Review>
The return to the front line after 8 months was a ray of hope for the team, which had been plagued by injuries to midfield players.
The match against Sagan Tosu, as evident from the record, has always been a tough one for Tokyo. Whether it's a home game or an away game, even if the previous match had a good performance and result, something always seems to happen in the game against Tosu.
Even if it's for 90 minutes, "No, today is the day..." Even if it's a development that makes you feel that way, you can't let your guard down.
This match also became a back-and-forth battle where both teams had a high intensity in their challenges and shared possession of the ball equally. However, from the first half, there were many instances where Tosu's passes were disrupted, and Tokyo was able to quickly regain possession before being countered, resulting in Tokyo having more scenes of pushing their opponents while in possession of the ball.
Even in the second half, the ball often came back in a lucky way, but whether the pace matched or not, Tokyo was unable to create decisive chances as their final passes were off. However, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who made his first appearance in the J1 league, created scenes where he jumped out behind the opponent, giving off an atmosphere that they could break through the goal.
As the game seemed to be decided if Tokyo could make one more attack, the clock passed 90 minutes and the end of additional time was in sight. Just then, Jakub SLOWIK's goal kick was intercepted by the opponent's forward and they scored, ending the game. Once again, it was a dramatic ending with something happening.
The team faced a tough result, but there were not completely negative elements when looking ahead to the future. Tokumoto showed a strong presence in both offense and defense, despite it being his first time in J1. In addition, in the 27th minute of the second half, Takuya Aoki was substituted for Koki Tsukagawa. It was his first return to the field in 8 months.
Last season, until his injury in July, he was an immovable anchor and a key player in supporting the tactical foundation of FC Tokyo. It took some time for him to return, but his comeback was at a crucial time when the team was struggling with multiple injuries and struggling to find a balance in the midfield.
The man who is suitable for the anchor, who is the key to ball possession, returns, and from here, Albert Tokyo's counterattack begins.
<Match Preview>
In the 6th round of the J1 League, we lost 0-1 to Sagan Tosu, and in the following Levain Cup group stage 3rd round, we were completely defeated 0-3 by Gamba Osaka. Immediately after losing to Gamba Osaka and suffering two consecutive losses in official matches, Diego OLIVEIRA encouraged his teammates in the locker room, saying, "We are not a team made up of players with such low quality."
However, it is a great achievement for many young players to be given the chance to showcase their talents and make their presence known in the early stages of the season. One of those players, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who is in his first season with the team, made his J1 debut in the match against Tosu and energized the team with his aggressive play. TOKUMOTO stated, "I think I was able to show that I didn't lie about what I have done. I want to continue to prepare well for Tokyo to win."
This round, we return home to face Shonan Bellmare. In the previous round, Shuto MACHINO of Shonan scored 4 goals alone and achieved a great victory against Gamba Osaka. We must be cautious of their attacking power, which has scored the most 13 goals in the league.
As injured players continue to return one after another, the result of victory will generate the best energy to drive the team forward. The team will come together to hold back the strong Shonan and go for the 3 points to change the momentum.
Matchday Program here
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: Ryoma WATANABE, Shuto ABE, and Hotaka NAKAMURA joined the practice. Are they likely to be involved in tomorrow's game considering their current condition?
A: Fortunately, all three have returned and rejoined the team. They are in a condition to play, but since each of them had a period away from the front line, we want to proceed cautiously.
Q: With player Yoshifu injured and out, isn't Nakamura's return significant?
A: The fact that both Nakamura and Yoshifu were sidelined due to injuries was a significant blow to us. Along with that, injuries among midfield players accumulated, and during matches, there were noticeable instances of losing the ball in the midfield positions, which prevented us from controlling the game. In other words, we were unable to play as a cohesive unit, like everyone traveling together. Of course, both Yuto NAGATOMO and Shuhei TOKUMOTO have their own unique characteristics, but I believe that Nakamura and Yoshifu are the ones who can demonstrate a more attacking style of play.
If we can dominate without losing the ball in the middle of the field, I think it will bring more depth to our attack, allowing our wingers and fullbacks to participate more. Therefore, I believe the number of attacks from both sides will also increase. I think we were able to do this until around the 2nd section of this season. After that, we had more injured players, but they are gradually returning. We are hoping to return to our initial state at the beginning of the season.
Q: In the recent Levain Cup match against Gamba Osaka, Keigo HIGASHI was not included in the squad. However, I think he will take up the anchor position in this round. With him in the team, do you think we will be able to actively control the ball?
A: The most noticeable issue throughout the match was losing the ball in the midfield position and failing to maintain control. However, I believe it is worth noting that we fielded many young players. Against Gamba Osaka, who played with a lineup close to their best, the young players’ efforts deserve recognition. I don’t mind if there are criticisms directed at me because of the 0-3 result; I must accept the criticism and continue with my work. After the match against Gamba Osaka, eight young players were on the pitch. At the same time, we are attempting to level up the style we are developing as a club and the maturation of positional play. For that, quality in the midfield is required and indispensable. Of course, Higashi is one of the players who brings a lot to the team.
In order for the team to continue growing, it is important to have high-quality players involved in the game. Once again, we have high expectations for Ryunosuke SATO. This is because he is a player who can express plays where the ball sticks to his feet. Players with such unique qualities are one of the players we need. Of course, we also value defensive skills in our center-back players, but we also expect them to have a more attacking style of play. As for midfield players, it is a position where they cannot afford to lose the ball easily. I am looking for players who can distribute the ball to the front line in a good way. I believe that by having players with such profiles involved and growing in the game, it will lead to the growth of the club.
Q, Shonan Bellmare is in good form in the recent matches.
A, their recent matches show good form, but the impression was that they had not been getting good results since the start of the season. I feel they have been improving to a good condition in this short period. On the other hand, we have been caught in a bad streak during this short time. In the match against Sagan Tosu, we conceded a goal carelessly, and in the Levain Cup, we lost 0-3 to Gamba Osaka. Of course, that is football. Football is a sport where evaluations can change easily from one match to another. If we lose to Shonan tomorrow, people will say we might get involved in a relegation battle, and if we win against Shonan, there will be excitement about possibly qualifying for the AFC Champions League. However, the league has just started, and we are only at Sec. 7. Even considering all this, Shonan seems to show greater strength against opponents who play a possession style. They solidify their defense in the middle zone and launch quick attacks after winning the ball. Continuing from last season, they demonstrate and rely on this characteristic as their strength.
Q, I think the first goal will be important.
A, in the previous match between Shonan Bellmare and Gamba Osaka that ended 4-1, Gamba Osaka conceded goals due to mistakes, and from there Shonan kept scoring. Shonan formed a block, won the ball in good positions, and created chances as time went on. Therefore, the first goal greatly influences the flow of the match. The first goal is important. I believe this applies not only to the next match but to all matches. For example, in Spain, it is hard to imagine the top team losing to the bottom team, but in the J.League, it is different. This is because the overall level of the league is very balanced.
Q: Please tell us your evaluation of player Kumada. How do you want to utilize him as a team to make him shine even more?
A, Kumada is still a young player. I also think he needs to adapt more to the team. However, he possesses qualities that other Japanese forwards do not have. While there are many players with similar traits in South America and elsewhere, they seem to be rare in Japan. His ability as a finisher inside the box is high, but his play away from the goal is still in the developmental stage. We want him to contribute more to the team as well. If the club increases the number of times he plays in more advanced positions from here on, he will surely become an indispensable center forward for the club. As I mentioned earlier, his greatest strength is his ability to perform inside the box. I hope that his growth and the club’s growth will progress simultaneously, allowing his strengths to be utilized even more effectively. However, we must proceed with our feet firmly on the ground.
[Player Interview]
＜Hotaka NAKAMURA＞
Q: How did you spend the period from when you got injured to your return?
A, I had been playing in both the league matches and the Levain Cup, so I felt my body was a bit strained. During the match against Yokohama FC, which I approached after adjusting my condition with care before and after practice, I felt discomfort when I sprinted. I stopped playing and was substituted before it got worse, which led to the injury being minor, so in the end, I think that was a good outcome. Thanks to the trainers and doctors who worked hard, I was able to return quickly and get back to good condition. I am grateful to everyone involved in my treatment.
Q: Did you have any moments of encouraging each other with player Abe, who also left the team?
A, since the rehabilitation time was the same, we encouraged each other while working on it.
Q: It was an injury during a good condition. Did you also have a desire to return quickly?
A: I was frustrated to get injured and have to leave the match halfway through, especially as my condition and feel were improving. There was a sense of unease. However, I also realized once again that it is precisely when my motivation is high that I need to firmly ground myself and align my mind and body to avoid injury. During the 3 to 4 weeks I was sidelined, I was able to have various conversations with my body and came to understand myself more deeply. I want to connect my mind and body more effectively moving forward.
Q: Are you ready to face the Shonan match in perfect condition?
A: I am able to perform without any problems now. I don't know how it will affect me during the match, but I want to play with full effort without thinking too much about the injury.
Q, there was a scene in the Gamba Osaka match of the Levain Cup where the ball was lost as a side back.
A: I don't think it's a problem solely with the side back. There are patterns where the opponent traps us at the stage when the pass is coming to the side back. It becomes difficult if the supporting players or forwards don't show up at the right timing. Of course, the side back must improve on shaking off an opponent one-on-one in tough situations and keeping possession without losing the ball. However, as a team, if more players are coming back to defend from the front line, it becomes necessary to instantly judge where to pass the ball so it doesn't get intercepted and where the open spaces are. I want to demand more of this from the side backs as well, and as a team, I feel we need to enhance our shared understanding and speed of decision-making. It's not about holding the ball just to maintain possession, but about how quickly we can enter the opponent's territory and complete the play with a goal. We must not lose sight of that, and I feel that the team, including myself, must not misunderstand this point.
Q, I think the performance against Yokohama FC was excellent.
A, the scoring scene was a shape that both the team and I had envisioned. Finally being able to make a play that led to a goal was a personal achievement. As a team, the build-up was not going well, and personally, there were several times when I lost the ball. The plays involved in the goal were good, but I did not leave a good impression in other plays.
Q, I think this will be an important match that will have an impact on the final result, whether it will stagnate here or rise again.
A, until now, there has been little difference in points across the league, and winning just one match could move a team either up or down the standings. From here on, I think the point gaps will gradually widen. In that sense, I believe we had to secure at least one point in the Tosu match, and from now on, if we drop points, the gap with the top teams will widen, so I want to fight with everything I've got.
Q, what do you think of the image of Shonan Bellmare?
A, I think Shonan has a clear approach to what they do. Their offensive and defensive formations are well established, so it will be important to express our own style of soccer within that framework. Even top teams have lost when facing them head-on as usual, which shows Shonan's true strength. The key will be whether we can choose to play in ways that are uncomfortable for the opponent.
Q, how did you deal with your body while aiming to come back?
A, there are countless details to mention, but I had many discussions with the trainer about what is necessary to prevent injuries beforehand. I also spent three weeks collecting data to avoid getting injured again.
Q, what do you think about the possibility of participating in the match?
A, I will play with full effort during the time given to me.
Q: Did you feel down after getting injured, or did it actually motivate you?
A, I am surprised myself, but my spirits have not dropped at all. This season, I want to play at 100%, and as a result, I don’t mind what others say from the outside. I have to be confident. I believe soccer is also a mental sport. Right now, I think my mental state is good.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q: How do you feel about joining Tokyo this season and making your J1 League debut in the Sagan Tosu match (Sec. 6 of the J1 League) on April 1st?
A, I was initially confused by Tokyo's style of moving while considering positioning, but I have been steadily working on it without rushing. I was able to play in two Levain Cup matches and the J1 League match against Tosu, and I have gained confidence that I can bring out my strengths and compete.
Q, do you feel like you are adapting well to the new team?
A, Yes. I have been preparing from practice to be ready to play at any time, and even when I was left out of the squad, I was able to train with the intention of motivating the players outside the squad, so I felt fulfilled.
Q, during the camp you mentioned that positioning was difficult. Is the style of play required at Tokyo completely different from what you have experienced before?
A, I think there are very few teams in the J.League that have fullbacks take up the defensive midfield position, and when I was at Fagiano Okayama, I played as the left center-back in a three-back system, so it was a completely different starting point. However, I believe I am able to do it now because I had some experience with it during my time at FC Ryukyu. Right now, I truly find it rewarding, as I decide whether to receive the ball inside, outside, or break through behind from the inside by watching the ball holder. I think I have built good relationships with the side midfielders, center-backs, and defensive midfielders.
Q, I think the fullback is the position that touches the ball the most in this style of soccer. Do you enjoy playing in that role?
A, It’s fun because the ball comes to me often. By playing with the ball, I think I am seen more frequently by the fans and supporters. I find it very rewarding.
Q, the league matches have been unstable so far with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses. Where do you feel the challenges lie?
A, I strongly feel that if we don’t score in the moments we should, it becomes difficult. Currently, there is also the problem of many injured players, but the members who can stand on the pitch must give their all and achieve results. In that sense, I see it as an opportunity for myself.
Q、When injured players appear and the best lineup cannot be formed, how far can the team fight? This is truly a test of the team’s strength.
A, It is common for injuries to increase during the summer and the latter half of the league, but Tokyo experienced a surge of injuries in the first half. Throughout the long season, everyone’s strength is absolutely necessary, and right now we want to all hold on together and work hard to reach the place the club is aiming for.
Q, What kind of plays and characteristics will you appeal?
A, I believe the key for me is how many calm plays I can create as an outlet for passing. I make sure to deliver good passes to the defensive midfielders, and I was able to demonstrate this several times in the matches against Kyoto and Tosu. I want to increase those occasions and distribute the ball so that the forwards can play proactively.
Q, there are high-level players like Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Yuto NAGATOMO in the left full-back position.
A, I am enjoying this situation where I can compete for my position with high-quality players. I feel that if I achieve results in Tokyo, I can get closer to the Japan national team, and even when I am not able to play in matches, I intend to continue learning from the plays of Kashif and Nagatomo.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for this round.
A, I have not yet played in a league home game, so I have a strong desire to play with the passionate support of the fans and supporters at Ajinomoto. When I step onto the pitch, I will fight with 120 percent effort. Thank you for your support.
