Match Review
This is TOKYO.
Tokyo, which hosted the first J1 League match at the renovated Japan National Stadium. In the land of the National Stadium where numerous great battles and memorable goals were born, a new step was taken. Both teams stepped onto the pitch amidst the glamorous fireworks, flames, and light displays. Despite being hit by heavy rain, the kickoff was welcomed in an atmosphere befitting the beginning of a new history.
In the slippery pitch conditions due to the rain, both teams struggled to settle the ball, resulting in a back-and-forth start. As both teams approached the goal, in the 8th minute of the first half, Adailton made a move into the penalty area and set up Shuto ABE, but ABE's precise shot went over the top right of the goal. In the 35th minute, after being pushed back wide, Hiroto YAMAMI took a mid-range shot when the marking slipped, but the shot went wide to the right of the goal. As Tokyo began to control the ball more in the 38th minute of the first half, the game changed. After earning a corner kick from the right, Ryoya OGAWA delivered the ball near the goal, where Henrique Trevisan headed it but hit the post. However, when the loose ball flowed to the penalty spot, Adailton, who was waiting, took a powerful one-touch shot that went through the crowd in front of the goal and shook the net. After taking the lead, they continued to control the ball and pushed the opponent back, but there were moments of losing the ball in high positions, leading to counterattacks. In the 43rd minute of the first half, there was a close cross sent into the goal area from the right side, but Jakub SLOWIK and Henrique blocked it with their bodies. They maintained the lead and went into halftime.
The second half started with Tokyo moving the ball in the opponent's territory, closing in on the G Osaka goal. In the 5th minute of the second half, a shot from Dawhan, who picked up a cleared ball pushed into the goal area, hit the crossbar. On the other hand, Tokyo also had a decisive chance in the 12th minute of the second half. After a slow build-up, the ball was almost taken by the opponent after flowing to the right side, but Yuto NAGATOMO regained possession with a high press, and Kuryu MATSUKI, who received the ball, took a powerful mid-range shot, which was blocked by the opponent's goalkeeper. Wanting to maintain the good flow, Tokyo sent in Leandro, who returned from injury and made his first appearance since the opening match, in place of Adailton in the 18th minute of the second half. This tactical change paid off perfectly. Just three minutes after the substitution, in the 21st minute of the second half, Diego Oliveira fiercely pressured the opponent near the half-line to win the ball, and Leandro, who picked up the loose ball, started dribbling towards the goal. While shaking off the approaching opponent, he carried the ball to the vicinity of the penalty area, controlled it into the space created by his teammate's free running, and struck a shot into the upper left corner of the goal for an additional point. In the 31st minute of the second half, Leandro shook the net in a 2-on-1 situation with the opponent's goalkeeper due to a high press from Kensuke Nagai, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul by Nagai confirmed by VAR. In the closing stages, there were moments when G Osaka pushed back with a counterattack, but even when on the defensive, they maintained their concentration until the end and finished the match without conceding a goal.
Japan National Stadium left a strong impact on the entire game, and Tokyo started the 3-game series with a victory after 4 games. The next match will be against Avispa Fukuoka away in 3 days, and then they will return to Ajinomoto Stadium at home to face Sagan Tosu in 4 days.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: please review the game.
A: I don't think it's necessary to separate the review into the first and second halves. I believe we were able to play with a strong focus on competing throughout the entire match. Of course, there are still areas for improvement in controlling the game with the ball. However, there were good periods during which the team was able to express its growth through their play. It has only been a few months since the team started, and there were moments when the players seemed a bit rushed while in possession of the ball.
With Leandro's return, the team was able to regain stability in the midfield. He is a high-quality player. I think his presence was clear from the moment he stepped on the pitch.
Gamba Osaka may have been trying to prevent us from playing freely by applying high pressure. I think there were many times when we were able to break through that press successfully. Just like us, Gamba Osaka has also undergone a change in coach this season and I believe they are in a growth stage. I think the team will grow with the new coach and be able to express a more attacking and good style of soccer.
I think we showed good play in transitioning between offense and defense. By making smooth transitions between offense and defense, we were able to control the match. There are still many areas for improvement in our play through the center. Overall, I am satisfied with today's match. This is because the team clearly demonstrated their growth on the pitch and played with a strong desire to win. I am very pleased with today's victory.
One positive point for today is that we were able to play at the Japan National Stadium. FC Tokyo carries the name "Tokyo". This stadium may be playing a part in our future. We hope to gradually increase the number of games played at this stadium. By playing many games, I think the feeling that this stadium is our home will increase. Along with the Japan National Stadium, I hope that many people will think of FC Tokyo as our club.
I hope that when tourists return to Tokyo, they will also come to the stadium. I hope that FC Tokyo's matches will play a big part in the entertainment of this city. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the many people who came to the stadium in the rain, exceeding 40,000 people. I hope that today's match at the Japan National Stadium will be a turning point for the future of this club. Of course, we need to improve our playing style even more. We must win many victories. In the process of the club's growth, I hope we can make use of this stadium in the heart of Tokyo.
Q, while Morishige was absent, the two center-back players did their best. It seems that player Henrique got injured near the end of the game, do you have a plan for the next game?
A, we need to look for other options going forward. We have the next match coming up soon. In soccer, these kinds of things can happen. Injuries can occur consecutively to players in the same position. However, I work to solve such problems, so I want to find a solution. I hope that as soon as possible, all players will return to a condition where they can play.
Q, please tell us your evaluation of the Japan National Stadium in terms of playing.
A, I think it is a good stadium for playing as well. It would be preferable if there were no athletics track, but stadiums that have hosted the Olympics face the same issue in every city. The stadium used for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics has also been left unused for a long time. Olympic stadiums need to be utilized well in a positive way. Perhaps FC Tokyo is the best entity to make the most of the new Japan National Stadium. I think it is a wonderful, beautiful stadium. If decorations that enhance the feeling of it being FC Tokyo’s home stadium can be added, it will be recognized even more as our home stadium. Visitors touring New York go to Yankees games. This phenomenon likely occurs not only in New York but also in other major cities around the world.
Q, what is the intention behind the coach talking about not only the aspect of play but also the growth and vision of the club?
A, I do not consider myself an ordinary coach. After leaving FC Barcelona, I have continued to be involved in launching new projects. It was the same in Niigata. I am aware that I am not a typical coach. I do not have the ambition to become the manager of Liverpool FC. I only wish to live happily where I am. What is important is to leave something behind in the places where I have been. For example, when I served as the Academy Director at FC Barcelona, I implemented various reforms in the academy. While working in the United States, I was involved in new projects and reformed many things. In Niigata, I was clearly involved in changing the playing style, and I feel that it has continued. At this club as well, I want to do work that leaves something greater after I leave. Isn’t it true that everyone desires reform in the club? Even in this heavy rain, 43,000 people came to see us.
[Player Interview]
<Leandro>
Q, it was a wonderful goal. Please look back on that scene.
A, to be honest, I don't clearly remember that scene, but just before that, Diego contested for the ball and the loose ball came to me. (Regarding the shooting scene) I saw the goal, so I took the shot and scored, that's the impression I have.
Q, after the goal was scored, he ran to the back of the goal and expressed his joy.
A, I was happy to be able to contribute to the team with a goal in my first match back after a long absence, and I wanted to express that in front of the fans and supporters, which is why I performed like that.
Q: Following the Levain Cup final, this is your second consecutive goal at the national stadium. Do you have any thoughts or feelings about playing at this stadium?
A, it’s true that I have a good rapport with the National stage, so from now on, I’m thinking of asking that all our home games be held here at the National Stadium (laughs).
Q, I think you had made a promise with Nakamura physiotherapist before the match, and you fulfilled it, right?
A, of course, I am happy that I was able to score a goal as promised, but above all, I am most grateful that many fans and supporters came out in this bad weather, and I am especially happy to have scored a goal among them.
Q, what was your aim when entering the game?
A, I always keep the same thing in mind, which is to bring out what we have prepared over the week during the match. Recently, as a team playing positional soccer, I have been playing while thinking about where my teammates position themselves and where I should position myself.
Q, I think we were able to create good attacks with quick counterattacks after stealing the ball.
A, there are aspects that improve with each game as we challenge various things every match. Within that, I think it was a good attack where all the players gave their maximum effort.
Q, the team has been struggling to score goals.
A, we had been goalless for a while, so it was good to be able to score today and finish with a victory. However, I do not want to be satisfied with this and want to continue moving forward.
Q, I think I was able to run tough during the game.
A, not only this time but also regarding positioning, the whole team is moving well. To play soccer that makes the most of each other's quality, I always try to play as usual when passing the ball behind or making runs, so I'm glad it went well.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the next game.
A, I think it will be a tough match, but we will focus from practice and work hard, and although it is an away game, we want to bring back 3 points.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, it was a long-awaited victory, please reflect on the game at Japan National Stadium.
A, although we had three consecutive draws, playing at Japan National Stadium was a great honor for me, and the team was fully motivated to definitely secure 3 points, so I’m glad we were able to win 2-0 under those circumstances.
Q, didn't you have a lot of things you wanted to do, such as pushing for a long time in terms of content, quickly regaining possession even if it was taken away?
A, today we had relatively long possession of the ball, so there were parts where we were able to play the kind of soccer we wanted, but there were still moments when we lost the ball by kicking long balls too easily. I want to improve by having solutions such as switching play to the opposite side.
Q, the league has finished 10 matches, and we are currently in 4th place with 5 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses. How do you perceive the fact that we have been able to win this much even in the process of building up?
A, I want to win and keep improving, and even if the content is not very good, I think it is important to be able to earn 3 points. Moving forward, I want to continue winning while improving and maturing our style of soccer.
Q, there was also a flashy production before entering. How did you feel when you played?
A, fireworks and flames went up at the entrance, creating a production that boosted the players' motivation, so we were very fired up. Also, many fans and supporters came to the stadium today, so I felt that we might be gradually returning to the pre-COVID-19 normal. Although it will be step by step, I hope the day will come when we can cheer out loud again little by little.
Q: Does player Abe have any memories at this stadium?
A, today was my second match at the Japan National Stadium, and the first time was the Levain Cup Final, so I had a good image from winning the championship.
Q: How will you make use of today's victory?
A, We have an away match against Fukuoka in three days, so we will thoroughly share what we were able to do and what we couldn't in today's meeting, and prepare to play better soccer than today.
Q: Other teams seem to be rotating their players, but Tokyo appears to have a fixed lineup. I especially feel that the three midfielders are highly trusted. Please tell us about the performance of these three players and what the coach demands from them.
A: The coach has told Matsuki and me to make runs behind the defense and to play with high intensity. Even so, we are able to play freely because Aoki, who is positioned behind us, maintains the balance. We have a very good relationship, and we communicate both during the match and at halftime. Throughout the game, I want to further improve the relationship between the anchor and the inside half.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, please reflect on the 90 minutes of the match played on the National stage.
A, I am honestly happy that over 40,000 fans and supporters came, and we were able to win on the best stage, including the atmosphere.
Q, I think we were able to defend aggressively from the front line.
A, I believe the reason for our victory was that we outperformed the opponent in intensity, which is one of our characteristics.
Q, I think we were able to smoothly pass the ball after scoring the opening goal.
A, I have gradually gotten used to it and realized that I can create time, so I want to continue doing that. I have the impression that Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's style of soccer is gradually taking hold.
Q, I think we were able to create good attacks even after stealing the ball.
A, winning the ball is also one of my strengths, and I always think about making plays that lead directly to goals from there. Although I couldn't score in today's match, I want to aggressively aim for it again next time.
Q, we earned 3 points, but please share your enthusiasm for the next match.
A, we have consecutive matches from here on. I think the fatigue is greater than I expected, so I want to take good care of my body and prepare well for the next match.
