<Match Review>
The feeling that Tokyo has gained in the last two matches was a sense of acceleration in the team's growth. In the previous match, they scored 6 goals against Kashiwa Reysol and won by a large margin. In the last match, they allowed 2 goals to Yokohama F.Marinos, who had conceded 8 goals last season, but they were able to equalize with the pursuit and equalizing goal of Koki TSUKAGAWA, who joined the team this summer. The team's performance was also able to compete evenly against Yokohama, who boasts one of the best attacking powers in the league, without taking a step back.
In order to make the feeling more certain, this section is the Gamba Osaka match. At this timing, Luiz PHELLYPE, who has been a substitute since coming to Japan, was named as a starter in the center of the 3 top. "Because he has become accustomed to the team, I want to increase his use from here on in the consecutive games," said coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA before the game, explaining the reason for his starting lineup.
1st HALF - Despite numerous shooting opportunities, the score remains 0-0 The game starts with Tokyo threatening Gamba Osaka's goal.
In the 4th minute of the first half, Masato MORISHIGE, the last line player, made a vertical pass, and Yuto NAGATOMO, the left full-back who was positioned in the middle, turned forward and made a move. When he sent a pass to the center in front of the goal, Adailton received the ball and took a shot. It flew straight in front of the goalkeeper.
In the 14th minute of the first half, Ryoma WATANABE's vertical pass creates a chance. WATANABE, who flexibly moves his position from the right wing, breaks through the left side and calls for Mori Shige's pass. He then enters the penalty area and takes a strong left-footed shot, but unfortunately the ball goes outside the goal frame.
After the chance, a big pinch. In the 15th minute of the first half, Gamba's Leandro Pereira fiercely pressed Morishige, who was trying to handle Adailton's back pass. Morishige lost the ball, and then goalkeeper Jakub Slowik flew out, leaving the goal unguarded and was shot at, but it went outside the frame. It was a close call.
As the game continues with a back and forth exchange of attacks and defenses, Tokyo is increasing their shooting awareness.
In the 38th minute of the first half, player Felipe passed the ball backwards from the scramble in front of the Gamba goal, and player Tsukagawa ran in and took a middle shot. In addition, in the 40th minute of the first half, player Adailton shot with his right foot after controlling the ball with his chest, but neither of them shook the goal net. In the 44th minute of the first half, player Felipe headed the ball, and in the 45th minute of the first half, player Adailton again shot with his right foot, but until the end, the goal was far away and the first half ended scoreless.
2nd HALF - A result of attacking and defending, ending in a draw In the second half, from the start, Gamba's aggressive play continues to put pressure on Tokyo in their own half. In the first half, Tokyo had been countering Gamba's powerful attacks led by players Patric and Pereira, with players Morishige and Kimoto putting in their best efforts. However, Tokyo's defense is now further strengthening their concentration against the intensified opponent's attacks.
In the midst of a push-in development, in the 6th minute of the second half, they took advantage of a momentary gap. Adailton, who ran into a deep position on the left side, crossed the ball in front of the goal, and Felipe, who was there, took a shot with a heel kick. Unfortunately, it missed the frame, but the two who created chances from the first half came close to a Gamba goal.
In the 8th minute of the second half, Keigo HIGASHI, who carried the ball in the midfield, passed it to Adailton on the left wing. After making a run towards the center, he sent a pass and Tsukagawa, who was supporting, took a shot. It went over the crossbar.
10 minutes into the second half, Gamba's PEREIRA broke through the final line, but KIMOTO managed to prevent the shot with a last-minute sliding tackle. It was a crucial defensive play that could change the course of the game.
Tokyo substituted Leandro for Felipe. He went straight into the center of the front three.
Both teams continued to exchange attacks and defenses rapidly, but the intense battle at the beginning of the second half settled down, and both teams struggled to create opportunities due to mistakes in the game.
In the 30th minute of the second half, the biggest pinch of the game came for Tokyo. Gamba's Dawhan player took a perfectly timed header shot, but it was saved by the blue and red guardian, Jakub SLOWIK. He showed his determination to not allow a goal, making a big save.
In the 32nd minute of the second half, Tokyo had another chance. Watanabe sent a big cross from the right side to the opposite side of the goal, where Shuto ABE was waiting. However, his left-footed volley missed the goal by a large margin.
In the 36th minute of the second half, Gamba took the ball from a missed connection in the enemy's territory and invaded their own territory. However, PATRIC was stopped by Morishige's brave defense. Following the fine plays of Kimoto and SLOWIK, the captain's solid defense did not falter here.
In the final stage, Tokyo made a substitution, with Adailton being replaced by Keita YAMASHITA. YAMASHITA was positioned at the forefront, with Leandro on the left and Konno, who had already entered the pitch as a substitute, on the right. This formation change was made to launch a final offensive.
Entering additional time, 90 minutes + 3 minutes. Leandro player passes to Konno player running on the right side in the midfield. Konno player dribbles into the center and swings his left foot. The shot hits the opponent's defense and the ball goes into the air. Watanabe player, who was at the dropping point, hit a direct volley, but it was caught by Gamba GK Higashiguchi player's chest.
In the end, despite approaching the goal many times, Tokyo was unable to break through the Gamba goal until the end. It was a scoreless draw that was in contrast to the flashy game development.
In the final stages, in the vast space of their own half, Keigo HIGASHI, who reacted to the ball one step faster than the opponent with a fierce dash, avoided the pinch. At that moment, the blue and red number 10, the former captain, made a guts pose with both hands and roared. Although they did not win, it was a scene that showed their determination for victory and points as the league approached its final stages. The defense that defended selflessly until the end, and the attacking team that relentlessly attacked but could not score a goal. Now, they focus on the upcoming match. It was a match that conveyed the overflowing passion of the team.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Shuto ABE/Keigo HIGASHI/Koki TSUKAGAWA (28th minute of the second half: Kazuya KONNO)
FW Ryoma WATANABE/Luiz PHELLYPE (18th minute of the second half: Leandro)/Adailton (39th minute of the second half: Keita YAMASHITA)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Junya SUZUKI/Seiji KIMURA
MF Yuki KAJIURA
GOAL
ー
＜Gamba Osaka＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Masaaki HIGASHIGUCHI
DF Ryu TAKAO/Genta MIURA (40th minute of the second half: Shota FUKUOKA)/Gen SHOJI/Keisuke KUROKAWA
MF Juan ALANO (24th minute of the second half: Yuya FUKUDA)/Mitsuki SAITO (24th minute of the second half: Dawhan)/Yuki YAMAMOTO/Ryotaro MESHINO
FW Leandro PEREIRA (40th minute of the second half: Musashi SUZUKI)/PATRIC
SUBS
GK Jun ICHIMORI
MF Shu KURATA/Wellington SILVA
GOAL
－
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, please give us an overview of the match.
A, we were unable to start the match in a good way. During the first 30 minutes, we lost the ball frequently and could not control the game. I would be happy if there were a magic that could instantly boost our confidence, but that is never the case. In the process of the team's growth, it is natural that confidence can be lost, for example, when the opponent applies pressure from the front line or when plays do not go well.
After that, we were able to regain control of the game. We continue to communicate this to the players, but when we can firmly control the ball, we can create opportunities. It was the same today. It was a great match against a formidable opponent, but we were able to create decisive moments when we had possession of the ball. However, there are challenges in defense. We want to address them properly and prepare for the next match.
Today, I am very satisfied with the mentality of the players who continued to aim for victory until the very end of the match, who continued to aim for the opponent's goal. FC Tokyo has often struggled against teams that were previously in the lower ranks. However, in that aspect, the players continued to maintain the attitude of overcoming their weaknesses until the very end, and I am proud that they continued to express their desire to win rather than settle for a draw.
We must not lose the ball so many times. I would like to continue to make efforts in that regard. And I would like to take this opportunity to praise Keigo HIGASHI, who has not played as a defensive midfielder until now, for his wonderful performance today.
We will proceed with preparations for the match against Vissel Kobe on Wednesday. We will follow the path we should take, address the issues, and face the Kobe match.
Q, was Gamba's performance in the first 30 minutes different from what was expected? Or were there issues with confidence and technique?
A, if I may comment without considering the opponent team's play, it was a 30 minutes period where we had many challenges. I have repeatedly mentioned that time is needed for growth. It takes time for players to understand and express various concepts.
We were unable to hold the ball in the first 5 minutes. So if we couldn't hold the ball, I think the players could have controlled the game by expressing the concept of cherishing the ball on the pitch. However, we couldn't do that today. I think it's not a tactical mistake, but a matter of understanding the concept well. And it takes time to understand it.
Many players are not accustomed to this playing style. For example, Keigo HIGASHI, who is currently playing as a defensive midfielder, is a player who has not played in that position before. I think many people had doubts about converting him to a defensive midfielder a few months ago. It is a time for players to make various efforts and understandings to play in an unfamiliar style and position.
It is not that we struggled with how the opponent applied pressure, but rather that we properly responded to various pressing styles and were able to control the game and build up play in many matches. In that sense, I think today there were many mistakes stemming from the issues we have been facing. Of course, tactics are important. However, the most important thing is individual tactics. I believe it is the tactics of each individual player.
[Player Interview]
Jakub SLOWIK
Q, please reflect on the game that had a scene of a big save.
A, of course, I aim to keep a clean sheet in every match. Although we haven't been able to keep a clean sheet in the past few games, I believe today's clean sheet was the result of hard work from not just myself but the entire team. However, my goal is not just to finish without conceding; the team aims to win and earn 3 points. In that sense, while fully accepting that we couldn't secure 3 points today, if we continue to prevent goals in the next matches, it could lead to victories. Therefore, I want to aim for another clean sheet next time as well.
Q: How do you feel about not conceding a goal for the first time in 5 matches?
A, the defenders were really able to coordinate well, and by all pressing the opponent together and constantly communicating, everyone was able to maintain a high defensive awareness, which I believe led to the clean sheet. I am very happy to have contributed even a little to that result.
Q: Based on today's match, what kind of preparations do you want to make for the next match?
A, of course, I believe we achieved this result through better communication among ourselves, and the biggest factor was that everyone sincerely wished for a good outcome. However, since we ended with a draw and couldn’t secure the 3 points, first we need to properly recover and get our condition right. With the match against Kobe on Wednesday, we want to thoroughly review both the good and bad aspects and make good preparations for the next game.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, the final part was defended with the players, including Tokyo players, risking their bodies.
A, it is quite difficult to control the game for the full 90 minutes, and with the away situation and the opponent's ranking, there are times when it’s hard to stay calm. However, today, for the first time in a while, we managed to keep a clean sheet focusing on the defenders, so I feel we want to develop the resilience to patiently snatch that one goal. Defensively, Kuba’s big saves and the entire team’s effort to hold the defense were well done, so I want to continue that.
Q, the veteran player in his 30s defended bravely until the end.
A, (laughs) Watching players like Morishige and Nagatomo play up close inspires me during daily practice, making me feel that I can still grow. I want to continue playing for a long time and lead the team to victories in games like today’s.
Q, wasn't it a big burden during the first half when you couldn't hold the ball for a long time?
A, the coach also told me that in chaotic situations, he wants me to calm the ball down when it comes to me. I played while observing the opponent's situation and taking positions further back. I've only been playing as an anchor for about three months, so I'm still experimenting, but I enjoy playing while thinking about how I should move during the game.
Q, it seems that the defensive awareness is increasing with each game.
A, I have a lot to learn about timing and methods in defense, so I approach it with a fresh mindset.
Q: Did you intentionally come down to the final line and play today?
A, there were times when the opponent was putting pressure on us, so I dropped back a little and played while watching how the opponent would respond. The intention was also to calm the game down.
The quality of playing in the opponent's territory is still lacking, so I would like to improve on how to break it down when the opponent pulls back the block.
We were able to keep a clean sheet today, and I think it was a good point that we physically blocked the opponent's counterattacks.
Q, has the flexibility of play emerged in both the team and individual?
A, it is actually easier for us to play when the opponent comes out. When they set up a solid block, I think our patterns for breaking it down and the ideas coming from communication among the players are still lacking, so I want to improve on that.
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q, we were able to finish the game with a clean sheet after a long time.
A, we knew the opponent would aim for counterattacks, so I thought there would be no problem as long as we could contain Leandro PEREIRA and PATRIC. Today’s game was one where we really wanted to score.
Q, in the end, veteran players like Morishige, Nagatomo, and Higashi risked their bodies and defended until the end.
A, I feel that was my job today, and I think it was something I was able to accomplish.
Q, how was the defense against crosses?
A, conceding goals from crosses and the one-on-one situations right in front of the goal decide the outcome of the match, so we discussed organizing and focusing on those areas going into the game.
Q, there is another away game against Kobe in 3 days.
A, there are parts we were able to do well in today's match and parts we were not. By making fine adjustments to those areas and repeatedly practicing them in training, I believe our accuracy will improve much more.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q, I think that defending until the end with all our might led to keeping a clean sheet.
A, although the opponent had momentum in a difficult situation, I feel the team has grown because we were ultimately able to defend dangerous moments by putting our bodies on the line. Regarding ball possession, there were a few mistakes, but we have been improving through challenges. In the past several matches, we conceded many goals, but today we were able to keep a clean sheet in the end, so I think it was good as a defender.
Q, I think players like Nagatomo and Morishige, who are the core players, have especially put their bodies on the line.
A, first of all, we have to show a fighting spirit, and I am very conscious of that myself. I think it is an important part. When the team's morale is low, I want to be a player who can show it through my play, leading by example.
Q, although he was a left back, I could sense his determination to further improve.
A, Under Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, a new style of modern full-back play is required, and I am learning a lot in that regard. Playing wide on the side has been my style throughout my 15 years as a professional, but I am now able to show a new side of myself. Although there are still many challenges, I feel that I am growing, so I want to aim for play that involves me more in the team's possession and allows us to smoothly reach the attacking zone while improving my precision.
Q, do you want to focus on keeping a clean sheet as a defense precisely because the team's style has deepened and they have become able to score?
A, of course. The coach says every day that we should play attacking soccer, but since we are defenders, we are strongly conscious of defending firmly and keeping a clean sheet because if we concede zero goals, we won't lose. We want to keep possession and build our foundation. I am confident that we are steadily improving, and I am struggling to evolve my own play even more, so I want to keep working hard.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, I felt that Gamba Osaka pressed more aggressively than expected. How did you feel about that, especially in the first half?
A, rather than them pressing from the front, I have the impression that they targeted us because we made many mistakes. I think we struggled due to our own errors.
Q: What do you think was the cause of the confusion and commotion there?
A, (right after the match) I still don't know the exact cause, but it felt like everyone was physically heavy today. Not being accustomed to the unique heat of Osaka, we had a poor start to the first half and made many mistakes.
Q, is it growth that we didn't collapse throughout the entire first half, including the end?
A, it got better after the first 30 minutes of the first half, so if we had been able to grasp our own rhythm from the beginning of the first half, the game would have been easier, and we could have moved the ball smoothly and increased our scoring chances.
Q, what about not conceding any goals?
A, Kuba made big saves again today, and with the two center backs putting their bodies on the line to defend, I believe finishing without conceding a goal will lead to the next step.
Q: What do you need to be careful about for the Kobe match based on today's game?
A, the start of the match was not good today, so for the next game, I want to prepare so that we can control the pace from the very beginning of the first half.
Q, what is your impression of Kobe?
A, although there is an impression that things have not been going well this year, the players are all here, so we want to stay grounded and prepare to win regardless of the standings.
Q: Did you feel the determination of Gamba Osaka, today's opponent, to remain in J1?
A, of course Gamba is desperate, and the next opponent Kobe is also fighting to avoid relegation. Matches against such teams are difficult, but to keep up with the top teams, we have no choice but to win. So, next time, we want to firmly secure 3 points.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q. It was a frustrating game, but please reflect on the game.
A. I think the issue at the start of the first half was positioning, and it didn’t go well. One factor was that the team was somewhat stretched out overall. No matter the situation, even if the opponent is pressing from the front, we have to be conscious of our positioning, and I feel that the way we started, including myself, was a missed opportunity.
Q. How do you feel about your performance, as you feel your presence is increasing with each game?
A. Regarding today’s match, I am not satisfied at all. In fact, I think my performance was below average, and I believe I need to be involved in more chances. Although it has become difficult to score goals, and I must produce results that show up in the stats, I may seem to have a presence because I touch the ball often, but I have not been able to deliver results.
I feel that in order to become a player at a higher level, I must focus on the numbers.
Q. Is it because the receiving position has improved that you need to do more decisive work?
A. I gave Leandro a through pass today, but I think I need to make those kinds of plays not just once, but repeatedly. There were also moments when I received the ball in the center and lost it, so the coach has told me to eliminate those mistakes, and even without the coach saying it, I see that as my own challenge. If I can receive the ball in the center, take it all the way to a shot, and score, I believe I can evolve further, so I want to pursue that more deeply.
Q. The next game will be in three days. Please tell us your enthusiasm for the away game against Kobe Univ.
A. It’s frustrating today, but since we didn’t lose, I want to keep my head up. I want to learn from the parts that didn’t go well in the first 30 minutes and do whatever it takes to win the next two matches.
