<Match Review>
In the previous match, FC Tokyo achieved their first victory in 5 league matches against Shimizu S-Pulse on enemy territory. In particular, in the second half, they dominated the game by holding onto the ball for most of the time. They embodied their desired style on the pitch, such as defending from the front, thick attacks, and creating time to settle down by holding onto the ball. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA praised the team's performance, saying, "Today was the start of a day when FC Tokyo's playing style began to change," and they returned home with 3 points.
The match this week was a return to home for Kashima Antlers, who had been struggling to find a win. They faced off against the league-leading Vitoria Sport Clube from Portugal. This was also the last chance for Ryoya OGAWA to play at Ajinomoto Stadium before his transfer. After 7 and a half seasons of success in Tokyo, he wanted to secure a victory for his teammates.
Tokyo wants to maintain possession of the ball and calmly progress in the match, but Kashima has been fighting fiercely for the ball and applying coordinated pressure on the ball holder, making it difficult to find a way to build up and enter the opponent's territory. Even in situations where they regained possession and attempted to counterattack, they rushed too much and easily lost the ball, repeatedly being pushed back to their own half by Kashima's strong and fast attacks. They struggled to create attacking patterns, but in the 23rd minute of the first half, they advanced the ball deep into the opponent's territory, where Kuryu MATSUKI received the ball on the left side and passed it to Diego OLIVEIRA, who had entered the central area of the penalty box. As Diego attracted defenders and let the ball pass, Ryoma WATANABE, who had made a run behind, attempted a one-touch shot, but it went over the goal. They suffered through a series of exchanges with the ball flying vertically, but in the 33rd minute of the first half, they changed the tempo of their passes to shift the flow of the game. Ogawa, who had the ball in a high position on the left side, passed it to Watanabe in the central area. As Watanabe and Diego executed a one-two with one touch, drawing in several opposing players, Watanabe entered the space in the penalty area that was vacated by the drawn defenders. Watanabe shot the ball into the right corner of the goal faster than the pursuing defender, successfully giving Tokyo the lead.
Tokyo, who took the lead, got into a rhythm and started to function defensively in coordination with the ball side, regaining the ball in the midfield battle and increasing their time in possession. In the 41st minute of the first half, Adailton made a run behind the opponent's defense and approached the goal, but his one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper was blocked. Although it did not result in a goal, Tokyo took advantage of the space created by the opponent's push forward and launched a fierce attack. In the 43rd minute of the first half, after repelling the opponent's attack, Adailton received a through pass in his own half and used his speed to leave the defender behind in one touch, carrying the ball towards the penalty area. He then used Diego, who had come to support, to create space on the right side. Watanabe, who had made a run into the goal area, struck a shot with his right foot that was sucked into the top left corner of the goal, extending Tokyo's lead as the game reached halftime.
In the early stages of the second half, Adailton created a chance. In the 5th minute of the second half, he picked up a ball that seemed to be heading out of bounds on the left touchline and carried it towards the penalty area while being chased by an opposing defender. As he controlled the ball towards the goal, he was brought down from behind and awarded a penalty kick. In the 7th minute of the second half, Diego Taba calmly slotted the penalty kick into the bottom left corner, extending Tokyo's lead to 3 goals.
It seemed like it would be the additional point that would decide the game, but in the 9th minute of the second half, a cross ball from the right side was put in and Adailton player scored a goal in the lower right corner, bringing the score to 1 point. As the opponent pushed forward and attacked, spaces opened up and opportunities to attack increased, but they were unable to take decisive shots while approaching the opponent's goal. In the 43rd minute of the second half, a short counter was launched and Adailton player entered the penalty area, but the shot was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper. Although they lost one point, the transition to defense after the attack was smooth and quick, and they finished the game without shaking the net until the end.
Before entering the break period, we were able to achieve consecutive victories in the league and gain a solid sense of growth in terms of content. We want to express our further growth on the pitch of the Emperor's Cup and the resumed league matches by not relying too much on the confidence gained in these two matches and continuing to train.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: please review the game.
A: We anticipated that Kashima would have high-quality players and would apply intense defensive pressure from the start. We corrected the mistakes we made in the Fukuoka match and approached today's game accordingly. Conceding a goal early would have made the match difficult for us, so we aimed to avoid that. The team is still in a growth phase. We have not yet developed enough to maintain solid ball possession against a team that applies such high-intensity defense. However, we expected the heat today and, since this was the last match in a congested schedule, we also anticipated that their intensity would drop after about 20 minutes into each half. After the water break, we were able to maintain good ball possession. From there, once we gained control of the game with the ball, we created several decisive chances. Fortunately, we were able to convert 2 goals from about 3 chances, and those goals had a significant impact on the flow of the match.
Regarding the second half, we expected to struggle at the start. However, it was crucial that we were able to score an additional goal during that time. We had hoped to finish the game by securely holding onto the ball after making it 3-0, but unfortunately we conceded a goal early on. I believe that goal had a significant impact on the flow of the game. However, I think we were able to respond well after that goal. From there, we predicted two possible scenarios. One was to lower our defensive block and use long balls more frequently. However, I thought that lowering our defensive block was very risky, as Kashima has high-quality players in their front line. I always believe that the best defense is to hold onto the ball, so we chose that option. Even in difficult times, the team chose to connect passes in a simple situation that could be settled if we cleared the ball.
We were able to create opportunities to score additional points by switching between offense and defense in a good manner, rather than relying on counterattacks. Even in the final stages of the game, the players showed a strong determination to fight and win in order to finish the game. As those living in the world of competition, it is crucial for us to fight with determination. As always, our main goal this season is to continue growing every day. Our opponents have various ways of fighting and playing styles, but as we continue to play against teams with different characteristics, we aim to further improve and grow. I believe we were able to grow through this game.
I would like to once again praise today's opponent Kashima. I also met the coach of Kashima for the first time and I would like to praise him as well. I felt that he is a wonderful person and is leading the team in a great direction. And I would also like to praise the fans and supporters of Kashima. Many fans and supporters came to Ajinomoto Stadium and passionately supported the team. I would also like to praise the referees. I think they made great decisions. Lastly, I would like to praise our fans and supporters. In this wonderful weather, many people came to (Ryoya) Ogawa's last game as a home game and created a great atmosphere. Thank you very much.
Q: There was a discussion about the opponent's intensity dropping after 20 minutes. Did you communicate this to the players before the game or during the water break?
A, I communicated this to the players in advance and prepared them. After the water break in the first half, we anticipated the opponent's intensity would drop, so I gave instructions for Ryoma WATANABE to play more centrally.
Q, I would like to ask about Watanabe's positioning. It was expected that one of the double volantes from Kashima would come to catch Aoki, but was it the intention to play in the center in order to use the space around the remaining player?
A, first, we aimed to have Kuryu MATSUKI drop down beside Aoki to create a numerical advantage. In the next phase, we positioned Shuto ABE and Ryoma WATANABE near the opponent player who was left in a more defensive midfield role, aiming to create an even greater numerical advantage in that zone. This was part of our game plan, but sometimes it works well, and sometimes it does not.
Q, FC Tokyo achieved its 300th victory in the J1 League.
A, and it was a commemorative match marking my 100th game in the J.League. There are many things to celebrate today, so I plan to celebrate a lot with champagne tonight. Of course, I am happy to have secured such a memorable victory. Over the past few months, we have roughly completed the first half of the season. The first half ended with a tight schedule in a short period, but we also struggled with COVID-19 at the start of the season. After that, we overcame a difficult period with many injuries to our center backs. Leandro's prolonged injury was also a significant challenge. Amid these various obstacles, we spent several months working on a clear change in our playing style.
Comparing the first few matches of this season with the team's recent play, I believe there is clear growth. Therefore, I am very proud of this team. I would also like to express my deep gratitude once again to the club and the fans and supporters for patiently and warmly continuing to support the team. I want you to imagine that if, during this process, the club and the fans and supporters had become nervous and caused anxiety within the team, a different outcome would have awaited us. Right now, we are in the process of building the foundation of the team. We are also at the stage of fostering the growth of young players who will bear the club’s future. Since we are thinking long-term, I do not set goals such as immediately winning titles or accumulating many victories. This is because whether we win matches is influenced by many factors. I think Liverpool also had a wonderful season this year, but if you ask whether they won all the titles they hoped for, the answer is definitely no. On the other hand, I do not think they failed either. I cannot accept a value system that evaluates only winning. Whether you win or not depends on many factors. However, if we can continue to do what we must and keep doing good work, I believe the team can grow to a position where it is always competing at the top.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryoma WATANABE Player＞
Q, please reflect on today's two goals.
A, it was a goal where I won the mind game against the goalkeeper. My intention was to fake a kick to the far post and then go to the near post. For the second goal, with the first goal still in my mind, I was able to finish at the far post.
Q, I think there were instructions from Coach Albert to play more inside.
A, it was the same from the Shimizu match, but I often found that when I timed it right and moved inside while watching the game, good opportunities were created. The coach told me before the match to show that kind of scene, and I think that worked well and led to today’s performance.
Q, there was a shot that led to Ogawa's goal in the previous match. Has your kicking feeling been increasing from your usual training?
A, since the Levain Cup, there have been many matches where I seemed likely to score but couldn’t, so I approached today with the determination to get at least one goal, and I’m glad I was able to score two. However, since we are only about halfway through the season, I believe there will still be many opportunities to add more goals, so I want to keep pushing forward without being satisfied with today’s result.
Q, I think you have had the opportunity to play in various positions so far this season. Please tell us about the current situation and challenges.
A, no matter what position I play, giving 100% does not change, but since I am originally an attacking player, I have a strong desire to be involved in scoring, and that feeling does not change even when I play as a side back. Recently, I have been told less about it, but defense remains an issue and needs to be improved. This does not change even when attacking, and I think I need to enhance my hard work plus individual tactical defense.
Q: What do you need to do in order to score goals in the future?
A, I want to keep the feeling I had today and the feeling I have when I'm at my best, no matter the position, and with the results expected of me in goals and assists, I want to approach it with the awareness to decide for myself and with courage.
Q: What did you say to player Ogawa who challenged overseas in the same year?
A, I myself struggled with the language when I first went overseas, and although I gradually learned the language over one or two years, I deeply realized how difficult it is when communication doesn’t go well. So, I think it’s important not to forget to make efforts in that area.
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q, what goals did you have as a team going into the game?
A, I thought it would be a tough battle against Kashima, as they have a lineup of high-quality players. In that context, it was an important match to see if we could play with the rhythm we have established and defend high up in the opponent's territory—basically, to play our usual style. Being able to express that well and score the opening goal was a major factor in today's victory.
Q, I think we were able to work hard throughout the game.
A, I believe the results came because we have been able to train at a high-quality level in our regular practice. Not only the 18 players who made the matchday squad but also those who didn’t were able to train at a high level as a whole team, so the hard work is reflected in the game. I think that factor is very strong.
Q, I think we were able to effectively use the space of the opponent's gap.
A, I have been able to receive the ball in the gaps since the previous match. However, entering those spaces is not my only role, so I believe playing with the goal in mind is important. I think it was good that I was able to make plays related to that, and that the team was able to quickly switch gears when we lost the ball.
Q, we saw plays involving 2 assists and a goal.
A, recently we haven't been able to score goals, so I felt I needed to contribute something for the team. In that context, being able to provide 2 assists is something I view positively as a result. Moving forward, I want to continue contributing with goals and assists so that the team can keep scoring, and work hard to produce results.
<Ryoya OGAWA>
Q, (In the league match) It was the last game at Ajinomoto Stadium, how did you approach it?
A, my feelings were no different than usual, but I just really wanted to win by any means.
Q, there have been times when the team has struggled to score goals, but in the last two matches, we have been able to score multiple goals. What improvements do you feel have been made in the attacking aspect?
A, I think we have been able to improve the quality in the vital area and successfully share our vision among the players. We are able to play calmly even in front of the goal. Without forcing shots or dribbles, we reliably connect with our teammates, take good positions, and score goals from a good flow where we shoot at the best timing. I believe we are able to play the kind of football we want to play.
Q, there are only 2 more league matches left. How do you want to approach them?
A, I can play in a maximum of two league matches, so I absolutely want to earn 6 points and help improve the team's ranking even just a little.
Q, please reflect on the first scene.
A, Ryoma WATANABE showed himself between the opponent's defense and midfield, and before that, Diego made a run behind to pull the opponent's defense, which created even more space for Ryoma WATANABE. It was the same with the goal against Shimizu; by delivering the ball diagonally, the opponent's decision to step forward or not changes the options. In this case, since they stepped out, we were able to break through with a one-two, and if they hadn’t, the front would have been open for a shot. I think diagonal passes were effective in the attack.
Q: Do you study the language before playing overseas?
A, I have heard from players who have experienced playing overseas about what I should do, and since I studied English during the COVID-19 pandemic, I think I can communicate to some extent. However, recently, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA told me that English is not understood in Portugal, so I want to work hard on learning Portuguese from now on.
Q: What kind of words did you receive from Professor Yuichiro Honda (former coach during your time at Kashiwa High School of Commerce) regarding this transfer?
A, the current coach of Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School is Masahiro Enomoto, and when I first told him, he was very happy and told me to go out there and deliver results.
Q: Do you have any thoughts or images in your mind about what you need to do or what you want to achieve in order to follow the ideal path, considering that there is a player like Nagatomo who has been successful overseas and can serve as a good role model?
A, what is amazing about Nagatomo is his very high communication skills, allowing him to fit in no matter which country he goes to. I believe that aspect is especially important when going abroad, so I want to value that part as well and work on it.
Q, I have been saying that I want to make use of my left-handed strength in playing on the left side. How specifically do you want to fight in that area?
A, I think there is a unique way of holding the ball that only a left-hander has, and I want to make the most of that. Being able to hold the ball openly will also expand the range of my play. Additionally, I want to increase my assists through crosses from the left side.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, we won against the top-ranked Kashima with 3 goals.
A, we knew the opponent would apply high pressing from the front line, and the team discussed that if we could break through it, it would create opportunities for us. Scoring a goal at a good time allowed us to proceed with the match more comfortably.
Q, I think I was able to score chances reliably.
A, the finishing, which has been an ongoing issue, has been improving, so I want to continue working on that.
Q, the team was able to maintain a conscious effort to connect passes despite the opponent's intense pressing from the front line.
A, as Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA also mentioned, we were consciously able to maintain our style without breaking it, and on top of that, we managed to do so while applying high pressing, so I believe this will be a valuable gain going forward. I expect the opponents to analyze us even more in the future, but we want to continue playing our own style of football.
Q, immediately after scoring the third goal, we conceded a goal. What kind of communication did the team have?
A, at that moment, there was a lapse in concentration. I thought the game would take a turn for the worse if it continued like that, so with Morishige as the focal point, the team was able to regroup well through good communication.
Q: How do you feel about the maturity of the new style?
A, I think we were able to move the ball collectively while coordinating with each other. If we can further mature this style, I believe we will be able to play our game throughout the full 90 minutes.
