<Match Review>
In the previous round, Tokyo lost 2-3 to the top-ranked Vissel Kobe away. In this round, they returned to their home Ajinomoto Stadium to face Yokohama F.Marinos in hopes of a comeback.
Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who will face his former team, was selected as a starting player on the right wing. Takuya AOKI, who made his first starting appearance in the league this season, was placed as an anchor, supporting Kei KOIZUMI and Shuto ABE as inside halves. Kuryu MATSUKI, who just returned from the U-20 World Cup, was placed on the substitute bench.
1stHALF—Diego scores twice to complete comeback
The game starts moving right away. In the first minute of the first half, a fast cross ball is sent into the goal area from the left side. Anderson LOPES, who was in the center, changes the trajectory of the cross ball with a header and scores it in the upper right corner of the goal.
In the 5th minute of the first half, a long ball fell into the penalty area and Matheus YAN jumped in, but his looping shot was saved by Jakub SLOWIK who closed the gap, avoiding any danger.
Tokyo's first big chance came in the 17th minute of the first half. After stealing the ball from the opponent in their own half, they quickly connected and sent the ball into the space behind. Nakagawa flew into the space on the right side and carried the ball into the penalty area with speed. He aimed for the far side and sent a ground pass, but it was cleared by the pressing opponent defender.
In the 20th minute of the first half, Nakagawa carried the ball deep into the opponent's half and passed it to the right space inside the penalty area. Abe made a run and put a ball in the opposite direction in front of the goal, and Watanabe Ryoma took a direct shot. The shot was blocked by a defender, but Watanabe hit the rebound ball again with a direct shot, but the shot went wide to the right of the goal.
The game development where both teams hold the ball and bring it deep into the opponent's territory. The opponent has a pattern when holding the ball, and scenes where the ball is smoothly carried to the penalty area were observed. On the other hand, Tokyo also countered with the propulsion power to quickly move the ball vertically before the opponent's defensive formation was organized, and headed towards the goal without wasting opportunities.
By maintaining intensity without getting impatient, opportunities will come. In the 34th minute of the first half, a pass from Aoki on the right side finds a gap in the middle range. As Nagakawa breaks through the opponent's defensive line, he takes the ball out to the right side of the penalty area and puts in a speedy cross. Diego OLIVEIRA, who had made a near-post run, takes a one-touch shot and the ball is sucked into the bottom right corner of the goal.
When the score becomes even, the strength of both teams increases. Who will take control of the ball? In the intense battle, Tokyo was able to turn their possession into a chance.
In the 44th minute of the first half, Watanabe, who opened on the left side, glanced at the goal and quickly crossed the ball when he saw that the opponent's defense was weak. Diego player headed the ball that fell in front of the goal, and the ball that the opponent goalkeeper reacted to could not be blocked and Tokyo succeeded in a comeback by shaking the net.
Tokyo, who came at once, made a chance with a corner kick in the 45+2 minute of the first half. Shuhei TOKUMOTO put the ball into the near side and Masato MORISHIGE headed it, but unfortunately it bounced off the crossbar. Taira SHIGE followed up on the loose ball, but his one-touch shot was blocked by the opponent's goalkeeper's good defense.
2ndHALF - Continue to fight until the end despite the numerical disadvantage
Tokyo will substitute Kozumi for Kuryu MATSUKI at the beginning of the second half.
In the second half, the opponent pushed us back, but Tokyo also launched a counterattack. In the 7th minute of the second half, we made a quick attack and Yuto NAGATOMO, who received a pass from Nakagawa, created a numerical advantage on the right side and put in a cross ball. Nakagawa headed the cross that came to the far side, but unfortunately it went over the goal.
As time passes, the opponent's possession of the ball increases. In the 17th minute of the second half, a cross ball from the right side was packed by player Anderson LOPES, resulting in an equalizer.
Tokyo, who wanted to regain momentum for a counterattack, had a play where Matsuki player took the ball in the opponent's territory and kept it while carrying the opponent player on his back, which was judged as a rough play by VAR and resulted in a red card. Despite being at a numerical disadvantage, they substituted To player for Aoki player and Perotti player for Diego player in order to turn the flow of the game in their favor. In addition, Adailton player was substituted in the 39th minute to activate the attack.
Despite being one player short, they continued to slide persistently on the ball side, stealing the opponent's ball and creating scoring opportunities. However, in the 44th minute of the second half, they were brought into a situation where they were shaken wide, and they couldn't catch up with the marking in front of the goal, allowing Marcos JUNIOR to score a comeback goal. However, they continued to aim for a tie, and even in the 8 minutes of additional time, they created chances through Adailton's breakthrough and set plays with an aggressive defense, but they couldn't find the net and the game ended as a tie.
Maintaining a fighting attitude even in a numerically disadvantageous situation, we chose to face the opponent instead of retreating and defending. Although we allowed a comeback by conceding a few chances, we continued to fight for 90 minutes while sticking to our own style. We want to grab three points in the next game by clearly demonstrating our "Tokyo way of fighting" and maintaining the same quality of play.
MATCH DETAILS
＜F.C.Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yuto NAGATOMO/Masato MORISHIGE/Yasuki KIMOTO/Yuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Kei KOIZUMI (0' Kuryu Matsuki)/Takuya AOKI (28' Keigo Higashi)/Shuto ABE
FW Ryo WATANABE (21' Takaki Tsukagawa)/Diego OLIVEIRA (28' Perotti)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (39' Adailton)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Henrique TREVISAN
GOAL
First half 34 minutes: Diego OLIVEIRA/First half 44 minutes: Diego OLIVEIRA
<Yokohama F.Marinos>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jun ICHIMORI
DF Ken MATSUBARA/Shinnosuke HATANAKA/Eduardo (19th minute of the second half: Takumi KAMIJIMA)/Katsuya NAGATO
MF Kota WATANABE (32nd minute of the second half: Joel chima FUJITA)/Takuya KIDA/Takuma NISHIMURA (19th minute of the second half: Marcos JUNIOR)
FW Yan Matheus (36th minute of the second half: Kota MIZUNUMA)/Anderson LOPES/Elber (36th minute of the second half: Ryo MIYAICHI)
SUBS
GK Powell Obinna OBI
MF Riku YAMANE
GOAL
1st half 1 minute: Anderson LOPES/2nd half 17 minutes: Anderson LOPES/2nd half 44 minutes: Marcos JUNIOR
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, at the start of the match, Shuhei TOKUMOTO slipped, and from there we conceded an early goal. However, after that, the team firmly reset their mindset and played in a way that clearly surpassed the opponent. They expressed good soccer and were able to play aggressively by quickly moving toward the opponent’s goal after winning the ball. In the first half, we created many decisive chances. Because of that, I wish we could have scored not just 2 goals but 3 or 4 additional goals within the first half.
And in the second half, Yokohama F.Marinos started to play more aggressively towards a comeback, but I think we also entered the second half in a good shape. However, there was a mistake in our response to a cross ball, resulting in the second goal being scored against us.
I would like to refrain from commenting on this from now on. This is because I will have to comment on parts other than soccer. Our players fought for a tie and victory until the final whistle, and I am proud of that.
Today, we were able to create many chances. However, there is still room for improvement in converting those chances into goals. Additionally, we want to work on improving our response to crosses. Japanese defenders tend to struggle when facing tall opponents in the forward line, and instead of accepting this as a trend, we need to address it and make improvements.
Once again, my team showed a great performance today, playing good soccer. They took care of the ball and expressed a strong determination to score against the opponent's goal. They were also able to move the ball quickly and with a good tempo in the midfield, and their side attacks were functioning well. I hope the team will continue to follow this path and that is exactly what I want to leave behind at this club. This season, I want to continue to stick to this and further improve our skills.
Q: The performance of Takuya AOKI, who entered as the anchor today, was fantastic. How did the coach feel?
A: Today's performance by Aoki was truly outstanding. I expect players who can play like that. I really appreciate and am satisfied with the players' daily efforts to level up. The players are now adapting to the style we aim for, and I am satisfied with that. However, there are players who are struggling to adapt, as well as young players with little experience who are still in their growth phase, so we have to wait for their development. We struggled last season, and there have been difficulties during the past six months of this season as well, but I believe this struggle must lead to the club's future growth and success, and we must ensure that it does.
[Player Interview]
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q, how do you look back on the game?
A, it is a very disappointing result. Since Yokohama F.Marinos is a wonderful team, we knew it would be a difficult match. It was good that we quickly turned the game around after conceding early in the first half, but the second half ended in a disappointing result.
Q, I think it was a good flow until the comeback.
A, I think we had a very good flow in the first half even against a strong opponent, and we were able to play good soccer. There were good aspects in today’s match as well as bad aspects that need to be corrected. We want to make sure to fix those as we prepare for the next game.
Q, both goals were fantastic.
A, of course, I am happy to have scored a goal, but it is very disappointing that the team could not win. I want to score again in the next match and contribute to the team's victory.
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q, how was the defense of Yokohama F.Marinos?
A, I think we were able to defend well. We successfully targeted the opponent's center backs, and I could tell they were confused. I believe we defended effectively today.
Q: Did you execute the counterattack multiple times as planned after winning the ball?
A, we prepared for a week to fully bring out our strengths and were able to go for the goal in a good way. I believe the difference in finishing the final goal is what led to the result.
Q, we were able to turn the game around in the first half.
A, there were chances besides that scene as well, but including myself, we were unable to finish them off, which ultimately affected the result.
Q, it was a goal conceded from a cross. What do you think should be improved?
A, we have no choice but to sort things out one by one. Regarding the second goal conceded, it was due to a slight misalignment in our unified decision on whether to push the defensive line up or drop it. We must build up our play to avoid conceding goals in the same way.
Q, even during the time when we were one player short, we continued to play with the aim of scoring.
A, after all, our strength lies in our momentum, so we aimed for the goal without retreating and avoiding the opponent's attacks. Of course, we also considered the possibility of a draw, but we couldn't show a pathetic appearance in front of our fans and supporters, so I think we were able to fight courageously throughout the 90 minutes.
Q, scenes where the ball was cut in front of the last line were frequently observed.
A, I believe that the way everyone thinks can change how we play, so if we lose confidence, we can't play proactively, and a vicious cycle of retreating backward sets in. The first goal was also scored after Yuto NAGATOMO fought firmly for the ball and carried it forward. Whether in attack or defense, if we don't challenge up front, I don't think we can overcome this difficult period we are currently facing.
Q: Kuryu Matsuki played with a strong determination. Did you say anything to him after the game?
A, he is a player with a strong sense of responsibility, so I first told him that Matsuki's performance had nothing to do with today's result. If you look at Matsuki's attitude up until now, I don't think anyone can blame him.
Q, before the match, a large banner saying "CAPTAIN 3" was displayed.
A, I was honestly happy, and I was grateful because they created an atmosphere that made me want to fight for the fans and supporters. Since the previous match against Vissel Kobe, they had been giving such congratulations and support, so I felt I couldn't show a pathetic side.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q, how was the match against Yokohama F.Marinos, your former team?
A, it was a very enjoyable match. Although we ended up losing, until the sending-off occurred, we were able to create chances, and I believe we were able to show an exciting game.
Q: It was a unique and tense match where everyone seemed to be aware of Teruhito NAKAGAWA. How did NAKAGAWA feel about the atmosphere?
A, I believe the boos from the Yokohama FM fans and supporters contained affection. It was my first match against my former team, filled with many emotions, and I really wanted to win, but honestly, I thought, "They were strong."
Q, I think it was a fantastic first half with a comeback from conceding a goal. Please reflect on the scoring opportunities as well.
A, that also applies to the scoring opportunities, and we knew that space would open up in that area. It was precisely because we were able to exploit that well that it led to chances and goals. If we had been able to score one or two more goals in the first half, I think the result of the match would have changed. Moving forward, to improve, we need to play with even more determination. Diego OLIVEIRA’s two goals were scored from good situations. In the past few matches, we hadn’t been able to score in such a way, so I want to make use of today’s positive elements to build on for the future.
Q, in the second half, do you have the impression that you became passive against Yokohama FM, who stepped up their game?
A, by becoming passive, we felt the pressure from the opponent. I have no intention of complaining about the referee's decisions, but it is undeniable that the sending off changed the flow of the game.
Q: After a player was sent off, what kind of communication did the team have among the players to switch gears?
A, since the opponent was Yokohama FM, even if we defended by dropping back, we would still be broken down and concede goals, so we discussed the timing of pressing the ball holder. It felt like we were undone by the final quality.
Q, I was impressed by the increased ability to make adjustments in the second half compared to the previous few matches.
A, I believe we were able to especially emphasize fighting with the spirit of a challenger, but I felt a lack of seriousness in the way we conceded goals. We have been conceding goals in similar ways from crosses, so I think marking adjustments are also necessary. Conceding a goal within the first minute is absolutely unacceptable in a home game. However, I think the fact that we were able to properly switch gears after conceding in today’s match led to the comeback. We want to express that kind of momentum from the start, further strengthen our unity and family spirit, and meet the expectations of our fans and supporters.
<Takuya AOKI>
Q, it was your first start in a while in the league match. How do you look back on your performance?
A, I even counted myself, but it was my first league start in 11 months. It has been a long time until now, and I finally feel like I was able to play in this way.
Q, although they conceded a goal just after the start, the team was effective in their attacks from the side, including a goal by Diego OLIVEIRA.
A, conceding a goal so early in the match can cause us to drop games we could have won. I believe it is important to eliminate such mistakes. I think we were able to score well through quick attacks.
Q, please tell me about the role you were conscious of in the midfield.
A, as a whole, we were able to focus on playing with high intensity in one-on-one situations. I felt that this was progressing well in the first half. Personally, I paid particular attention to communicating with the defenders and taking care of the opposing forwards and the attacking midfielder.
Q: In the second half, there was an impact from the player being sent off, and the score was reversed to 2-3. How did you perceive the flow of the game?
A, I think we had many chances to score additional goals, and the simple difference of either finishing those scenes or defending successfully showed in the content of the match.
Q, it was a defeat with the same score as the previous match against Vissel Kobe.
A, compared to the Kobe match, I think we were able to express defense with a clear intent. Especially in the previous match, it felt like the opponent held the ball for a very long time. I believe we were able to play defense with our own will more effectively in this match, and although the score was the same, I perceive the meaning to be different. However, a loss is a loss. We want to work hard to be able to win matches like this.
