<Match Review>
In Sec. 2 of the group stage of the Levain Cup, Tokyo welcomed Kyoto SANGA F.C. to Ajinomoto Stadium. Although the Levain Cup often takes place in the middle of the week, this match had a one-week interval before and after due to the International Match Week. As a result, Tokyo approached the match with a mixed lineup of players who are regular starters in the league, young players, and those who have had fewer opportunities to play.
Kuryu MATSUKI, who returned from activities with the U-20 Japan national team, started in the lineup, and Naoki KUMATA, also back from the national team, made his first appearance in the squad this season. Additionally, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who just welcomed his second child, started in the lineup for the first time at home at Ajinomoto after his transfer. Hisatoshi NISHIDO, who joined from Waseda University, also made his first appearance in the squad this season.
1st HALF - PEROTTI & Henrique score their first goals in Tokyo
The match progresses at Tokyo's pace from the start. While maintaining possession of the ball, they fend off the opponent's press and gradually push forward. In defense, the entire team quickly organizes their formation, consistently applying intense pressure on lost balls and swiftly pressing back, even blocking shots with their bodies in critical moments.
While Tokyo was increasingly approaching the Kyoto goal, the match changed in the 15th minute of the first half. Adailton and Matsuki executed a quick one-two against an opponent with a full defensive lineup, successfully attacking the left side of the penalty area. Adailton broke free, drew in the defender and goalkeeper, and made a sideways pass to PEROTTI, who was waiting in front of the goal, scoring the opening goal with his first goal since joining Tokyo.
In the 19th and 24th minutes of the first half, both times launching a short counterattack, Adailton utilized his powerful breakthrough ability to approach Kyoto's goal. Both attempts were thwarted by the opposing goalkeeper's excellent saves, but Tokyo completely held the initiative in the match.
Then, the corner kick obtained from Adailton's chance leads to a goal. In the 25th minute of the first half, a corner kick from the left. Matsuki delivered an outswinging ball that Henrique TREVISAN headed into the top right corner of the goal, giving Tokyo an additional point.
In the 36th minute of the first half, Adailton's breakthrough pushed the opponent deep into their own territory, and Matsuki broke through on the left side towards the goal. The cross was just out of reach for Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, but Tokyo continued to gain an advantage in the match with their attack from the left side.
2nd HALF - Kumada's first professional goal & Nishido's first professional assist
Tokyo's momentum does not stop even in the second half. In the 3rd minute of the second half, Adailton dribbled to the left side of the penalty area and made a strong pass in front of the goal. Matsuki adjusted to change the course, but the ball narrowly missed above the goal.
In the 5th minute of the second half, player Tawaramizuki was brought down while dribbling at the right corner of the penalty area, but it was ruled no foul. However, by activating the attack from the right side, they pushed Kyoto back into their own territory.
In the 10th minute of the second half, Henrique sent a pass deep down the left side, allowing Tokumoto to break free and deliver a grounded cross near the goal line. PEROTTI, who was at the near side, skillfully shot the ball into the left corner of the goal, extending Tokyo's lead. In the 14th minute of the second half, after fending off an opponent's attack, they launched a counter. Just before the halfway line, Adailton seized a loose ball, and after receiving a pass from Kei KOIZUMI, Adailton broke free again, gaining speed as he entered the penalty area. As the opposing defender closed in to block his path, he slipped the ball past the near side, widening the lead to four goals.
As the lead expands, it creates more options for the team in terms of player substitutions. Starting from the middle of the second half, substitutions are made one after another to invigorate the team with fresh talent. Then, in the 30th minute of the second half, the two players who were brought in at the same time score a decisive goal.
Yuto NAGATOMO retrieved a ball that had slipped deep on the right side and passed it back in a negative direction to Koki TSUKAGAWA, who then sent it to Nishido. After receiving the ball, Nishido delivered a sharp cross with his left foot into the goal area, where Kumada met it with a high header, directing it into the bottom left corner of the goal.
We utilized many players, including those who had fewer opportunities to play until now, and while trying various combinations, we surpassed our opponents in terms of content and achieved the best possible result. We want to carry the momentum of this victory into the away game against Sagan Tosu in the league match a week later.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Yuto NAGATOMO (substituted at 32 minutes: Junya SUZUKI)/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique TREVISAN/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Keisuke KOIZUMI/Kaguto HIGASHI (substituted at 0 minutes: Koki TSUKAGAWA)/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (substituted at 26 minutes: Tsubasa TERAYAMA)/Perotti (substituted at 16 minutes: Naoki KUMATA)/Adailton (substituted at 16 minutes: Hisatoshi NISHIDO)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Renta HIGASHI
GOAL
15th minute of the first half: PEROTTI/25th minute of the first half: Henrique TREVISAN/10th minute of the second half: PEROTTI/14th minute of the second half: Adailton/30th minute of the second half: Naoki KUMATA
<Kyoto SangaF.C.>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Varnell Haan
DF Hisashi APPIAH TAWIAH/Yuto MISAO (14 minutes into the second half: Daigo ARAKI)/Shinnosuke FUKUDA (14 minutes into the second half: Kosuke SHIRAI)/Osamu Henry IYOHA
MF Tenma MATSUDA/Taiki KANEKO (14 minutes into the second half: Teppei YACHIDA)/Naoto MISAWA
FW Ryogo YAMASAKI/Yuta TOYOKAWA (28 minutes into the second half: Alan KARIUS)/Sora HIRAGA (0 minutes into the second half: Kosuke KINOSHITA)
SUBS
GK Gakuji OTA
DF Rikito INOUE
GOAL
―
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
A, I think we were able to play with good balance throughout the match. However, it was by no means an easy game. Kyoto Sanga F.C. applies intense pressing from the front, making it difficult to get past them. We also know that Kyoto values ball possession. That said, we have gradually become able to confidently connect plays from the back. And the opening goal was wonderful. Scoring the first goal made it easier to add more goals, leading to multiple scores. Many goals were scored today, and I believe the fans and supporters who came to the stadium were pleased. I am also very happy that players with limited league appearances performed well. I want to commend PEROTTI for his first league goal, Naoki KUMATA for his first professional goal, and Hisatoshi NISHIDO for his professional debut and first assist. I also want to praise Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who just had his second child, for recording his first assist in Tokyo. Kyoto is a team led by a great coach. Although multiple goals were scored today, I think it was a closely contested match. I would like to take this opportunity to express my respect for Kyoto.
Q: We saw a good balance between attacks utilizing speed and those that built up play by connecting passes and creating time. Is this the result of the progress made since last season?
A, the style we aim for is one with various characteristics and strengths. I do not aim for the same soccer style as Albirex Niigata in Tokyo. This is because the players have different features. However, valuing possession of the ball is non-negotiable. We still need to improve our build-up from the back, and we must level up our ability to control the ball and press the opponent. Tokyo has used counterattacks starting from a low position as a weapon. If it is possible to counterattack using long balls from a low position, I acknowledge that. However, the play we aim for is to raise the defensive block a bit higher, win the ball in the middle zone, and execute short counters. In my view, counterattacks and quick transitions between offense and defense are clearly different. Another weapon is to win the ball through high pressing from an advanced position and create chances. We strive daily to further enhance our completeness. There will be times when things go well, like today, and times when they do not, but without wavering, we want to steadily advance the path we should pursue.
[Player Interview]]
＜PEROTTI＞
Q, please review today's game.
<div>A, I am very happy that I was able to score despite the goals not coming easily, and that the team was able to win. For the first goal, Adailton took a deep position, and the other players drew the opponents to the near side, so I was able to be free on the far side. There was a similar play in the match against Cerezo Osaka, but this time I made eye contact with Adailton and knew he would pass to me, so I was able to calmly finish a good pass. For the second goal, I entered near from a cross and scored, which is a play style I am good at. I have scored in such situations during practice, but it’s been difficult to do so in matches. Today, before the game started, I had a feeling that goal would come, so I am very happy.
Q: I got the impression that the movement improved after the goal was scored.
Since we were able to score the first goal early on, I was able to stay calm, and the team gained momentum and improved our movement, which I believe helped us score the second goal as well. I came to Japan from Brazil and, of course, feel the pressure. Amidst that, I believe I have to do my part, so I am happy with the result in today's match.
Q: What reasons can be given for being able to play well today?
A. Scoring goals or not scoring is always the second thing to consider. What is important is that we fight with all our might on the pitch, and even if we can't score goals, contributing to the team in other ways is crucial. In soccer, avoiding mistakes and being able to finish chances are important, but today we played with full effort as always and were able to score when the opportunity came. Today, my Brazilian parents and relatives watched the match even late at night, my wife came to Japan and cheered a lot. I am also happy to be able to share this joy with all the fans and supporters.
<Henrique TREVISAN>
Q, please review your goal.
A, I am very happy. I want to thank my teammates. I am glad to have scored a goal that helped the team win, and to have scored my first goal since joining Tokyo.
Q: You finally scored a goal, didn't you?
A, we were close to scoring several times but couldn't quite get the goal. It was good to finally score today. It was also good to finish without conceding any goals. Keeping a clean sheet will make the team even stronger.
Q: Last season, I think it was difficult to perform well due to a long-term injury. Did that have an impact?
A, last season, unfortunately, I got injured and had to return to Brazil. After the injury, what I thought was to heal quickly, power up my abilities even more, and rejoin the team. Last season, I couldn't really show my play, but this season I was able to sign again, and I believe they trusted me. I wanted to repay that trust and contribute to the team no matter what. I am truly happy today.
Q: Have you been progressing well since the preseason?
A, heading is also one of my strong points. I was able to score a goal today, and I want to keep aiming for that in the future. My condition is gradually improving. However, I believe I can improve even more, and there are still areas where I am lacking. I want to work on these in daily practice while learning from my teammates.
Q: I heard that you are close with PEROTTI.
A, I also experienced various confusions when I first came to Japan, but everyone helped me. Since I have a little more experience in Japan, I teach various things and go out together on days off. I believe not only I but the entire team receive various support. We all hope that PEROTTI will succeed and that he will be a positive asset to the team.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, it was your debut match at Ajinomoto Stadium. How do you feel looking back on it?
A, it was fun. I believed that enjoying myself was the most important thing, and I entered the match thinking that I wanted the fans and supporters to get to know my play.
Q, with the birth of the second child, this must have been an unforgettable match.
When my first child was born, we won the match, and we were able to win again when my second child was born, so I think I can tell my children that I am a good father when they grow up. I also want to thank my teammates.
Q: Were you planning to perform the cradle performance before the match?
A, I was happy to be able to perform the cradle performance because everyone said we should do it before the match.
Q, please review the assist scene.
A, it wasn't the ball I expected, but thanks to PEROTTI's wonderful goal, I was able to celebrate with my own assist.
How confident are you about being able to compete in the league after playing two matches in the Levain Cup?
A, I believe these two matches have proven that if you enjoy yourself with confidence, you can fight while expressing your own style. My desire to participate in the league matches as soon as possible and contribute to Tokyo has grown even stronger.
Q: There are many strong rival players, but do you have a strong desire to take them on?
A, There is no reason not to be fired up with players from the Japan national team, and since the Japan national team is a place I also want to go, I want to steadily fight passionately in my own way.
Q: I got the impression that Tokumoto is balancing what Coach Albert wants to do in the attack while also showcasing his own strengths.
A, I believed that by bringing out our strengths, it would connect to the style of football the coach wants to play. In the second half, I was especially conscious of making vertical passes, and I want to play with more ideas.
Q, Kei KOIZUMI and Junya SUZUKI seem to be in sync with each other.
Player Koizumi said that the goal for this season is for the three of them to stand on the pitch together. We want to make sure the three of them can play in the league matches, and since the mid-level players need to energize the team, we want to keep pushing forward passionately as the three of us.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: It was a shutout victory, how do you feel about that?
A, it was a shutout victory, and above all, I am filled with gratitude that my teammates scored 5 goals. At the same time, I feel relieved. It was great to be able to create a large goal difference in the Levain Cup group stage.
Q: Didn't you enjoy watching from the back?
A, we were able to advance the match while maintaining possession of the ball. The opponent had little time with the ball, and I believe we were able to prove the team's style. I also think I fulfilled my role as a goalkeeper throughout the match, so it was good.
Q: In the first half, there was a moment when you fumbled. Did it have any impact on your mental state?
If that had gone in, it might have been difficult, but thankfully it didn't cross the goal line, so it had no impact at all. Of course, there is the fact that we gave away a corner due to one mistake, but I am grateful that everyone on the team helped out.
Q: Was the scene where you stopped Kinoshita's shot as you intended?
A, the shot was straight on, so it was handled without any problems.
Q, how was the victory at Ajinomoto Stadium?
A, I am happy. Since there were many goals scored, I think the fans and supporters also enjoyed it.
Q: There were many scorers, so there were also many "shouts", but next time, if there are no goals conceded, please have the goalkeeper also do a "shout".
A, certainly (laughs). I would like to experience it.
<Hisatoshi NISHIDO>
Q: It was your first professional appearance, how did you feel when you stepped onto the pitch?
It was my first time even being on the bench, but I was conscious of staying calm and composed without getting too worked up. I was always thinking about playing as usual.
Q: Since you were conscious of it, were there things that excited you?
A, yes. Since yesterday, I have been really looking forward to playing, and I was able to face today with a very positive feeling.
Q: You assisted Kumada, and it was a good ball.
A, being left-handed, is good at scoring goals and crossing from cut-ins, so it was great that he was able to showcase his strengths in his first appearance.
Q: Was that goal shape something you worked on in practice?
A, since coming to Tokyo, I haven't practiced much on the right side, but I believe the experience I gained in high school and university has been useful.
Q: Did you have a conversation with player Kumada?
After the match, I told him, "Thank you for scoring."
Q: How do you feel about being able to play a match at Ajinomoto Stadium?
A, since I received the job offer in my third year of university, playing at Ajinomoto has always been a dream of mine. For me, it was a long-awaited debut, so I am very happy to finally be able to play. This season started with an injury, but thanks to the support of the trainers and staff, I was able to stand on this pitch, and I am filled with gratitude.
Q: Do you feel confident heading into the league matches?
A, not yet. Today, I only made one assist, so as an attacker, I believe I have to aim for goals. To secure a starting position, I hope to aim for a goal next time.
Q: I think an inswing cross is a difficult ball to score from, but what were you thinking when you kicked it?
A, since there was a bit of distance, the moment I looked up, I saw player Kumada. I thought if I dropped it there, Kumada would score, so I boldly crossed the ball. That goal had an amazing strike point as well.
Q: Do you think the fans and supporters have come to know the characteristics of player Nishido?
I believe my strengths are creating chances and dribbling with my left foot, so I want to play in a way that more and more fans and supporters can recognize.
<Naoki KUMATA>
Q: How was your first goal?
A, I was happy to score a goal, but since we were already winning 3-0, it wasn't that significant. Next, I want to score in a league match.
Q, please review that goal.
A, Hisatoshi NISHIDO made a cut-in, and the moment he raised his face, our eyes met, so I believed he was coming and was able to move out of the defender's line of sight. Although I couldn't bring it down forcefully, I was able to score a good goal.
Q: While on the bench, PEROTTI scored 2 goals, and that was during his appearance.
A, the most important thing is to contribute to the team's victory, so I am glad that I was able to score a goal within that.
Q: I don't think that goal was easy.
A, I am not good at crosses from the right side, but it was good that I was able to touch the ball firmly while twisting my body.
Q: How was the shower after the victory?
A, it was the first shout in about three years. As expected, I was happy to be able to do it.
