<Match Review>
In the previous match, Tokyo lost to Avispa Fukuoka in an away game. This week, with only 4 days of rest, they return to their home Ajinomoto Stadium and hope to bounce back from the disappointment of the previous match.
The recent match record against the opponent Sagan Tosu is not good at all. In the league until last season, the record was 5 consecutive losses, making them a very difficult opponent for Tokyo. However, that was with the soccer style until last season. With the arrival of coach Albert Puig Ortoneda, Tokyo is working on a new style and aims to dominate the game by possessing the ball, in order to dispel that sense of difficulty and grab 3 points. They faced this match as a restart for victory, with an undefeated home game this season.
In the early stages, there were moments of chaos against an opponent who pressed hard from the front, but gradually, by positioning between the lines and among players, they moved the ball into the opponent's territory. In the 17th minute of the first half, they were pushed back by a counterattack and pressed in front of the goal, but after being shaken wide, a shot was taken from just in front of the right side of the goal, which was blocked by Hotaka NAKAMURA, who put his body on the line. There were times when they were pushed back with the opponent holding the ball, as well as times when Tokyo broke the press and pushed back towards the opponent's goal. In the 28th minute of the first half, they pushed the opponent back to the penalty area, and with Leandro at the center, they moved the ball with few touches to look for a finish. Kuryu MATSUKI, who received a pass aimed at a one-two, was fouled and earned a free kick. In the 30th minute of the first half, Leandro took a direct shot from that free kick opportunity, but the ball, which seemed to have found the corner of the goal, was deflected by the crossbar. In the 34th minute of the first half, Kensuke NAGAI utilized his individual skill to keep the ball near the touchline, and initiated a counterattack towards the opponent's goal. Shuto ABE, who followed up, broke into space on the right side and delivered a cross ball towards the negative direction just before the touchline. Kuryu MATSUKI, who jumped in, made a one-touch attempt, but it was thwarted by a fine save from the opponent's goalkeeper. In the 43rd minute of the second half, after being countered, a cross ball was sent in from the right side, and Naoto IINO was free in front of the goal to head it, but Jakub Słowik somehow managed to keep his body in position, stretched out his arm, and with a fingertip save, he deflected the ball away from the goal.
Both teams pushed each other using their respective positions to their advantage, and in some situations, they also mixed in counterattacks while attacking each other. The lead changed rapidly as the game reached its halfway point.
A crisis arises at the start of the second half. Jakub SLOWIK, unable to handle a back pass from a teammate, uses his hands to play the ball before it rolls into the goal, resulting in an indirect free kick from the goal area. A free kick from the opponent at close range is saved by Jakub SLOWIK, avoiding disaster. To change the somewhat stagnant flow, Tokyo brings on Diego OLIVEIRA, Adailton, and Kazuya KONNO in the 14th minute of the second half. In the 23rd minute, Matsuki sends a brilliant pass forward during a counter-attack. Adailton breaks free and takes a well-aimed shot from a diagonal position to the left of the goal, but the ball hits the right post and goes wide. Both teams carry the ball towards the goal but lack the finishing touch, making set plays the turning point. In the 36th minute of the second half, a free kick is awarded near the penalty area from a corner kick situation, and Yuki HORIGOME scores into the bottom right corner, allowing the first goal. Tokyo also counterattacks and creates a chance to finish, but they are unable to shake the net and the match ends with time up.
In this season, against a team that has only one loss so far, we didn't back down at all in the game and even created chances that were blocked by the post twice, so it was a match where we felt the weight of the one goal we lost from a set piece. Although it's a season where we are pursuing the team's growth, we want to stop our losing streak. We want to mature our style even more for the next match against Júbilo Iwata.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: please review the game.
A: Regarding the soccer aspect, the team further understood the importance of maintaining possession of the ball and expressed that on the pitch. Growth was evident there. We could see gradual progress in their ability to play with confidence while holding the ball. Additionally, they were able to create several clear-cut chances. However, there are still areas for improvement, such as being nervous in the finishing zone and needing to play more relaxed.
Regarding the defensive aspect, I think we did well. Tosu created a few chances, but they were not particularly dangerous. In soccer, sometimes factors outside of the sport itself can greatly influence the match result. Of course, Tosu's goal came from a wonderful shot. However, regarding today, I believe the match result was influenced by factors unrelated to the soccer elements.
In the professional world we are in, results are highly valued, and I understand that as well. If we were to win today, everyone would appreciate that the team has grown dramatically. On the other hand, if we were to lose the game, even if the same game was played, the team would be evaluated as having stopped growing. We expected there to be difficult and challenging games in our first season. Today, I don't think we played in a way that deserved to lose. In the sport of soccer, playing well does not always guarantee a win, and playing poorly does not always result in a loss. I understand that there are various factors that can influence the outcome of a game, and that things outside of soccer can also have an impact on the result. Looking back on today's game, I want to evaluate that the players played with more confidence and took care of the ball more than usual, and that the team has taken a step forward.
Q: Today, Makoto OKAZAKI was selected for the match. Please tell us the reason why he was not selected for the Fukuoka match. Also, please tell us the reason for Yuto NAGATOMO's absence.
A: Regarding the Fukuoka match, we selected players considering that Fukuoka is strong in aerial duels. For Fukuoka's physically strong forwards, we thought Ryoya OGAWA would be better able to handle aerial battles, so we chose him.
And regarding today's match, I thought it was a game where we should value the ball more. Today, Okazaki responded to expectations and I think he played particularly well in the attacking aspect. As areas for improvement, he needs to play more calmly and avoid using long balls too often, but today he improved on that and contributed to the attack with a good balance.
Regarding Nagatomo, he felt discomfort during the Fukuoka match, so we removed him from the lineup as a precaution. I don't believe it is a serious injury. We hope he will be ready in time for the next match against Iwata.
Q: Why does Tokyo keep the same three midfielders and not change the lineup?
A: Both Kuryu MATSUKI and Abe are young players. For young players, we want to encourage growth with a long-term perspective rather than focusing on short-term goals. Kuryu is steadily developing and meeting expectations. There is room for improvement, such as remaining calm at the appropriate moments, but I believe he will continue to grow, including in that aspect.
Kusei and Abe are playing with a very high intensity. Their play has become a crucial factor in the quick transition of attack and defense, which is a big weapon at the start of the season.
Regarding Aoki, within the 4-3-3 system, he has been able to play with stability as the sole defensive midfielder, so we continue to value him and keep selecting him.
Q: Abes player used to play mostly on the left side of the midfield until last season. What is the intention behind using Matsuki player and switching left and right?
A: Regarding the two inside half positions, we give them freedom. However, I think it is more natural for right-footed players to play as the right inside half and left-footed players to play as the left inside half, as it makes it easier to develop attacks to the right and left. On the other hand, when using a right-footed player on the left and a left-footed player on the right, the team tends to spend more time pressing the opponent, and in cases where the left-footed player plays as the right inside half, cuts inside, and shoots with their left foot, deploying them on the opposite side of their dominant foot can be effective. In any case, if we divide the pitch into three parts, I tell the players to play more freely in the final third finishing zone.
If we talk about today's match result, I think there were many games in the first ten or so matches of this season where we moved directly and quickly toward the goal. While doing that, I believe the team is gradually adapting to changes in playing style step by step and growing.
In aiming for a style of play with a high possession rate that we expect, I think it is natural to lose games at this stage of growth. There were many difficult matches in the first season in Niigata as well. And now, in the season after I left, Niigata is playing well and competing for the top position.
The world of football is known for its focus on match results. While continuing in Niigata and improving the team's completion level was one option, I am interested in challenging myself with something new and building something new. I hope to put my energy into building something new at this club.
I am very happy that all the fans and supporters are patiently supporting the team. I think Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool FC) is a great coach. There is no doubt that he is one of the greatest coaches in the world. Do you know how many seasons he has been leading the team? Of course, everyone expects to win the game, and I am also a person who wants to win. However, I believe that the direction we are aiming for will lead to greater success by taking time. Therefore, we want to continue on this path.
[Player Interview]
＜Makoto OKAZAKI＞
Q: What preparations have you made between the Fukuoka match and this Tosu match?
A: I was not in the squad for the Fukuoka match, so I watched it on DAZN. With Ogawa playing as a center back, I felt that I must not lose in the connecting plays. Personally, there have been many things that haven’t gone well this season, so I am grateful to have been given a chance at this timing, and since this was an opportunity to prove myself, I absolutely wanted to win today.
The training period was not long, but since the surrounding players' lineup had not changed much, I had been observing from the outside how my choice of play could steer the team in a better direction, so it was easy to get into the match. I focused on practicing while adhering to what Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA was saying and also bringing out my own strengths.
Q, how well were you able to express what you had envisioned in the game, including the build-up?
A: It was far from as good as I had hoped, but I think the fact that we only conceded one goal from a free kick is somewhat of a positive aspect.
I felt that I needed to pass more myself, and I think I need to improve the accuracy of side changes in order to compete with players like Morishige and Henrique. That's why I really didn't want to lose today and I'm frustrated because I was betting on today's game.
I believe it all comes down to whether we can improve the quality of what the coach demands in daily practice and how practice connects to the matches. I had the chance to play in today's game, but I want to approach practice with a sense of urgency and bring out my best.
Q: What kind of communication did you have with players like Ryo AOKI and Kokoro AOKI during the game?
A, I didn't say anything particularly special. Since I have played together with Kimoto and understand his characteristics, we talked about covering each other and maintaining the minimum lineup. I was told to just play normally with Aoki. He was in a good position and moved a lot as the anchor, which made it easier to pass to him. We communicated and confirmed subtle adjustments in defense and attack while playing.
Q: Was there any instruction for the scene of the indirect free kick in the second half?
A: I hardly remember any scenes like that in my entire soccer career, so in that moment, everyone was standing on the line and we didn’t know how the Tosu players would approach. I believed that if it was Kuba, he could stop it, and we just played in a horizontal line to prevent the ball from going underneath. Although I received a yellow card, I think we were able to play with focus and agility. It was a difficult situation, but I believe we defended it well. That’s why I felt the opponent’s direct free kick (that led to the goal) was a waste.
Q, how do you think about the balance of the ball that is placed in front of Okazaki's characteristics and the long ball that connects to the front line?
A: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA always emphasizes that point, and I sometimes tend to aim for the next pass once one goes through to the front line. I believe that if the pass gets through, it creates a chance. The coach has told me to make that judgment by observing the situation throughout the 90 minutes. I hope to be able to make decisions while showcasing my own characteristics but also keeping an eye on the overall picture.
＜Hotaka NAKAMURA＞
Q, it was a starting lineup as a right back. It is a position where Nagatomo is being used, how do you evaluate today's play including the relationship with the winger?
A, based on the opponent's formation and pressing style, I can create time when the ball is with me, and if I can hold it in a good condition, I can lure out the opponent's wing-back and left shadow player, play a vertical pass, and quickly bypass their pressure. I can also overlap at speed. If Kensuke NAGAI and Keita YAMASHITA are in good condition with the ball, I thought we could quickly overturn Tosu's defense and gain momentum in attack. So, while watching the positioning of the shadows and wingers, I hoped to take my own position and act as a lubricant for the team.
Q, I think you stood out more in the part of moving and carrying the ball rather than defense, but it seemed like you were following the principles of positional play after Konno entered in the second half.
A, as for how it felt... This was my first start in a league match, and until now I have mostly been used as a substitute. The roles given to me when starting from the beginning and when coming on as a substitute are different, but during the match I challenge myself and sometimes succeed, though I also make many errors. I spend every day in training working on quickly sorting out each mistake during the game, making sure not to repeat the next mistake, and immediately thinking about why I was able to do something well, so that I can make it my own.
Until now, I have been watching from the bench, thinking about what I would do and learning a lot from Nagatomo-san's play. I have been gradually challenging the things I envision for myself. There are still many issues to work on, and since we are currently losing 0-1, I believe it is meaningless unless I become a player who can help the team win. I need to reach a point where people feel assured even without Nagatomo, thinking, "It's okay because Hotaka NAKAMURA is here."
Q, I sent a good pass to Leandro. I think it went as planned, but how did it feel?
A, if I can take a good position, I thought I could draw out the opponent’s wing, play a one-two pass forward, and create space to break through, so this was a part where the image took shape. I feel that my ways of shedding pressure and my range of play have expanded. I want to improve the accuracy of that and be able to deliver balls that lead to more chances.
Q, the team as a whole has not been able to score as much as we would like in the league matches. Even though we have been able to create many chances today, the impression is that there have been many attacks from the sides. Coach Albert has mentioned about attacks from the center, but how does it look to the player who starts the build-up?
A, I think it is objectively true that we lacked the ability to break down the center and failed to score in the end. Even among ourselves, the issue of not being able to score at the end comes up in our discussions.
Of course, it is natural to value possession of the ball with positional play, but it is not positional play for the sake of positional play, but positional play to score points. If we don't take risks with vertical passes or offensive plays, the opponent won't mind, so players are discussing the need to not be afraid and continue to do so.
I think this is the wall we are facing and we are struggling, so the results have not followed, but we need to further refine our positional play to score goals during practice. Communication is developing within the team, so we want to continue that.
Q, I think that players like Yamashita and the substituted Diego player had very few opportunities to touch the ball, is what we talked about earlier the reason for this?
A, it’s not that we are playing offensive positional play; rather, unless we take some risks and make vertical passes to the forwards, movements involving a third player won’t emerge. It’s also important for the passer to be aware of this, and first of all, whether the forward players are dropping into the correct positions—this is not just an issue of the passer. Communication within the team needs to improve. Solving one problem doesn’t mean everything is solved, so we have no choice but to keep discussing things among the players. It may take time, but since we are still in the process of trying various things, we ask for patience in watching us.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: please review the game.
A, The way we started the previous match was not good, so today everyone was conscious of that and made an effort to start the game well, and I think that was good. There were some periods when we were a bit pressed, but everyone was able to stay focused and endure, and there were parts in the second half where we executed our plan as intended, so it is unfortunate that the results did not follow.
Q: Today, Hotaka NAKAMURA joined as the right full-back. Did you have any specific considerations when forming a partnership with Nakamura?
A, When Nagatomo was playing, he used to move me with his voice. There are times when I have to call out as well, but since I was being led, today I focused on moving Nakamura myself.
Overall, I think we built a good relationship, and considering it was our first time playing together from the start, I think we did well.
Q, considering today's defense line, I think Kimoto player needs to play with leadership. Please reflect on your own play.
A, With both Nagatomo and Morishige absent, I believe there were more things I could have done, and I once again felt the great importance of having players who lead the team.
I strongly felt over these two matches that just being led is not enough, so I want to play with more awareness, grow, and perform in a way that leads the team to victory.
Q, I think we have recovered from the 5 goals conceded in the previous match and now we are in a situation where only victory matters. Please tell us your determination for the next game.
A, I believe we were able to demonstrate today that each individual can make adjustments in terms of concentration and mindset. We need to continue this, and although the goal conceded was from a set piece, we must still keep a clean sheet, and above all, we must be committed to the results.
Our goal this season is to focus on results and continue to grow, so we definitely want to bring a victory as the outcome in the next match.
Kensuke NAGAI
Q, how was the reflection of the 90 minutes?
A, I think it was an important match where we had to finish our chances and firmly take the lead.
Q, I think we were able to launch quick attacks after stealing the opponent's ball.
A, there is a style of soccer that the coach aims for, which emphasizes valuing possession of the ball, and within that framework, I wanted to score as well. I feel that it is important for the team to move forward by steadily building up step by step.
Q, there were also scenes where the sides were effectively used to break through the center.
A, I want to increase the number of those opportunities. There are moments when we successfully break through and reach the finish, so I want us to be able to do that more often and build attacking patterns after pressing forward. There are still many challenges we need to work on.
Q: How was the coordination, considering that the members have changed a little since the previous match?
A, we are able to get to the finish, so I want to focus on scoring goals in my play.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the next game.
A, I want to make good preparations starting from practice so that we can surely earn 3 points next time.
