<Match Review>
In the previous match, Tokyo won 2-0 against Gamba Osaka in the first J1 league match held at the new Japan National Stadium, placing them in 4th position. They entered a series of consecutive matches during Golden Week and faced Avispa Fukuoka away in this match with only 3 days of rest.
Two months ago, in the second match of this season, we played against each other at the same venue in the second round of the Levain Cup group stage. At that time, Tokyo dominated the game by possessing the ball and pushing the opponent, despite having a team mainly composed of young players due to the impact of the new coronavirus infection. They created several decisive chances, including Ryoya OGAWA's free kick that hit the crossbar, but unfortunately lost 0-1 due to the opponent converting one chance. In order to repay the debt from that match, we will seek both performance and results in this away game and aim to bring back 3 points to Tokyo.
Masato MORISHIGE was injured and Henrique TREVISAN also avoided this match due to injury in the last game. Yasuki KIMOTO and Ryoya OGAWA formed the center-back duo. Interestingly, OGAWA played as a center-back in the second match of this season against Fukuoka and seeks revenge in the same position. Kashif BANGNAGANDE made his first start as a left full-back in the league this season. Leandro, who scored the winning goal as a substitute in the previous game against Gamba Osaka, also returned to the starting lineup. For the first time this season, three Brazilian players lined up in the starting lineup in the forward line.
At the start, after being pushed back by Fukuoka due to a set play, Diego OLIVEIRA failed to clear the ball in front of the goal during a corner kick in the 3rd minute of the first half, allowing the opponent to score first. After that, Tokyo struggled to build up from the back as the opponent pressed hard and quickly from the front, making it difficult to advance the ball. In the 18th minute of the first half, they finally launched a counterattack, with Kuryu MATSUKI sending in a cross from the left side that Adailton headed towards the goal, but it was blocked by the opponent's goalkeeper. Tokyo had a hard time settling the ball against Fukuoka, who maintained their pressing intensity, but they did not miss a moment of opportunity. In the 24th minute of the first half, during a midfield battle, Kuryu MATSUKI quickly reacted to a short back pass from the opponent's defender to the goalkeeper, recovered the ball, dribbled past the goalkeeper, and slotted it into the goal, equalizing with MATSUKI's first professional goal.
The flow of the game changed with this equalizing goal. After the restart, Tokyo held onto the ball and moved it at a faster tempo than the opponent, gradually entering the Fukuoka territory. In particular, Yuto NAGATOMO, in combination with Adailton and Leandro, was involved in the attack from deep positions in the opponent's territory. He opened up wide to the touchline, played in the center, and participated in the build-up of the attack from positions where he couldn't be marked by the opponent, becoming the starting point on the right side. It seemed like they had taken control, but in the 39th minute of the first half, the ball entered the vital area and Yuya YAMAGISHI was unable to stop the opponent's breakthrough, allowing a shot to be placed in the bottom right corner for a go-ahead goal.
Tokyo, wanting to take the initiative at the start of the second half, was broken through on the right side by Tatsuya TANAKA in the 3rd minute, leading to a cross that was headed in by Lukian at the near post, extending the lead. In the 13th minute, during a corner kick opportunity, Leandro attempted a direct shot at goal, aiming to go over the opposing goalkeeper's head, but unfortunately, it was deflected. As they connected the ball in midfield while looking for gaps in the opponent's defense, in the 17th minute, a mistake in build-up play was seized upon, allowing Yamagishi to break free and score in a one-on-one with Jakub Słowik. Wanting to change the flow of the game, Tokyo brought on Keita YAMASHITA, Ryoma WATANABE, and Kazuya KONNO in the 20th minute. In the 25th minute, Kensuke NAGAI, who came on as a substitute from the left side, delivered a cross into the goal area, but Diego's contested ball spilled out, and Kazuya KONNO's shot was not well connected. Conversely, in the 27th minute, a long ball was played behind the defensive line, allowing Lukian to break free and extend the deficit to four goals. Tokyo continued to fight back until the final whistle, trying to close the gap by at least one goal, but they were unable to create any decisive chances and faced the final whistle.
Despite facing a tough result, Tokyo is halfway through the challenge of implementing a new style. Without turning away from reality, we will continue to make adjustments and preparations for the upcoming home match against Sagan Tosu at Ajinomoto Stadium, just 4 days away.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: please review the game.
A: In a match against Fukuoka, who play very aggressively on defense, we anticipated that the first few minutes of the game would be extremely important. Nevertheless, we conceded a goal early on. That initial goal had a significant impact on the flow of the match.
After that, we were able to catch up to the tie, but I think we were able to control the game well before and after that time period, and we were able to respond well to Fukuoka's weapon, which is the counterattack. However, it is a fact that the second goal had a big impact. It was very disappointing because it was a goal conceded during the time period when we were dominating the game.
Then, at the start of the second half, we conceded the third goal on Fukuoka's first counterattack. As a result, we pushed forward more aggressively, and each time, we struggled against Fukuoka's weapon—the counterattack. This led to us conceding multiple goals.
This season, we are working on significant changes. In that sense, accidents like today's can happen. I would like to commend today's opponent, Fukuoka. We understand that our playing style leads to accumulating points consistently. Of course, we have many areas for improvement. However, in order to always aim for the top, we believe that our playing style is effective, so we want to continue on this path.
And today, despite the defeat, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Tokyo fans and supporters who applauded us after the game. It was evident from the applause that they are supporting us on the path we are taking.
Q: Please explain the intention behind lining up three Brazilian players for the first time this season, with Leandro in the center and Diego OLIVEIRA on the side.
A: We arranged the formation aiming to create a numerical advantage in the central midfield. And I believe it was quite effective. We anticipated that Fukuoka's center backs would be strong. Therefore, instead of fighting there, we aimed to compete in a different zone. Especially in the first half, we successfully created a numerical advantage in the central midfield and from there, I think we were able to create good chances.
However, soccer is a sport where the number of goals scored is what counts, and it is clear that Fukuoka scored more goals than us today and secured the victory. The match result is the most important aspect of soccer. For us, today's match was a negative result. However, we have another match coming up on Sunday, so we hope to show a clearly improved performance then.
Q: Were there any areas where the defense became weak as the offense became stronger?
A: The first goal we conceded came from a corner kick. The second goal was not due to poor pressing from the front, but rather a mistake in the defensive line. In that sense, I do not think our defense from the front was bad. Also, the goal conceded in the second half was due to poor risk management during our attack.
Fukuoka has a physically strong two-forward setup, and if space is given to them, they can make very dangerous plays. A very difficult match scenario against Fukuoka is when they have a lead that allows them to focus on defense. Because the match developed in such a way, it became a game where their strengths were more effective. That is why the second conceded goal is regrettable. I believe it greatly determined the flow of the match.
Q: Please evaluate player Matsuki who scored the equalizing goal.
A, I think he played well. He has been steadily improving this season. Although he had chances in recent matches but struggled to score, I am glad he was able to find the net today. I am very satisfied with his performance. However, he still has room to grow, and to become a great player, he needs to develop even further. By continuing to play with our style, I believe he can continue to improve.
[Player Interview]
＜Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q, it was a frustrating result. On the other hand, you also scored your first goal in the J-League.
A, I wish I could have gained momentum from my goal, but since I couldn't, I didn't do any work besides scoring, and it was a match that left challenges.
Q, please look back on the goal scene.
A, I looked at the goalkeeper and at first thought to slide the ball to the left, but I felt the distance to the goalkeeper made it difficult to shoot, so I dodged and calmly slid the ball in.
Q, what do you think about scoring a goal as a professional?
A, I am also seeking results. Although I couldn't lead the team to victory with a goal, I hope this goal will give us momentum, and I will continue to play aiming for results from the next match onward.
Q, It was my first professional goal in the 10th game since the opening. Did it feel late for you?
A, I was aiming for a goal from the opening game, so I think it was a bit late.
Q: How did you approach the new lineup with three Brazilian players in the front line?
A, we planned for Leandro to move freely, Adailton to open up, and Diego to play inside, with the idea that Abe and I would be involved within that. However, I feel we ended up adapting to the opponent’s play too much. I think it would have been better if we had received the ball more often in the spaces and increased the number of wedge passes to the front line.
Q: Did you feel any changes in your feelings after celebrating your 19th birthday the day before yesterday?
A, I feel that the difference between being 18 and 19 years old is significant for me. There are many players abroad who are active in their teens, so compared to them, I feel that I still have a long way to go both technically and mentally. I want to focus more on achieving results.
<Ryoya OGAWA>
Q, how was the game looking back?
A, we allowed the opponent to play the way they wanted, and we couldn't play the way we intended. I think that resulted in this outcome.
Q, how was it playing as a center back?
A, we conceded goals at the start of both the first and second halves, and since we were being pressed by the opponent even before conceding, I think as a center back I should have pushed up from the back and cleared the ball more effectively.
The second goal was ultimately conceded after the opponent broke through by dribbling, but since it started from me losing the challenge, I believe if I had cleared the ball properly, the goal could have been prevented. Knowing that the team would play long balls, I think I should have cleared them more effectively.
Q: This time, the three players in the front line were Brazilian players, and I think the emphasis on attack was significant, which indirectly placed a heavy burden on defense. What are your thoughts?
A, there were some unavoidable parts, but we wanted to push our line up a little more. There were also times when we failed to pick up the second ball and became stretched out, so I think we need to adjust the defensive line's push-up and the pressing from the front line.
Q, I think it was a game where I felt the difficulty of being a center back.
A, I think the center back is especially the busiest in matches against Fukuoka. Since the contests for the ball were intense, I believe that, having been entrusted with the center back position, I had to give it my all.
Q, how do you plan for the future?
A: Whether playing as a center back or a side back, once you are on the field, you must give your all in the position entrusted to you to help the team win, and I hope to contribute to the team's victory.
Q, many fans and supporters came to support.
A, I feel sorry that you came all the way to Fukuoka to support us. I want to do my best to make you happy in the next match against Tosu.
