<Match Review>
Tokyo, who played one league match and one Levain Cup match, faced Cerezo Osaka away in their second league match. They had a three-day preparation period after the limited squad match against Avispa Fukuoka on March 2nd, with many players returning from recovering from COVID-19. They approached this match with a lineup based on the squad from the opening match against Kawasaki Frontale.
From the start, Tokyo aggressively pressed for the ball and launched short counters to find their rhythm. In the 2nd minute of the first half, Yasuki Kimoto narrowly missed a near post corner kick, with Masato Morishige attempting to finish on the far side. In the 15th minute, Kazuya Konno's cross from the right side was not cleared by the opposing defender, and Adailton attempted a bicycle kick that narrowly missed the goal. In the 18th minute, Adailton received a feed from Kimoto and took a powerful shot, but it was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
Tokyo, who press high, hold the ball, and execute short counters effectively, are progressing the game at their own rhythm. In the 23rd minute of the first half, Matsuki Kuryu, who was positioned high on the left side, took the ball from the opponent and Adailton picked it up and entered the penalty area. With a slightly negative ground pass, Konno, who had entered the goal front, trapped the ball and slid it into the bottom right corner, scoring the first goal for Alberto Tokyo.
Tokyo, who does not let the momentum of the press weaken, launched a short counterattack from a high position in the 36th and 39th minutes of the first half. Adailton and Diego OLIVEIRA players brought the ball to the shot, but neither could shake the net.
The only chance in the first half was in the 40th minute. The ball was stolen near the penalty area and a cross was sent in from a deep position on the right side. A header was taken near the near post, but Jakub SLOWIK made a sharp reaction and cleared it from the goal. They controlled the game at their own pace and reached halftime.
As we entered the second half, we made an early substitution. We brought in Kensuke Nagai for Koya Konno, who scored the opening goal, and Keigo Higashi for Shuto Abe. We wanted to maintain our high press and control the pace by bringing in fresh players up front, but in the 17th minute of the second half, Takuya Aoki received his second yellow card and was sent off. The game changed with us being one player down.
Tokyo, who changed their lineup and system, maintained a compact formation without being too defensive and endured the opponent's attacks. However, there were more scenes where they were pushed closer to their own goal compared to the first half. In the midst of being pushed back, Slowik's play shines. In the 33rd minute of the second half, he directly aimed for a free kick in front of the goal, but reacted quickly to deflect the ground shot that flew towards the bottom left corner. In the 39th minute of the second half, Slowik made an incredible reaction to block Kiyotake's volley shot from outside the penalty area, which flew towards the top left corner and was deflected over the goal.
Thanks to the repeated performances of the guardian deity, Tokyo's Albert Pobor was able to withstand the difficult times in the second half and achieve his first victory in the milestone 700th J1 League match.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, first of all, the players showed high-intensity play in the first half. They took the ball in good situations and created many decisive chances. With the awareness of wanting to win the ball in the center rather than on the sides, I think there were many occasions where the press worked well. We wanted to add two or three more goals before halftime, but that didn’t quite happen. Regarding the first half, I think we were able to firmly control the match. Cerezo Osaka is a dangerous team that values possession of the ball. Against such an opponent, I’m glad we were able to control the game throughout the 45 minutes of the first half.
Even considering that the physical condition has not yet fully recovered, we anticipated struggling in the second half. Perhaps influenced by this physical condition, mistakes occurred in the pressing from the front, leading to a situation where Aoki had to commit a foul and was sent off, which was unfortunate. A good team knows that to win, you must endure hardship. And today, our players demonstrated through their play that they understand what it means to struggle for victory while being one player down for about 30 minutes. Moreover, in these two weeks, we only had one session where the full squad was able to train together. Given such difficult circumstances, I think you can easily imagine how proud I am of the players’ efforts to fiercely compete and secure the win. This is our third match of the season, and I believe the team is steadily growing. The fact that we controlled the game and the ball for a long time in the first half is proof of the team’s growth. I am proud of all the players, but especially today, I want to praise Kuba for stopping a decisive threat that led the team to victory.
Q: It was mentioned that you were expecting to struggle in the second half. Considering physical condition and other factors, what kind of plan were you trying to implement? What adjustments did you make after the player was sent off?
A, first of all, we approached the second half with a plan to control the ball and the game more, anticipating that it would be a tough half. It was very unfortunate that Aoki, who was playing the role of the helmsman to make that happen, was sent off. Once the team grows further, I believe we will be able to finish matches controlling the ball and the game even when physical condition is not at its best. The players have only spent about six weeks together with the new playing style. The fact that the team has grown this much in just those six weeks is proof that we have high-quality players. If the team continues to develop, I am confident that even when down a player, they will learn to control the ball and the game to see out the match.
(After Aoki was sent off,) first, we wanted to avoid dropping our defensive block as much as possible, but it was quite a difficult situation. For example, in such circumstances, one of the young players, Kuryu MATSUKI, contributed to the team in a wonderful way. Keigo HIGASHI also, with his experience, led the team toward controlling the game with excellent play. However, if our physical condition had been better, I believe we would not have struggled so much even with one player less. We want to continue growing little by little.
Q, what kind of emotions came out when you won?
A: First of all, at the moment the final whistle blew, I wasn’t sure if it was the end-of-match whistle or a foul whistle. Initially, I was frustrated that despite playing well in the previous two matches, we hadn’t gotten the results. So, I was happy to be able to clear that away with this victory. Additionally, we struggled over the past two weeks due to the impact of COVID-19. I’m glad we managed to snatch this win after that hardship. Personally, the first thing that comes to mind after this victory is the faces of my family. And when my team’s players give their all like they did today for the win, and when we achieve victory, a coach naturally feels proud. Cerezo Osaka is also a team that plays good soccer, but I think it’s easy to imagine how proud I am of my team for playing such wonderful soccer today against that opponent and for accomplishing the struggle needed to win.
[Player Interview]
<Jakub SLOWIK>
Q, please look back on the game, there were many great plays.
A, first of all, I am happy that we were able to win today’s game. At the same time, I feel that the entire team contributed to the victory, and as a result, we have become a stronger team.
Q, we took the lead by scoring in the first half, but what were you conscious of while playing with one less player in the second half?
A, we were able to create many chances in the first half and control the game. As a result, we were able to score the opening goal. In the second half, after being down to ten men, Cerezo Osaka applied high pressing, increasing the time they held the ball in advanced positions, making it a difficult period. However, I believe the fact that everyone, including myself, continued to play with full concentration led to the victory. I am proud that everyone contributed to winning this match.
Q, what kind of positive impact do you think this victory will have on the team?
A, I believe this victory is a very significant win. The fact that we were able to win even with one player less and that we were able to show our strengths will definitely lead to the next step. We will continue this attitude in our daily training, keep achieving good results, and work hard to become champions.
On the other hand, while we have big goals this season, we believe it is important not to think too far ahead but to focus on daily training, fight each match in front of us properly, and build up step by step.
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q, in both the Kawasaki Frontale match and the Avispa Fukuoka match, we created many chances but couldn't score. What was the team's focus on the offensive side for today's game?
A, I think the team was able to create very good attacking shapes. The coach also said that a goal would come eventually, so we should keep believing and continue. With that in mind, I had the desire to score my first goal if I got the chance, so I’m really glad I was able to deliver the result.
Q, please look back on the scoring scene.
A, when Adailton cut the ball, I was free, so I had the image that if the ball came to me, I would trap it, shoot, and score. Adailton gave me a good ball, so all I had to do was trap it and slide it into the side net.
Q, there were also difficult developments in the second half, but what kind of communication was happening on the pitch?
A, a player was sent off and we were under pressure in the second half, but my teammates put their bodies on the line and ran hard, protecting the lead from the goal I scored, so I am very grateful.
Q, it was the first goal and first victory of the season as a team, which will boost our confidence.
A, the goals were hard to come by in the Kawasaki and Fukuoka matches, but I believe goals will be scored in the upcoming games as well. I think we will be able to create increasingly good attacking opportunities, so I want to continue scoring not just this one goal but many, and contribute to the team's victories.
Q: Last season, there were injuries and other factors. Please tell us about your thoughts for this season.
A, I think it will be a very tight schedule and a total team effort, but I want to contribute firmly to the team within the time I am given. One-on-one situations on the sides will become very important, so I want to polish that, maintain my condition, and be able to create chances.
Q: How do you feel about Konno's goals, which were the last of last season and the first of this season?
A, I wasn't really conscious of it that much. Regarding this season, I played in the Kawasaki and Fukuoka matches but couldn't score, so I approached the first goal with the determination that I would be the one to score it. I'm very happy that I was able to deliver the result.
Q, is it safe to say that your participation in the Avispa Fukuoka match contributed to the outcome this time?
A, I think it was difficult to adjust my condition for the Avispa Fukuoka match. Since I hadn’t been able to practice, it was tough to maintain my condition away against Avispa Fukuoka and Cerezo Osaka, but I believe that everyone trying to fight within the time they were given led to the victory.
Q, was it important to trap the ball firmly without letting it float when it comes to scoring?
A, yes. I wanted to shoot with my left foot, so I focused on trapping the ball perfectly because I thought if I didn’t, the opponent would come and intercept it. I aimed for the side netting with my shot and followed through.
Q, how do you think the team has been performing in terms of offense so far?
A, we have been able to create good attacking shapes while controlling the ball. The players on the field are also getting a good feel, so I believe that if we improve our level of completion, we can play even more exciting soccer.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: please review the game.
A, I think it was really good that we were able to score early in the first half, and it was also great that the team was able to defend until the very end.
Q: In the first half, we were able to control the game in our favor. What kind of plays were you focusing on?
A, I was first conscious of the overall balance. Also, throughout the match, I kept focusing on aggressively pressing once the ball entered the opponent's double pivot. When the ball was with the two holding midfielders, we were able to apply effective pressure and prevent them from playing freely.
Q, what were you conscious of during that period when it was difficult for a long time with one less player in the second half?
A, since the anchor position was left vacant, I played by moving forward with Keigo HIGASHI and recovering second balls. Also, because space opened up in front of the center backs, I communicated with Morishige and Kimoto while playing.
Q, I think it was a special situation, please tell me your impressions of playing 90 minutes in a professional game for the first time.
A, it was a very tough situation, but if there had been no sending off, I think we could have played our own style of soccer in the second half as well. So, I want to get my condition ready for the next home game. We achieved our first professional victory, but I think the important part is from now on, so I’m glad we were able to take the first step.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, please reflect on the 90 minutes.
A, I had one dangerous moment myself, but aside from that, I think we were able to move the ball as we wanted in good condition in the first half. Defensively, we were able to press intensely from the front, so I think that’s why we were able to score the opening goal. Regarding the second half, the way we played changed after a sending-off, but I think everyone worked together and fought through the full 90 minutes.
Q, how was it for you to play with the defense that was linked to the press from the front line and the push-up from the back in the first half, and then create short counters from there?
A, first of all, I was conscious of playing while watching the opponent's position, such as making sure players don't overlap, and if Konno opened up, I would take an inside position. If I can become a player who can change the flow of the game, for better or worse, the ball will naturally circulate, and I think we can advance the game advantageously. So, I focus on that aspect both offensively and defensively, and even when there are no matches, I study and work on it.
Q: In the first half, there was a scene where Watanabe TSUBASA player was able to create a numerical advantage by carrying the opponent on his back and then turning to move the ball towards the opponent's goal.
A, I want to move forward as much as possible, and if I can shake off my opponent by myself, I think that’s also good for the team. If I can get better at that, I believe the team will be able to control the game more advantageously.
Q, it means a lot to the team that we were able to play the same kind of football as in the first half and win.
A, I thought that if we could play that kind of football for the full 90 minutes, the results would follow. It's not about whether we can or cannot do it, but I believe there is meaning in continuing to do it, so I hope we can keep doing that while picking up results along the way.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, first of all, please look back on the 90 minutes.
A, in the first half, we were able to circulate the ball well, and not only with close control but also by using the space behind the defense to bother the opponent. We had several chances to score and managed to get one goal. There was one dangerous moment, but Kuba stopped it, so overall, we played a good game in the first half. In the second half, we had a player sent off and went through a tough period, but I think the whole team accepted the situation and worked hard to secure the victory.
Q, it seemed that Kimoto was able to control the game well by using his feet and the back of his foot in different situations during the build-up.
A, while using good long balls. There was also a point raised that there were fewer balls played behind the defense in the Kawasaki match, so I think we were able to use short passes and long passes effectively.
Q, was the press from the front line and the push from the back smooth, and did it fit the team's intention?
A, as a team strategy, when we lose the ball, we immediately press from the front to regain possession and carefully value the ball. Regarding the first half, the forwards defended well, which made it easier for the defenders to push up the line, and I felt that we were able to recover the ball effectively.
Q, there were many difficult moments in the second half, weren't there?
A, as the season progresses, there will be tough matches such as those with players sent off, but I believe that it is by winning that we are truly evaluated. In that sense, although we were in possession of the ball, I have the impression that we focused on fighting to secure the three points.
Q, considering that we were able to firmly demonstrate our own style in the first half, can we say that we have proven our growth with a victory?
A, I believe the fans watching were able to sense the style of soccer we wanted to play in the first half, and the players on the field were also able to focus on valuing possession while aiming for the goal, so we can truly feel our growth.
Q, I'm looking forward to going back home.
A, personally, I am eager to play at home soon. We have had a series of tough away matches, but now that we have secured a win, we can return home. With the consecutive matches coming to an end, I want to prepare well and do my best to achieve victory with good soccer.
