<Match Review>
This round, which is a back-to-back match fought in 3 days, is against Cerezo Osaka in the postponed Sec. 25 due to the influence of a typhoon. In the previous round, Tokyo faced Shonan Bellmare with a good momentum of 2 consecutive wins, but they were unable to convert the chances they gained in the early stages and ended up conceding a goal in the end, resulting in a defeat.
The last three matches of this season. Tokyo, who is in 7th place with a 4-point difference from 4th place C Osaka. The battle for the top is close, and the final ranking can change significantly with the result of just one match. Tokyo aims for a higher position and has been working towards transformation this season, and in order to show the growth of the team to the fans and supporters, the match will require both results and performance.
1st HALF - Cerezo Osaka creates chances but hits the post twice
The start of the match saw both teams creating scenes of carrying the ball into the penalty area. The first clear chance was created by Cerezo Osaka. As the Tokyo defense dropped back to respond, a through pass was made between the defenders, utilizing the space behind the left side. While the defense was drawn towards the player who broke through, a cross ball was sent to the far side, but Lori's shot missed the target and went over the goal.
In the 18th minute of the first half, Tokyo launched a counterattack. Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who reacted to a looping pass from the middle range, carried the ball to the deep left side. He then crossed the ball with a high, floating ball towards the goal line, but Diego OLIVEIRA was unable to meet it with a bicycle kick.
Gradually, Tokyo increased their possession time and created opportunities to break down the opponent's defense. In the 27th minute of the first half, a diagonal pass from Kuryu MATSUKI, who was on the left side, entered the central area. Although it didn't reach Diego TABA, Ryoma WATANABE, who had jumped out from behind, took a one-touch shot from just outside the penalty area and hit the left post. The rebound fell in front of the goal, and Adailton, who was at the end of the trajectory, also took a powerful one-touch shot, but the ground shot was once again deflected by the left post.
In the 34th minute of the first half, Kindergarten player Julian received a pass while facing towards the goal in the area just before the penalty area. He aimed for a powerful middle shot, taking advantage of the delayed approach of the defender, but the ball, which had gained speed, narrowly missed the goal.
Tokyo continues to attack. The defense aggressively presses high up the field to quickly shut down any counterattacks from the opponent. Even when pushed back, they use space to advance the ball and threaten the opponent's goal. In the 40th minute of the first half, Kashiwagi sent in a low and sharp cross from the left side, and Adailton made a diving header near the near post. Although the shot was aimed at the far post, it narrowly missed to the right.
2nd HALF - Watanabe's hat-trick & Luiz Phellype's first home goal
Tokyo had many chances in the first half but couldn't convert them, but they immediately change the game in the beginning of the second half.
3 minutes into the second half, Adailton creates space and sends Kashiho running down the left side. Kashiho crosses the ball into the box, where it is met by a one-touch finish from Kindergarten player Dawhan, who expertly traps the ball and shoots with his left foot as the defenders are caught off guard. The ball finds its way into the top left corner of the goal, giving Tokyo the lead.
Tokyo maintained possession even after taking the lead. The players kept a perfect distance, moving the ball while making the opponent run. If the opponent came forward, they used the space behind them, and if they didn't, they slowly pushed forward while connecting short passes.
Tokyo seals the game in the final stages. In the 31st minute of the second half, Hotaka Nakamura breaks through on the right side and delivers a cross, which Ryo Watanabe, waiting on the far side, volleys with his right foot to score an additional goal. Tokyo doesn't stop there. In the immediate aftermath, in the 32nd minute of the second half, Koki Tsukagawa sends a cross into the goal area from the right corner, and Watanabe heads it in to score, completing a hat-trick with his left foot, right foot, and head.
Expanding their lead, Tokyo's momentum doesn't stop. In the 38th minute of the second half, Kazuya KONNO passes a through ball on the right side. Shuto ABE, who had made a run into the right side of the penalty area, receives the cross ball near the goal line and Luiz PHELLYPE redirects it into the goal with one touch, scoring their first home goal and making it 4-0.
The attack was like a strong defense, barely allowing any attacking from C Osaka, and Tokyo moved up to 5th place. In the next match, they will face Nagoya Grampus away, and in the final match they will play the Tama River Clasico against Kawasaki Frontale at Ajinomoto Stadium.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Koki TSUKAGAWA (36th minute: Shuto ABE)/Keigo HIGASHI (40th minute: Seiji KIMURA)/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Ryoma WATANABE (36th minute: Leandro)/Diego OLIVEIRA (30th minute: Luiz PHELLYPE)/Adailton (30th minute: Kazuya KONNO)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Yuto NAGATOMO
GOAL
3 minutes into the second half: WATANABE/31 minutes into the second half: WATANABE/32 minutes into the second half: WATANABE/38 minutes into the second half: Luiz PHELLYPE
＜Cerezo Osaka＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jin Hyeon KIM
DF Riku MATSUDA (31st minute of the second half: Bruno MENDES)/ Ryosuke YAMANAKA (24th minute of the first half: Ryosuke SHINDO)/ Matej JONJIC/ Ryuya NISHIO
MF Hiroshi KIYOTAKE/ Seiya MAIKUMA/ Tokuma SUZUKI (0th minute of the second half: Nelson ISHIWATARI)/ Hirotaka TAMEDA (11th minute of the second half: Jean PATRIC)
FW Satoki UEJO/ Adam TAGAART (11th minute of the second half: Sota KITANO)
SUBS
GK Keisuke SHIMIZU
MF Hikaru NAKAHARA
GOAL
―
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: please review the game.
A: One of the objectives I asked of the players was to take an aggressive approach, and I think that was the key. They have become confident in maintaining possession of the ball. We were able to effectively connect that to our attack. As we showed in the first half of the Kashima match, I believe we have entered a phase where we increase opportunities to play toward the goal while keeping possession of the ball.
The team fought for victory from the very start of the match. They maintained a high level of intensity and playing tempo throughout. What I am satisfied with today is that they were able to keep up that high intensity throughout the game. I believe we were able to express both the aspect of controlling the game by maintaining possession, which we have been instilling so far, and the more aggressive approach toward the goal that I asked the players to show today. Of course, the first half of the Kashima match was good, and I think it was one of the best performances this season. However, what I am satisfied with in this match is that we continued to demonstrate a high level in all areas, including both offense and defense.
The growth stage of this season is as expected. Of course, it is natural that we need to grow even more. In terms of results, we have eliminated relegation first. And compared to last season, we have exceeded the average number of points per game. This club was able to turn things around and take steps towards the top when our ranking was dropping. The team composition has not changed significantly from last season. However, we have dramatically changed our style over the course of one year. Our goals for the future are clear, and I believe the next two games will be fantastic. Of course, they will be difficult games. It is a home game for Nagoya and Kawasaki may be playing for the championship. It is a great challenge to face such teams.
I want to say "Congratulations on the hat-trick" to Ryoma WATANABE. And I am satisfied that I did not let Nagatomo, the best side back in Japan, play (the game).
Q, today, we continued to play calmly by passing the ball in our own half and enticing the opponent, inserting vertical passes through the center. Why do you think we were able to maintain a sense of mental composure?
A, of course, depending on the game, there are times when we can play with composure like in the Kashima match, and on the other hand, there are times when we become a bit nervous like in the Shonan match. It is true that such irregularities still occur from game to game. However, it takes time to turn those irregularities into regularity and to consistently perform at the same level.
We have now played together as a team for seven months. I think it is a good thing that young players like Kuryu MATSUKI, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, and Ryoma WATANABE have become the main players in the matches.
[Player Interview]
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: please review the game.
A: There were chances to score from the first half, but we couldn't finish them. However, I also felt like we could score today. Although there were more mistakes than usual, we managed to score, so I want to take that positively.
Q, please look back from the first goal, all of which were great.
A, I overlapped with Tsukagawa, but since I was able to communicate well, I decided to get into the landing spot and take the shot. Tsukagawa's body was right in front of me, so I controlled the ball with my first touch and placed it well, then calmly slotted it to the far side.
Q, the second and third points were both calm.
A, I was ready when Nakamura was about to deliver the cross, so I think that’s why it went in a good shape and on a good course.
For the third goal, I expected a one-touch pass, so I was careful about the offside and moved forward at the right timing. A good ball came, and I’m glad I was able to score.
Q, Wasn't it a very compact and good game in terms of content?
A, I think matches where we can press from the front become good games. We struggled to get into rhythm in the Shonan match and had to reflect on the fact that we were retreating, so we worked on that heading into today. If we can keep pressing forward and trap the opponent, I believe we can establish our own style, so I want to keep that in mind for the remaining two matches and continue working on it.
Q, how will you approach the remaining two matches of this season?
A, Our goal is to qualify for the ACL, but first, we want to take it one match at a time. Nagoya and Kawasaki are not easy opponents, so we intend to fight each match individually.
Q, When was the last hat-trick?
A, Since elementary school (laughs).
Q, did you receive the ball?
A, I received it.
<Luiz PHELLYPE>
Q, please share your thoughts on scoring your first home goal.
A, not only was it my first home goal, but I am also happy to have been able to deliver a result during a period when I hadn’t been scoring.
Q: I think there is a difficulty in achieving results within limited playing time. What are you conscious of?
A, I am usually given about 15 to 20 minutes, so I enter the field determined to do my best with what I can do within that time. I felt that the only thing missing was scoring a goal, so I am happy to have been able to achieve a visible result in the form of a goal.
Q, is this goal likely to be a good opportunity?
A, I am always aiming to score, so I hope to get a goal in the next match as well. However, soccer is difficult, so there are times when I can score and times when I cannot. I will continue to prepare so that I can score.
Q: How do you feel about the process leading up to the goal?
A: Believing the ball would come in, I moved into the area in front of the goal, and since the ball reached me properly, all that was left was to finish it.
Q, do you think that there were also significant parts where cooperation was achieved?
A, the scene where I scored today was like that, but recently, there were many times when the ball couldn't be brought up to the center forward, and I often entered the match in difficult situations where we were behind. In such circumstances, the ball was delivered to me properly, and I was able to produce results, so I think it was good.
Q, how are you preparing for the remaining two matches this season?
A, I want to give my all to win the last two matches. Regardless of whether we have a chance to win the title or not, I believe the most important thing is to fight the matches in front of us, so I will prepare thoroughly with the goal of finishing the remaining two matches with victories.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q, please reflect on the scene where you assisted.
A, I was able to kick the ball just as I had imagined. Watanabe skillfully cut back and scored, so it was good.
Q: There were many improvements seen from the Shonan game. What were you conscious of?
A, Compared to the Shonan match, we were more aggressive in making runs behind the defense and were able to dominate the opponent throughout the game. It was precisely because of this aggressiveness that we were able to play such a good game today.
Q, Nakamura player, Kashiho player's side back performance stood out in the game.
A, it was mentioned in the pre-match scouting that the opponent's fullbacks were the starting points of their attacks. Before the match, I talked with Nakamura about how if we could win the duel between the fullbacks, we could control the pace of the game. It was good that we were able to surpass the opponent's fullbacks and maintain control throughout.
Q, I get the impression that there are more early crosses in the matches.
A, I was told in practice that it’s okay to actively send crosses to the players moving inside, and gradually I’ve developed a sense of coordination with the players inside. I’m glad I was able to show that in the match.
Q, do you feel that the variety of plays has been increasing?
A, Every time I play in a match, my signature moves become more closely marked, but I feel that actively taking on opponents on the left side has led to good plays.
Q, how do you feel about winning big while also having vocal support at home games?
A, It was the first time we won big in a home game with vocal support, so I am very happy.
Q, did you communicate anything about positioning?
A, in the first half, space was created when Adailton opened out wide. Regarding who would open up and who would make the run behind, Morishige had already discussed the combination with Adailton before the match, so I believe the team had a shared understanding.
Q: Unlike the previous match, you were able to maintain possession of the ball for most of the time. As a side back, what kind of plays did you focus on and how did they affect the changes?
A, I thought that even if we kept possession of the ball the whole time, it would end up like the Shonan match, so as a correction to that, I believed it was necessary to actively make runs behind the defense even as a side back. In the Shonan match, we lacked forward aggressiveness, which led to that kind of game. To make use of that reflection, I made many forward runs, which as a result increased our ball possession rate and allowed us to play our style of soccer.
＜Hotaka NAKAMURA＞
Q, please look back on the match.
A, We lost the previous match that we had to win, so for today's match, we talked about fighting together with our hearts rather than focusing on the content. We couldn't score in the first half, but I think we were able to show our determination in the game.
Q: I think it was a very passionate match. How did you approach it?
A: It's the same for every match, but I wanted to protect the aspects of my game that involve winning the ball and the parts of build-up play and attacking involvement that the coach expects from me, while also being able to do them well.
Q, It was a goal from a cross from player Nakamura, did you see player Watanabe?
A, Of course, I myself need to do more in terms of the number and quality of crosses, but I wasn't specifically looking at player Watanabe in that scoring situation. I was hoping someone would be there to connect with my cross. The goal was thanks to player Watanabe's finish, not just my cross, so the quality may not have been that high. However, I'm glad it led to a goal. I want to improve the quality and number of crosses from here on out.
Q, I think the defense was quite good, and I think we were able to build up our attack well. Where do you think we improved?
A, of course, each team has different formations and defensive approaches, and in the previous match against Shonan, we had to respond within their excellent defense. This time, we carefully studied the opponent’s footage, confirmed positions within the team, and were able to circulate the ball well, so I think we improved compared to the Shonan match. As a team, how we navigate intense pressure is crucial, and we must not panic as a team. Especially in matches like the Shonan game, we need to become better at calmly carrying the ball ourselves.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: The game was completely different from the Shonan match the other day. What preparations did you make in these three days?
A, Regarding the Shonan match, there was a part where we couldn't press from the front, so we talked about improving that aspect. In today's Cerezo match, our analysis showed that if we didn't go to shut down the opponent's anchor, they would develop play from there, so we made sure to go after him.
Q, how did you feel on the pitch, where it seemed like you were able to maintain compactness for 90 minutes and react quickly to the movement of the ball?
A, it was a very tough match, but even before scoring the first goal and after, everyone was moving fluidly. When I was pressing from the front, Higashi covered well, which I think helped tighten up the whole team.
Q, Wasn't it the best game of the season?
A, since it was a victory with a certain margin in the end, I want to take that as a positive.
Q, I think the remaining games will change in various ways with today's victory.
A, Since there will be a short break, I want to use this period to make thorough preparations for the next match against Nagoya, and in the remaining two games, I want to work hard to climb higher in the standings.
Q, I think the cooperation on the left side was smooth today.
A, When Adailton came on, we tried to make use of the space for him, and since Keisuke is a player who shows his strengths more in the forward position than in the back, I think I was able to handle the ball well on my side while balancing things smoothly there. Regarding today, we were able to play very smoothly, and I think there were many situations where we broke through from there, so I believe this style of play will be effective in future matches as well.
Q: Do you feel that the team becomes more active when there is a high level of physical activity from the inside half, like today?
A, yes. While building the game from the back, I think the team can become even better if we don't forget to make runs into the area in front of the goal.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, what were you careful about during the game?
A, I was stubborn about winning, and the previous match ended up being disappointing. Since it can only be made up for in matches, I think the reason for this result was that everyone made corrections, got properly organized, and approached the game with that mindset today.
Q, I think we were able to pass the ball quite well without fearing the opponent's press, but why do you think we were able to do it in today's match?
A, there are various factors, but first, we organized our defense. In the previous match against Shonan, things didn’t fit well, and we kept retreating. Therefore, this time we were able to push forward positively, which improved the rhythm of our attack. Tokyo is really good when playing like that, and I think we were able to bring that out well.
Q: Did the team have any discussions regarding today's match?
A, I think throughout the season, in today's match, each player was able to play while thinking for themselves. Above all, it was good that we were able to improve on the points we reflected on from the Shonan match today. Even though we are winning, there are still many areas to improve, so I hope the team continues to discuss and get even better.
Q, what are the improvement points?
A, although we pressed forward in the first half, we had difficulty penetrating into the area right in front of the goal, so we talked about aiming for that more. While simply crossing from the sides is good, I hope we can increase our attacking variations, such as making another run into dangerous areas.
Q: How do you feel about the effectiveness of Player T's defense?
A: By reading the passing lanes and anticipating the opponent's intentions, the inside halves effectively coached the team, and since many players can run a lot, I was able to make good use of that by handling the balls that spilled out well. I think we did that successfully today.
Q, I think we were able to do it smoothly compared to the Shonan match, including coordination with the front line.
A, of course, it depends on the opponent, so there are matches like today’s content or matches that don’t go well. The Shonan match was certainly not good in terms of both content and result, but I think there are a few matches like that throughout the season. Even in such situations, securing points is important during the season. I think that area still remains a challenge. When things are going well, we play good matches like this, score goals, and succeed, but how to build up the game in matches that don’t go well is still a challenge if we aim higher.
