<Match Review>
In September, about two weeks after the blue and red warriors were active in the national pitch, the Kyoto Sanga match. The league was interrupted due to the Japan national team's European expedition, and during this period, the team "adjusted the details of the tactics" (Coach Albert). And on October 1st, the Kashima Antlers match was welcomed on enemy territory. This season has 5 remaining matches. It can be said that it is the final 5 of the first year of the Albert regime, which is an important last 5. The Kashima match will be the start of that.
1st HALF - Gradually grasping the pace, approaching the Kashima goal
Missing captain Masato MORISHIGE in this match due to suspension. This season, there is an unpleasant data of 1 win and 4 losses in league matches without Morishige. However, Seiji KIMURA, who will form the center back with Yasuki KIMOTO, is expected to perform well. KIMURA, a young center back who returned to Tokyo from Montedio Yamagata this summer, has also attracted attention.
In the early stages, in front of Kashima's intense defense from the front line, the build-up of both players, Kimoto and Kimura, did not function well. In the first five minutes from kick-off, they were pushed back into their own half, giving Kashima the upper hand in the beginning.
The first shot in Tokyo came in the 12th minute of the first half. Leandro, who will face his former team, Kashima, picked up a pass mistake in the enemy's territory and aimed for the goal with his right foot, but it went to the left of the post. However, Tokyo gradually created opportunities to enter the enemy's territory thereafter.
Kashima is based on a 4-3-1-2 formation, with 2 forwards and 3 attacking midfielders putting pressure on Tokyo from the front, and the 3 defensive midfielders behind them forming a solid defensive formation in the central area. Tokyo also had many of their passes to the central area cut off by the opponent, but they started to create opportunities on both sides where there was space, in order to take advantage of the opponent's formation.
Scenes where Hotaka NAKAMURA and Ryoma WATANABE combine on the right side to penetrate the Kashima defense, and Kuryu MATSUKI moves to the left side from the center midfield, creating opportunities for Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Leandro to attack from a high position.
In the 28th minute of the first half, Matsuki player broke through with a long feed from Kimoto player and aimed for the goal with his right foot. In addition, in the 31st minute of the first half, Leandro player took a one-two with Diego Oliveira player and shot with his left foot. In the 36th minute of the first half, Diego Oliveira player took a middle shot from a dribble, and in the 44th minute of the first half, Leandro player took a shot after stealing the ball from Kashima with a high press, but none of them could shake the goal net. Despite coming close to Kashima's goal, the first half ended with no points.
2nd HALF - Strong defense and a dramatic final round goal
In the beginning of the second half, Tokyo maintained their pace. However, in the 11th minute of the second half, Kashima took advantage of a momentary gap and Suzuki player broke through. But at this moment, Kimura player calmly reacted and cleared the ball, avoiding any danger.
Immediately after, Kashif BANGNAGANDE passed the ball to Nakata player's left foot feed and ran towards the goal. He wanted to chest trap and shoot with his left foot... but unfortunately, he missed the chance to score a great goal as he couldn't meet the ball.
In the 14th minute of the second half, there was a shot from the combination of Leandro, Diego OLIVEIRA, and Leandro again, which was saved by Kashima's goalkeeper Hayakawa.
In the 20th minute of the second half, coach Albert Puig Ortoneda substituted in players Shuto ABE and Adailton. Just 2 minutes later, Adailton took a control shot from his favorite angle of 45 degrees on the left, but it went over the crossbar. In addition, Tokyo, who was looking to make a substitution strategy, brought in Luiz Phellype in the 28th minute of the second half. Phellype then took consecutive shots in the 30th and 36th minutes, accelerating the team's attack.
The match between Kashima and Tokyo was a back-and-forth battle, but while Tokyo had many opportunities to finish their attacks with solid shots, Kashima was unable to create any decisive chances despite their efforts. This was largely due to Tokyo's well-organized defense, with each player showing dedication and making strong tackles. On the right side, Nakamura was strong in challenges, while Kimura did not give the opponent any space to move freely, even in physical battles in front of the goal.
And then, player Abe, who had been increasing the defensive intensity along with them as a substitute, finally scored a long-awaited goal.
In the 36th minute of the second half, he picked up the second ball from the opponent's clearance and unleashed a right-footed volley from the middle range. The ball grazed the outstretched hand of Kashima goalkeeper Hayakawa, who also graduated from Meiji University, and pierced the goal net. This became a memorial goal, marking Tokyo's 1,000th point in J1.
Tokyo united, a moment of joy. Yuto NAGATOMO and Go HATANO, among others, rushed to join the circle of joy from the bench, and in front of the away stadium, Kashima Soccer Stadium, where the supporter stands gathered, they performed a cradle dance for Junya SUZUKI, who recently had his second child.
Tokyo, who heard the strong whistle of the time-up, maintained their defensive concentration and intensity until the end. In addition to the dramatic winning goal, the growth of player Kashif BANGNAGANDE who showed tough defense in the absence of captain Morishige, and the comeback of player Nakamura who suffered from injury for a long time, as well as the dedication of young player BANGNAGANDE who moved up and down the left side until the end, all contributed to the team's victory with a perfect 3 points.
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA/Yasuki KIMOTO/Seiji KIMURA/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Koki TSUKAGAWA (42nd minute of the second half: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Keigo HIGASHI/Kuryu MATSUKI (21st minute of the second half: Shuto ABE)
FW Ryoma WATANABE (42nd minute of the second half: Kazuya KONNO)/Diego OLIVEIRA (21st minute of the second half: Adailton)/Leandro (28th minute of the second half: Luiz PHELLYPE)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Junya SUZUKI
GOAL
39' Shuto ABE
＜Kashima Antlers＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Tomoki HAYAKAWA
DF Rikuto HIROSE/Ikuma SEKIGAWA/Kento MITSUKURI/Koki ANZAI
MF Yuta HIGUCHI (41st minute of the second half: Yuta MURAMATSU)/Shintaro NAGO (20th minute of the second half: Ryuji IZUMI)/Diego PITUCA
FW Hayato NAKAMA (13th minute of the second half: Ryotaro ARAKI)/Arthur CAIKE (39th minute of the second half: Everaldo)/Yuma SUZUKI
SUBS
GK Sun Tae KWOUN
DF Min Tae KIM
MF Shoma DOI
GOAL
ー
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: please review the game.
A: First of all, I think the first half was the most wonderful development in this season's matches. The players showed excellent play in terms of our concept. Maintaining possession of the ball, aiming for the goal, and playing aggressively in defense. Each player made the right decisions throughout the first half. We were able to create several decisive chances. As a coach, what I always aim for is for the players to fully enjoy playing football. That was achieved in the first half. The players looked happy playing on the pitch, and sometimes even smiled; I think it was that kind of first half.
On the other hand, the second half became a more difficult situation. Naturally, it was a match at the home of a great club. I did not expect things to go easily. Today, as someone involved in football, I am pleased to have been able to play in this wonderful stadium in front of the fantastic Kashima Antlers supporters. I am also very grateful to the many Tokyo supporters who came all this way to cheer us on.
In the final stages of the match, Kuryu MATSUKI, who felt slightly unwell last night, needed to be substituted, and Shuto ABE came on as a substitute and scored a wonderful goal. Also, Seiji KIMURA had been on a Europe tour with the U-21 Japan national team until three days ago. Although it was a match immediately after his return, he played excellently. After scoring the goal, anticipating that the Kashima Antlers would play more directly aiming for the goal, we changed the system to protect the match result and tried to close out the game. Yuto NAGATOMO had just returned from the Japan national team expedition two days earlier, but by bringing his experience and intelligence onto the pitch, he contributed to finishing the match. I believe that his contribution in such a difficult situation is proof that he is a great player. I hope young players learn a lot from Yuto NAGATOMO.
Q: How would you evaluate the performance of player Yuto NAGATOMO, who has returned from the national team?
A: Regarding Yuto NAGATOMO, I believe the numbers prove that he is great. Many people need to understand how difficult it is not only to belong to but also to continue playing for Inter Milan, a top-level European club, for many years. His fourth World Cup appearance is also approaching, and that itself is proof of his greatness. From a global perspective, I think you can appreciate how difficult it is to participate and play in four World Cups.
What surprised me most was his reaction when I told him at the beginning of this season that I was considering using him on the right side instead of the left. I also asked him to play more centrally as a fullback and to learn that role. Many players of his age and experience might respond to such instructions from a coach with thoughts like, "What can you teach me? I could teach you about soccer." However, he did not adopt such an arrogant attitude; instead, he took a different approach. He possesses two essential qualities to become a great and outstanding player. The first is a strong mentality—a fierce commitment to winning. The second is a continuous desire to learn. These two qualities are why he is a player from whom many young players should learn. Moreover, these qualities are necessary not only for soccer players but also in life. Soccer and life are connected. What is needed in soccer is also important in life. To add one more thing, he is a wonderful person. Yuto NAGATOMO is truly an exceptional individual.
[Player Interview]
<Shuto ABE>
Q, please look back on today's goal.
A, the score was 0-0, and I intended to strike with my right foot. I had been feeling good during shooting practice this week, and when I took the shot, I felt I connected well, so I’m glad it went in.
Q: What instructions did the coach give you when you came on as a substitute?
A, he told me he wanted me to bring out the intensity in my play once again. That aligns with my own strengths, so I entered the game thinking I could show my style of play.
Q: Was it difficult to come in from the bench, unlike starting in the lineup?
A, coming on midway through the match made it difficult to adjust to the game's intensity, and it was quite challenging. However, once I was on the pitch, there were no excuses, so I focused on running hard and maintaining that intensity while playing.
Q, wasn't it significant that it was decided during that time period with a score of 0-0?
A, we were able to score at a good time, and although the game developed into a defensive stance at the end, scoring at that moment gave the team a sense of relief, and we were able to refocus afterward, which was great.
A truly large number of fans and supporters came all the way to Kashima, which was very encouraging. When we scored, I naturally shared the joy with the supporters behind the goal, and I believe today's victory was made possible thanks to the fans and supporters.
Q, today's goal in the match marked the 1000th goal in J1 history.
A, I heard it earlier in the interview. I am very happy to have been able to make my mark in FC Tokyo's history.
<Seiji KIMURA>
Q, how was it to participate in the game?
A, I have been a substitute all this time, and even when I played, it was only on the left side of the three-back formation. I didn’t concede any goals there, but if I had conceded during that playing time, I wouldn’t have been considered usable. So, being able to play the full 90 minutes today without conceding is a significant result for my future football career, and I truly believe it’s a good outcome that strongly connects to how I can be involved in the remaining four matches.
Q, I think it was a really challenging task to fill the gap without Morishige.
A, Morishige and I have different characteristics, so while I need to fill the gap, I didn’t think about doing it exactly like Morishige. Instead, I focused on showing my own strengths and contributing to the team by maximizing what I can do as I entered the match.
Q, throughout the 90 minutes, the opponent had many tough players such as Suzuki player. How was the match against them?
A, winning challenges for the ball and aerial duels are my strengths, so I thought I must not lose regardless of who the opponent is. I believe I was able to handle that well. The Paris Olympics are still some time away, but to compete on the world stage, you cannot afford to be beaten here, so in that sense, I think it was good.
Q: I think the strength of player Kimura has improved a lot, and I believe it was conveyed to the fans and supporters in Tokyo today.
A, that's right. I haven't had the opportunity to be seen by the fans and supporters in Tokyo for a year and a half, but I believe I was able to clearly demonstrate what I have built up, so I want to continue fighting through the rest of the season in good condition.
Q: Do you think we can aim for a spot in the ACL in the remaining 4 matches?
A, the coach said that it is important to play our own style of football and win. He talked about becoming a great team that remains in the memories of many people, so if we stick to our style and win steadily, I believe we will end up within the ACL qualification zone. Therefore, without focusing too much on that, I want the whole team to fight together.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q, I think you were courageously crossing from the side, but did you have a specific aim?
A, From the scouting before the match, we knew that space would open up on the sides. The coach also told us to aggressively exploit that area, so we targeted it from the first half. Although some crosses didn’t go well, we were able to get shots off from rebounds after the crosses, reaching the finish, so I think it was good and went according to plan.
Q: How did you feel about the opponent playing while valuing the ball?
A, There were moments when we were pushed back by the opponent, but since we were able to control the game from the first half, I think we were able to proceed without rushing.
Q, how was the game looking back on it, even though you were side by side with player Kimura?
A, it was one of my goals after moving up to the top. Also, personally, the first match I ever watched at a stadium as a child was at Kashima Stadium, Tokyo vs. Kashima. Playing on the same side as player Kimura and keeping a clean sheet made it the best day ever.
Playing on the same side, if even a little concentration slipped, we would be exposed, so we kept encouraging each other with every play and were able to do so repeatedly, which I believe was the reason our defense did not collapse.
Q: What kind of encouragement did you give during halftime?
A, we played good soccer in the first half and then it was just a matter of scoring goals, so we talked about valuing the moments to finish properly and also making adjustments to the small details since we had created two dangerous situations against us.
Q: What kind of preparations do you want to make for the next game?
A, securing 3 points away at Kashima was significant, and if we don't win the next match, this victory will lose its meaning. I believe whether we can continue this will determine if we can reach the ACL zone. I want to approach every match as if it were a Final Round so that we can definitely win at our next home game.
＜Hotaka NAKAMURA＞
Q: please review the game.
A, with captain Morishige suspended due to accumulation of cards, Kimura played, and I got the opportunity to play replacing Nagatomo (who returned from the national team). Before the match, Kimura and I talked about 'Let's give it our all in today's game,' and as a team, we also agreed to play our style of football and win, so I think everyone was able to play with great spirit.
Q, it was an impressive match with one-on-one battles happening in various places. There were some gaps, but how was the condition?
A, this season has been challenging for me in many ways, but I have been preparing so that I can respond whenever my opportunity comes, so my condition was not an issue. The opponent, Anzai, was taking up high positions and kept pressing forward, so I thought I absolutely had to stop him. I think it was good that we ended with zero goals conceded as a result.
Q, we would like to see a passionate performance in the home game against Shonan. Please share your enthusiasm.
A, whether starting or on the bench, I will run for the team. That is the one thing I will continue to do without wavering. I will do my best to celebrate with the fans and supporters at home in Ajinomoto.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: please review the game.
A, it was a good match where we were able to show our strengths from the first half, so I think that winning by scoring one goal rather than ending in a draw will boost our confidence going forward, and it was a good victory.
Q, the game was characterized by intense changes in offense and defense from the first half.
A, the aim was not to defend by dropping back, but to try to take the ball from the front. We knew the opponent would also come forward, so I felt that the use of long balls and short passes, especially in the first half, was good, making it difficult for the opponent to catch us. Also, Seiji KIMURA firmly stopped the opponent, and since I didn’t have many scenes on the pitch today, I want to express my gratitude to him.
Q, it seemed like they were also aiming for a goal from a set piece.
A, although we were not able to score, if we can get goals from set pieces, the matches will become easier, so we want to continue valuing set pieces as well.
Q, today many fans and supporters came to support us. Please say a few words.
A, it was very good that many came all the way to Kashima to support us, and we were able to deliver a victory. From here, we have two home games in a row, so we will switch our focus and prepare, and we hope to receive passionate support again.
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q, it was a wonderful victory.
A, we knew before the match that it would be a difficult game because the opponent had many high-level players. In that context, I am very happy that we stuck to our style of football and were able to secure 3 points.
Q, there was a strong play by Diego TABA in the first half, where he dribbled through the center area. It was very pleasing to see such plays from Diego TABA, even though he has a role within the team.
A, I was injured in January, and tactically I also have defensive responsibilities, so I haven’t been able to show scenes like that very often until now. However, not only in that scene but also being able to play for the team’s victory is something I am very pleased about.
Q, I'm looking forward to scoring in the Shonan match.
A, I haven't scored in a long time myself, so I definitely want to score. Such periods always come, and precisely because I haven't scored, I am working hard in practice. I feel that the fans and supporters at the stadium are giving me strength, so I will do my best to score in the next match.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q, I played in the game as a closer.
A, I’m relieved that I was able to properly close out the game as 'Closer Nagatomo.'
Q, what role did you play in the game given by the coach?
A, I was told not to concede any goals and to finish with a win, so I think it went well.
Q, I was also shouting from the bench in the first half.
A, we played a wonderful game from the first half, so we were able to control the match at our own pace. I believe that positional soccer, which is the foundation of Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's philosophy, has become the base, and the team is improving as a whole.
Q: What do you need to do to take another step forward?
A, I want to focus on improving the accuracy in the final attacking third and our goal-scoring ability.
