<Match Review>
In the last two matches, Tokyo has gained a sense of momentum that accelerates the team's growth. In the match before last, they scored 6 goals against Kashiwa Reysol, achieving a big victory. In the last match, although they initially allowed 2 goals against Yokohama F.Marinos, who had scored 8 goals against them last season, Koki TSUKAGAWA's pursuit and equalizer, who joined this summer, led to a draw. The team's performance was on par with Yokohama, which boasts one of the league's top attacking powers, without backing down.
This match against Gamba Osaka is to solidify our confidence. At this timing, Luiz PHELLYPE, who had been coming on as a substitute since arriving in Japan, made his first start in the center of the front three. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA explained before the match, "As he has become accustomed to the team, I want to increase his usage in the upcoming consecutive matches."
1st HALF――Despite numerous shooting chances, the score remains 0-0 From the very beginning of the match, Tokyo threatens the Gamba goal.
In the 4th minute of the first half, Masato MORISHIGE, positioned at the final line, played a vertical pass to Yuto NAGATOMO, the left side back, who was positioned more centrally and faced forward to make a move. He sent a pass to the center in front of the goal, and Adailton, who received the ball, took a shot. This went straight to the goalkeeper.
In the 14th minute of the first half, a vertical pass from Morishige creates a chance. Ryoma WATANABE, who flexibly moves his position from the right wing, breaks through the left side and receives Morishige's pass. He then enters the penalty area and strikes with his left foot, but unfortunately, the ball goes outside the goal frame.
After a chance, a big crisis arose. In the 15th minute of the first half, Gamba's Leandro PEREIRA applied intense pressure on Morishige, who was trying to handle a back pass from Adailton. Morishige lost the ball, and the goalkeeper Jakub SLOWIK rushed out, leaving the goal unguarded, but the shot was off target. It was a tense moment.
As the game continues to see both teams exchanging offense and defense, Tokyo is increasing their shooting awareness.
In the 38th minute of the first half, after a scramble in front of the Gamba goal, FELIPE dropped a pass backward, and Tsukakawa made a middle shot. Furthermore, in the 40th minute of the first half, Adailton controlled the ball with his chest and took a shot with his right foot, but neither found the back of the net. In the 44th minute of the first half, there was a header from FELIPE, and in the 45th minute, Adailton again took a shot with his right foot, but the goal remained elusive, and the first half ended scoreless.
2nd HALF――Despite aggressive play and strong defense, the result is a draw In the second half, right from the start, Tokyo found themselves on the defensive against Gamba's aggressive play. In the first half, Tokyo's defense, led by player Morishige and Yasuki KIMOTO, had been holding up against Gamba's powerful attacks from PATRIC and PEREIRA, but as Gamba intensified their offensive, Tokyo's defense also increased their concentration.
In a situation where they were being pushed back, in the 6th minute of the second half, they seized a moment of opportunity. Adailton, who ran into a deep position on the left side, crossed the ball in front of the goal, where Luiz PHELLYPE, who was waiting, attempted a shot with a heel kick. Unfortunately, it missed the target, but the two who created chances since the first half threatened the Gamba goal.
In the 8th minute of the second half, Keigo HIGASHI carried the ball from midfield to Adailton on the left wing. After making a move towards the center, he passed the ball to Tsukagawa, who was supporting, and Tsukagawa took a mid-range shot. This went over the crossbar.
In the 10th minute of the second half, PEREIRA of Gamba broke through the final line, but Kimoto made a last-ditch sliding tackle just before the shot to prevent it. It was a defensive play that influenced the course of the match.
Tokyo brought in Leandro for FELIPE. He moved directly into the center of the three forwards.
Both teams continued to exchange attacks and defenses rapidly, but the early stages of the second half saw a calming of the 'brawl' atmosphere, and time passed without either side being able to create chances due to mistakes in key moments.
In the 30th minute of the second half, Tokyo faced the biggest crisis of the match. Dawhan from Gamba made a perfect header shot, but it was saved by the blue-red guardian, Jakub SLOWIK, with a big save. It was a save that conveyed a determination not to allow the opening goal.
Then, in the 32nd minute of the second half, Tokyo had a good opportunity. Watanabe sent a big cross from the right side to the far side of the goal, where Shuto ABE was waiting. However, his left-footed volley went well wide of the goal.
In the 36th minute of the second half, due to a coordination error in the opponent's territory, the ball was taken by Gamba and they invaded our territory. PATRIC's breakthrough was bravely stopped by Morishige. Following the fine plays of Kimoto and Jakub SLOWIK, the captain's solid defense was not broken here.
In the final stages, Tokyo substituted Adailton for Keita YAMASHITA. They changed the formation with YAMASHITA at the top of the attack, Leandro on the left, and Kono, who had already entered the pitch as a substitute, on the right, launching a final offensive.
Entering additional time, 90 minutes + 3 minutes. A pass from Leandro to Konno, who runs down the right side. Konno dribbles into the center and strikes with his left foot. The shot hits the opposing defenders and the ball goes into the air. Watanabe, who was at the drop point, took a direct volley, but it was caught by Gamba GK Higashiguchi in his chest.
In the end, despite approaching the goal multiple times, Tokyo was unable to break through the Gamba goal until the very end. Contrary to the flashy developments of the match, it ended in a scoreless draw.
In the final moments, as the ball flowed into the vast space of their own territory, it was Keigo HIGASHI who reacted to the ball a step faster than the opponent with a fierce dash, avoiding the crisis. At that moment, the blue-red number 10, the former captain, made a fist pump with both hands and roared. Although they couldn't win, it was a scene that conveyed the determination for victory and points as the league approached its final stages. The defense held steadfastly, and although they couldn't score, the offense attacked relentlessly until the end. Right now, they are pouring their energy into the battle ahead. It was a match that conveyed the team's overflowing passion.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Shuto ABE/Keigo HIGASHI/Koki TSUKAGAWA (28th minute: Kazuya KONNO)
FW Ryoma WATANABE/Luis Felipe (18th minute: Leandro)/Adailton (39th minute: Keita YAMASHITA)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Junya SUZUKI/Seiji KIMURA
MF Yuki KAJIURA
GOAL
-
<Gamba Osaka>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Masaaki HIGASHIGUCHI
DF Takao Ru/Genta MIURA (40th minute: Shota FUKUOKA)/Gen Shoji/Keisuke KUROKAWA
MF Juan ALANO (24th minute: Yuya FUKUDA)/Mitsuki SAITO (24th minute: Dawon)/Yuki YAMAMOTO/Ryotaro MESHINO
FW Leandro Pereira (40th minute: Musashi SUZUKI)/PATRIC
SUBS
GK Jun ICHIMORI
MF Shu KURATA/Wellington
GOAL
－
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Please summarize the match.
A, we could not start the match in a good way. In the first 30 minutes, we lost the ball frequently and could not control the game. I wish there was a magic that would allow us to gain confidence immediately, but that is never the case. It is natural for the team to lose confidence at times during the growth process, for example, when the opponent applies pressure from the front line or when plays do not go well.
However, after that, we were able to regain control of the game. I continue to communicate this to the players, but when we can firmly control the ball, we are able to create chances. Today was no different. It was a match against a great opponent, but when we held the ball, we created decisive moments. Additionally, there are issues in defense. We want to address those properly and approach the next match with that in mind.
Today, I am very satisfied with the mentality of the players who continued to aim for victory until the very end of the match and kept pushing towards the opponent's goal. FC Tokyo has often struggled in matches against teams in the lower ranks until now. However, I am proud that the players maintained their attitude to overcome that challenge until the very end, expressing their desire to aim for victory rather than settling for a draw.
We must not lose the ball that many times. I would like to continue to work on that. I would also like to take this opportunity to praise Keigo HIGASHI, who played wonderfully today despite not having played as a defensive midfielder until now.
We would like to continue preparing for Wednesday's match against Vissel Kobe. We will follow the path we should take, address the issues, and face the Kobe match.
Q: Did Gamba's approach in the first 30 minutes differ from what you expected? Or were there issues with confidence or technique?
A, if I may comment without considering the opposing team's play, it was a 30 minutes full of many challenges for us. I have repeatedly mentioned that time is needed to grow. Players need time to understand and express various concepts.
In the first five minutes, we were unable to maintain possession of the ball. Therefore, if we cannot keep the ball, I believe the players should express the concept of valuing the ball more clearly on the pitch in order to control the game. However, we were not able to do that today. I think this is not a tactical mistake, but rather a matter of whether we fully understand the concept. And it takes time to understand that.
Many players are not accustomed to this playing style. For example, Keigo HIGASHI, who is currently playing as a defensive midfielder, has not played in that position before. I believe many people had doubts about converting him to a defensive midfielder a few months ago. It is a time for players to make various understandings and efforts to play in an unfamiliar style and position.
It’s not that we struggled with how the opponent applied pressure, but rather that we were able to properly respond to various pressing styles and control the game to build up play in many matches. In that sense, I think there were many mistakes today stemming from the challenges we faced. Naturally, tactics are important. But the most crucial thing is individual tactics. I believe it’s the tactics of each individual player.
[Player Interview]]
Jakub SLOWIK
Q, please review the game, including the scene of the big save.
A, of course, we aim to keep a clean sheet in every match. Although we haven't been able to keep a clean sheet in the last few games, I believe that keeping a clean sheet today was the result of hard work from not just myself but the entire team. However, my goal is not just to finish without conceding goals; the team aims to win and earn 3 points. In that sense, while we must fully accept that we couldn't secure 3 points today, if we continue to keep clean sheets, there is a possibility it will lead to victory. So, I want to aim for another clean sheet in the next match as well.
Q: How do you feel about not conceding a goal for the first time in five matches?
A, the defensive players were truly able to coordinate well, and by pressing the opponent together as a team and constantly communicating, everyone was able to maintain a high defensive awareness, which I believe led to keeping a clean sheet. I am very happy to have contributed even a little to that result.
Q: Based on today's match, what preparations do you want to make for the next match?
A, of course, I believe that better communication among ourselves led to this result, and the biggest factor was that everyone sincerely wished for a good outcome. However, since we couldn't secure the 3 points and ended with just 1, we first need to properly recover and get our condition in order. With the match against Kobe on Wednesday, we want to thoroughly review both the good and bad aspects and make good preparations for the next game.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: In the end, including player Higashi, we defended with our bodies on the line.
It is quite difficult to dominate the game for the entire 90 minutes, so depending on the away situation or the opponent's ranking, there are times when it is hard to settle down. However, today, for the first time in a while, we managed to keep a clean sheet focusing on the defenders, so I feel we want to develop the strength to endure and snatch a goal. In defense, Josip KUZE made big saves and the whole team defended thoroughly, so I want to continue that.
Q: The veteran player in their 30s held on and defended until the end.
Ah, (laughs) watching players like Morishige and Nagatomo play up close inspires me during daily practice, reminding me that I can still grow. I want to lead the team so that we can keep winning games like today and continue playing for a long time.
Q: During the first half, wasn't it quite burdensome not to have the ball for a long time?
A, the coach also told me that in a hectic situation, he wants me to calm the ball down at my position. I played while observing the opponent's situation and positioning myself further back. I've only been playing as an anchor for about three months, so I'm still experimenting, but I enjoy playing while thinking about how I should move during the game.
Q: It seems that your defensive awareness has been increasing with each match.
A, I am learning a lot about timing and methods in defense, so I am approaching it with a fresh mindset.
Q: Was it intentional for you to drop back and play in the final line today?
There were times when we were under pressure from the opponent, so I dropped back a little and played while watching how the opponent would respond. The intention was also to calm the game down.
The quality of playing in the opponent's territory is still lacking, so I would like to improve how we break through when the opponent sets up a block.
Today, we were able to keep a clean sheet, and I think it was a good point that we defended against the opponent's counterattacks with our bodies.
Q: Is there flexibility in play, both as a team and individually?
A, it is easier for us to play when the opponent comes out to face us. If they form a solid block, I think our patterns for breaking through and the ideas arising from communication among the players are still lacking, so we want to improve in those areas.
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: We were able to finish the game without conceding a goal for the first time in a while.
A, since we knew the opponent would aim for a counterattack, we thought there would be no problem if we could contain Leandro PEREIRA and PATRIC. Today, it was a situation where we really wanted to score.
Q: In the end, veteran players like Morishige, Nagatomo, and Higashi put their bodies on the line to defend.
A, I feel that was today's task, and I think it was the part I was able to accomplish.
Q: How was the defense from the crosses?
A, the goals conceded from crosses and the one-on-one situations right in front of the goal at the end determine the outcome, so we talked about organizing and focusing on those parts going into the match.
Q, there is another away match against Kobe in three days.
A, there are parts that went well and parts that did not in today's match. By making fine adjustments to those areas and repeatedly practicing, I believe the accuracy will improve much more.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: I believe that defending with full effort until the end led to not conceding any goals.
A, despite the difficult situation and the opponent's momentum, I feel the team's growth in how we ultimately protected the dangerous areas with our bodies. Regarding ball possession, there were some mistakes, but we improved while taking on challenges. In the previous few matches, we conceded many goals, but today, as defenders, I think it was good that we were able to keep a clean sheet in the end.
Q: I think key players like Nagatomo and Morishige were particularly putting their bodies on the line.
A, first of all, we need to show a fighting spirit, and I am conscious of that myself. I believe it is an important aspect. When the team's morale is low, I want to be a player who can lead by example through my play.
Q, you were a left back, but your attitude of wanting to grow further was evident.
Under Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, a new style of modern full-back play is required, and I am learning a lot from that. For the past 15 years as a professional, I have played by staying wide on the side, but now I am able to show a new side of myself. Although there are still challenges, I feel that I am growing, so I want to improve my precision and aim to be involved in the team's possession to smoothly move into the attacking zone.
Q: As the team's style has deepened and we have become able to score points, do you want to focus on not conceding any goals as a defense?
A, of course. The coach talks every day about playing attacking football, but since we are defenders, we focus strongly on defending solidly. If we keep the number of goals conceded at zero, we won't lose, so we are very conscious of that. We want to keep possession and build our own foundation. I am confident that we are steadily improving, and I am striving to further evolve my own play, so I want to do my best.
<Shuto ABE>
Q: It seems that Gamba applied pressure from the front more than expected. How did you feel about that aspect in the first half?
A, rather than coming out from the front, it feels like we made many mistakes ourselves and they took advantage of that. I think we suffered because of our own mistakes.
Q: What do you think was the cause of the chaos there?
A, (immediately after the match) the cause is still unknown, but today everyone seemed to be physically sluggish. Not being accustomed to the unique heat of Osaka, the start of the first half was not good and there were many mistakes.
Q, was it growth that we didn't break down throughout the match, even at the end of the first half?
A, it got better after the first 30 minutes of the first half, so if we could have captured our own rhythm from the beginning of the first half, the game would have been easier, and we could have moved the ball smoothly and increased our scoring chances.
Q: What do you think about not conceding any goals?
A, Kuba made big saves again today, and with the two center backs defending with their bodies, I think being able to finish without conceding any goals will lead to the next step.
Q: What should we be careful about heading into the match against Kobe based on today's game?
A, today the start of the match was not good, so for the next game, I want to prepare so that we can control the pace in Tokyo from the very beginning of the first half.
Q: What is your impression of Kobe?
A, although there is an impression that things have not been going well this year, the players are all here, so we want to stay grounded and prepare to win regardless of the ranking.
Q: Did you feel the determination from Gamba, your opponent today, to stay in J1?
A, of course Gamba is desperate, and the next opponent Kobe is also fighting to avoid relegation. Matches against such teams are difficult, but to keep up with the top teams, we have no choice but to win. So, next time, we want to firmly secure 3 points.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, it was a frustrating match, but please review the game.
A. I think the issue at the start of the first half was positioning, and it didn’t go well. One factor could be that the team was a bit stretched out overall. No matter the situation, even if the opponent is pressing from the front, we have to be conscious of our positioning, and I feel that the start, including myself, was a missed opportunity.
Q. It seems that your presence has been increasing with each match. How do you feel about your own performance?
A. Regarding today's match, I am not satisfied at all. In fact, I think my performance was below average, and I believe I need to be more involved in creating chances. Although it has become difficult to score goals, while I must produce measurable results, I may seem more present because I am frequently involved with the ball, but I have not been able to deliver results.
I feel that in order to become a player at the next level, I have to focus on the numbers.
Q. Since the position to receive the ball has improved, does that mean you need to do more decisive work?
A. Today, I gave Leandro a through pass once, but I think we need to create such opportunities not just once, but repeatedly. There were also moments when I lost the ball receiving it in the center, and the coach has told me to eliminate those mistakes. Even without the coach's advice, I see that as my own challenge. If I can receive the ball in the center, carry it through to a shot, and score, I believe I can evolve further, so I want to pursue that more deeply.
Q. The next match will be in three days. Please share your enthusiasm for the away game against Kobe.
A. Today is frustrating, but since we haven't lost, I want to keep my head up. I want to learn from the things that didn't go well in the first 30 minutes and do whatever it takes to win the next two matches.
