<Match Review>
The 6th match of the 7 consecutive matches played in the congested schedule of April was the postponed 2nd round of the J1 League. Nagoya Grampus, led by former Tokyo coach Kenta HASEGAWA, who had been in charge until the end of last season, was welcomed to the home Ajinomoto Stadium. Tokyo, who have drawn 0-0 in the last 2 league matches, have been criticized for not being able to win, but they have a solid sense of accomplishment in terms of the content of their soccer, so it was a match where they wanted to get 3 points at home and gain confidence in their growth.
Tokyo, maintaining possession of the ball from the start, moves the ball quickly and invades the opponent's territory. In the 8th minute of the first half, Kensuke NAGAI received a pass from a left position outside the penalty area and took a shot aimed at the right corner of the goal with a curve, but could not shake the net in front of LANGERAK's fine save. After that, there were times when Nagoya held the ball, but after regaining possession, they advanced while moving the ball with few touches, aiming for the opponent's goal. In the 30th minute of the first half, during a set-piece opportunity, they pushed forward in front of the goal, and Shuto ABE took a powerful shot with one touch at the ball that spilled outside the penalty area, but the ball that flew towards the goal was again saved by LANGERAK. In the 40th minute of the first half, they took advantage of a momentary gap from Nagoya. Targeting the space behind the advancing fullback, Ryoya OGAWA passed the ball vertically. Responding, NAGAI used his momentary speed to turn and leave his marker behind, dribbling into a deep position. He sent a backward pass along the goal line, but it just missed Kuryu MATSUKI, who was running in on the near side.
The second half, where we want to strengthen our attacking posture, but in the 4th minute of the second half, Yoichiro KAKITANI was caught in the space behind by the player. Jakub SLOWIK jumped out of the penalty area, but was avoided, but he stretched his body and arms while matching KAKITANI's dribble, and kicked the ball out to avoid danger. After the danger, a chance came. In the 8th minute of the second half, Nagoya player Nagai took advantage of the wide development of Matsuki and escaped to the right side space towards the Nagoya goal. The powerful shot hit the right post and the rebounded ball was pushed in by Diego OLIVEIRA, but this shot was also bounced off the crossbar and did not become a goal. After that, there were many scenes where they entered the Nagoya penalty area, but they couldn't bring it to a finish and the time was up.
After playing the 5th match of the Levain Cup in just 2 days, there will finally be a break of about 1 week. The next league match will be against Gamba Osaka at the Japan National Stadium on April 29. Even though we have had 3 consecutive draws, we want to share the joy of victory with our fans and supporters at the first J1 league match held at the National Stadium.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: please review the game.
A: We understood Nagoya's potential before the match. We had imagined that Nagoya would continue pressing intensely from further up the field, but when the game started, they defended by dropping their block slightly deeper.
In the first half, we aimed to make runs into space and fielded players who were good at it. In the second half, we played with the intention of bringing on players who were better at playing with their feet. However, we struggled to attack against the opponent who dropped back and defended, and the game continued without being able to score.
The team is currently in a growth stage, but improvements have been seen in their ability to dominate the game with the ball without making significant mistakes. However, there is still room for improvement in the aspect where Nagoya's counterattack was triggered from our small mistakes.
In the J1 League, there have been closely contested matches. Therefore, I think the outcome of the matches can be determined by small details, which can tilt the game in favor of either team. In the second half, we had a chance where we hit the post twice in a row.
Today, I am satisfied that the players were able to dominate the game for a long time with the ball. It has only been about 3 months since the team started, but the team has grown steadily and has grown to dominate the game with the ball. The understanding between the players has also increased with each game. As a result, they are able to make good plays automatically.
And the players have demonstrated a high level of play with a strong focus on competing. Everyone is giving their all for the team. For example, Morishige continuing to play for the team despite experiencing severe pain in the final stages of the match symbolizes the commitment to giving everything for the team’s victory. Furthermore, the players who came on as substitutes late in the game delivered outstanding performances despite entering during a difficult period, which we highly appreciate.
Q, Nagoya made three substitutions at the same time after having a long period of ball possession, and it seemed to change the momentum. Please also explain the roles expected of the three players.
A: What is clear is that Tokyo always plays aiming for victory. Today, by earning 1 point, we are still holding on to the top positions. Some people might be satisfied with that. However, we always play aiming for victory, and we get frustrated when we cannot win.
When three substitution cards were played, Nagoya was controlling the game, but in order to win, they made substitutions and the team took action in a good way. And I think it became a development where they dominated the game again.
What we asked of them was first and foremost, high-intensity attacking play. And also, to make bold plays for victory. The decision to bring in Hotaka NAKAMURA was because Ryoya OGAWA was tired, so we asked for his contribution in defense. The substitutions of Mita and Keita YAMASHITA were for the attacking aspect, as we asked for plays towards the goal in pursuit of victory.
I think making a total of five substitutions involved risks. Because we took those risks, even though Morishige was in pain towards the end, we were unable to make a substitution. However, I believe that without taking risks, you cannot win anything. Neither Tokyo nor I am cowardly.
Q: There was a pinch right after the start of the second half when the opponent attacked from behind, but there was a great defense by player Jakub SLOWIK. Please evaluate.
A: There was a decisive pinch, but if my memory is correct, it was a pinch that arose from our mistake. It was good that Kuba (SLOWIK) made a wonderful reaction there. It was not a counterattack as they intended, but rather a situation that arose from our mistake, as I recognize it.
[Player Interview]
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: As a defensive player, you have had three consecutive shutouts. How do you perceive the current situation where the team is not scoring?
A: As a result, we have finished three consecutive matches without conceding a goal, but there are still dangerous moments, and currently, we are earning points thanks to big saves by the goalkeeper. Therefore, I want us to work on preventing the creation of chances in the first place.
Regarding the lack of goals, it is not just a problem with the forwards; the distribution from the back has not been going well in the past few matches, so I think we need to improve the distance between the back and front lines as well as the quality of the passes.
Q: At the beginning of the season, there was a clear style of high pressing, but now I think we are at a stage where we have built up various things. How do you recognize the challenges at this stage?
A: We were able to show some of the fast-break style that we had until last season, so I think if we can't differentiate between the fast-break and the slow-build-up parts, the number of chances won't increase.
Q, I think that "late attack" means that it takes time to build, but what do you think needs to be tried?
A, I want to take on challenges with more intensity. I think we need to be more creative by making runs behind the defense and boldly using direct passes. It's better to do this without fearing mistakes, and since there were more opportunities to challenge ourselves, including myself, around the start of the season, I believe that is necessary.
Q: It was a match against your former team, but I think there were players like Kashiyama who made it difficult. What were your thoughts after playing against them again?
A, there are players with a high individual level such as dribbling, and Yoichiro Kashiya and Matheus played together last season and were reliable players, so I have the impression that I was troubled today.
Q, is it correct to say that there are still areas for improvement even without conceding any goals, as there was talk about not allowing any chances?
A, there were scenes where we successfully coordinated and defended as a defensive line, but there were also moments when we were able to take the ball because of the opponent's mistakes. In that sense, although we finished without conceding, I feel the need to further raise the level of our defense.
Kensuke NAGAI
Q: It was a match against Nagoya's coach Hasegawa. How did you feel about it?
A, having fought together for four years, it felt strange this year to be facing each other as opponents.
Q, please reflect on the play that hit the post in the 8th minute of the second half.
A, Matsuki gave me a good pass, and my trap went well, so I was able to take a shot, but LANGERAK touched it and it hit the post.
Q, it was a scoreless draw for the third consecutive game. How do you, as an attacking player, perceive it?
A, I feel responsible because we haven't been able to score in the chances we've had up front, but our defense has been keeping clean sheets, so I hope we can score one goal and create a good flow.
Q, I think the team is working on valuing the ball and connecting it, but there seems to be a lack of power compared to the beginning of the season.
A, I think the fact that we haven't been able to score is everything, and I believe that once we score, the tempo and flow will improve, so I want to focus on scoring goals.
Q: How did Nagoya, managed by Coach Hasegawa, look today?
A, we didn't use the 3-5-2 formation when I was at Tokyo, so it's quite difficult to put into words, but since they have a strong two-forward line, I thought they would adjust to that, and the entire team unified our intentions to face that aspect.
<Jakub SLOWIK>
Q, how was the reflection of the 90 minutes?
A, it was a match where we could have earned 3 points, so it is very disappointing that we couldn't. It was not an easy opponent, and both Tokyo and Nagoya had chances, so I think a draw was a fair result.
Q: How did you feel about protecting dangerous scenes with big saves multiple times?
A, my job is to protect the goal, and of course, it is not just by my own power, but if by protecting it at the end I can help the team achieve a clean sheet, I will give it my all. I think it was very good that the entire team was able to finish without conceding today.
Q, there were scenes where we were pushed back, but I think we were able to defend with concentration. What kind of encouragement were you giving during the game?
A, there were difficult moments throughout the match, but I focused on firmly building the defense line and the overall defense, and consciously communicated about what kind of defense we should play.
It is unfortunate that fans and supporters cannot cheer out loud, but since it is an environment where instructions can be easily heard, I think we were able to stay focused and organize well. However, it is disappointing that the match ended in a draw today. As a team, we want to overcome this situation somehow and prepare thoroughly to earn 3 points.
Q, we have been drawing continuously, but please give us your enthusiasm for the next game.
A, all players want to win, and regarding the next league match, we will be able to play against a wonderful opponent, Gamba Osaka, at the Japan National Stadium as our home game. We want to unite as a team, prepare well from practice, and deliver 3 points to our fans and supporters.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, how was the reflection of the 90 minutes?
A, we were not able to create many chances, but it is very frustrating that we couldn't convert the limited opportunities we had. On the defensive side, keeping a clean sheet was one positive takeaway.
Q, I think there were also moments where we were able to break through and create opportunities on the side.
A, I was aware of the space opening up as the coach had told us during practice, so I played with that in mind. However, there were also moments where running could have created chances, so I think I could have increased the number of those runs.
Q: How was the match against Sapporo and Nagoya with a 3-back opponent in the previous round?
A, the opponent used a 3-back formation, and when their sides dropped back, they had five players, so the midfield was never left open, making it quite difficult to break through their block. We have to increase movements like the third player runs and find ways to break through effectively; otherwise, we won't be able to score. I think the only way is for everyone to coordinate this together from practice.
Q, I think we were able to compact our defense from the second half.
A, there were not many scenes where we were broken down, but the way we lost the ball was poor, and there were several occasions where we faced counterattacks, so I think it will improve if we work on how we lose possession.
Q, there were several good scenes in the attack after taking the ball.
A, if we do not secure a goal after winning the ball in a good position, the situation will become difficult, and since we also put power into that, there is a physical toll as well. When we win the ball in an advanced position, I believe we must have the ability to finish and score goals.
Q, what kind of preparations do you want to make for the next league match at Japan National Stadium?
A, since we have gone three consecutive matches without scoring, we want to relieve that frustration. Although we also have the Levain Cup this weekend, we will all prepare well and aim to secure 3 points on the stage of the National Stadium as a gift to our fans and supporters.
