<Match Review>
Finally, the 2022 season has reached its final match. This week's opponent is Kawasaki Frontale, with whom we have a good rivalry across the Tamagawa River. Having lost 0-1 in the opening match of this season, they are certainly a fitting opponent to measure the team's growth over the season.
"Play with the ball" (Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA) This season has embarked on a transformation. In order to instill hope for further progress next season among the fans and supporters gathered at Ajinomoto Stadium, a match is approaching where both results and performance are required.
1st HALF - Despite having a numerical advantage, they head into halftime one goal behind
The first half, which started with Tokyo's kickoff, was marked by a series of plays showcasing both teams' high intensity and quick transitions. Whenever either team had the ball, they moved it with good tempo, while the defending team maintained high pressure without stopping their feet. The opening stages featured a whirlwind of developments.
As the game began to settle down, scenes of Kawasaki threatening the goal increased. However, Kento TACHIBANADA's header shot in the 7th minute of the first half went wide, and Joao SCHMIDT's mid-range shot in the 9th minute of the first half was saved by Jakub SLOWIK.
Conversely, in the 12th minute of the first half, Tokyo took their first shot of the day. They broke through the right side with the connection between Hotaka NAKAMURA and Ryoma WATANABE, and Koki TSUKAGAWA reacted to the loose ball from the cross and aimed for a mid-range shot.
However, the reigning champions aiming for a three-peat do not back down. In the 19th minute of the first half, they couldn't stop MARCINHO on the left side, and Yasuto WAKIZAKA unleashed a powerful shot with his favored right foot from the center. SLOWIK reacted, but the ball flew into the corner of the goal and was swallowed by the net, allowing the opening goal.
Still, Tokyo aims for an equalizer without looking down. In the 29th minute of the first half, Adailton broke free from Tsukakawa's feed and was brought down by the opposing goalkeeper outside the penalty area, resulting in Sung Ryong JUNG being sent off, creating a numerical advantage.
After that, Tokyo continued to push forward. On the right side, Nakamura had many opportunities to take deep positions, and several crosses were sent in. However, they did not connect with the players in front of the goal, and both Adailton's overhead shot and Kuryu MATSUKI's right-footed volley missed the target, ending the first half with a one-goal deficit.
2nd HALF - A back-and-forth battle but fell short by one point
The equalizing goal came suddenly. In the 2nd minute of the second half, a secondary attack from a corner kick. On the right side, Watanabe showed persistence, and Tsukagawa delivered a cross, which Adailton pushed into the goal amidst a scramble in front of the net.
From here, the game develops into a shootout. In the 8th minute of the second half, Tokyo's Luiz PHELLYPE struck the bar with a shot, raising the momentum for a comeback, but once again, Kawasaki took a step forward. In the 16th minute of the second half, Masato MORISHIGE lost the ball while trying to keep it near the goal line and switch places with an opponent, allowing Tachibana to make the last pass. Although MARCINHO's shot waiting in front of the goal did not connect, the ball that caught Jakub SLOWIK off guard was sucked into the goal.
However, Tokyo also fights back. In the 28th minute of the second half, substitute Kazuya KONNO delivered an inswinging cross from the right side. Watanabe, who had moved to the left back position on the far side, returned the ball, and Adailton headed it in.
However, right after equalizing, the play was carried to the goal area, and in the end, Shintaro KURUMAYA's cross hit Watanabe's foot and went into the goal. This resulted in allowing the lead for the third time.
Tokyo, unable to lose to an opponent with one less player at home, brought in Leandro and Shuto ABE to launch an offensive, but could not break through the opponent's solid and focused defense, and heard the final whistle as the 5 minutes of added time elapsed.
Albert's first year in Tokyo ended with 14 wins, 7 draws, and 13 losses, finishing in 6th place.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Yuto NAGATOMO (21 minutes into the second half: Kazuya KONNO)
MF Koki TSUKAGAWA (21 minutes into the second half: Hirotaka MITA)/Keigo HIGASHI/Kuryu MATSUKI (36 minutes into the second half: Leandro)
FW Ryoma WATANABE (36 minutes into the second half: Shuto ABE)/Luis Felipe/Adailton
SUBS
GK Akihiro HAYASHI
DF Junya SUZUKI/Seiji KIMURA
GOAL
2 minutes into the second half: Adailton/28 minutes into the second half: Adailton
<Kawasaki Frontale>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Chung Sung-ryong
DF Miki YAMANE/Jesiel/Takashi TANIGUCHI/Kyohei NOBORIZATO (substituted at 32 minutes: Kenta TANNO)
MF Joao Schmidt (substituted at 14 minutes: Ryota OSHIMA)/Yasuto WAKIZAKA (substituted at 0 minutes: Shintaro KURUMAYA)/Kento TACHIBANADA
FW Akihiro IEHARA/MARCINHO (substituted at 35 minutes: Kazuya YAMAMURA)/Yu KOBAYASHI (substituted at 14 minutes: Keisuke CHINEN)
SUBS
MF Kazuki KOZUKA
FW Daiya TONO
GOAL
19th minute of the first half: Wakizaka/17th minute of the second half: MARCINHO/30th minute of the second half: Own Goal
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review today's game.
A, it was a match where I couldn't believe we lost. We had a good start. I think Kawasaki could only find attacking opportunities from our mistakes and counterattacks. However, despite our good start, we conceded the first goal due to our own ball loss. Kawasaki naturally has players of high quality. If we make mistakes, they have the ability to score goals. After that, I think we continued to play well, and Adailton received a foul that could have led to an injury, resulting in a sending off. After that, regardless of the opponent having fewer players, we continued to dominate the match in the way we had anticipated and aimed for. Although we created many chances, we couldn't finish them, and since we are human, some players made mistakes on the pitch. Those mistakes led to conceding goals.
In the final stages of the season, I believe we were able to play in a way deserving of victory in these two matches. If we had accumulated points there, it was possible to finish the season in 3rd or 4th place. However, I believe that things and phenomena happen for a reason. For us, finishing 6th in our first season of change is by no means bad. However, there was a possibility to finish in 3rd or 4th place, and despite playing well, we ultimately ended up in 6th place. I think that loss contained a message that we still have a long way to go. I believe it carries a message to keep our feet on the ground and continue to walk steadily. We successfully adapted to the change in style, and there were many matches where we were able to play better than teams that finished above us. In that sense, I think it was a season we can be proud of our players.
What we need right now is to rest. Not only the staff but also the players have endured tough days during the three seasons affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. That is precisely why, with the World Cup taking place this time, we have a two-month off period. I believe we have put in the effort over these three years to fully deserve to enjoy this break. We want to rest well, recharge our energy, and, together with the foundation built this season, make next season a good one.
Q: Are there any challenges in the offensive aspect for the upcoming season?
I think it was a season of about even odds. However, I believe that achieving change was by no means an easy task. What I expect for next season is that the new players who will join will quickly adapt to the team. Also, I want to continue building and developing the style we have been working on this season. I want to keep persuading the players again and again that what will lead us to the top is a strong mentality focused on winning. In the last month, we were able to consistently show good soccer. I hope we can express that over a longer period next season. I firmly believe that if you keep playing well in soccer, you can keep winning. I want to look forward to that next season. I do not guarantee winning the title. This is because the league has 17 rival teams, and they are also fighting with all their might to win the title. Saying we will definitely win shows a lack of respect for the rival teams.
[Player Interview]]
<Akihiro HAYASHI>
Q: You were on the bench for the last match, how do you feel about that?
A, since we lost, I can't say I'm happy, but I'm glad that the last match of this season was the Tamagawa Clasico and that we were able to return to that match. I think it was the best finale, and unless I join Kawasaki Frontale while I'm still active, I won't have the chance to participate in the Tamagawa Clasico again, so aside from the result, I think it was a good way to end.
Q: Was the decision to terminate the contract before the final match made by player Hayashi?
A, yes, I made the decision myself. I was with the team for six years, and during the last two years, I constantly felt frustrated. Although contract expiration often does not work out well for players, I felt that, even weighing that, I could never go silent to those who sent me messages and comments (via SNS, etc.) during these last two years until my next team was decided. So, I asked to be allowed to make this announcement. It was an unusual case for Tokyo, and as a player, I also wanted to keep it private, but I believe I was able to get through these two years thanks to the fans and supporters, so I made the announcement as a way to express my gratitude. I was offered the chance to speak in front of everyone, but I declined because I would cry if I spoke. Everything I wanted to say is in the comment I released.
Q: Did you see a lot of (Hayashi's) uniforms today?
A, I got too involved (laughs). Seeing that almost made me cry, so I tried not to talk much.
Q, we were able to hear the 'Hayashi Tokyo' call, what do you think about it?
A, I almost cried even with that kind of call, so I covered my ears as much as possible and only let a little sound in (laughs).
Q. In your comments upon the expiration of your contract, you mentioned wanting to "bloom one or two more flowers in the remaining soccer life." I believe there are fans and supporters who are looking forward to your future performances.
A, I am very frustrated with the expiration of this contract, and I still feel that I could have done more, so I want to perform well with the next team to turn this team's decision into regret. Of course, I understand the team's judgment as well. I don't think a player who was useless for two years and returned at the end of the season can get a contract extension, so making the next team regret letting me go is the greatest way to repay them.
Q: What position does your 6 years at FC Tokyo hold among the many teams you have been a part of?
Q: When I first came to Tokyo, I felt there was no sense of team unity. There were many skilled players, but they played soccer individually and only tried to come together during matches, so I thought we couldn't win that way. It was frustrating that this group couldn't compete for the championship. Over the past six years, I have been working with Masato MORISHIGE to make changes, and I feel we have become a bit more human.
Q: Are there any memorable scenes during your time playing with this team?
In the first year when a group of strong personalities gathered, the atmosphere was such that it felt like, "Is this really practice?" We hadn't quite reached the level of veterans, but there were a few older players, and yet there was no cohesion. The start was when everyone began to talk sincerely and come together from that situation, and that is what left the strongest impression on me.
Q: The communication between the goalkeeper and the back line was smooth, but there seems to be a disconnect between the attacking players up front and the defensive players at the back. I think it was a task to connect those elements. Is the team now one that is well-connected?
A. First of all, no matter how poor the content is, having a stable defense that doesn't collapse is essential to winning in the league. Even if the attack rides the wave at times, without a stable defense, you can't compete at the top. The front players and the back players were separated, and we were playing with the idea that it would be fine as long as we had a solid defense, but that wasn't enough. In order to improve this team, the first year was spent continuously discussing specific matters such as which players should be allowed to play comfortably, who should take responsibility for the connection between lines, and how to connect them. As for results, we didn't achieve much, and the trial and error continued into the second year. This team still needs to keep experimenting and devising new strategies, so unless players who can take on such roles emerge even after I leave, I think it will be difficult for the team to make the next leap forward. Therefore, I want to entrust this to them.
Q: I was talking with Go HATANO, did you entrust any thoughts to him?
A, I have known him since he was in the first year of junior high school. We joined as classmates, but he started by calling me Coach Hayashi. It was like starting with a coach-player relationship. Even so, we practiced goalkeeping together for six years, so I kept pointing out his habits and strengths during those six years. Since we are about the same height, there were things he made me realize, and we were teammates who pushed each other to improve. He also gave me words of appreciation, and I felt the same way at the same time. It was six years in which we both grew.
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: Please tell us what you felt about today's match.
A, I think the game took a different turn when the opponent had a player sent off. At the beginning of the first half, we were observing the situation, but we were able to control the ball ourselves. After that, small mistakes affect the outcome, so as a team, we need to eliminate them.
Q: What aspects of what the team has built up this season were you able to confirm?
A, speaking only about today's match, it was a difficult situation, but considering the battles so far and everything we have done up to now, I believe we have definitely grown. From here, I think it comes down to gaining more experience in this style of football, so I want to continue building on that.
Q: Is it important to continue gaining that experience from next season onwards?
A, that is the most important point, or rather, if the team can experience once or twice how the situation unfolds and how to handle such challenges when they arise, I think they will be able to respond better during the match.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: You finished this season without any major injuries, didn't you?
A, I'm glad that he was able to join the national team without injury and be ready for the World Cup.
Q: This season, you played as a left and right fullback and were utilized in various ways by Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA. Did you experience any growth or discoveries for yourself?
First of all, I think we were able to see Nagatomo's growth as the new right side back. Until now, he mostly played by overlapping on the outside and crossing, but under Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, he learned to play more centrally and how to relate with the wingers, which will also be valuable for the national team, and I am grateful for that.
Q: Today, Matsuki filled the space for Nagatomo, allowing Nagatomo to move forward. The variations are increasing, aren't they?
In the national team, the members will change again, so while enhancing coordination, I believe I can adapt to various positions with my current abilities.
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA said, "With a player of such a career, he could have easily ignored what I said. He has always humbly done what was asked of him." What is the source of that humility?
A, because I want to grow. I am always aiming for growth and improving myself, so there is something to learn from anyone, whether they are older or younger than me. I am constantly looking for those hints. The root is being hungry for growth.
Q: This is your fourth World Cup, how will you prepare your condition for it?
A, I understand how to manage my physical condition and mental state since I have participated in three tournaments, so I am not worried about that. Rather, when under pressure, adrenaline kicks in and my body moves as if I were in my twenties again. That is why I seek pressure. The World Cup provides great pressure, and I want to enjoy that.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: How do you feel about the final match?
It was a match we had to win, and to become champions next year, playing a match like today makes it quite difficult to secure the title. The opponent was down to 10 players, and we had to take all 3 points.
Q: Was it difficult to adjust your strategy after conceding the first goal and facing a reduced number of opponents?
A, rather than being difficult, I think we are overwhelmingly more advantageous, so there are no excuses. It comes down to small mistakes, concentration, and those kinds of things that decide the final outcome. That was also evident in the previous match against Nagoya, where we showed no gaps. However, the direction we are heading and the style we are playing must be maintained without wavering, and while doing that, the critical moments are still a challenge. I myself want to be even more committed to this.
Q: Please tell us your goals for next season.
A, I want to win titles in both the league and the cup competitions. I believe we need to aim for victories beyond just the league matches, so I want to make it a season like that.
Q: This season's opening match was against Kawasaki, and the final match was also against Kawasaki. I believe there were aspects of the year that were based on the Kawasaki match, but how do you feel about the accumulation and progress over the year?
A, honestly, (the opponent) was reduced to 10 players, so it's difficult to compare, but on the other hand, I think it's fair to take it positively that we caused them to be down to 10. Not just in the Kawasaki match, but as a team, I believe there are parts where we have been able to reliably do what we want to do since the start of the season. Not everything can be solved in one year, and we have to keep working on it for two or three years, so I think everyone just has to believe in this without wavering and keep going.
Q: As a player, did you have any expectations about what you could achieve this year up to this point? Do you feel like you have accomplished what you set out to do so far?
In terms of style, regardless of whether it is good or bad, I think it has clearly changed. In that sense, there is a sense of progress, but as I mentioned earlier, in football, the finer details make the difference, and no matter the style, those parts cannot be overlooked. Whether we can be particular about that depends on the players' awareness and what we can change together, and I believe that can be turned into mental toughness. That is still a challenge, and given my age, I feel I need to lead, so we must eliminate matches like today's.
<Adailton>
Q, please review the game. The team finished the season with the top number of goals. Please reflect on today's goal.
A, looking back on this season, first of all, I was able to start the season in good condition. I think that also contributed to being the team's top scorer, and I was able to enter the matches with a positive mindset. It is very disappointing that we couldn't win today's match, but I think scoring goals is a positive aspect.
Q, the first goal was connected to the net through a narrow path from a loose ball.
Since we were in a losing situation, I first wanted to catch up and equalize. While playing with that mindset, the ball happened to fall right in front of me, and as a result of swinging my foot through it, it led to a goal, so I’m glad.
Q: It seemed that you were well prepared for the header on the second goal during the return.
A, I think today we were well prepared to score goals in a positive way. Not just with headers, but also the first goal, whether it was right, left, head, or loose balls, we were ready to throw our bodies in to score. So rather than just being prepared for headers, I think it was the result of being well prepared overall.
Q: Please reflect on the scene where you broke through in a one-on-one with the opposing goalkeeper in the first half.
A, throughout the season, finding space while connecting passes was a challenge, so thanks to our daily practice, we were able to successfully connect the ball on the right side and play it into the opposite space. That was the space I wanted, and the ball came to me at the right timing, so it went just as I imagined. I believe this is the result of our training.
Q: Looking back on the entire season, how do you feel about your sense of achievement?
<div>A, as I mentioned earlier, I am satisfied that I was able to start the season in good condition and score many goals. It is a source of pride for me that there were several matches where I could share joy with the fans and supporters through my goals, and I believe this will continue to support me moving forward. I want to keep focusing on results from now on. Thank you for your support throughout the year.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q: How did it feel to play against your former team?
A, it’s simply frustrating. There were parts where I was too tense, but it was truly an enjoyable time, and I’m glad I joined this team. I was also happy to be able to have such an intense battle again.
Q: Although it was a match between teams that advocate similar styles of football, what do you think were the factors that determined the outcome?
A, the opponent was down to 10 players, so the situation was in our favor, but perhaps Kawasaki's determination and spirit were stronger. The opponent was fighting for the championship, while honestly, we had nothing at stake. However, I felt that determination from the opponent.
Q: After the match, you were talking with your former teammates. What kind of conversation did you have?
A, everyone cheered me on saying "Do your best," so I felt I had to try even harder.
Q: There have been voices from Kawasaki Frontale fans and supporters.
A, I am really happy.
Q: How do you feel looking back on your transfer this season?
A, personally, I have had a fulfilling three months since transferring. I have started to get involved in matches, and next, I want to work hard to become a player who can perform well throughout an entire season, continue to grow, help the team achieve a higher ranking, and win the championship.
Q: Today, was it that you were focused, or did you overexert yourself?
A, I was too tense with the shot and it went off somewhere, so I think I should have been calmer in those situations.
Q, on the contrary, wasn't there a part where the tension saved the team from a crisis? I thought it was good that you put your body in to regain possession, made decisive passes, and showed a willingness to take risks.
A, since it is also my strength, I want to properly show it while also applying what I have learned to grow even more.
Q: What did you feel the most when facing Kawasaki?
A, today turned out to be a special development, but as expected, each individual's stopping and kicking skills are excellent, and I felt that they really have confidence and believe in their core strength.
Q: In terms of style, I think there is a lot to learn. How do you feel about that as we head into next season?
There is still much to learn, but now that the foundation as a team is established, I believe each team has its own strengths and player characteristics. While continuing to learn, I hope we can further develop the strengths of Tokyo.
Q, I think the feed from the moment when Sung Ryong JUNG was sent off and the ball was taken was really good, but what do you think when you look back at that play?
In the scene where A, (Kento TACHIBANADA) fell, I thought it was a foul, but since there wasn't a strong contact, I thought Kento was probably trying to draw the foul, and the referee was watching carefully. In that development, the offside was clearly seen, so it was just a matter of letting it pass, and Ada was truly superb.
Q: When did you realize you were free?
When A, (Ienaga) Akira-san came over, I was thinking of exchanging and putting it out there.
Q: How was the first cross?
There were several players inside, and if we delivered a good ball, both Phellype and Ada, as well as Kyosuke (Kimoto), were there, so I thought we should cross it.
Q: How was the match against Wakisaka?
A, there weren't many matchups in terms of development, but as always, he was skillful.
Q, was it nostalgic?
A, I didn't have the luxury to feel nostalgic (laughs)
Q: Do you feel that your reproducible plays are leading to opportunities?
A, I always want to make passes that directly lead to goals and do things that the opponent dislikes. I always play soccer with that mindset, so if it is thought that I can make such plays, I am happy.
Q: There were many wonderful breakthroughs. I believe what I learned in Kawasaki is being utilized at FC Tokyo, but how was today's performance?
The tasks given to me are different from when I was at Kawasaki, but since coming to Tokyo, what is expected of me has changed, and I believe my strengths are showing even more. I hope to improve the quality and connect that to results even further.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: What was your mindset going into this year?
I definitely wanted to be a starting member in J1, and I felt I had a good sense of my performance during the camp. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA trusted me and gave me the opportunity, so throughout the season, I may not have met the high expectations, but I think we were able to do what we needed to do as a team.
Q: What are the differences between the year you fought in high school and the year you fought in the J-League?
A, in the J-League, since there is also the Club World Cup this year, I thought the period was a bit early, but it felt even earlier than that. I had the impression that the season ended quickly.
Q: This season, as a particularly noteworthy young player, you have been featured in the media, and many senior players have mentioned Matsuki's name. How did you feel about that?
The ones who help me the most on the pitch are the seniors around me, so there were things I could absorb from those seniors, and of course, there were things to learn as well. Since I am the youngest playing in the matches, I felt I had to express that on the pitch.
Q: This year was your first year as a rookie, but starting next year, it will be a season after a year of fighting. Please share your aspirations.
I want to be more eager for results and take on challenges next season.
Q: Please give a message to the fans and supporters who have supported you for a year.
Thank you for your support throughout the season.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, I think the second goal was a one-touch cross back, but that play looks easy yet is actually very difficult. I believe it showcased a high level of skill; what do you think?
I only remember crossing the ball aiming for Adailton, so I'm glad he was able to score.
Q: I think it was because I was playing on the left side that I was able to take that position. Also, I believe it showed my ability to get involved in chances from any position. What do you think?
When playing on the left side of A, I am conscious of waiting wide, so I thought it would be good if chances could be created with the balls from Kazuya KONNO and Hotaka NAKAMURA. There was one scene where I missed connecting with a cross ball from Mita, but through that play, I was able to grasp the distance and timing with the ball, so I kept that image in mind for the next play.
Q: Was that play the reason for the goal?
A, that's right.
Q: You scored an own goal, how do you reflect on that?
Returning to that position is one of my strengths, so I want to use today's experience as valuable learning for the future. I believe that kind of play can be improved through experience, so I think I have learned something there.
Q: Kawasaki plays soccer by taking positions while observing the opponent's positions. I think FC Tokyo could have countered with a similar playing style, but what do you think?
A, precisely because we share the same soccer style, we were able to somewhat understand the opponent's positioning, location, direction, and approach while playing, so I want to firmly turn that into opportunities.
Q: This season started and ended in Kawasaki. How do you reflect on the year?
A, I played as a side back in the first match, and it was a somewhat frustrating start. I believe it was a season where I could have done much more throughout.
Q: Since it's the same soccer style, do you feel there is a difference?
A, precisely because we share the same soccer style, we were able to play while somewhat understanding the positions, places, directions, and approaches of the opponent. We want to firmly turn that into opportunities. One point is not taking risks, both in a good and bad sense. Our soccer involves connecting from the back, kicking long, and even if we kick long, if we can control the ball there, we can link it to an attack. Including our goalkeeper (GK), we maintain possession of the ball, and I believe this is what makes us different from Kawasaki.
The scene of the second goal conceded is the same, but we believe that the mistake happened there precisely because it was us, so this is not an issue of individual players but a challenge for the entire team, and we hope to continue working on it.
