<Match Review>
Tokyo, having played one match each in the league and the Levain Cup, faced Cerezo Osaka away in their second league match. After a three-day preparation period following the limited squad for the match against Avispa Fukuoka on March 2, many members returned from recovery due to COVID-19. They approached this match with a lineup based on the members from the opening match against Kawasaki Frontale.
From the start, Tokyo seized the ball with sharp pressure at the ball's point and launched a short counter to gain rhythm. In the 2nd minute of the first half, Kazuya KONNO deflected a corner kick from the right at the near post, but Masato MORISHIGE was just unable to connect at the far side. In the 15th minute of the first half, a cross ball from the right side by Kazuya KONNO was not fully cleared by the opposing defender, and Adailton attempted a bicycle kick on the loose ball, but it went just wide of the goal. In the 18th minute of the first half, Adailton received a feed from Yasuki KIMOTO and made a strong shot, but it was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
Tokyo effectively utilized high pressing, ball possession, and quick counterattacks to control the match at their own rhythm. In the 23rd minute of the first half, Kuryu MATSUKI stole the ball from the opponent in a high position on the left side, and Adailton picked it up and moved into the penalty area. He delivered a low pass towards the goal, and Konno, who entered from the front of the goal, trapped it and slotted it into the bottom right corner, scoring the first goal for Albert Tokyo.
Tokyo, not easing the pressure, launched short counters from high interceptions in the 36th and 39th minutes. Adailton and Diego OLIVEIRA managed to take shots, but neither could find the back of the net.
In the 40th minute of the first half, there was the only clear chance conceded. After losing the ball near the penalty area, a cross was sent in from a deep position on the right side, and a header shot was taken right in front of the near side of the goal, but Jakub SLOWIK made a sharp reaction to clear it away from the goal. They controlled the game at their own pace and went into halftime.
As the second half began, substitutions were made early. Kensuke NAGAI was brought in to replace the goal scorer Konno, and Keigo HIGASHI was substituted for Shuto ABE. By introducing fresh players to the front line, the aim was to maintain high pressure and keep control of the pace, but in the 17th minute of the second half, Takuya AOKI was sent off with a second yellow card. With one player less, the situation of the match began to change.
Tokyo, which changed its player arrangement and system, maintained a compact formation while enduring the opponent's attacks without retreating too much into their own territory, but the scenes of being pressured in front of the goal increased compared to the first half. Amid being pushed back into their own half, SLOWIK's play shone. In the 33rd minute of the second half, a direct free kick was taken from a position in front of the goal, but he reacted and deflected the ground shot that flew to the left corner of the goal. In the 39th minute of the second half, a clearance ball outside the penalty area was volleyed by KIYOTAKE, but SLOWIK made an incredible reaction to dive and deflect the shot that flew to the upper left corner of the goal over the bar.
Thanks to the repeated efforts of the guardian deity, they endured the tough moments in the second half and achieved their first victory in the milestone match of the 700th game in the J1 League.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review today's game.
First, the players showed high-intensity play in the first half. They took the ball in good situations and created many decisive chances. With the awareness of wanting to win the ball in the center rather than the sides, I think there were many times when the press worked well. We wanted to add two or three more goals in the first half and go into halftime, but that didn’t quite happen. Regarding the first half, I think we were able to control the game firmly. Cerezo Osaka is a dangerous team that plays carefully with the ball. Against such an opponent, I’m glad we were able to control the match throughout the 45 minutes of the first half.
Even considering that the physical condition has not yet fully recovered to a good state, we expected to struggle in the second half. Perhaps due to this physical condition, mistakes occurred in the pressing from the front, and it was unfortunate that Aoki had to commit a foul and was sent off. A good team knows that to win, you have to endure hardships. And today, our players proved through their play that they understand what it means to struggle for victory while being one player down for about 30 minutes. Moreover, in these two weeks, we only had one session where the full squad was able to train together. Under such difficult circumstances, I think you can easily imagine how proud I am of the players' efforts to focus on the match and firmly secure the win. This is our third match this season, and I believe the team is steadily growing. The fact that we controlled the game and the ball for a long time in the first half is proof of the team's growth. I am proud of all the players, but especially today, I want to praise Kuba, who stopped a decisive crisis that led the team to victory.
Q: You mentioned that you anticipated struggling in the second half. Considering aspects like physical stamina, what kind of plan were you trying to implement? What adjustments did you make after the red card was issued?
A, first of all, we anticipated a tough second half and approached it with a plan to dominate the ball and the game more. However, it was very unfortunate that Aoki, who was playing the role of helmsman to make that happen, was sent off. When the team grows further, I believe we will be able to finish matches controlling the ball and the game even in poor physical condition. The players have only spent about six weeks with the new playing style. Even within those six weeks, the fact that the team has grown this much is proof that we have a group of high-quality players. If the team continues to develop, I am confident that they will learn to control the ball and the game to finish matches even when down a player.
(After Aoki was sent off,) we first wanted to avoid dropping the defensive block too much, but it was quite a difficult situation. For example, in such circumstances, one of the young players, Kuryu MATSUKI, contributed to the team in a wonderful way. Keigo HIGASHI, with his experience, also led the team towards controlling the match with excellent play. However, if our physical condition had been better, I don't think we would have struggled so much even with one less player. We want to continue growing little by little.
Q: What emotions did you feel at the moment of victory?
A, first of all, at the moment the final whistle blew, I couldn't tell if it was the end of the match or a foul whistle. First, I was frustrated that despite playing well in the first two matches, we didn't get the results. So, I was happy to be able to win and clear that frustration. Additionally, due to the impact of COVID-19, we struggled for the past two weeks. I am glad we were able to seize this victory after that hardship. Personally, the first thing that comes to mind after this win is the faces of my family. And when my team players give their all like today for the victory, and when we win, a coach feels proud. Cerezo Osaka is also a team that plays good football, but I think it is easy to imagine how proud I am of the team that played such wonderful football today against that opponent, and of the players who achieved the struggle for victory.
[Player Interview]
<Jakub SLOWIK>
Q, there were many wonderful plays, but please review the game.
A, first of all, I am happy that we were able to win today's game. At the same time, I feel that every member of the team contributed to the victory, and as a result, we have become a stronger team.
Q: You took the lead by scoring in the first half, but what did you focus on while playing with one less player in the second half?
A, we were able to create many chances in the first half and control the game. As a result, we managed to score the opening goal. In the second half, after being down to ten men, Cerezo Osaka applied high pressing, increasing the time we held the ball in advanced positions, making it a difficult period. However, I believe the victory came from everyone, including myself, staying focused and continuing to play without losing concentration. I am proud that everyone contributed to winning this match.
Q: What positive impact do you think this victory will have on the team?
A, I believe this victory is a very significant win. Even with one player less, we managed to secure the win, and showing our strengths will definitely lead to the next step. We will continue this attitude in our daily training, keep achieving good results, and strive to become champions.
On the other hand, while we have big goals for this season, we believe it is important not to think too far ahead, but to focus on daily training and firmly compete in the matches in front of us, building up step by step.
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q: Although we created many chances in both the Kawasaki Frontale and Avispa Fukuoka matches, we couldn't score. What did the team focus on in terms of offense for today's match?
A, I think the team was able to create a lot of attacking opportunities. The coach also said that the goal would come eventually, so let's keep believing and continue. With that in mind, I wanted to score my first goal if I got the chance, so I am really glad I was able to deliver the result.
Q, please review the scoring scene.
When Adailton cut the ball, I was free, so I imagined trapping the ball and taking a shot to score. Adailton gave me a good pass, so all I had to do was trap it and slide it into the side net.
Q: I think there were difficult developments in the second half, but what kind of communication was happening on the pitch?
A, after a player was sent off, we continued to be pressed in the second half, but my teammates put their bodies on the line and ran hard, protecting the lead from the goal I scored, so I am grateful.
Q: It was the team's first goal and first victory of the season, which leads to confidence, doesn't it?
In the matches against Kawasaki and Fukuoka, scoring a goal was difficult, but I believe goals will come from the next games onward. I think we can create better attacking opportunities continuously, so I want to keep scoring not just this one goal and contribute to the team's victory.
Q: Last season had injuries and other issues, but please tell us your thoughts for this season.
A, I think it will be a very tight schedule and a total team effort, but I want to contribute to the team as much as possible within the time given to me. I believe one-on-one situations on the side will be very important, so I want to refine that, maintain my condition, and create opportunities.
Q: The last goal of last season and the first goal of this season were scored by Konno. What are your thoughts on that?
A, I wasn't really conscious of it that much. Regarding this season, I played in the matches against Kawasaki and Fukuoka but couldn't score, so I approached with the determination to be the one to score my first goal. I'm very happy to have been able to deliver that result.
Q: Does the fact that you played against Avispa Fukuoka contribute to this result?
In match A against Avispa Fukuoka, I think it was difficult to adjust our condition. Although we couldn't practice much, it was challenging to maintain our condition away against Avispa Fukuoka and Cerezo Osaka, but I believe that everyone trying to fight within the given time led to our victory.
Q: Was it significant that the trap was important for the goal and that you were able to stop the ball firmly without lifting it?
A, that's right. I wanted to shoot with my left foot, so I focused on controlling the trap perfectly because I thought the opponent would come and cut it off otherwise. I aimed for the side net and followed through with the shot.
Q: I think we have been able to execute good attacks so far, what do you think?
Team A is creating good attacking shapes while controlling the ball. The players on the field are also feeling confident, so I believe that if we improve our level of completion, we can play even more exciting football.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, please review today's game.
A, I think it was really good that we were able to score early in the first half, and it was also good that the team was able to defend until the very end.
Q: In the first half, you were able to control the game in your own flow, but what kind of plays were you focusing on?
A, first of all, I was conscious of the overall balance. Also, I was constantly aware during the match of aggressively pressing once the ball reached the opponent's double defensive midfielders. When the ball was with the two defensive midfielders, we were able to apply effective pressure and prevent them from playing freely.
Q: It was a difficult time in the second half with one less player. What were you focusing on during that period?
Since the anchor position was vacant, I played by moving forward with Keigo HIGASHI and recovering second balls. Also, because the space in front of the center backs opened up, I played while communicating with Morishige and Kimoto.
Q: It was a special situation, but please tell us your thoughts on playing 90 minutes in a professional match for the first time.
A, it was a very tough situation, but if there had been no expulsions, I believe we could have played our own style of football in the second half. So, we want to get our condition ready for the next home game. We achieved our first professional victory, but I think the important part is from now on, so I’m glad we were able to take the first step.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, please review the 90 minutes.
A, there was one dangerous moment for myself, but aside from that, I think we were able to move the ball as we wanted in good condition during the first half. Defensively, we were able to apply high intensity from the front, so I think that’s why we were able to score the opening goal. Regarding the second half, the way we fought changed after a player was sent off, but I believe everyone worked together and fought through the entire 90 minutes.
Q: In the first half, I think the defense was linked with pressing from the front and pushing up from the back, which allowed for short counterattacks. What was your experience playing in that situation?
A, first of all, to avoid overlapping with other players, when Konno opened up, I consciously played by observing the opponent's position, such as taking an inside position myself. If I can become a player who can change the flow of the game, for better or worse, the ball will naturally circulate, and I believe we can advance the game advantageously. So, both offensively and defensively, I focus on that aspect and continue to study and work on it even when there are no matches.
Q: In the first half, there was a moment when Watanabe, while being marked by an opponent, managed to turn and carry the ball towards the opponent's goal, creating a numerical advantage.
A, I want to move forward as much as possible, and if I can break free on my own, I think that will also be good for the team. If I can get better at that, I believe the team will be able to control the game more advantageously.
Q: Being able to play soccer like in the first half and secure the win is significant for the team, isn't it?
A, I thought that if we could play that kind of soccer for the full 90 minutes, the results would follow. It's not about whether we can or cannot do it, but I believe there is meaning in continuing to do it, so I hope we can keep picking up results while doing so.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, please review the 90 minutes first.
<div>A, in the first half we were able to circulate the ball well, not just at our feet but also using the space behind, making it uncomfortable for the opponents. We had several chances to score and managed to get one goal. There was one dangerous moment, but Kuba stopped it, so overall we played a good game in the first half. In the second half, we had a player sent off and faced a tough period, but I think the whole team stayed focused and worked hard to secure the victory.
Q: It seemed that Kimoto was able to differentiate between targeting the feet and the space behind, effectively controlling the game.
A, while using good long balls. There was also a comment that there were few through balls in the Kawasaki match, so I think we were able to use short passes and long passes well.
Q: The pressing from the front and the support from the back were smooth; was this the team's intended strategy?
A, as a team strategy, we immediately press forward to regain possession after losing the ball, and we play carefully to value the ball. In the first half, the forwards did a good job defending, which made it easier for the defenders to push up the line and gave us a sense that we could recover the ball effectively.
Q: The second half had many difficult moments, didn't it?
A, as the season progresses, there will be tough matches such as players being sent off, but I believe that winning is what earns evaluation. In that sense, although we were dominated in possession, I have the impression that we focused on securing the 3 points.
Q: Considering that we were able to firmly showcase our style in the first half, can we say that we proved our growth with this victory?
A, I believe that everyone watching was able to sense the style of soccer we wanted to play in the first half, and the players on the field were also able to focus on valuing the ball while aiming for the goal, so we can feel our growth.
Q: Looking forward to returning home.
A, I personally have a strong desire to play at home soon. We've had a series of tough matches away, but now we can return home after securing a win. With the consecutive matches ending, I want to prepare well and do my best to achieve victory with good soccer.
