<Match Review>
Tokyo, which has invited coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA and is challenging a new soccer style based on positional play, has finally set sail after preparing for about a month in the preseason. The opponent is Kawasaki Frontale, who is aiming for a consecutive league title. They fought the Tama River Clasico on enemy territory.
In the early stages, the ball was unsettled due to the opponent's pressure, and there were several occasions where they were threatened in front of the goal. However, center-back Henrique TREVISAN and goalkeeper Jakub SLOWIK made brave blocks to prevent shots. They communicated on the pitch and continued to withstand the pressure.
The tide began to change after the 20th minute of the first half. In the 24th and 28th minutes, Kensuke NAGAI's play set up shots for Leandro and Kuryu MATSUKI, but both were blocked by the opposing goalkeeper. They continued to threaten the Kawasaki goal multiple times towards the end of the first half, creating chances in the 36th and 43rd minutes.
As the second half began, the team started to hold onto the ball more and created opportunities to push Kawasaki back. In the 16th minute of the second half, Leandro was fouled and the team was awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area. Leandro, the kicker, placed a perfect ball between the goalkeeper and defense, and Kensuke Nagai quickly reacted and headed the ball into the goal. However, the goal was disallowed due to an offside call. In the 24th minute of the second half, Kensuke Nagai broke through on the left side and sent a cross ball towards the goal, but Kuryu Matsuki's attempt to head it in was cleared by a sliding defender just in front of the goal.
After allowing Kawasaki to take the lead from a corner kick in the 36th minute of the second half, Tokyo's fierce attack accelerates. They push the opponent back, spread out wide, and send crosses into the goal area for shots, but they are unable to shake the net. In the final minutes after the 90th minute, Kazuya KONNO, who intercepted the opponent's pass on the right side, cuts in towards the center and takes a middle shot. The ball passes the opponent's goalkeeper's arm, but is deflected off the left goal post.
The 7 minutes of additional time were mostly played in the opponent's half, but the final step was not enough. Albert Pobor's debut in Tokyo ended in a close defeat.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, how do you look back on today's game?
A, we started the season with only a one-month preparation period after significantly changing our play style. Many players understand the play style, and there are also young and newly joined players. Unfortunately, six players had to leave the squad due to positive COVID-19 test results.
In this situation, the first 15 minutes of the game did not go well, but after that, there was a long period of time where we dominated the game. We were able to create many decisive chances, and there were also scenes where we hit the post and important moments. To be able to dominate the game against a team that has won two consecutive championships. From that, I think you can imagine how proud I am of the players. Despite many obstacles, I am proud to have played this well.
Kawasaki Frontale is a mature team that has been playing with the same play style for many years. In the midst of that, they scored a goal from a set piece. My players are hungry for victory and have a strong desire to learn. The team has just started to walk with a new play style. In that sense, we need to build a foundation to become a team worthy of champions and we want to achieve that every day. Of course, mistakes will happen. However, as I have conveyed to the players, the fighting spirit they showed today is necessary to get closer to achieving our goals.
I was hoping for the VAR to blow the whistle for a PK, but unfortunately it didn't happen. The last part was a joke (lol). I respect the referee and I think he blew a great whistle today.
Q: Although Morishige was not present, were you concerned about the composition of the team?
A, I was able to have a wonderful preseason. However, it is unfortunate that six people have left. And, Kuryu MATSUKI made his debut in the professional world. I am satisfied with his play and want to praise him. He needs to grow more and more, but I hope he will become a player who will bring great joy to Japanese soccer in the near future.
There were also players crying in the locker room after the game ended. I am proud of that and it really showed how great today's game was. We have just started on this path and there will be more mistakes in the future. However, I believe that our fighting spirit will always be expressed without a doubt.
Q: I think we were able to make good progress in the second half of the match, but what kind of instructions were given for adjustments?
A, I conveyed the message to play the ball carefully. We have high-quality players, and I thought Kawasaki Frontale would come for a counterattack, so I conveyed the message to manage the risk against it. Kawasaki Frontale has been playing with this playing style for a long time and has surpassed the opponent in ball possession rate in most matches. Today, we were able to surpass the opponent in that aspect as well and dominate the game. This is the path we are moving forward, but the players still have a lot of room for growth, and I think the completion level is still less than 20%. In that sense, I believe that the players will continue to grow in this season while there is still time.
In the Levain Cup, we want to give young players a chance and hope they will also grow. And not just the team, but the club as a whole will continue to grow step by step. The path we are moving forward on is the one we expressed today. While showing a fighting spirit, there will also be mistakes, but we will continue to grow every day and achieve great things. That is how we want to become a great club.
[Player Interview]
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: What kind of training have you been doing in the two weeks since the end of the camp? And how well were you able to express yourself in today's match?
A, we are working on the "soccer that loves the ball" as Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA says. In that context, although there were some chaotic moments at the beginning today, gradually we increased the time we could keep possession with our style of soccer, and since we had more chances, next we want to focus on whether we can finish them off.
Q, how was your performance today?
A: There were many scenes in the Tokyo team where I failed to finish when I should have and lost possession of the ball, so I want to improve on those points and become a player who can keep possession throughout the match and finish decisively.
Q, Leandro and Watanabe players have been observed to have a good relationship in the right side position. How did you approach it?
A, I often communicated with Watanabe during practice matches and training about defensive positioning and such. I focused on taking positions that would allow Leandro to best showcase his characteristics. For example, if Leandro was inside, I would stretch out wide, always playing while keeping an eye on Leandro. I want to continue improving so I can bring out my strengths even more.
Q, a strong attitude towards scoring goals, such as a left-footed middle shot, was clearly evident during the match.
A, I wanted to score in the opening match, and whether I could finish in that scene would determine the outcome, so I want to sincerely work on this aspect starting from practice.
Q, were you nervous?
A, I wasn't nervous, but it was unexpected that the ball didn't stick to my feet at the beginning. I think I'll get used to it next time.
Q: The opponent was Kawasaki Frontale, which has a strong midfield. How was it to confront them?
A, I was not losing in one-on-one duels or physical battles, so I think this is an area where we can surpass them. If we can break through around myself, Aoki, and Abe, the frontline will become even stronger, so I want to focus on that and work hard.
Q, there were intense scenes of ball-winning where the player entrusted his body to Chanathip. He showed plays that didn't seem like those of a rookie player.
A, I just did what I always do, so I want to continue maintaining that aspect.
Q: Did any issues arise in today's match?
A: There were moments when I could have looked around more and also finished with a shot. I want to improve the quality of those final moments.
Kensuke NAGAI
Q, although it was a fantastic game, it ultimately resulted in a defeat. How do you feel looking back on the entire match?
A, while being mindful to value possession of the ball and launch attacks, I feel it was a waste that we couldn't firmly capitalize on our chances.
Q, what were your goals before the match and what are your thoughts after actually playing in the official game?
A, I think we were able to create periods where we pressed as a whole. However, we conceded a set-piece goal in the second half, and ultimately the difference in finishing ability decided the match. This is something the entire team must reflect on. Although it was a frustrating result, I want to take it as a valuable experience for further growth and connect it to the next step.
Q: The team has become a new one and has been preparing for the camp up until now. I think there were both anxieties and excitement about how far we could go. How do you feel, player Ryo NAGAI?
A, amid various irregularities before the season opener, there was a sense of urgency that the older players needed to take the lead. That created a good tension, but in the end, we were unable to win, which is truly frustrating.
What do you need to do in order to win against Kawasaki Frontale, who have won the league title two times in a row?
A, improving accuracy in front of the goal and, including myself, there were still many easy mistakes, so I think these are areas that will get better as we play more matches. Because of that, I felt it was very enjoyable to play the game.
Q, although it was offside, there were scenes where we came close to a great goal, and I felt the power heading towards the goal.
I intended to jump out with the consciousness of Chanathip's line, but unfortunately it turned out to be offside. As a feeling, it was really good, so I want to stick to the goal thoroughly.If I could have firmly put the ball on Matsuki after cutting, we could have taken the lead, so I want to reflect on those aspects and work on improving more and more while giving voice to the whole team.
Q, was the moment the net shook as intended?
A, when Leandro stood near the ball, I had a feeling he was likely to kick it here, so I aimed for that, but I think it might have been a bit too early.
Q, although it is the opening match of the league, how did you feel about the team's level of completion?
A, I still feel there is a long way to go, and I believe growth comes through experiencing various things. I look forward to seeing how far we can improve from here, and I want us to start scoring goals so that we can share lots of joy together with our fans and supporters.
Q, next, Levain Cup will start, and the home opening of the league is also approaching. What message would you like to convey to the fans and supporters who are waiting at Ajinomoto Stadium for the next match?
A, last season was a late stage where we struggled to win. We want to firmly defeat Iwata and Nagoya. Since Kenta (HASEGAWA) is also at Nagoya, we want to work as a whole team to properly repay him.
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q, how do you feel after the game?
A, I think we had a good game against the strong opponent Kawasaki. There were times when we were able to surpass them and we created many scenes where we could take shots. However, it is very frustrating that we couldn't score a goal and ended up losing. I think it will take time for the new style of soccer to become widespread, so I want to gradually improve and connect it to the next game.
Q: Do you feel any sense of accomplishment from today's game despite the long duration?
A, I think it became clear that everyone understands something about the style of soccer the coach is asking for, as we were able to express it even a little in this match. However, I believe it will take time to shape it properly, so I want to value daily practice and quickly connect it to results.
Q: It appeared that there were instructions coming from the bench during the first half. What were they like?
A, I can't say about that (laughs). There were some parts that needed to be fixed at the beginning, and we shared that among the players. From there, I think we were able to create chances, especially from the start of the second half. Unfortunately, we couldn't convert them into goals, so that's the result of today's match. We were talking about that during the game.
Q, Diego TABA player also created many chances, and simply the number of chances increased. What do you need to finish it off?
A, I think it is true that chances are increasing due to the current style and tactics of football, but we still need to score goals. We need to continue what we are working on and improve the team, as well as ourselves, even if it's just a little bit. Today's result was frustrating with a score of 0-1, but I want to aim for a higher level of completion where we can score quickly and win.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, first of all, please review the game.
A, I am disappointed that we ended up losing as a result. On the other hand, I feel a sense of fulfillment that we were able to play the football we aim for, and I think it was a match that will lead to the next one.
Q, how did you feel about the start of the game, which seemed a little chaotic?
A, the team was prepared for tough periods, and although that came at the start and allowed the opponent to create chances, we were calling out to each other on the pitch trying to make adjustments. As time passed, I think we were able to gain control of the match. Since it was the opening game, I personally felt a bit stiff, so I want to control the game from the start in the next match.
Q. During the pre-season, we have been repeating trial and error, and I think there were certainly some errors in this game as well, but there was also a sense of progress, don't you think?
A, there were no major mistakes, and I believe the mistakes made were ones we can learn from for the future. As for the conceding goal, I think it was the result of the opponent's superior quality.
Q, I think it was a scene where we wanted to prevent the goal, but what do you think?
A, we have experienced situations before where the outcome was decided by just one set piece while we were pressing forward. That is precisely why we wanted to keep a clean sheet, and regarding that point, I think we needed a bit more patience.
Q, there were goals conceded from set pieces, but as the last line of defense, do you feel that there was a sense of accomplishment?
A, Although Kawasaki's powerful attacking line created chances, I feel a sense of accomplishment in not allowing any decisive scenes in the second half, and it was a fulfilling 90 minutes.
Q: Next is the home opening game. Please tell us your enthusiasm.
A, I believe the team is moving forward together in a positive direction, so while continuing to level up, I want to fight for victory in each match, aiming to show the kind of soccer we played today in the next game as well.
