Review of the previous match against Kashiwa
The first away game of this season took place at SANKYO FRONTIER Kashiwa Stadium, where we have a good memory from last season's 6-3 victory. It was a match that showcased the new Tokyo, effectively breaking down Kashiwa Reysol's man-to-man press with our passing work and finishing off counterattacks with precision.
However, it doesn't always go as well as every season. First, we struggled with strong winds that were forecasted to reach a maximum instantaneous speed of 10 meters. In the first half, standing downwind, we were pushed back by the opponent's long ball attacks and forced into a fierce battle for the second ball.
In a frustrating development where we couldn't hold the ball, we were caught off guard by a through pass in the 25th minute of the first half, allowing Mao HOSOYA to score the opening goal.
Last season, Tokyo struggled to recover after going behind. They often found it difficult to attack when the opponent focused more on defense. However, this season has shown signs of growth.
In the 36th minute of the first half, during a throw-in on the right side, Koki TSUKAGAWA took advantage of a momentary lapse by the opponent and reacted to Hotaka NAKAMURA's throw, breaking through behind the opponent's defensive line. He carried the ball close to the goal and delivered a cross, where Ryoma WATANABE was blocked at the near side, and Adailton, who had entered from the left side, followed up to equalize before the end of the first half.
With this momentum, Tokyo aggressively attacked Kashiwa in the second half, which was played with the wind at their backs. They pressed from the front, not allowing the opponent to kick the ball freely, and consistently recovered second balls to launch secondary and tertiary attacks. However, unlike the first half where they capitalized on their chances, they frequently entered the goal area and took shots, but were unable to find the back of the net.
Although they took a total of 18 shots throughout the match, the score was 1-1. Despite unexpected situations such as a player being sent off towards the end of the second half, they returned with 1 point, leaving behind many positive aspects for future battles.
<Preview>
The second match of the away consecutive games against Kyoto SANGA S should not be an easy match that can be taken lightly due to the opponent's record.
Kyoto has lost both matches after the opening with no goals scored. However, the team, well-trained by coach CHO Kwi Jae, is playing aggressive and organized football, not backing down against talented teams like Kashima Antlers and Nagoya Grampus.
The team has undergone a transformation with the departure of Peter UTAKA, who was the key to the attack, and Naoto KAMIFUKUMOTO, the goalkeeper who was the fortress of defense. However, PATRIC, who has ample experience in the J-League, has joined the front line.
Last season's matchup resulted in two wins out of two games, but during the early part of the season, when we faced each other in an away game, we struggled to establish a stable performance while building a new style. Despite not being able to create decisive chances, we managed to secure a victory with a counterattack initiated by a long feed from Yasuki KIMOTO, scoring a goal in the final moments of the match.
Against opponents who engage in aggressive battles, we want to firmly surpass them in the basic aspects of intensity and speed, while also maintaining possession of the ball to pin them back in their own half. In the match against Kashiwa, we ended up drawing after failing to capitalize on several chances we created in the second half. Learning from that reflection, we aim to accumulate goals and bring home 3 points to Tokyo this time.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Please tell us your impression of the opponent ahead of the match against Kyoto.
A, Kyoto is now in the third season under the current manager. We have faced them before when he was leading Niigata in J2, and I think their characteristic is their high-intensity play. They value ball possession, but with some player changes, they seem to be playing a bit more cautiously. Until the end of last season, they were involved in the battle to remain in J1. Although they were involved in the relegation fight, I believe it was difficult for any team to play against Kyoto last season, and their high-intensity play in both offense and defense makes them a tough team for opponents.
Q: There have been injuries since the season started. What are your thoughts on this?
A, no one is injured, but Matsuki is also absent. Abe is injured. Other players have minor injuries such as discomfort or bruises, so they can return to the front line in a short period. We are not worried about that. Nakamura cannot play in the Kyoto match due to his expulsion in the Kashiwa match, but the season is long, and there will be injured or suspended players. I think it is normal for other players to get a chance because of that. There may be teams without injured players. Even such teams will eventually have injured players. One of the coach's jobs is to manage the team and maintain high performance when players are absent due to injury or suspension.
Q: Before the match against Kashiwa, you mentioned wanting to have not only possession-based attacks but also the ability to exploit the opponent's back. Isn't that exactly what will be effective against Kyoto?
As I mentioned before, Tokyo intends to carefully maintain possession of the ball and use all their weapons effectively in attack. Whether in Japan or overseas, it is common that when a team wins a match, their tactics are praised, and when they lose, their tactics are not evaluated highly. Kashiwa had only one or two clear shots on target. We created nine clear chances. In the first half, despite the difficult situation of playing against the wind, we made use of long balls behind the defense to create chances. What I want to say is that the match result always has a significant impact on the evaluation. For example, if a team that has been worn down by the opponent creating many chances scores on one or two opportunities and wins the match, it is often written that the winning team defended solidly and won a tough game, and the winning team is praised. No one can predict the flow of the match before it starts. In that sense, once the match begins, I want each player to recognize the flow of the game well and decide what kind of play the opponent dislikes at each moment. For example, if Kyoto applies man-marking style pressing from the front, it creates one-on-one situations and numerical equality for our forwards. In response, I believe using long balls to exploit the space behind is an effective option. As I always say, I hope this team plays as the main actor in the match while controlling the ball. To do that, it is important to attack and play with appropriate decisions based on the flow of the match and the opponent’s situation. Our play should never be determined by the opponent’s style of play. It is the same in any world that tactics and the coach’s evaluation change depending on the match result.
Q: I think it will be important to see how we defend the lateral space of player Higashi during the matches against Urawa and Kashiwa. Were you able to make adjustments?
A. The team must be well prepared to protect the space beside the anchor. Urawa's wings were cutting inside, trying to exploit the space next to Keigo HIGASHI. Kashiwa was sending long balls to the front line, aiming to recover second balls and target the space beside Keigo HIGASHI. The players have gained experience. No matter what style the opposing team uses, if they aim for the space beside our lone defensive midfielder, we must adapt well and defend accordingly. We are prepared for that. The three midfielders will need to adjust their positions depending on the match situation. On the other hand, one expected development in the match is that if we want to solidify our defense, one option is to line up two defensive midfielders and defend in a double pivot style. I want the midfield players to defend smartly. Effectively dealing with the space beside the lone defensive midfielder is always a challenge when employing a single defensive midfielder system.
Q: What is necessary to win against Kyoto?
A, regardless of home or away, I always aim to earn 3 points. Depending on the flow of the match, I believe that earning 1 point away is a valuable point. On the other hand, regarding the match against Kashiwa, I think we played well enough to deserve a victory. It was frustrating not to get the 3 points. Regardless of home or away, as Tokyo, we want to keep stepping onto the pitch always aiming for 3 points.
[Player Interview]
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: Please tell us your enthusiasm for the match against Kyoto.
A, whether starting or coming on as a substitute, my enthusiasm for the match never changes, and I always keep preparing well. I just do what I need to do to contribute to the team's victory.
Q: What is necessary to win?
A, to win, it is important to have passion, strong ball challenges, quick transitions between offense and defense, and to firmly execute the basics. During the match, we want to properly play our own style of soccer and outperform the opponent amid various tactical battles and how they come at us. If we can do that, I believe victory will follow.
Q: The team seems to be in good shape, and I think the presence of players like Nagatomo and Morishige is significant.
A, I think it is more important that young players are consciously engaged than our own presence. Even if there is someone who can lead, if each individual does not have awareness, a good team like the current one cannot be formed. I believe the fact that each player's awareness has changed and they are able to perform with a high level of consciousness is proof of the current good state of the team.
Q: Please tell us your thoughts on winning the league championship.
A, I have a strong will, feeling, and determination to win the league championship in my soccer career. I also play with passion for that goal.
<Adailton>
Q: You scored your first goal of the season in the last match. How is your condition?
A, I am very happy to have scored early in the season. My condition is good, but I want to continue practicing and improve even more. I hope to contribute to the team with goals.
Q: Regarding the scoring scene, did you think the ball was coming through?
A, we have been practicing moving into the goal area from the camp. In the match against Kashiwa, the forward players aggressively entered the goal area in response to crosses from the sides. In the scoring scene, the ball rolled to a good position, and it was great to be able to finish it.
Q: The season has started and we have played two matches. How does the team feel about its performance? Please also tell us about any challenges.
Not only the players participating in the match, but all players are always prepared from regular practice to be ready to play and contribute to the team's victory. I believe we have created a situation where anyone can play well. I think both matches were good in terms of content, but in the previous match, although we were able to create chances, we couldn't convert them into goals and couldn't accumulate 3 points. In the match against Kyoto, we want to continue expressing our style of football and make sure to score when we have the chance.
Q: What is your impression of Kyoto, the opponent in the next match?
A, the opponent has not yet been able to accumulate points, but I feel they are a good team including in terms of quality. I think it is important to first show our own play and achieve good results rather than focusing on the opponent.
Q: You scored in the last match against them, so you must have a good impression, right?
A, we were able to achieve good results in the previous match. This time as well, I want to give my all in the fight and contribute to the team by scoring goals.
Q: What is the coach asking of you? I think Adailton's dribbling will also become important.
A, the coach has told me to maximize the abilities I have. I want to actively show the style of play that is my characteristic. I believe the players have earned the coach's trust and are able to play with confidence. The team is in a very good condition.
Q: Finally, please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
It will be an away game, but your support gives us strength. We would be happy if you could come to the venue. The season has just begun, but we want to do our best so that everyone can celebrate together in the end.
