<Match Review>
Tokyo, currently in 7th place with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss after 5 matches since the opening, faced their first match after a 2-week interval at Tosu, a place known as their "demon's gate" due to their current 7-game losing streak in league matches.
Keigo HIGASHI, who has been playing as an anchor since the opening, and Kuryu MATSUKI, a key player in the midfield, were both absent as they were selected for the Japan national team. Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who was also selected for the national team, was unable to play. On the bench were Takuya AOKI, who returned from a long-term injury, and 18-year-old Naoki KUMATA, who scored his first professional goal in last week's Levain Cup Sec. 2 match against Kyoto Sanga F.C.
1st HALF - Unable to create scoring opportunities
It was a first half with time to attack from the side while holding the ball and time to defend patiently.
Tokyo reverted back to their traditional 4-3-3 system from the 3-back system they used in the previous league match against Nagoya Grampus two weeks ago. In the midfield, Kei Koizumi played as the anchor, with Koki Tsukagawa and Tsubasa Terayama as the inside halves.
While forming a shape that matches with Tosu, there was a feeling of opportunity when Adailton and Teruhito NAKAGAWA entered on both sides, but they were unable to create a decisive chance.
In the 11th minute of the first half, Adailton headed in a free kick from Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who made his J1 league debut. However, the shot did not meet its target. In the 21st minute of the first half, midfielder Terayama showed persistence and Nakagawa brought the ball to the shot, but the left-footed kick missed the frame.
On the other hand, around the middle of the first half, the time for Tosu to hold the ball increases. However, in the 23rd minute of the first half, Yasuki KIMOTO cleared the pinch from the corner kick, and in the 30th minute, Jakub SLOWIK saved the shot from Iwasaki player.
Towards the end of the first half, they continued to threaten the goal. However, Adailton's shot from the cut-in missed the goal and the counterattack in additional time ended without a shot.
2ndHALF - Unexpected Outcome from an Open Development
Tokyo, who wants to score the first goal, made a change in the second half by substituting Terayama for Tawarazumi and changing the system. Tawarazumi on the right, Adailton on the left, and Naka-gawa and Diego OLIVEIRA up front.
However, it did not lead to effective attacks. Player Tawarazumida made two attempts to break through the right side, but it did not result in a goal. The second half also continued with a back-and-forth development.
Tokyo, who wants to change the balanced situation, substituted Diego TABA and Tsukagawa for PEROTTI and Takuya AOKI, who made his first appearance this season, in the 27th minute of the second half. Furthermore, in the 37th minute of the second half, Kumada took the pitch and formed a twin tower with PEROTTI in the front line.
However, with little effect seen, the game entered an open phase towards the end. Both teams utilized the vast space and exchanged counter attacks, but no goals were scored and it seemed to end in a scoreless draw.
Just then, in the 45+5 minute of the second half, an unexpected final round was waiting. Jakub SLOWIK attempted to restart, but his short pass was intercepted by newly transferred player CACA, who then kicked it in, becoming the deciding goal as time ran out. It seemed like the losing streak against Tosu was about to end, but they were unable to bring any points back home.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yuto NAGATOMO / Yasuki KIMOTO / Henrique TREVISAN / Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Kei KOIZUMI / Tsubasa TERAYAMA (46': Kota TAWARATSUMIDA) / Koki TSUKAGAWA (73': Takuya AOKI)
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA (82': Naoki KUMATA) / Diego OLIVEIRA (73': PEROTTI) / Adailton (82': Junya SUZUKI)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Masato MORISHIGE
GOAL
―
Sagan Tosu
Starting XI
GK Ilgyu PARK
DF Kosuke YAMAZAKI/Masaya TASHIRO/Kiriya SAKAMOTO (39' Ryonosuke KABAYAMA)
MF Akito FUKUTA/So KAWAHARA/Yoshiki NARAHARA (22' Jun NISHIKAWA)/Yuki HORIGOME (13' Taichi KIKUCHI)
FW Yoichi NAGANUMA/Yuji ONO (13' Atsushi KAWATA)/Yuto IWASAKI (13' Ayumu YOKOYAMA)
SUBS
GK Kei UCHIYAMA
MF Toshio SHIMAKAWA
GOAL
45+5 minutes into the second half: Atsushi KAWATA
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
A: With many players sidelined, we played aiming for victory by changing formations in various ways throughout the 90 minutes with the current squad. In the first half, we played in a 4-3-3 formation, but since Tsubasa TERAYAMA is still young, there were parts that did not function well. In the second half, we switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation, and after that, I think we created several clear chances multiple times. However, it is very disappointing that we could not convert those chances into goals. Finally, we played in a 4-4-2 formation.
Now, amidst many players who are currently absent from the front lines, we continued to fight for 90 minutes with our existing strength in various ways, aiming for victory. And towards the end of the game, as humans, we are prone to making mistakes. It is regrettable that we conceded and lost due to such mistakes. However, as the head coach and overall leader of the team, I feel responsible for those mistakes. Of course, the fans and supporters may also feel disappointed that the team did not win. As the coach, I want to take full responsibility for this defeat. All we can do is stand up firmly from this loss and prepare for the next one.
[Player Interview]
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, it seemed like you were playing very calmly in your J1 League debut match.
A, I wasn’t nervous at all, and I knew that if I could play like I did in the Levain Cup, I would be fine, so I was able to smoothly get into the game and I think it was good that I was able to play for the full 90 minutes.
Q, there was an impression that Adailton was playing well, switching between the inside and outside.
A, I know Adailton's strengths well, so we communicated thoroughly. I understood that if he occasionally broke free, it would disrupt the opponents. I also asked questions through our interpreter, Mr. Iino, during practice whenever I didn't understand something. I conveyed my own intentions as well, saying "This is what I want to do." Although we lost, it was good that we were able to build some combination play.
Q: Do you have any deep feelings about being able to step on the pitch of the J1 League in your 6th year as a professional after graduating from university?
A, I was able to show through my play that what I have done does not lie, and I believe the viewers could feel that as well. Moving forward, whether I am playing in matches or not, I want to continue with strong determination.
Q, so it was a game we wanted to win.
A, I believe my J1 debut match will remain with me for life, so I had the desire to win, but since we are entering a series of consecutive matches, I want to make good preparations for Tokyo to win.
Q: With injured players coming out and the team struggling to gather members, how do you plan to overcome this current situation?
A: I believe that those who get a chance must play with the mindset that this match could be their last; otherwise, even winnable games cannot be won. I don't think there are players who can always be on the field, so I approached the match with the feeling that I might not get another chance. If more players adopt this mindset, then when injured players return, the lack of guaranteed starting positions will create a sense of tension. I want to show a stronger spirit, through my play and by leading by example.
Q: In April, there will be many consecutive matches. How will you adjust for this?
A, I think it is a blessing to be able to play many matches. Improving through matches is the best way, so I want to enjoy the consecutive games.
Q, there were also decisive moments in the second half, but it would have been good if you could have taken a shot.
A, maybe I lacked a bit of ideas, but I think there were moments when I should have taken more initiative myself, so I feel it would have been good to show an attitude of "I'll do it myself!" once in a while.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q: please review the game.
A, I wanted to get 3 points. What we want to do is keep possession of the ball and take control, but instead, the opponent held possession and controlled the game for a longer time. Including myself, we were unable to win the second balls, so I think we lost in that aspect as well. After receiving the ball, we must be able to get past the opponent. In the final conceding scene, if I had stepped up, the situation might have changed. Since the matches continue in quick succession, I want to reset and keep going.
Q, applause echoed during the player introduction before the match.
A, although it was a short period of one and a half seasons with the team, I am grateful that I was welcomed with applause instead of boos. From now on, when we face each other again, I want to do my best to properly greet everyone.
Q, the situation continues where there are many injured players and the team members are not able to gather.
A, many things have overlapped, but I believe we still have to fight through it. Including myself, whether or not we seize this opportunity depends on us. Since we didn't get the result today, I think we need to step onto the pitch with an even greater sense of urgency and responsibility.
Q, I think it was a game where we had to at least get 1 point.
A, we were in a situation where we had to get at least 1 point, but since matches continue throughout April, I think there’s no time to hang our heads. The next match after games like this becomes even more important. It’s not good to get too down, so we have to properly improve the areas that need fixing and switch our mindset. I want to make sure to do what needs to be done.
<Takuya AOKI>
Q, how does it feel to be back on the pitch after a long time?
A, I’m glad I was able to play in a match for the first time in a while. I want to keep improving from here on.
Q, I think there were some tough physical aspects as well.
A, I had no sense of match rhythm at all. However, I believe that unless I participate in matches, my match rhythm will not return. I think it will gradually improve.
Q, the game ended in a disappointing result.
A, since Tokyo has not been able to win against this opponent for a while, I definitely wanted to win.
Q, the situation continues where players are unable to gather due to injuries and other factors.
A, I believe that the players on the pitch must take responsibility and play with commitment. Even in the current situation, we have to achieve results. I want to keep making daily efforts so that the players who participate can deliver results.
Q, do you want to participate in the Levain Cup even with consecutive matches?
A, I think if I don't play in matches, my sense of the game won't come back, so I want to participate.
Q: You mentioned in a recent interview that you wanted to enjoy the game. Did you have fun?
A, I felt very grateful to be able to stand on the pitch today. If I can participate in the next Levain Cup, I want to contribute to the team’s strength.
Q, please say a word to the fans and supporters.
A, I regret that we were unable to achieve the desired results. However, I believe that we can improve from here, so I hope both the team and I as an individual can raise our level moving forward.
