<Match Review>
This round, which was played after a three-week break, was a match against Nagoya Grampus, led by former FC Tokyo coach Kenta HASEGAWA. On the 12th, they faced Cerezo Osaka at home and aimed for a consecutive victory with the momentum of their 4-0 win.
1st HALF - Ball is held but unable to take control
At the start, Nagoya, who is playing their final home game, is pushed back by a sharp start. In the 3rd minute, they immediately face a crisis. A free kick from the right side is crossed by Haruya FUJII, and waiting for it is Kensuke NAGAI, who until this summer wore the blue and red uniform and fought together. However, goalkeeper Jakub SLOWIK makes a fantastic save on the powerful shot on target, preventing a sure goal.
In the 10th minute, they gave away a free kick on the left side. Ryota NAGAKI's ball, which was put in with his right foot, was cleared near the goal and Noriyoshi SAKAI was pushed in, resulting in a disadvantage in the game.
Finally, Tokyo's attack started to pick up pace after 20 minutes. They were able to move the ball around in the opponent's half for longer periods of time, resulting in more shooting opportunities. In the 24th minute, Leandro took a shot with his right foot after intercepting a pass in the midfield. Then, in the 28th minute, Ryoma WATANABE and Keigo HIGASHI took consecutive shots on a counter attack. They were getting closer to scoring a goal against Nagoya.
Still, one point was far away, and we welcomed the turnaround by allowing the lead.
2nd HALF - Equalized but lost due to a momentary gap
Both teams started the second half without any player substitutions. Tokyo was able to smoothly advance with the ball, creating rhythm and tempo in their attack. In that flow, they suddenly shook the goal net. In the 4th minute of the second half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Kuryu MATSUKI on the left side crossed the ball. Although it was cleared once, Yasuki KIMOTO, who picked up the second ball, skillfully controlled it and struck it powerfully with his right foot into the upper right corner of the goal.
Tokyo, who started to dominate the game after scoring the equalizing goal. The players maintained a good distance between each other and connected short passes, quickly regaining possession even when losing the ball and transitioning to second and third attacks.
However, in the midst of the growing atmosphere of a comeback goal, they showed a momentary gap. In the 24th minute of the second half, they gave a free kick on the left side and allowed a quick restart. Ryoya MORISHITA's low and fast cross was blocked by GK Jakub SLOWIK, but Kensuke NAGAI, who was closing in, pushed it in and they were once again overtaken.
Tokyo, who wants to equalize and turn the game around, sends out Adailton and Shuto ABE. However, Nagoya's defensive block in the center is strong and they cannot create chances. The time of patience is getting longer.
In the end, we were unable to produce a second equalizing goal and the time was up. We couldn't secure a consecutive win, and in the next match we will face Kawasaki Frontale, who still have a chance to win their third consecutive league title, in the final match at home in the Tama River Clasico.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yuto NAGATOMO (42nd minute of the second half: Hotaka NAKAMURA)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Koki TSUKAGAWA (30th minute of the second half: Shuto ABE)/Keigo HIGASHI/ Kuryu MATSUKI (42nd minute of the second half: Hirotaka MITA)
FW Ryoma WATANABE (30th minute of the second half: Adailton)/Luiz PHELLYPE/Leandro (17th minute of the second half: Kazuya KONNO)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Seiji KIMURA
GOAL
4 minutes into the second half, Yasuki KIMOTO
Nagoya Grampus
Starting XI
GK LANGERAK
DF Yuichi MARUYAMA/Haruya FUJII/Shinnosuke NAKATANI
MF Yuki SOUMA/Ryoya MORISHITA (26th minute of the second half: Kazuya MIYAHARA)/Sho INAGAKI/Ryota NAGAKI (44th minute of the second half: Keiya SENTO)
FW Noriyoshi SAKAI (11th minute of the second half: Takuya SHIGEHIRO)/Kensuke NAGAI (26th minute of the second half: Leonardo)/Mateus CASTRO (44th minute of the second half: SILVA)
SUBS
GK Yohei TAKEDA
DF Thiago
GOAL
First half 10 minutes Noriyoshi SAKAI
Second half 24 minutes Kensuke NAGAI
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: please review the game.
A: I have also told the players that I am proud of their performance today. I believe you saw them playing with good quality and aiming for victory throughout the full 90 minutes. Naturally, we are not satisfied with the match result, and there is room for improvement in the details, such as conceding two goals from set pieces. However, I think we clearly outperformed the opponent in terms of the quality of football. The players clearly expressed the direction and style that the team and club are aiming for. As time passes and we play more matches, the players are pushing the opponents back and becoming able to play calmly. That is how I understand and interpret it. I ask the players to play smartly, give them difficult challenges, and through overcoming them, the players grow. That is my interpretation.
Of course, I understand that the game result is the most important thing. However, as the coach of this team, after 8 months, I am truly proud that the players have reached a level where they can express themselves in such a wonderful stadium.
The match result is also determined by elements that we cannot control. However, as a coach, we must calmly analyze and judge whether the team is moving in the right direction. From that perspective, I think it was a game that proved the team is moving in the right direction. FC Tokyo is a club that is required to play more attacking and attractive football due to its name, and we are currently striving for that. Whether at home or away, I think we will go to the position of expressing that kind of play. That is how I interpret football and life.
Q, what do you feel is necessary to break down the attacking third?
A, today, the opposing team had 9 players inside the penalty area defending. We must understand that we were in a situation where we had to attack against such a team. I think we were able to create many chances against a team that was defending tightly. The opposing team was only able to create a few chances. Regarding our attack, there were many periods when we were executing good attacks properly. The feeling that we were creating chances is important. I ended this match with the feeling that the team was attacking well.
In the first 10 minutes, there were many plays that still had room for improvement. However, looking back on the season, I think it was clear that the team has changed significantly from the opening game until today. Has there been any change? I want you to remember the Nagoya game at home. In that game, we were not able to dominate, but today we were clearly able to dominate the opponent away. We lost the game. But if you ask if we are moving in a good direction, it is not the case. On the contrary, I think today's game made it clear that we are moving in a good direction. If you look at the standings, we are not in a bad position. Next week, we still have the Kawasaki Frontale game. I want to express our style and aim for victory like we did today.
[Player Interview]
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, it was a frustrating defeat.
A, we had already allowed clear chances before conceding the first goal, and once we conceded from a set piece in the first half, the match became difficult.
Q, I scored the equalizing goal among them.
A, I thought that if we scored one goal, we could turn the game around, so I’m glad the bold shot I took went in.
Q, I was scored by the player I least wanted to be scored by, Ryo Nagai.
A, I think we didn’t allow them to get chances during the flow of the game, but we stopped moving during the set play and lost concentration. Conceding a goal in such a situation means losing in the J1 League.
Q, How was the game at Toyota Stadium?
A, Many people came to the stadium, creating a great atmosphere and an environment that was easy to play in. However, the desire not to lose was strong, and given our position, we were in a situation where we could aim higher in the standings. This season, there has been a frustrating inability to win at crucial moments when we thought, "If we win here..." which made us painfully aware of our own lack of strength. I believe that if we can't win in these situations, we can't move up, so I want to make use of this experience next season.
Q: We were drawn back by the opponent after being scored on first. How should we break down the opponent who drew us back?
A, I think it is a wall that teams who maintain possession face. When we are behind, the opponent sets up a block, making it a difficult situation. I think there were many safe passes in the first half. We talked about making bold plays so that we can properly finish with crosses or shots.
Q, I think it is important to value plays like Kimoto's goal in that sense.
A, I think several players were involved in the crosses during the scoring opportunities, and goals are born when that kind of aggressiveness comes out. We want to increase those kinds of scenes.
Q, the possibility of being in third place has been eliminated with today's result.
A, looking at today's (other venues') results, there was a possibility, but since it originally depended somewhat on others, I didn't think much about it and focused only on winning today. There have been many matches this season where the phrase "if we win here" applied, so I don't think this one loss alone is the issue. To be among the top next season, I believe we need the ability to win important matches.
Q, the next match is the final match of the season, the Home Tama River Clasico.
We will not change what we do, and this applies to next season as well. Since we can play the final match at home, we want to make it a good conclusion to the year. I think the opponent is highly motivated as the championship is on the line, so if we can beat Kawasaki, who are near the top, it will boost our confidence. We want to fight the last match while continuing what we were able to do today.
Q, please say a word to the fans and supporters who came to support us until Nagoya.
A, the support gave me strength, and even during the post-match greetings, the cheering gave me energy, so I want to play a good game at home, win, and celebrate with everyone.
<Luiz PHELLYPE>
Q: I think it has been a long time since you last played. Can you please share your thoughts?
A, It has been a while since I was able to play for a long time, so I view it positively. I want to work hard from practice so that I can play for a long time in the next match as well.
Q, I think there were a wide range of tasks, such as being the starting point for chance creation, not just finishing. How do you feel about that?
A, I was always able to play with confidence, and I view positively that I was able to maintain that level of play over a long period on the field. However, I feel that I need to make that confidence visible through tangible results.
Q, I think we were able to create a lot of chances in collaboration with Leandro, but what do you feel was missing that didn't result in goals?
A, I think I needed to make better decisions in the final moments. Today, I wasn’t able to make good choices in the plays that arose on the spot, which is why I couldn’t score a goal. I want to be calmer and make better decisions in the next match.
Q: Please tell us your enthusiasm for the final match of the next round against Kawasaki.
A, Although we were unable to win the title as a team, my motivation for what I can do individually remains high. I want to focus on playing for long periods, scoring goals, and being persistent in those areas to help lead the team to victory.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q, although we controlled the ball, it resulted in a disappointing outcome.
A, of course the result is disappointing, but since Albert PUIG ORTONEDA became the coach, the number of matches where we clearly control the game has increased, and I can feel our growth. However, we lost today’s match, and there are still areas to improve such as mental toughness and other challenges, but I feel that the path we are on is definitely the right one.
Q, How was your condition throughout the game?
A, there are good points and areas to improve, but overall there is no problem at all.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: please review the game.
A, It was a match that reminded us that even playing good soccer does not necessarily mean winning. Although we didn’t get the result, I feel that what we have been building up is not wrong, and honestly, I was able to enjoy the game. It is true that we need to turn this into results, and regarding today’s match, I think the reason for the loss was that we couldn’t finish it off when it became 1-1.
Q, I think we were able to create many scenes where we pushed forward in the opponent's territory, even though we were one point behind. That led to Kimoto's equalizing goal.
A, as a team, when we press forward defensively, situations like that are bound to happen, and if we were defending by dropping back, I don't think Kimoto would have been able to get in that far. Today, we were able to score in that aspect, and if we continue on that path and it goes in a good direction, I believe we can score even more goals. At the same time, we all want to raise our awareness to reduce the number of goals conceded.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the final home game against Kawasaki.
A, the opponent has the championship on the line, so I am really looking forward to stopping them.
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q: How was it when you played in the match and there were scenes that seemed like it would be a penalty kick?
A, I was pushed and fell, but in the end, I was not awarded a foul. I need to become more resilient there and feel that I have to develop a bit more strength to avoid falling.
Q, I think I was able to contribute to the team in the final breakthrough part by making repeated attempts.
A: After the opponent took the lead and set up their defensive block, we had some time in possession of the ball, so when I received the ball on the side, I tried to add some accents to my play. In that sense, I don't think it was bad, but in the end, I couldn't take any shots nor score an equalizing goal, so that is something I need to reflect on.
Q, do you think that as a team, you are able to possess the ball, but the challenge lies in breaking down the opposition's defense in the final moments?
A, we have been able to progress smoothly up to the final third, so it comes down to the quality of the final shots and crosses, as well as individual aspects. Each player needs to be more conscious of this, and I myself need to improve the quality further; otherwise, it won't lead to an increase in the number of goals.
Q, do each individual have to raise one by one?
A, I believe that will ultimately lead to the team's level-up as well, so I felt once again today that I must first work on improving myself even more.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, how was it when there was a time when the defense from Nagoya's front line didn't work well?
A, I think that part is an issue, and it’s a wall that teams who keep possession of the ball will encounter. I believe we still lack the work needed to break down opponents who set up a defensive block. However, I think there were good periods in the second half, so the challenge is to be able to do that from the first half as well.
Q, is it because we have been making progress despite the challenges that we are now facing these walls?
A, yes. I think it was a different scenario than the Shonan match, so in that sense, even among the players, there is room for improvement in both offense and defense depending on the opponent's situation.
Q, for example, where would it be?
A, I haven’t watched the footage yet since the match, so it’s hard to say for sure, but to get into the details, not conceding the first goal and not being scored on set plays are important. If the game had progressed at 0-0, it would have looked different, so I feel that includes psychological aspects as well.
Q: How was it to play against Ryo Nagai on the pitch?
A, it was fun. I really think we went at it fiercely. The goal scene was due to his instinct, something he possesses as a forward, so even though he is on the opposing team, I want to praise him for that. I felt once again that he is a good player. It was great to be able to compete like this.
Q: Was the uniform exchanged at the end?
A, yes. We exchanged them after the match ended. I couldn’t play in the home game during the first half of the season with Kenta-san (Coach Hasegawa), but this time I was able to play right in front of him. I hope to show a healthy appearance again next season as well.
Q, Nagai and Morishige competed at the start, and it was a strange sight when I ran over there wondering if they were okay.
A, I think it's not just me but also part of Nagai's character, and knowing his personality, I'm really happy to see him doing well energetically in Nagoya.
Q, the final match is against Kawasaki at home.
A, Regarding the standings, nothing is at stake, but I think this is an opportunity to express what we have built up for ourselves. If we can play well in the final match, I believe it will lead into next season, and that will boost our confidence and lead to a good start, so I want it to be that kind of game.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q, it was a frustrating result. Please reflect on the game.
A, although we had our moments, we couldn't finish decisively, and the second goal conceded was a regrettable one, so I think we need to correct that part.
Q, I had the impression that you were aggressively going into the opponent to the point of receiving a yellow card.
A, I regret that I went in without considering the accumulation of yellow cards. I feel that I was able to be aggressive from the start of the match.
Q: Were there any challenges encountered in today's match?
A, I still feel there is a lot of room for improvement regarding defensive positioning. In the first half, there were about two occasions where we were caught behind, and Morishige helped us out. In the second half, the accuracy of crosses also declined, which is another area to improve.
Q: Did the opponent's strong defense make it difficult for you?
A, Our style of play is being closely watched, and I think there will be many more matches like this going forward. Even if countermeasures are taken against us, we cannot win without scoring goals, so we want to continue focusing on that.
Q, wasn't it a year of growth in the defensive part as well, returning from a major injury?
A: I believe I have grown compared to the beginning, but there are still many areas, such as my initial positioning, where I feel I have a long way to go. I want to keep refining these aspects to achieve better results.
