 12 matches with 3 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses. They have been playing by tightening their defense to repel the opponent's attacks and then launching a quick counterattack after regaining possession. It is expected that they will first retreat and strengthen their defense against Tokyo's attacks, with veteran player Kaito Yamamoto, who has been entrusted with scoring goals in many clubs, at the center.
For Tokyo, it is expected that the time of ball possession will be longer. Even in a crowded space, we want to calmly move the ball in and out of dangerous areas without rushing, and immediately switch to a counter-press after losing the ball. At the same time, we must not neglect to cover the space behind the defensive line and pay close attention to the opponent's set-piece opportunities.
The fear of the one-shot Emperor's Cup is something that the club has keenly felt through many experiences. Matches against teams in different categories require special attention. The opponents who devote all their energy to one chance will meticulously defend their goal and try to hold on to the lead. While facing the pressure of "elimination from the tournament if you lose," which is different from regular league matches, Tokyo wants to continue its style and pave the way to the 3rd round.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, we will face the 2nd Round of the Emperor's Cup in 3 days after the previous match.
As you all know, it is difficult to compete against teams from different categories. Of course, we aim for victory. We want to give opportunities to players who have not had much playing time and young players, considering the difficulty of the game.
Q, how do you perceive and analyze the match with Fukushima United FC?
A, if my memory serves me correctly, in the 2021 season, Tokyo lost to university students. We also fought against university students last season, and it was a tough battle. The Emperor's Cup is a tournament where such things can happen. Naturally, there is a difference in categories, but there is a tendency for teams in the higher category to come at us with higher intensity in order to defeat them. That's why the match will be difficult. We, the players on the pitch, must recognize that we need to start with the same intensity as the opponent in a focused manner, and I hope they play with high intensity from the start. It will undoubtedly be a difficult match.Fukushima tends to line up five players in defense. Of course, I also have the recognition that they are a wonderful team that values the ball. Unlike league matches, there are significant differences in the atmosphere in a tournament where it's over if you lose.
Q: Is it important to go and steal the ball from Fukushima with a strong defense?
A, good pressing and quick transition from defense to attack are key points. It is also important to express our style more than the opponent. By pressing in the appropriate way, it will prevent the opponent from playing as planned and lead to our attack by winning the ball from good pressing.
Q, please tell me what is important to prevent an upset.
First of all, it is important to start the game with a high level of intensity. Although it is important to play calmly with the 90-minute duration, starting too calmly will undoubtedly make the game difficult. Of course, the tactical aspect becomes important in the game. However, more importantly, it is important to maintain a good psychological state. Once the game starts, it may develop as expected and within the expected range, but there are also times when it does not. In such cases, how to respond to the psychological impact is important. Starting with a good psychological state is important.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Junya Suzuki＞
Q, I want to make it a game where my favorite crosses come alive.
A, I want to show a decisive play. Tokyo's front line is filled with players who have height and strength, so I want to aim for accurate crosses to connect with them.
Q, How do you want to deliver high-precision passes within the flow of the game?
I think the opponent will come to steal the ball by developing soccer that cherishes the ball that Coach Albert seeks. At that timing, I want to supply the ball while watching the movement of the space behind the opponent's defender and the wing player on the opposite side. I want to play without forgetting to choose to utilize my strengths after executing team tactics.
Q, is it an image of utilizing your own strengths while being aware of cooperation with the wing player on the same side?
A, I think Tokyo players can easily adapt to my decisions by making bold choices and judgments to bring out my strengths. I believe that playing half-heartedly can lead to confusion. My teammates understand my strengths, so by playing with a proactive attitude, I think the relationship with the players in front and beside me will improve. Until three seasons ago, I played in the J3 League myself. I want to demonstrate my strengths and show the difference. I don't want to make the players of Fukushima United FC think "he can do it." I want to play with all my might.
Q: Do you have a strong desire to make this match a moment where you can feel the changes and growth of Suzuki player himself?
A, it is important to adapt to the current Tokyo football and of course, the growth that can be obtained is also important, but the players who are currently listed as starting members seem to be expressing their own "color" firmly. I myself want to show the plays that the team should do firmly and want to make it a game where I can show my strengths. I think it will be necessary not only for tomorrow's game but also for the future to penetrate the members involved in the game.
Q, I think you have experienced the high motivation when playing against higher-ranked clubs in the Emperor's Cup, but what is the best motivation to fight with?
A, more than anything, I have a strong desire to achieve good results in Tokyo myself, so I have no intention of backing down from any opponent. Personally, my main focus is to play with all my might, but I do recognize the difficulty of facing opponents from a different category as a team. However, many players who will be participating in tomorrow's match have a strong determination to "achieve results," so I hope that each player can fully unleash the energy they possess without misjudging the pace from the start of the game.
