<Match Review>
In the previous match, Tokyo achieved a 3-0 victory against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo at home, marking their first win in 4 league games. However, in the last match, they were unable to continue their winning streak as they lost 0-3 to Urawa Reds in an away game. There were scenes such as Kuryu MATSUKI's powerful free kick hitting the post, but they were unable to break through and score.
This match, we return home and want to accumulate 3 points with the support of our fans and supporters, while balancing both performance and results. Our opponent will be Júbilo Iwata, who we will face for the 4th time this season, including the Levain Cup. Tokyo has yet to win against Iwata in the previous 3 matches, with 1 draw and 2 losses, struggling against their solid defense and strong counterattacks that fill up the space in our own half. We want to calmly move the ball and exploit the gaps in their defensive organization, while also speeding up our transition from attack to defense and pressing on the counter, in order to shut down their counterattacks and take control with our thick and aggressive offense.
1st HALF - Tokyo takes the lead with 2 goals in a good start
The game started off with a bang. In the 4th minute of the first half, Tokyo earned a free kick opportunity on the right side of the penalty area. Kashif BANGNAGANDE quickly put the ball in, and it flew high in front of the goal after the opposing defender failed to clear it. Yasuki KIMOTO, who predicted the landing spot, won the battle against the opposing goalkeeper and headed it in, giving Tokyo the lead.
Tokyo continues to hold the ball even after taking the lead, and they have been able to build up their attacks in the opponent's half. Leandro, the key player, has had many opportunities to play facing the goal in the vital area, while inside halves Shuto ABE and Matsuki have been making runs behind the defense, but the final pass has been just off.
Unable to create chances despite pushing up to the penalty area, an unexpected opportunity arises. In the 14th minute of the first half, Leandro puts pressure on the opponent's goal keeper with a back pass. Although he was unable to steal the ball, the goal keeper's pass goes to the feet of Ryoma WATANABE. WATANABE takes the ball into the penalty area and shoots a ground shot, slipping past the opponent's goal keeper and scoring. Tokyo adds another goal from a strong press from the front line.
In the 19th minute of the first half, Kazuya KONNO carries the ball to a deep position in the penalty area, but his pass to the front of the goal is slightly off target and cleared by the opponent. After that, there were times when they couldn't get into a rhythm, giving the opponent attacking opportunities due to their own mistakes. However, towards the end of the first half, they were able to push the opponent back with a controlled attack while maintaining possession of the ball.
In the 42nd minute of the first half, there was a counter chance. Watanabe passed the ball to Matsuki in the penalty area, but Matsuki's one-touch shot was deflected by the crossbar.
2nd HALF - Unable to score additional points, but wins with a clean sheet
Even in the second half, Tokyo continued to possess the ball and advance the game. Even when losing the ball in a high position, the backline pushed up and maintained a compact formation, quickly regaining possession and launching second and third attacks to threaten the opponent's goal. From the start, they repeatedly attacked the opponent's penalty area and created numerous shooting opportunities, including direct free kicks, but were unable to find the back of the net.
If you hold onto the ball but cannot break through the goal, Iwata will be threatened with a goal from the counter. In the end, they will aggressively aim for shots and defend the goal with their bodies against the opponent.
Tokyo, who wants to change the flow in a situation where they cannot break through, made a series of substitution cards after the middle of the second half. In the final stages of the match, Diego Oliveira and Keita Yamashita controlled the ball and created scenes where Abe made runs from the back and put in a cross ball in front of the goal. Both teams' formations became stretched and the game became open in the final stages, but the defenders calmly dealt with Iwata's counterattacks. They achieved a 2-0 victory with a clean sheet.
MATCH DETAILS
＜F.C.Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yuto NAGATOMO/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (43rd minute: Junya SUZUKI)
MF Kuryu MATSUKI/Keigo HIGASHI (36th minute: Yuki KAJIURA)/Shuto ABE
FW Kazuya KONNO (26th minute: Keiki MITA)/Ryoma WATANABE (26th minute: Diego OLIVEIRA)/Leandro (43rd minute: Keita YAMASHITA)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Renta HIGASHI
GOAL
4 minutes into the first half: Kimoto/14 minutes into the first half: Watanabe
＜Júbilo Iwata＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Ryuki MIURA
DF Norimichi YAMAMOTO (46': Ryo GERMAIN)/Kotaro OMORI (84': Riku MORIOKA)/Daiki OGAWA/Ricardo GRACA
MF Rikiya UEHARA/Kosuke YAMAMOTO/Yasuhito ENDO (65': Masaya MATSUMOTO)
FW Kotaro OMORI (65': Mahiro YOSHINAGA)/Yuki OTSU (65': Shota KANEKO)/Yuto SUZUKI
SUBS
GK Yuji KAJIKAWA
MF Atsushi KUROKAWA
GOAL
―
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: please review the game.
A: I believe that those who are in the world of professional soccer must always maintain their composure. There are wins and losses, but letting your emotions fluctuate because of that would mean reacting like fans or supporters.
It is not easy to convey the value of the ball. Just by saying to the players, "Let's play the ball carefully from today," they will not immediately be able to do it. They must understand the concept firmly in order to express it. They must continue to accumulate training, and as a coach, I must continue to persuade the players. I tell the players again that the best way to defend is to possess the ball.
In the first half today, as I always say, the course of the match changed significantly when the goal was scored. Fortunately, we were blessed with luck and were able to score the opening goal early in the first half. Even aside from that opening goal, during the 45 minutes of the first half, by taking the ball from the opponent and maintaining possession ourselves, we were able to suppress their attacks. Iwata has a team full of high-quality players. Therefore, if we give them the ball, they launch very dangerous attacks. I want to convey to the players the importance of holding the ball over the course of a year, rather than being swayed by the outcome of each individual match, and I hope they will master this.
Some may wonder why sometimes we succeed and sometimes we do not. During this growth process, I believe the content of our play has changed compared to three months ago. Some players have transferred out. We also have many injured players. Veteran players accumulate fatigue when the schedule is congested. That is why we have not been able to grow steadily in an upward trajectory. We hope to grow like that, but at the start of the season, due to various factors such as COVID-19 infections, the growth process does not always follow a steady upward trend. This season, there will be good matches and matches that are not so good. For example, today, the fact that we lost many balls easily is an area for improvement. Not just for 45 minutes, but so that we can maintain possession throughout the full 90 minutes, I want to continue conveying this to the players through daily training. I have been communicating this work since the beginning of the season. I want to continue to convey it now, and I also want to repeat it again at the end of the season.
Q: In the second half, the opponent aggressively attacked with the ball. Was it ideal for the team to not get flustered and continue attacking?
A: I did not tell the players to aim for counterattacks. I expected them to play the same way in the second half as they did in the first half. Of course, it would be ideal to create chances from counterattacks, and attacking after winning the ball through high pressing is also one of our strengths, so it is something we want to continue doing. However, what we aimed for in the second half was to play while maintaining possession of the ball, just like in the first half.
I think you may have a question here. Did the players not listen to the coach? That is not the case at all. To continue playing for a long time, more time is needed, and the players cannot continue to express themselves for 90 minutes if they are not convinced from the bottom of their hearts.
Yesterday afternoon, I was watching Albirex Niigata's play, and they were playing amazingly. I think many people don't know what level of play they had in my first season in Niigata. That's because in the first season, there were few players who understood how important it is to possess the ball. The fact that the coach who is in charge this season is doing a great job also contributes, but I think it's because the players have spent three seasons with the same playing style and have gained confidence that they can play well consistently.
As I have said many times, one of the most important tasks for me this season is to build a foundation for the team. It is to guide the players to understand the key concepts. Also, giving opportunities to young players is one of my responsibilities.
Q: I feel like the team's playing style has been changing compared to the early stages of the season.
A: The level of play I can expect started from the second half of the away match against Shimizu S-Pulse. I believe we were able to play as we expected during those 45 minutes. However, several players who played in that match are no longer with us. Additionally, several other players are currently injured. If there had been no transfers and no injuries, I believe the situation now would be different.
After scoring points in the Kashima Antlers game at home, there was a difficult period. We were able to continue playing well in the Emperor's Cup Nagasaki game, but unfortunately, we couldn't win.
And today, I think we were able to play well in the first half. I also think we were able to play well in the first half of the Sagan Tosu away game. If we can continue to grow with the same players, it would have been a different situation, but we have not been able to follow the expected growth line because we cannot do that.
At the start of this season, we utilized direct play to accumulate points. In the middle of the season, if we were competing in the lower ranks, everything would change in the world of football. Naturally, the fans and supporters are seeking the team's victory. That's why we must aim for victory. Of course, the club also expects the team to win. And the players also expect to win. After all, whether it is a good playing style or a valuable playing style is judged by whether we win the game, which is the common sense in this world.
However, this season, the team started with a state where it is not composed only of players who are accustomed to this playing style. 18-year-old Kuryu MATSUKI joined the team and he has been playing well within the team. And Thales also joined, and Yasuki KIMOTO joined as well. I am not a magician. What I can do is to continuously encourage growth over time.
And foreign players are sweating for the team. Leandro is also running for the team and contributing to the press. Diego and Adai(ton) are also contributing to the defense.
I believe the growth process must be viewed over a long span. At the same time, I think it is necessary to approach things positively. The first season with a new team is very exhausting. During the first season, I put energy into convincing many people. The first season is tiring, but enduring that is also part of my job.
[Player Interview]
＜Yasuki KIMOTO
Q, please look back on the goal scene
A, it was a scene where the opponent touched the ball from a set piece and it was floating in the air, but it slightly hit the goalkeeper and I was able to send the ball toward the goal, so I’m glad it went in.
Q: Did you feel like you could score a goal today?
A, I didn’t have that feeling at all, but I have been approaching every match with a clear aim, and since I hadn’t been able to score for a while, I faced today with a strong determination to score, so I’m glad I was able to score. Scoring from a set piece helps us get into the flow of the game, and I think the timing was also good.
Q, my first goal came from a set piece after transferring.
A, since I am a center back, I basically thought that if I were to score, it would be from a set piece. I aimed for it every time, but the ball rarely came to me, and even when it did, I couldn’t connect properly, so I wanted to score as soon as possible.
Q, how was today's attack in terms of aiming for vertical passes, etc.?
A, especially in the first half, we were able to move the ball well and use time while maintaining possession. In the previous match against Urawa, we lost the ball a bit carelessly and got physically exhausted, so we made corrections in that regard. Without rushing and while valuing possession, we were able to create our own time in the first half. If we can continue that style of play in the second half as well, I think we can have an even better game.
Q, there were also situations where we were pushed back in the second half as the opponent changed their members.
A, I think it’s common to be pushed back when the score is 2-0. I have a strong impression that in the second half, while wanting to take more control ourselves, we managed to hold the defense.
Q, I was teased by my teammates after scoring a goal.
A, since that’s just my character, I was happy to be teased by everyone.
Q, in the second half, we also gave the opponent the impression that we handed over the rhythm and initiative to them.
A, in the second half, we were tired and made some easy mistakes, which led to moments where we gave the ball to the opponent, so I think that is an issue to work on. Regarding the first half, we were able to move the ball and score goals, so I hope we can base our play on the style we showed in the first half.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, I think the team had a good start to the game.
A, before the game, Leandro and I talked about changing positions while coordinating, so that worked well. Konno and Kashiwa were able to take high positions wide, so I think the attacks from there also went well.
Q: Were you able to coordinate the team during this week's practice?
A, we practiced it as well, and during the game, we played while being mindful of each other's positioning, constantly communicating to ensure that someone was always at the apex.
Q: Did you think the game was decided when we scored two points?
A, of course we were aiming for the third goal, but a point of reflection is that we slowed down a bit after scoring the second. I believe if we had scored the third and fourth goals, we could have finished the match more comfortably.
Q: The opponent was pushing harder as the point difference widened. How did the team respond to this situation?
A, we anticipated this development before the match, and Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA also mentioned that if the opponent was losing, they would kick long balls at the end to push forward. Everyone was conscious of raising the defensive line and played accordingly. Being pushed back in that situation was unavoidable, and since the ball would be kicked forward, it was extremely important to win the second ball. There were several dangerous moments, but because we were able to take the ball in midfield and use time, I believe we did not concede a goal.
Q, please look back on the goal scene.
A: When the ball came, I missed my first touch and thought the opponent would poke the ball away, so I slowed down my speed. They defended by not coming to the ball and closing down the space, so I was able to see the goalkeeper and score a goal. It wasn’t exactly as I intended, but I’m glad it went in.
Q, did you aim for the crotch?
A, that was the only option, so I went all out there.
Q, I think the press was going well. As a result, it was a goal from the opponent's mistake.
A, the defense we intend to play is to press from the front, which is something we have been working on since the start of this season. I think the challenge going forward is to be able to execute that defense against any team. We were able to score a goal from that, so even though it wasn’t my goal, I believe it’s important to win the ball in that position.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, it was my first return in 4 games.
A, I was able to play with a fresh mindset, and above all, it was great that the team won.
Q, was there anything you thought about in the first game after the transfer of players Ryo Nagai and Takahagi?
A, I have learned a lot from players Nagai and Takahagi, so I feel very lonely, but I understand their feelings as players making their own choices, so I respect that. We must do enough to fill the gap left by those two so that we are not told we can't win because they are gone. In that sense, I think it was good that we were able to win.
Q, we were able to take a 2-point lead in the early stages, but around the 30th minute of the first half, I felt that the momentum changed. How did you feel on the pitch?
A, the start of the first half was really good, but I think there was a part where our work rate dropped due to the heat. However, it was good that we were able to prevent conceding a goal, so moving forward, I want to improve and fix the periods when our work rate drops.
Q, I think Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA considers holding the ball as the best defense, but what are your thoughts on that?
A, I think Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is right about that. If we have possession of the ball, there is no need to defend, so I hope we can increase that time even more.
Q, in your comeback match, you received a lot of fouls. How is your physical condition?
A, since it was my comeback match, it was physically very tough, but I was able to refresh myself during the rehabilitation period, so I think my sharpness was good as well.
Q: Have you noticed anything about the team while observing from the outside during the rehabilitation period?
A, we lost the ball quite often, and there were moments when Diego and Leandro became isolated when they received the ball, so today I entered the match with a focus on supporting them in those situations.
Q: What kind of relationship do you have with player Kaua as he gets more playing time as an anchor?
A, player Higashi has excellent foot skills and is able to see what’s happening around him. He also calls out to support me, which makes it very easy to play. I try to position myself where I can support Higashi while also taking up a position that adds a good attacking accent, so I can face forward and carry the ball.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, it was a big victory. Please look back on the game.
A, I think we were able to play the style of soccer we had envisioned from the first half. We managed to score two goals during a good period, which allowed us to take control of the match.
Q: There was a scene where I matched up with Iwata's player Yasuhito ENDO. Did you have anything in mind?
A, before the match, I had heard from player Endo through scouting that the attack would start from him, so Shuto ABE and I imagined that we would apply more pressure there.
Q: It gives the impression that the pass route of player Hikaru ENDO was blocked in defensive situations.
A, I thought that if we could prevent them from making passes from there, their attack wouldn’t proceed in the direction they envisioned. Although we couldn’t defend perfectly, it was good that we were able to suppress them to some extent.
Q, the attack was able to create shooting opportunities with Leandro as the starting point.
A: A goal is something we are always striving for, and I think the difference lies in whether or not we can finish it there. I want to keep working hard to be able to finish decisively in those moments.
Q: After taking a 2-point lead, the game became a back-and-forth exchange of the ball. How do you feel about that issue?
A: In the last 15 minutes of the second half, the defensive line showed signs of fatigue and dropped back, so if we had been able to press toward the ball side, I think we could have played a great match until the end.
Q, it's a shame that we couldn't finish it off with a chance, but weren't we able to use the middle well with Matsuki and Watanabe?
A, I usually take my position by watching the situation of the wing players, but this time I was able to share a good image while watching the opponent.
Q, I think it was a fluid position that didn't fix the center forward, but were you able to synchronize with the team there?
A, especially to allow Leandro to move freely, we also changed our positions, and when Leandro dropped back and a defender bit on it, I think the space behind would open up, so I believe we were able to do that even during training.
