Review of the previous match against Kashiwa
The first away game of this season was held at SANKYO FRONTIER Kashiwa Stadium, which left a good impression with a 6-3 victory last season. It was a match where we showed the full potential of the "new Tokyo" by breaking down Kashiwa Reysol's man-to-man press from the front line and scoring goals both through passing and counterattacks.
However, it is not guaranteed to go well every season. In the first half, we were struggling with strong winds, with a forecast of maximum instantaneous wind speed of 10 meters. We were pushed back by the opponent's long ball attack and forced to compete for second balls in intense battles.
In a frustrating development where they couldn't get a hold of the ball, they were caught off guard in the 25th minute of the first half when a through pass was played and Mao HOSOYA scored the opening goal.
Last season, Tokyo struggled to recover after being scored on first. They often had trouble attacking when the opponent focused more on defense. However, this season showed signs of growth.
In the 36th minute of the first half, on a throw-in from the right side, Koki TSUKAGAWA took advantage of a momentary gap in the opponent's defense and broke through behind their defensive line in response to Hotaka NAKAMURA's throw. He brought the ball near the goal and crossed it, but Ryoma WATANABE was blocked on the near side. Adailton, who had come into the goal area from the left side, followed up and equalized the score before the end of the first half.
With this, Tokyo, who gained momentum, attacked Kashiwa fiercely in the second half. They did not allow their opponents to freely kick the ball with their press from the front line, and they continuously recovered second balls and launched third attacks. However, unlike the first half where they were able to convert their chances, they were unable to score despite having many opportunities to enter the goal and take shots.
Despite taking a total of 18 shots throughout the match, the score remained 1-1. Despite unexpected events such as a player being sent off towards the end of the second half, we were able to take home 1 point and leave with many positive aspects to build on for future battles.
The second game of the away series, against Kyoto Sanga F.C., will not be an easy match that can be taken lightly due to the opponent's performance.
Kyoto has lost both of their first two matches and has yet to score a goal. However, under the guidance of coach CHO Kwi Jae, the team has been well-trained and has faced strong opponents such as Kashima Antlers and Nagoya Grampus with an aggressive and organized style of play, never backing down.
The team's core changed with the transfer of Peter UTAKA, who was the key player in attack, and Naoto KAMIFUKUMOTO, who was the fortress in defense as the goalkeeper. However, the addition of PATRIC, who has a solid track record in the J-League, strengthened the front line.
Last season's match was a record of 2 wins in 2 games, but in the early stages of the season, when we played away, we were unable to maintain a stable game due to the construction phase of a new style, and we were unable to create decisive chances. However, in the end of the game, we were able to secure a victory by scoring one point through a counterattack initiated by player Yasuki KIMOTO's long feed.
We want to firmly surpass the opponent in the basic aspects of intensity and speed, and then keep the ball and stick the opponent to their own goal, against an aggressive opponent. In the Kashiwa game, we failed to take advantage of the numerous chances we had in the second half and ended up with a draw. We will use that reflection to score goals and bring 3 points back to Tokyo this round.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: Please tell us your impression of the opponent for the Kyoto match.
A: Kyoto is now in the third season under the current manager. I have faced them before when he was leading Niigata in J2, and I think their characteristic is high-intensity play. They also value ball possession, but with player changes, they seem to be playing a bit cautiously. Until the end of last season, they were involved in the battle to remain in J1. Although they were involved in the relegation fight, I believe it was difficult for any team to face Kyoto last season, and their high-intensity play both offensively and defensively makes them a tough team for opponents.
Q: After the opening, there have been injured players. What are your thoughts?
A: No one is injured, but Matsuki is also absent. Abe is injured. The other players have minor injuries such as discomfort or bruises, and they are expected to return to the lineup in a short period. We are not worried about that. Nakamura cannot play in the Kyoto match due to his ejection in the Kashiwa game, but the season is long, and there will be injured or suspended players. I think it is normal that this creates opportunities for other players. There may be teams without injured players, but even those teams will eventually have injured players. One of the coach’s jobs is to manage the team and maintain high performance when players are absent due to injury or suspension.
Q, before the Kashiwa game, you said that you want to have the ability to attack not only by holding the ball but also by penetrating behind the opponent. That is exactly where it will become effective against Kyoto, don't you think?
A, as I mentioned before, Tokyo intends to carefully maintain possession of the ball and execute attacks that effectively use all of its weapons. Whether in Japan or overseas, it is common that when a team wins a match, their tactics are praised, while the tactics of the losing team are not evaluated highly. Kashiwa had only one or two clear shots on target. We created nine clear chances. In the first half, despite facing difficult conditions with a headwind, we utilized long balls behind the defense to create opportunities. What I want to say is that match results always have a significant impact on evaluations. For example, if a team that has been worn down by conceding many chances manages to score once or twice and wins the match, it is usually written that they won by solid defense in a tough game, and the winning team is praised. No one can predict the flow of the match before it starts. In that sense, once the match begins, I want each player to accurately recognize the flow of the game and decide at each moment what kind of play the opponent dislikes. For instance, if Kyoto applies a man-marking style press from the front, it will create one-on-one situations and numerical equality for our forwards. In response, using long balls to exploit the space behind is indeed an effective option. As I always say, I want this team to play as the main actor in the match while controlling the ball. To do that, it is important to attack and play with appropriate decisions based on the flow of the match and the opponent’s situation. Our play should never be dictated by the opponent’s style of play. It is the same in any world that tactics and the coach’s evaluation change depending on the match result.
Q, I think it is important to figure out how to defend the anchor side space of Higashi player in the Urawa and Kashiwa matches. Have you made any adjustments?
A, the team must be well prepared to defend the space beside the anchor. Urawa’s wingers moved inside trying to exploit the space next to Keigo HIGASHI. Kashiwa used long balls to the front line, recovering second balls and targeting the space beside Keigo HIGASHI. The players have gained experience. No matter what style the opposing team uses, if they aim for the space beside our lone defensive midfielder, we must adapt well and defend accordingly. Preparations for that are in place. The three midfielders will need to adjust their positions depending on the match situation. On the other hand, one expected scenario is that if we want to solidly strengthen our defense, one option is to line up two defensive midfielders and defend in a double pivot style. I want the midfield players to defend smartly. Effectively managing the space beside the lone defensive midfielder is always a challenge when employing a single defensive midfielder system.
Q: What do we need to win against Kyoto?
A, regardless of whether it is home or away, we always aim to earn 3 points. Depending on the flow of the match, I believe that earning 1 point away is a valuable point. On the other hand, regarding the Kashiwa match, I think we played well enough to deserve a victory. It was frustrating not to get the 3 points. Regardless of home or away, as Tokyo, we always want to keep stepping onto the pitch to fight for 3 points.
[Player Interview]
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the Kyoto match.
A, my enthusiasm for the match never changes, whether I start or come on as a substitute, and I always keep preparing well. I just do what I need to do to contribute to the team's victory.
Q, what do you need to do to win?
A, to win, it is important to have passion, strong challenges for the ball, quick transitions between offense and defense, and to firmly execute the basics. During the match, as the opponent reacts in various ways and there are many tactical battles, we want to firmly play our own style of soccer and surpass the opponent. If we can do that, I believe victory will follow.
Q, the team seems to be in a good condition, but I think the presence of players like Nagatomo and Morishige is significant.
A, I think it is more important that the young players are consciously engaged than our own presence. Even if there are leaders who can pull the team forward, without each individual being aware, a good team like the current one cannot be formed. The fact that each player's awareness has changed and that they are performing with a high level of consciousness is proof of the current good condition of the team.
Q, please tell us your thoughts on winning the league.
A, I have a strong will, feelings, and determination to win the league in my soccer career. I also play with passion toward that goal.
Q: You scored your first goal of the season in the previous match. How is your condition?
A: I am very happy to have been able to score early in the season. My condition is good, but I want to continue training to get into an even better state. I hope to contribute to the team with my goals.
Q: Did you think the ball would come your way during the scoring scene?
A: Since the camp, I have been practicing moving into the area in front of the goal. In the match against Kashiwa, the forwards aggressively positioned themselves in front of the goal in response to crosses from the sides. In the scoring scene, the ball rolled to a good spot, and I was glad to be able to finish it.
Q: The season has started and we have played two matches. How do you feel about the team's performance? Please also let us know about any challenges.
A: Not only the players who are currently playing in matches, but every player is always prepared during regular practice to be able to step onto the field at any time and contribute to the team's victory. I believe we have created a good situation where anyone can play. I think both matches were good in terms of content, but in the previous match, although we were able to create chances, we couldn’t convert them into goals and therefore couldn’t accumulate the full 3 points. In the match against Kyoto, we want to continue expressing our style of soccer and make sure to finish well when we have scoring opportunities.
Q: What is your impression of Kyoto, the opponent in the next match?
A: The opponent has not been able to accumulate points yet, but I feel they are a good team, including in terms of quality. I think it is important for us to first show our own play and achieve good results rather than focusing on the opponent.
Q, don't you have a good impression of scoring in the previous match?
A: We were able to achieve a good result in the previous match. This time as well, I want to give my all in the fight and contribute to the team with goals.
Q, what are you asked by the coach? I think Adailton's dribbling will also become important.
A, the coach has told me to maximize the abilities I possess. I want to actively showcase the style of play that is my characteristic. I believe the players have earned the coach's trust and are able to play with confidence. The team is in a very good condition overall.
Q, finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters.
A, it will be an away game, but everyone's support gives us strength. We would be happy if you could come to the venue. The season has just begun, but we want to do our best with all our might so that everyone can celebrate together in the end.
