<Match Review>
Tokyo, who lost two games without scoring a goal against Sagan Tosu in the league and Gamba Osaka in the Levain Cup, returned to their home Ajinomoto Stadium for an important game they want to turn the tide in, facing Shonan Bellmare.
After a series of injuries since the opening, Tokyo welcomed back Hotaka NAKAMURA, who made it to the starting lineup, and Shuto ABE, who returned to the squad for the first time since the opening match. Additionally, Ryoma WATANABE, who was injured in the second match, also returned. With the return of key players who are important both in team tactics and individual tactics, Tokyo is on a winning streak in April and will face Shonan, who is also on the rise.
1stHALF - Nakagawa scores the opening goal from a combination with Matsuki
Tokyo showed their strengths from the beginning. They surpassed their opponents with speed and strength in the ball contest, and after recovering the second ball, they carefully connected their own ball to push their opponents into their own territory.
The attacking posture was clear from the start. In the first half, 1 minute in, Shuhei TOKUMOTO received the ball about 5 meters from the opponent's penalty area and took a bold left-footed shot. The shot was saved by the goalkeeper, but it was a statement of Tokyo's determination.
Tokyo prioritizes establishing rhythm by moving the ball in their own half while carefully observing the opponent's formation, and then speeding up vertically when it is time to attack. Gradually increasing the time spent with the ball in the opponent's half, they aim to create scenes where they finish their attacks.
Diego OLIVEIRA, who reacted to a through pass in the 14th minute of the first half, swung his right foot in front of the goal, but his shot was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
The game started to become stagnant in the first half, but in the 30th minute, the game changed. Teruhito NAKAGAWA made a cut-in from the right side while dribbling and passed diagonally to Kuryu MATSUKI, who received the ball in the penalty area and dribbled vertically before taking a shot with his right foot. Although the opponent's goalkeeper initially blocked the shot, NAKAGAWA picked up the rebound and scored a volley, giving Tokyo the lead.
In the 38th minute of the first half, there was a scene where the vital area was attacked and a decisive shot was taken, but the shot that flew to the upper left corner of the goal was saved by Jakub SLOWIK with an astonishing reaction, stretching his arm and clearing it from the goal.
In the latter part of the first half, there were more scenes of the opponent's attack being received in our own territory, but in the moments of endurance, the team compacted its formation and responded by sliding in unison with the ball side. Although the opponent was able to bring the ball to the finish, we maintained our lead by firmly closing the gap and not allowing them to take a free shot, and welcomed halftime.
2nd HALF - Henrique equalizes with a goal after temporarily falling behind
Tokyo's rhythm remains unchanged even in the second half. In the 5th minute of the second half, they launched a counter attack and Nakagawa passed the ball to Ryoma WATANABE who had come to support on the left side. His one-touch shot was unfortunately blocked by the left post.
It seemed like we were able to control the flow of the game, but in the 8th minute of the second half, we gave the opponent an opportunity to counterattack due to our own mistake.
Corner kick given away after a missed pass in our own half. After conceding an equalizer from a short corner, we were pushed back and conceded a goal from the right side in the 14th minute of the second half, resulting in a comeback.
Tokyo, who had become the chasing team, made a bold move in the 18th minute of the second half by making three substitutions. Adailton was brought on for Nakagawa, Yuto Nagatomo for Nakamura, and Abe for Higashi. These substitutions immediately led to results.
In the 20th minute of the second half, Adailton player was fouled while trying to break through the center and earned a free kick opportunity. The kicker, Matsuki player, used Adailton player who was positioned on the left side instead of directly putting the ball in front of the goal. After shaking off the opponent's mark with a feint, Matsuki player delivered a sharp right-footed in-swinging cross ball into the goal area. It was Henrique TREVISAN player who showed the height of the contact point. With a jump one head higher than the opposing player in the contest, he made a header shot and the ball was sucked into the left corner of the goal.
The player who further boosted Tokyo's momentum with a tie is player Nagatomo. He becomes the starting point in a high position on the right side, and with determined play and voice, he encourages the team by taking the ball away from the opponent and turning it into Tokyo's ball.
The final stage, which has become an open development, continues with both teams attacking with numbers, defending and countering each other, creating thrilling scenes as they approach the goal. In additional time, Tokyo gets a chance from a corner kick in a chaotic situation in front of the goal, but lacks the final touch and the game ends in a 2-2 draw.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (18th minute of the second half: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Henrique TREVISAN/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Kei KOIZUMI/Keigo HIGASHI (18th minute of the second half: Shuto ABE)/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA (18th minute of the second half: Adailton)/Diego OLIVEIRA/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (0th minute of the second half: Ryoma WATANABE)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Masato MORISHIGE
FW Naoki KUMATA
GOAL
First half 30 minutes: Teruhito NAKAGAWA/Second half 20 minutes: Henrique TREVISAN
＜Shonan Bellmare＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Daiki TOMII
DF Koki TACHI/Kazuki OIWA/Daiki SUGIOKA
MF Hirokazu ISHIHARA (44th minute of the second half: Takuya OKAMOTO)/Tarik (36th minute of the second half: Naoki YAMADA)/Ryota NAGAKI (0th minute of the second half: Kohei OKUNO)/Taiyo HIRAOKA (44th minute of the second half: Yamato WAKATSUKI)/Yoshihiro NAKANO
FW Shuto MACHINO/Hiroyuki ABE (41st minute of the second half: Akito SUZUKI)
SUBS
GK Hiroki MAWATARI
DF Kazunari OHNO
GOAL
9 minutes into the second half: Daiki SUGIOKA/14 minutes into the second half: Tarik
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
A: We wanted to control the game with passing and technique. However, the reality is that the team is struggling in that regard. In daily training, that aspect has been improving. We are able to connect the ball well in good shapes, but we struggle to concretely express that in matches. As the coach of this club, I have a desire to leave something for the future. This is because I believe that the style of carefully connecting the ball, which I deeply love, brings a lot to the team and the academy players. I think there are various styles of football, and I respect all ways of playing. A style that only functions when certain players are in the lineup does not bring long-term stability to the club. On the other hand, as I mentioned earlier, this style that I love dearly will bring stable success to the club. If we cannot firmly express the style of valuing the ball, we will struggle like we did in today’s match.
It is very disappointing that we conceded goals due to mistakes in build-up play in several instances. It was unfortunate to concede after Watanabe returned and we were able to create better opportunities in the second half. There was also a moment when Watanabe's shot hit the post. With his introduction, it seemed that the team played with more confidence in the second half than in the first, but it was regrettable that we made mistakes in a short period and conceded goals. The simultaneous introduction of Yuto NAGATOMO, Adailton, and Shuto ABE created a different and better shape. I am satisfied with the players' attitude to pursue victory until the end. I have a clear idea. Last season, we responded more clearly and flexibly, but if we continue with a similar style this season in the second year, nothing will change. Therefore, I want to continue to focus on daily training and make detailed adjustments. I also hope that young players suitable for this style will grow as we overcome this hardship. I believe that as various aspects progress positively at the same time, my desired style will permeate this club in the not-so-distant future, along with achieving various successes.
Q: It appeared that you made three substitutions at once and changed the shape of the midfield. What was your intention as the coach?
A: I believe the team began to function after the three substitutions because there was a mental stimulus and impact. For example, by bringing in Adailton, I think we caused some anxiety for the opposing team. Since we had been overturned, we were in a situation where we had to catch up and turn the game around. Adailton and Shuto ABE are players who can move directly toward the goal. If the entire team can move toward the goal without falling apart, I support players who have a strong awareness of attacking the goal. Considering the future of this club, I think it is important to continue to stick to and be committed to this style. In today’s match, Nakamura, ABE, and Watanabe returned. Since each of them had been out of action for a long time, it is not necessarily the case that they can play as usual in official matches. They will need a little more time.
However, I want you to remember our opening goal. The starting position of the play was the goalkeeper. If we can create such goals, I want to convince the players again. Connecting the ball carefully from the back created chances and led to the goal. It was a clear and exemplary sequence. It was a play that could serve as a model for teams like Manchester City and FC Barcelona. We were able to create such an opening goal, which I believe is a testament to our daily efforts. However, in the following plays, there were many scenes where we easily lost the ball. And there were also many times when the tempo of the play was slow. We are able to express it well in training, but in order to express it firmly in the game, we have no choice but to continue doing it.
Please direct your complaints and criticisms to me, the coach, as the fans and supporters. However, I believe that advancing this style is our path. I am not speaking for myself alone. I have done the same during my time at Albirex Niigata. In the near future, I hope you will understand and support this style as well. Of course, I want to bring joy to the fans and supporters. However, without achieving growth through our football style, we cannot bring stability and success to the club. What I want you all to understand is that the players are working hard to express themselves on the pitch.
[Player Interview]
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q, please look back on the scene of the opening goal.
A, Kuryu MATSUKI faced forward and brought the ball out, so I thought a shot or a cross was coming and prepared to react quickly. The ball that the goalkeeper deflected came right in front of me, and although it was a difficult position, I was able to calmly finish it.
Q, I think we were heavily pressed by the opponent and had a tough time.
A, I think Shonan Bellmare's strength lies in their aggressive man-to-man defense. Conversely, if we can get past one player, it leads to a chance, so I believed it was important to break away from the opponent. The opponent had momentum in the first half, and there were parts where we couldn't break free with just passing, so I focused on breaking free individually while playing. Shonan's pressing is fast and intense, so there were difficult moments, but if, as a team, we can increase the number of times we shake things up significantly and enter the attacking third like we did for the first goal, I feel we can create more opportunities.
Q: This season, you have created many opportunities through individual efforts, but how is the team's ability to break down the opposition's defense?
A, in the past few matches, we have had many injured players, and the team's condition was not very good. With the changes in the lineup, slight mismatches in play gradually appeared. Plays that we were able to execute during the camp became difficult to perform, but with the injured players returning, I believe we can compete with sufficient strength from here on. Each individual has high quality, so we want to refine our combinations and pose a threat to the opponent.
Q: Today, there were many scenes where you dribbled from a low position. What was the intention behind receiving the ball from a lower position than your usual position?
A, Shonan is a team that presses aggressively from the front and tries to trap you, so there were moments when the passing lanes disappeared when Yasuki KIMOTO passed to Hotaka NAKAMURA. To break through that, I positioned myself a little deeper, thinking that if we could increase one-twos or scenes where we draw opponents to the right side and then release the ball into the open space on the left side, it would bring more composure to the team. I was trying to support Hotaka NAKAMURA as much as possible.
Henrique TREVISAN
Q, it became a goal that saved the team.
A, I was personally happy to have scored a goal. However, it is unfortunate that we could not win today's match.
Q, we took the lead but ended up being reversed.
A, after conceding one goal, we lost concentration and allowed an additional goal. Even so, after we equalized, the match was evenly contested between both teams.
Q, what do you think is necessary to overcome the difficult situation that continues from the current situation?
A, we always play to win. It is unfortunate that we have not been able to secure victories. With injured players returning and the team’s condition improving, we want to make good preparations to win.
Q, we conceded a goal from a build-up mistake.
A, the two goals conceded were due to a lack of concentration. Therefore, we will correct the issues during practice and approach the next match with those improvements.
Q: "Brazil Festa" will be held at the Cerezo Osaka match next week. We look forward to the performance of Brazilian players.
A, Tokyo is the same, but Japan warmly welcomes us Brazilians. This is my third season here, and I have always been able to spend my time comfortably. My wife also really likes Japan. Since the Brazil Festa will be held, we want to perform well and win.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: I entered the game in the second half. What were you conscious of when entering the game?
A: In the first half, there were many one-on-one situations, so it was essentially an 11-on-11 match. At such times, I thought it was necessary to position myself in space and create a numerical advantage, so I kept that in mind when entering the game.
Q, I think the team has been performing well since Shuto ABE joined the game.
A, He receives the ball in advanced positions and takes up positions between opposing players, making it easier to find space, and I have also been able to receive the ball in a slightly higher position.
Q, there were also close shots that seemed likely to score.
A, I believe the situation would have changed if I had been able to score that shot. For the team to move up, we have to be able to convert shots like that, so I think I need to practice more.
Q, I think you have been watching the team from the outside for the past month. Did you feel any gap when you actually stood on the pitch in today's match?
A, I think there was a clear difference between the first and second halves of the match because several players came onto the pitch as substitutes in the second half. I want us to fully integrate as a team and as players and show matches that we can win.
Q: Do you feel relieved to have returned?
A, I thought I wouldn’t be able to play as well as I wanted, but since it was from the second half, I think I was able to play as usual. However, my condition is still not fully up to par, and my body isn’t quite keeping up with my mind, so I will continue to make adjustments.
Q: As a member of the team, how do you want to proceed from here?
A, I was very happy to be able to return at home, Ajinomoto Stadium. I want to continue accumulating points even in away games.
Q: Before the opening, you mentioned that it is important to know what can be done during difficult times. What do you think is necessary now to break through?
A, I entered the game while we were in a winning position. We wanted to score one more goal, but instead, we conceded. The final score was 2-2, but if you look only at the time I was on the pitch, we were losing 1-2. I believe that helping the team win is the most important thing, so I need to reflect on that. After the team’s victory, I want to work on my own challenges. First, to become a player who can help the team win, I will get my condition in order and aim to show an even better performance than today’s match.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, I think it was the first league match in a long time since the injury in the Urawa game.
A, It was my first official match since the opening game, and I was finally able to come back. I’m glad I was able to finish today without any injuries.
Q, How did it feel to play?
A, I only played for about 25 minutes, but it was physically tough, so I will work on improving my condition starting from practice. I think I was able to manage ball touches and intensity to my own satisfaction, but if my condition improves further, I believe I can play with even higher intensity.
Q, how was the game looking back?
A, There were many periods in the first half when things didn’t go well, but we were able to score the opening goal from one chance. On the bench, I was talking with Morishige about how, even though we were attacked so much, we could still score from one good opportunity. In the second half, we gave the momentum to the opponent due to mistakes, so we need to eliminate those kinds of errors, and moving forward, we have to secure the win.
Q, what instructions did you receive from coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA when you entered the game immediately after being reversed 1-2?
A, There were no specific instructions, but I was told during yesterday's practice that I would be used in the match, so I had prepared thoroughly for it.
Q: How do you perceive the situation of not being able to win?
A, in a situation where it’s been difficult to win, today’s match was one where we could have won. It’s very frustrating, but we have no choice but to move on. We want to increase the intensity in our team training as we prepare for the next match against Cerezo Osaka.
Q, what were you conscious of when you entered the pitch in the second half?
A, since the opponent's anchor was mainly circulating the ball, I consciously took the attacking midfield position just like in the Urawa match and focused thoroughly on defense.
Q: What was the difference between the team that watched from the outside due to injury and the team that actually entered the game?
A, while I was injured, it was a difficult period with few victories. I had a strong desire to come back and help the team. I felt that substitute players need to make plays that can change the flow of the game more effectively. It is important not only for the starting 11 but also for the substitutes to make plays that can shift momentum and decide the match.
Q: What changes occurred in the team when player Abe entered the game?
A, the formation also changed when I came on. There were moments when I received the ball between the opponent's defenders and passed it to Adailton. Watanabe also moved inside to receive the ball, so we were able to circulate the ball well in a good way. I think the fact that fresh players kept coming on was also a factor.
Q, there may be factors such as time zone and opponent fatigue, but I had the impression that the team played better when a player was placed in the attacking midfield position. How was it playing in the attacking midfield position?
A: My characteristic is that I can move freely both vertically and horizontally. In terms of being able to show up anywhere, playing as an attacking midfielder is very comfortable for me, and I think I was able to create a flow of ball circulation in the second half. I believe that midfield players need to be creative in circulating the ball without being fixated on the formation.
Q, how would you evaluate the offensive aspect?
A, I wanted to be more involved in the attack. I also want to increase plays where I target the space behind the opponent from my position. If we don’t increase those kinds of plays, I don’t think we can break down the opponent’s defense, and if we can get into their territory, our chances will increase. Even if we can’t deliver crosses, if the ball hits an opponent, we might be able to earn a corner kick, and as a team, I want to work hard to keep pushing forward more.
