＜Match Review＞
In the second season under the Albert regime. The season has arrived where the penetration of the "play with the ball" (by Coach Albert) style that has been worked on since last season and the team's evolution will be questioned. What we have been working on in the preseason is to systematically create a way to break through the defensive net after holding the ball and pushing the opponent in order to score goals. We have been increasing the maturity of the organization by repeatedly extracting and resolving issues in daily training, including practice matches, in a short period of time.
After a fulfilling preparation period, the stage for the opening match that showed the evolution of the second year was faced by Urawa Reds. With 100% capacity and unrestricted cheering in all seats at the stadium, the "voice" has returned to the stadium after a long time. The opponent, who welcomed a new coach, is difficult to predict, but the preparations to lead the game on their own are in perfect order. The blue and red, who are all about attacking, return to Ajinomoto Stadium and cut through.
1st HALF - Tokyo takes the initiative after 30 minutes
From the start, the intensity is high and there is fierce competition. In particular, Urawa is putting pressure on from the front, but Tokyo is fluidly changing positions while maintaining possession of the ball. They are able to move the ball up to a high position while avoiding opponents.
In the midst of a back-and-forth game, in the 16th minute of the first half, SAKAI took a powerful shot, but the ball was saved by a fine save from SLOWIK. While there were moments of possession in the flow of the game, a period of time where mistakes piled up and the finish couldn't be reached continued. The period of time where they couldn't take control of the game continued, but after the 30th minute of the first half, Tokyo's coordinated press from the front line started to work, allowing them to win the ball in high positions and transition to attack.
In the 38th minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA initiated a combination with Teruhito NAKAGAWA in a deep position in the opponent's territory, but they were unable to create a scoring opportunity. In the additional time of the first half, in the 45+1 minute, Hotaka NAKAMURA broke through the right side and supplied a cross ball, but Kuryu MATSUKI narrowly missed it as he jumped into the goal area, and the game ended 0-0.
2nd HALF - Securing scoring opportunities and winning the opening match
Changing the course of the game, which was struggling to find a rhythm, and in response to Keigo Higashi receiving a yellow card while also playing a crucial role in defense, Coach Alberto made a move during halftime. Shuto Abe was substituted for Higashi, aiming to change the midfield lineup and turn the situation around.
In the 3rd minute of the second half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who had the ball in a deep position on the left side, made a cross pass into the penalty area. Naomichi NAKAGAWA, who jumped in, controlled the ball and unleashed a powerful shot just in front of the left goalpost, but the ball rebounded off the crossbar. Despite missing a great opportunity, FC Tokyo, who held onto the ball, continued to push Urawa and dominate the game.
As the starting point from the side, gradually the gears of the team's cooperation begin to mesh by supplying effective balls to the opponent's goal. And in the 21st minute of the second half, they break the balance from the left side. Player Yoshifumi, who received the ball in a wide position, puts the ball into space, and player Abe breaks free and shakes off the opponent player with a sharp switch near the goal line, then checks the situation in front of the goal and puts a cross ball in the negative direction. Tokyo players also jump in, but the ball hits the opponent player and changes trajectory, rolling into the corner of the goal without the opposing goalkeeper being able to react.
Cutting the substitution card immediately afterwards can be the trigger that determines the outcome of the game.
In the 29th minute of the second half, Adailton, who received a throw-in from the right side, made a vertical pass, and Diego received the ball and put pressure on the opponent's defender from behind. Without losing the ball, he sent it to the left side, and in the 24th minute of the second half, Ryoma WATANABE, who was subbed in, took a shot while in a free position. The ball hit an opponent's player and flowed into the goal.
After expanding the lead, Tokyo had periods where they were pushed back by the opponent, but the team as a whole had a high defensive awareness and did not allow any decisive opportunities. As the game entered the final stages, they maintained possession of the ball without forcing attacks and successfully closed out the game while maintaining balance.
Although it took time for us to demonstrate our strengths within the tension unique to official matches in the first half, we were able to effectively bring the ball into the opponent's penalty area and convert the chances we seized through our offensive pressure in the second half. Tokyo's attack is still in the developmental stage. Without loosening our grip, we will use this victory as a catalyst and head towards the away game against Kashiwa Reysol in the next match.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA / Yasuki KIMOTO / Henrique TREVISAN / Kashif BANGNAGANDE (24th minute of the second half: Yuto NAGATOMO)
MF Kei KOIZUMI / Keigo HIGASHI (0th minute of the second half: Shuto ABE) / Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA (24th minute of the second half: Ryoma WATANABE) / Diego OLIVEIRA (43rd minute of the second half: Perotti) / Adailton (35th minute of the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA
GOAL
21' Second Half: Own Goal/30' Second Half: Ryoma WATANABE
Urawa Reds
STARTING XI
GK Shusaku Nishikawa
DF Hiroki Sakai (36th minute of the second half: Ayumu Ohata)/Alexander Scholz/Marius Hoibraten/Takahiro Akimoto
MF Atsuki Ito/Ken Iwao/David Moberg (11th minute of the second half: Kaoru Matsuzaki)/Yoshio Koizumi (24th minute of the second half: Takahiro Sekine)/Tomoaki Okubo
FW Bryan Lissen (24th minute of the second half: Shinzo Koroki)
SUBS
GK Zion SUZUKI
DF Tomoya INUKAI
MF Kai SHIBATO
GOAL
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[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, please look back on the first half.
A: The first half can be divided into two phases. In the first 30 minutes of the first half, neither did we play terribly nor did Urawa play exceptionally well. We made a series of simple mistakes and struggled to find the rhythm of the game during those 30 minutes. We especially struggled with Urawa targeting the space beside our anchor midfielder. Additionally, Urawa effectively bypassed our high press with long balls and mid-range passes from their goalkeeper, which made the situation difficult for us. In response, we tried to launch attacks by positioning wingers wide on both sides, but we couldn’t establish a good distance between the wingers and the midfielders, so we couldn’t create effective attacks from the wings. Also, the early yellow card given to Keigo HIGASHI affected our game plan. After that, for the remaining 15 minutes of the first half, we dominated the game. From there, the wingers were able to take up more central positions, creating a numerical advantage, which allowed us to attack effectively. Because Keigo HIGASHI had received a yellow card and we were being targeted beside the anchor, we made a substitution at the start of the second half and switched to a double pivot, which improved the situation. The 4-2-3-1 formation is one of the systems we have been training extensively during this preseason. Of course, we respect Urawa, but I believe we were the ones controlling the game in the second half. We controlled the ball and were able to create good transitions between offense and defense in the second half.
Today, captain Masato MORISHIGE was absent. He suffered an injury during the final preseason practice and is currently out of the lineup. However, I believe it was a big achievement to win even without him. Seiji KIMURA also got injured during training and was unable to be called up. With injuries in the defense, we were able to have more attacking options on the bench.
Finally, I would like to show the utmost respect to Urawa Reds' coach. I believe he is a great coach who has achieved a lot of experience and success. I think he will do a great job in Japan.
Q: Changing the composition of the midfield, you completely transformed the game in the second half, which was impressive. Besides that, is there any other reason why the performance improved in the second half?
A, not only in the second half but also in the last 15 minutes of the first half, I believe we controlled the match from that point onward. As we approached today’s opening game, there were some concerns. Despite the solid preparation during the preseason built on last season’s foundation, there was a worry that small mistakes leading to conceding goals might cause the players to lose confidence. However, in reality, those concerns proved unfounded, and the players performed with the confidence they had shown during the preseason even in this opening match. The team and players have gained confidence from this victory, and I believe they will perform even better going forward. It was unfortunate that we could not debut Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who was called up this time, but I think everyone knows how much I love young players. Sooner or later, the moment to debut him will come. Also, today we gave new signing PEROTTI a few minutes of playing time at the end. Even a few minutes on the pitch will help him adapt to the J.League, and we brought him on also to close out the match. From next week, Kuryu MATSUKI will be absent due to national team duties. I am pleased that young players have developed. We will continue to encourage the growth of other young players as well.
Q, congratulations. Did you feel the sense of accomplishment in pursuing your own style of football in this match?
A, exactly. I am proud that the players focused on playing in their own style today. The style Tokyo aims for is by no means a copy of other clubs. Some may imagine the FC Barcelona style based on my background, but that is incorrect. I want to adapt it to the J.League, understand the players' characteristics, and establish Tokyo's original style.
[Player Interview]
Ryoma WATANABE
Q, how do you look back on the scoring scene?
A, Diego TABA passed the ball into space in a good position, so I hesitated whether to shoot directly or trap it first. Since the opponent I was facing was Sakai, I tried to shoot directly to the far side, and it hit the opposing player and went in nicely.
Q, how did you feel in the scene just after coming on as a substitute?
A, I was able to carefully consider what I should do by looking at the situation of the match, so I’m glad I could play. I had a strong desire to win with my own goal.
Q: What instructions did you receive from the coach?
A, there were no particular instructions. Until now, I have often had opportunities to play on the right side, but today, since the player on the left side was under pressure defending for a long time, I was substituted in for that player, so I thought I had to contribute defensively as well. Within that, I was thorough about going forward whenever I could.
Q: How did you feel about the team's efforts in tackling the pocket and executing intentional attacks during the camp?
A, personally, I think I need to do more. Regarding today, although the number of successful attempts was few, I’m glad I was able to score. However, I believe I can do more, so I want to increase that going forward.
Q, although it is only 1/34 of the whole, how about taking it as the first step?
A, I have been working on new things during the camp, and there are both achievements and reflections, so I think what needs to be done going forward has become clear. I believe it is a good thing to win matches while learning something new and connecting it to the next step. I want to take this positively and aim even higher.
Q: How do you feel about being able to score in the opening match, considering that you mentioned your personal focus on results?
A, it would be meaningless if it ended here, so I want to continue.
Q: "How was it to perform 'Shah' in front of many fans and supporters?"
A, more than being able to do it in front of many fans and supporters, I was glad to be able to do it in the opening match. I believe this was the first step for the team to improve, so I was happy to achieve a result there and perform the "Shah."
Q, he said he was struggling during the camp, but today he seemed sharp and his body looked light.
A, for better or worse, I had a lot on my mind, but I have self-analyzed that I can demonstrate my abilities when those thoughts disappear. Therefore, I am conscious of playing without overthinking.
Q, did your body move naturally today?
A, I think it was good that I was able to play without overthinking the details while being aware of my role. In the scoring scene, if I had taken more time to think, I might have trapped the ball, so I realized that playing boldly is also important.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q, please reflect on today's play.
A, I was not able to leave results such as assists or goals. The most important evaluation is the results, so personally, I want to pursue results more this season.
Q, the opposing side back you faced was Hiroki SAKAI; was there anything you were conscious of?
A, I believe he is a side back with one of the highest levels even in the J.League. Before the match, I watched play videos of both Sakai and MOBERG several times to prepare, but in the first half, we ended up allowing some dangerous situations.
Q, you started in the opening match, but what kind of season do you want to have this season?
A, I want to focus more than ever on scoring goals and providing assists. Also, I intend to fight hard in every single match right in front of me.
Q, There is also Nagatomo in the same position, do you keep him in mind?
A, Not only Nagatomo but also Tokumoto have qualities that I do not possess, so I receive good stimulation from them. I study daily, asking about positioning during each practice, and I believe we are mutually improving each other.
Q. Do you receive any advice from Nagatomo?
A, I receive advice daily. I am told that to compete on the world stage, I need to become a player who can defend on my own. Since he is a player at a higher level than me, I am learning a lot from him.
Q, Is there any area where you personally feel you have grown over the past year?
A, I want to increase the variety of my crosses. Some connected well, but there were many crosses that didn’t connect, so I want to improve their quality.
Q, how is the communication with the players entering the area in front of the goal?
A, I have started to communicate more than ever before. I also feel that our crosses have become more in sync during practice.
Q, I think you used to be a bit reserved, but have you become able to speak up firmly now?
A, I think I’ve become able to speak up (laughs).
<Kei KOIZUMI Player>
Q, how do you look back on the game?
A, I also had the desire to control the ball, but I was thinking of fighting for second balls and one-on-one duels. I knew the match would be like that, and we had talked about it before the game. The start wasn’t particularly good, but I don’t think it was bad either. It felt like a typical opening match.
Q, in the first half, there was a scene where Koizumi and Higashi kept the ball in front of their bodies and held on. Is the obsession with winning something that exists as an attitude?
A, especially in this team, starting with the older players, we practice from training not to lose in one-on-one duels, not to lose in intensity, and not to lose in the battle for second balls. Even before today's match, they conveyed this to the younger players. For experienced players like Nagatomo and Higashi to emphasize this strongly means it is that important. There are various tactics, but they teach us that "if you don't win there first, you can't win the match." I myself believe I am in a position where I must not lose there first, and if we don’t lose in terms of intensity against any team, I am confident this team can definitely win the championship. But since it’s only one match so far, I want to switch to the next and focus on intensity going forward.
Q, the midfield formation changed after Abe came on in the second half.
A, that was a double pivot, and we practice it as well. We knew the opponent wanted to use the central space, so we were conscious not to leave it open. I wanted to let Matsuki play forward as much as possible and for myself to play more defensively.
Q. Do Abe, Koizumi, and Matsuki coordinate their positioning? Or is it more based on intuition?
A. Both Abe and Matsuki are players who can hold the ball and play with high intensity, so I tried to let them play boldly. Rather than pushing forward aggressively myself, I wanted to let Abe and Matsuki move forward more and get involved near the goal, so I focused on covering dangerous areas and moving forward when things looked tough.
Q, I get the impression that you are bringing out Matsuki's abilities.
A. What he originally possesses is amazing. He has various attention and expectations on him, but regardless of that, I want him to play confidently and freely. I believe that those who can make that possible are players in the same position nearby, like myself, Higashi, and Abe. I hope we can be conscious of that and make it happen.
Q, were you able to do what you had been working on in the second half?
A. I believed that a goal would definitely come at some point and that a chance would arise, so I stayed calm and focused on increasing the intensity in duels and in areas where we needed to maintain pressure. We scored, which gave us some breathing room, and I think it was also good that we didn’t drop back into defense.
Q, in the second half, Tokyo was able to press quite strongly. We saw scenes similar to those from the camp where they continuously dominated in front of the goal. Is the system change related to that style of play in the second half?
A, Higashi player and I wanted to avoid receiving a yellow card and being one player short, so we became a double pivot. In defense, the two of us were able to consciously close the spaces, and with Abe player playing as a number 10, we were able to press the opponent's anchor position. Abe player is also good at holding the ball, and from there, I think our counterattacks, including Diego player, Adailton player, Nakagawa player, and the substitute players, are powerful. So, I hope that we can continue to adapt our system and positions flexibly depending on the situation, and I think it would be great if we can continue to think for ourselves in the future..
Q, did you not touch the goal?
A, I didn’t touch it (laughs).
Q, were you able to secure the win?
A, it was the opening match, and personally, it was my first game since transferring and becoming a member of Tokyo, so I really wanted a result no matter what, and it was a situation where I had to deliver one. Rather than focusing on the quality of the content, I truly wanted the result, so the most important thing was that we won. I want to work even harder from here on.
Q, how was the atmosphere at the stadium?
A, it was great. I have played matches as an away player before, but this was my first time playing on the home side. The atmosphere when we scored, the cheers when I worked hard to cut off the ball, and when I slid in were genuinely pleasing to me as a player and really motivated me. Playing felt good, and it was reassuring.
Q, you smoothly handled multiple positions in the opening match, ran forward to join the attack until the end, and showed various sides of Koizumi. Do you think you can show even greater potential going forward?
A, honestly, it doesn't matter whether I play well or poorly, as long as Tokyo wins. I came here to win the championship. I believe that the teams that win the championship are the ones that keep winning consecutively, and since we've only won one match so far, after the game the coach and players were saying we shouldn't be satisfied and need to stay focused. Without a doubt, I think everyone has confidence.
<Shuto ABE player>
Q: Even when watching the practice matches during the camp, I could see moments where the opponents were being pushed back. Is this season going to be more offensive in terms of soccer?
A, regarding the first goal scene, I think it was a way of breaking through and receiving the ball that is difficult for any team to deal with. With the second-row players making runs forward, it becomes harder for opponents to mark them, and this season, I hope we can keep pushing this approach and increase the number of goal-scoring opportunities.
Q, how was the game looking back?
A: Today, I was not in the starting lineup but came on as a substitute, so I believe that unless I produce results, I won’t be able to stay on the pitch. It wasn’t an assist, but ended up being an own goal; however, I want to be able to contribute more statistically.
Q: I think you were a bit behind during the camp and probably felt some impatience, but how do you feel about having firmly achieved results?
A: I started the season coming back from an injury, so there was some frustration, but I seriously worked on what I could do every day leading up to the opening. I believe that accumulation showed in today’s match. From now on, I want to continue steadily without neglect and keep working hard every day.
Q, it was your first match wearing the number 8 uniform.
A, I want to work hard so that more people will know that Tokyo's number 8 is Shuto ABE.
Q, I think Tokyo fans find it refreshing that the number 8 is wearing the captain's armband.
A, I happened to be near Diego TABA today, and since he is the 3rd captain, he called me over and gave me the captain's armband. It was the first time I played wearing the captain's armband since turning professional, and I felt that I had to play with a sense of responsibility and weight.
Q, with a two-goal lead and a match situation where it might have been acceptable to drop back a bit at the end, I felt that continuing to play with a strong focus on winning the ball was what led to the victory.
A, if we drop back, the opponent will push us back more often, and we will end up in a situation where we have to endure. Therefore, I think the opponent dislikes it more if we go to win the ball ourselves and play with the mindset of scoring one more goal. If we aggressively press from the front, the opponent will have no choice but to clear the ball long, so we talked about maintaining that kind of play throughout the 90 minutes, and I think we showed good play.
Q, Considering the focus on winning this season, wasn't it really good to be able to win the first match?
A, I realized in today’s match that the basics of soccer—winning the ball in one-on-one situations and running more than the opponent—are essential to winning. I want to continue doing what we achieved today and keep improving further.
Q, what kind of potential do you feel this season?
A, including practice matches, I have the impression that we have improved compared to last season. First of all, the depth of the squad has increased, and through consistently showing our abilities in daily training, good competition has arisen, leading to an upgrade in the team. Since I am also part of this competition, I feel that I must play without losing.
Q, It was impressive that Nagatomo was loudly calling out towards the pitch while warming up on the bench.
A, I believe that to achieve victory, it is essential to fight not only with the players on the pitch but also with the players on the bench and the staff. Nagatomo is truly a role model senior; even when he is not on the pitch, he calls out and behaves as if he were, so I felt that I need to do the same.
Q. As competition intensifies, do you think that substitute players scoring goals creates even more competition within the team and fosters a positive cycle?
A, Watanabe also scored after coming on as a substitute, and I believe that when substitute players bring momentum and deliver results, the team improves even more. We want to keep competing with each other and raising our level as we approach each match.
Q, Is surpassing the opponent in ball contests and running distance being emphasized within the team?
A, The coach often emphasizes that, and on the pitch, especially Nagatomo leads by constantly stressing that we must first do the basics to win. Those efforts showed on the pitch today and produced results, so I believe there is no doubt about that. We want to play more aggressively than any other team.
Q, Have you clearly upgraded compared to last season?
A. Yes. Last season, the players were doing their best just to adapt to the new style. This season is the second year, so I feel that the soccer the coach wants to play has permeated the team. In addition to that, I think it is important to firmly focus on the basics of soccer, such as ball contests.
<Yuto NAGATOMO player>
Q, What were you conscious of in your dealings with Hiroki SAKAI?
A, Sakai is such an outstanding player and a mainstay in the Japan national team, so I am always conscious of him. I played today with both the desire not to lose and a feeling of respect.
Q, you completely held them back, didn't you?
A, that was because the team was working in unison. I call it the "soul moment (tamagiwa)," and I think everyone showed the "soul" part of the duel.
Q, the first official match after the World Cup has ended. Were you able to show what you wanted to show to the fans and supporters?
A, Something that resonates with everyone who came today. I can't perform flashy plays, so I wanted to show a gritty determination, charging forward relentlessly, and deliver that passion to inspire. Technically, I feel there is still room for growth and challenges, such as in scoring situations, but I think I was able to show that aggressive attitude of going in with hunger. I also think the team performed very well.
Q, Was it a game where the team was able to show their determination?
A, as you can see, we fought with "tamagiwa" (the spirit in duels). It's fundamental. Before tactics and such, I believe you can't win a match unless you first fight with "tamagiwa."
