<Match Review>
Over the past week, Tokyo has been going through a tumultuous time. On the 14th, coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA resigned, and on the 16th, it was announced that Peter CKLAMOVSKI would take over as coach. However, the new coach will not join the team until after the 20th, so assistant coach Takayoshi AMMA will temporarily take command for the final group stage match of the Levain Cup against Kyoto Sanga F.C.
It is a very difficult situation to aim for the Prime Stage, but as Tokyo, our attitude of going for a win in each and every game in front of us will not change. On the day before the game, Captain Masato MORISHIGE said, "We must show our fighting spirit for the fans and supporters who come all the way to the away game and deliver a victory."
To advance to the next stage, victory is the minimum requirement. This season, they have only won one official game in an away game, showing their determination and facing a crucial match towards reclaiming the title for the first time in three seasons.
Tokyo started with a formation that included Shuto ABE and Kuryu MATSUKI as a double pivot, with Ryoma WATANABE playing as an attacking midfielder. Kei KOIZUMI was placed at right back, while Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who has been a starter in every Levain Cup match so far, was given the responsibility of guarding the goal.
1stHALF—Mori's powerful strike and Nakagawa's skillful strike
Under the guidance of Head Coach Takayoshi AMMA, Tokyo has been reviewing the part of their soccer game that is based on fighting spirit. They have shown a high level of concentration from the start. In the first five minutes, they earned three consecutive corner kicks. On the third one, player Matsuki's ball was met by BETO, who scored with a powerful header. After the goal, as teammates ran over in celebration, number 3, Lassad, headed straight for the bench to share his joy with Head Coach AMMA and the rest of the bench players.
However, after taking the lead, they struggled against Kyoto's press. The number of contact plays increased in the midfield, making it difficult to hold onto the ball, and scenes of conceding counterattacks after losing possession of the ball became prominent. And in the 18th minute of the first half, when they were invaded deep into the left side, they were unable to clear the cross ball and allowed a tying goal to player Thales.
The tension of the game has not settled down even after returning to the starting point. The aggressive attitudes of both teams stand out in a good way, and the game takes on the appearance of a good match as they collide with each other. In the midst of this, Tokyo creates a chance in the 28th minute of the first half. From the development of pushing the opponent into the penalty area, they calmly move the ball and search for space. Matsuki makes a vertical run into the space on the right side of the penalty area and crosses it in front of the goal. Teruhito NAKAGAWA scores this and regains the lead.
After that, both teams had a battle in front of the goal, but the score did not change and Tokyo maintained a one-point lead as the game reached halftime.
2ndHALF - Protecting the lead and advancing to the prime stage
Kyoto changed two players in the defense line in the second half, while Tokyo starts without any player substitutions.
After a half that was evenly matched, the battle for control in the second half is being watched closely, as Tokyo steps up and surpasses their opponent in intensity.
In the 4th minute of the second half, Diego Oliveira, Koki Tsukagawa, and Ryoma Watanabe pressed together from the front line, and Watanabe successfully stole the ball and carried it to the goal. In the end, he made a last pass to the free Diego, who calmly slotted it in as the goalkeeper was drawn towards Watanabe, extending the lead.
After gaining a 2-point lead, Tokyo was able to comfortably proceed with the game, and in critical moments, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA made a fine save to protect the goal.
As the game entered the final stage, Kyoto, who launched a counterattack, pushed us back. However, players Morishige and Henrique TREVISAN held the center and continued to repel with high concentration.
Even in the 7 minutes of additional time, the sharpness of the start does not decrease, and if the ball is lost, everyone runs to defend and quickly presses back when pushed in, preventing Kyoto from creating opportunities on the ball side.
Stay focused until the end, and with a 3-1 score at the final whistle, we stopped our losing streak at 3 games in official matches and achieved our first away win since the Sanfrecce Hiroshima match in the 9th round of the league on April 22nd.
Despite finishing second in the group stage of the Levain Cup, Gamba Osaka secured a spot in the Prime Stage by being one of the top three teams among all five groups. After the match, the stadium was filled with the chant of "The City That Never Sleeps" as players and staff shared their joy with fans and supporters.
MATCH DETAILS
＜F.C.Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kei Koizumi/Masato Morishige/Henrique TREVISAN (45+5 minutes: Kanta Doi)/Yuto Nagatomo
MF Shuto Abe/Kuryu Matsuki/Ryoma Watanabe (19 minutes: Keigo Higashi)
FW Takaki Tsukakawa (19 minutes: Koki Tawara)/Diego OLIVEIRA (25 minutes: Perotti)/Teruhito Nakagawa (25 minutes: Leon NOZAWA)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Shuhei TOKUMOTO
GOAL
8 minutes into the first half: Masato MORISHIGE/27 minutes into the first half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA/4 minutes into the second half: Diego OLIVEIRA
＜Kyoto Sanga F.C.＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Tomoya WAKAHARA
DF Shogo ASADA/Rikito INOUE (46': Hisashi APPIAH TAWIAH)/Kosuke SHIRAI
MF Daiki KANEKO/Teppei YACHIDA (65': Shimpei FUKUOKA)/Fuki YAMADA (70': Takumi MIYAYOSHI)/Taiki HIRATO/Kyo SATO (46': Shinnosuke FUKUDA)
FW PATRIC (65': Kosuke KINOSHITA)/Yudai KIMURA
SUBS
GK Gakuji OTA
MF Temma MATSUDA
GOAL
First half 18 minutes: Taiki HIRATO
[Takayoshi AMMA Head Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
A, I am truly grateful to the fans and supporters who came here to encourage us. Above all, it was a very difficult week, but this was a match where we absolutely had to move forward, and I want to thank the players who played with courage and ensured that we could advance.
Please tell us the reason for adopting the 4-2-3-1 formation and how you decided on the game plan of quickly putting the ball forward and moving it.
A, when we had to advance with the current players we have, I thought this formation was the best. By placing Shuto ABE and Kuryu MATSUKI close to each other, I believe everyone was able to fluidly come in and out of the spaces created without separating. Furthermore, by coordinating the center backs, I think we were able to handle the ball steadily, which led to spectacular goals like the second one. Additionally, from a risk management perspective, since we were constantly facing counterattacks, the intention was to absorb them with one extra player. Of course, we cannot prevent every counterattack, but the scenes where everyone came back together to defend, like at the end of the first half, were plays we hadn’t seen much recently. While the attacking power was obvious, it was also good to see such strong defensive intensity after a long time, as it is a fundamental part of our approach.
Q, it looked like the players were playing as if they were liberated. What was emphasized?
A, we had hard training this week and also did intensive work. The players responded very well to that, and when I asked, 'How is it?' they replied, 'I'm looking forward to the match.' They showed that attitude even before the game.
Q, among many key players, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA was appointed as the goalkeeper.
A, since Taishi Brandon NOZAWA has played in all the Levain Cup matches so far, we decided not to avoid using him just for this game, but to have him take on the challenge once again. Regarding the substitution in the second half, the intention was mostly offensive, so that choice remains unchanged from before.
[Player Interview]
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q, please review the game.
A, it was a match where I felt the feelings of all the players. I believe that approaching the game with strong determination throughout the 90 minutes led to this kind of result. No matter the form, it was a match we approached to win, so I wanted to score a goal no matter what, and I think that determination was carried by the ball (for the opening goal). I want to continue the attitude of everyone scoring and defending goals like we did today.
Q, we were caught up once, but it was impressive to see the team continue to fight without looking down. I think there was a different atmosphere on the pitch than before.
A, everyone worked hard on both offense and defense without stopping. We chased after every single ball desperately, aimed for the opponent’s goal, and fought for 90 minutes for the victory. Regardless of the result, I think that was a good thing.
Q: In the post-match interview, you mentioned "for Coach Yasuma." Please share your thoughts on Coach Yasuma once again.
A, I have discussed many things with Head Coach Yasuma and have fought alongside him through difficult times. I believe that not only myself but everyone showed a strong desire to win for Head Coach Yasuma, who has supported us, and that feeling came through in our play during the match.
Q: It was a game where we were able to take a new step as a team. How will we continue to improve as a team from here on in?
A, I want to continue and further enhance the unity we showed today. With the new head coach already appointed, I want to show more of the team's fighting spirit like we did today. For the fans and supporters, I want to demonstrate our passion through our intense play.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q, we broke through in a fantastic way and scored a goal. Please reflect on it.
A, I am grateful to Kuryu MATSUKI. Also, the parts we had shared as a team about how to connect the ball and break down the defense were expressed in the match. That led to the result. Everyone was fully motivated, so we finally scored, and I’m glad we were able to win.
Q, in the previous match against Gamba Osaka, he was quite frustrated, saying "It's my fault."
A, I wasn't that conscious of it, but I believe this victory is the result of the various emotions and thoughts shared among everyone on the team. No matter the situation, a strong team is one that can overcome hardships together. We were able to win by playing the style of soccer the team aims to execute, overcoming such a steep obstacle. Although we weren't able to maintain it throughout the full 90 minutes, I think the first half was especially good, and we carried that momentum into the start of the second half to score a goal. I believe this victory clearly demonstrated that the team was able to express at least the minimum things we aimed to do.
Q, how do you want to build on this victory?
A, rather than momentum, we must not forget this match where everyone fought with heart and soul, even though it was away. The next game is at home, and in order to come back strong as Tokyo, we have to go into every match with the intention to win; otherwise, we won’t achieve our goals, and the fans and supporters won’t be satisfied. So, I want to fight to win every game. Especially since this season we had only one away win, I feel we have finally been able to repay the fans and supporters for their support.
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q, what were you conscious of when entering the game in a winning situation?
A, we were winning, and it was also a time when the team's stamina was dropping, so I shifted up a gear, got my engine running again, and approached the game with the mindset of "Let's go even further."
Q, I think you have been quite critical of yourself in the matches you have played so far. How do you evaluate today's performance?
A, I played as a winger and was positioned up front, so naturally I had the desire to score goals, but I feel that I was able to contribute through pressing and ball circulation. Although I couldn't achieve personal results, in terms of contributing to the team's victory, I think I was able to do more than in the matches I have played so far, and I feel that I am growing.
Q, I was called by the fans and supporters during halftime. I think it was a sign of expectation.
When I am called by that name, I feel that people have high expectations of me, and as a player, it also motivates me to bring more joy to the fans and supporters. I want to continue to work hard and respond to the support of everyone who always supports me with results.I want to push myself even further and continue to do my best to meet those expectations.
Q, doesn't Leon NOZAWA have feelings about the game where he played and the team won under the command of Takayoshi AMMA Head Coach?
A, Head Coach AMMA has taught me many things, and this time, he trusted me enough to include me in the squad and let me play in the match. Since I was able to achieve a victory as a result of that trust, I think I was able to meet one of the expectations. However, there are still many personal areas I need to work on thoroughly, so I want to grow more and repay not only Head Coach AMMA but also the staff who support us and the fans and supporters.
