<Match Review>
After finishing 5 matches since the opening with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, Tokyo, currently in 7th place, faced the first match of the league restart in Tosu after a 2-week interval. In terms of league performance, they are currently on a 7-match losing streak, making it a particularly unfavorable venue, often referred to as a cursed ground.
Keigo HIGASHI, who had been playing as an anchor since the opening match, and Kuryu MATSUKI, the key player in the midfield, were absent, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who was selected for the Japan national team, also missed the match. On the bench were Takuya AOKI, who returned from a long absence, and 18-year-old Naoki KUMATA, who scored his first professional goal in last week's Levain Cup match against Kyoto Sanga F.C.
1st HALF - Creating opportunities to attack but lacking decisive blows
It was a first half with moments of attacking from the sides while both teams held the ball, as well as times of patience in defense.
Tokyo started by reverting to the traditional 4-3-3 system from the 3-back system used in the previous league match against Nagoya Grampus two weeks ago. In midfield, Kei KOIZUMI was placed as the anchor, with Koki TSUKAGAWA and Tsubasa TERAYAMA serving as the inside halves.
As the match progressed in a way that matched with Tosu, there was a sense of opportunity when Adailton and Teruhito NAKAGAWA took their positions on both sides, but they were unable to create any clear chances.
In the 11th minute of the first half, Adailton headed a free kick taken by Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who made his J1 League debut, but the shot did not connect. In the 21st minute of the first half, Taira SHIGE showed persistence in midfield, and although Kazuya NAKAGAWA managed to take a shot, the ball kicked with his left foot missed the target.
On the contrary, after the middle of the first half, the time spent with the ball increased for Tosu. Nevertheless, in the 23rd minute of the first half, Yasuki KIMOTO cleared a dangerous situation from a corner kick, and in the 30th minute of the first half, Jakub SLOWIK caught a shot taken by Iwasaki.
Just before the end of the first half, they continued to press towards the goal. However, Adailton's shot from a cut-in went over the goal, and the counter in stoppage time could not end with a shot.
2nd HALF - The open development led to an unexpected conclusion
Tokyo, wanting to score the opening goal, substituted Tera-yama with Tawara-zukita at the start of the second half and changed their system. Tawara-zukita entered on the right, Adailton on the left, and Nakagawa and Diego OLIVEIRA lined up in the front.
However, that did not lead to effective attacks. Player Tawaramizuki made a couple of vertical runs and broke through the right side, but it did not result in a goal, and the second half continued with a back-and-forth development.
Tokyo, wanting to change the balanced situation, substituted Diego and Tsukagawa in the 27th minute of the second half, bringing in PEROTTI and Takuya AOKI, who made his first appearance of the season. Furthermore, in the 37th minute of the second half, Kumada entered the pitch, forming a twin tower with PEROTTI at the forefront.
However, the effects were not very noticeable, and towards the end, the match entered an open phase. Both teams utilized the vast spaces to launch counterattacks, but no goals were scored, and it became clear that the match would end in a scoreless draw.
Just then, in the 45+5 minutes of the second half, an unexpected conclusion awaited. Jakub SLOWIK attempted a restart, but his short pass was intercepted by the newly transferred player Kawata, who then kicked it in, resulting in the winning goal and the end of the match. Although stopping the losing streak against Tosu seemed within reach, they were unable to bring home any points.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Yuto NAGATOMO/Yasuki KIMOTO/Henrique Trevisan/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Keisuke KOIZUMI/Tsubasa TERAYAMA (Substituted in 0 min: Kota TABARAMI)/Koki TSUKAGAWA (Substituted in 27 min: Takuya AOKI)
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA (Substituted in 37 min: Naoki KUMATA)/Diego Oliveira (Substituted in 27 min: Perotti)/Adailton (Substituted in 37 min: Junya SUZUKI)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Masato MORISHIGE
GOAL
―
<Sagan Tosu>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Ikkyu PARK
DF Kosuke YAMAZAKI/Masaya TASHIRO/Kiriya SAKAMOTO (39th minute: Ryonosuke KABAYAMA)
MF Akito FUKUDA/Sou KAWAHARA/Yoshiki NARAHARA (22nd minute: Jun NISHIKAWA)/Yuki HORIGOME (13th minute: Taichi KIKUCHI)
FW Yoichi NAGANUMA/Yuuji ONO (13th minute: Atsushi KAWATA)/Yuto IWASAKI (13th minute: Ayumu YOKOYAMA)
SUBS
GK Kei UCHIYAMA
MF Toshio SHIMAKAWA
GOAL
5 minutes into the second half: Atsushi KAWATA
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
A, while many players are sidelined due to injury, we played aiming for victory by changing formations throughout the 90 minutes with the current squad. In the first half, we played in a 4-3-3 formation, but since Tsubasa TERAYAMA is still young, there were parts that did not function well. In the second half, we switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation, and after that, I think we created several clear chances multiple times. However, it is very disappointing that we could not convert those chances into goals. Finally, we played in a 4-4-2 formation.
Now, with many players sidelined, we fought for 90 minutes towards victory with our current squad in various ways. As the match was coming to an end, being human, mistakes can happen. I regret that we conceded a goal due to such a mistake and lost the match. However, as the head coach of the team, I feel responsible for that mistake. Naturally, the fans and supporters may be disappointed that the team did not win. I want to take full responsibility for this defeat as the coach. What we can do is to rise up firmly from this loss and prepare thoroughly for the next challenge.
[Player Interview]]
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, it seemed like you played very calmly in your J1 League debut match.
A, I knew that as long as I could play like I did during the Levain Cup without getting nervous, it would be fine, so I was able to smoothly get into the game and I think it was good that I could play for the full 90 minutes.
Q, it seemed that Adailton was playing well, switching between the inside and outside.
A, knowing Adailton's strengths well, I made sure to talk properly, and I understood that if he occasionally broke free, the opponent would collapse. I also asked interpreter Mr. Iino about anything I didn't understand during practice. I conveyed what I wanted to do myself, so although we lost, it was good that we were able to build some combination play.
Q: Do you feel any deep emotions about stepping onto the pitch in the J1 League in your sixth year as a professional after graduating from university?
A, what I have done does not lie, and I was able to show that in my play, and I believe the viewers could feel it as well. Moving forward, whether I am playing in matches or not, I want to continue with strong determination.
Q, that's why it was a match we wanted to win.
I believe my J1 debut match will remain with me for life, so I had the desire to win, but since we are entering a series of consecutive matches, I want to make good preparations for Tokyo to win.
Q: With injuries occurring and the members not being able to gather, how do you want to break through this situation?
A, I believe that players who get a chance must play with the mindset that this match could be their last, otherwise they won't be able to win games they could have won. Since there aren't always players who can constantly play, I approached the match with the feeling that I might not get another chance. If more players adopt this mindset, it will create tension when injured players return and there is no guaranteed starting spot. I want to show a stronger spirit through my play and by leading by example.
Q: There will be many consecutive matches in April. How will you adjust to this?
A, I think it is a blessing to be able to play many matches. Improving through matches is the best approach, so I want to enjoy the consecutive games.
Q: There were some decisive moments in the second half, and it would have been nice if we could have taken a shot.
A, maybe lacked a bit of ideas, but I think it was a scene where he should have taken more initiative himself, so sometimes it would have been good to show an attitude of "I'll do it myself!"
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, please review the game.
A, we wanted to take 3 points. The time during which the opponent held the ball and took control was longer, contrary to our intention to keep possession and dominate. Including myself, we were unable to win the second balls, so I think we lost in that aspect as well. I believe we must be able to get past the opponent after receiving the ball. In the scene of the last conceded goal, I think the situation would have changed if I had stepped up. Since the matches continue in quick succession, I want to switch gears and keep going.
Q: There was applause during the player introductions before the match.
Although my time here was short, just one and a half seasons, I am grateful that I was welcomed with applause instead of boos. From now on, when we face each other, I want to do my best to greet properly.
Q: There are many injured players, and the situation continues where the members are not fully assembled.
A, many things are overlapping, but among them, I believe we must fight. Including myself, whether we seize this opportunity depends on us. Since we did not get results today, I think we must step onto the pitch with an even greater sense of urgency and responsibility.
Q: I think it was a match where we had to at least secure 1 point.
We were in a situation where we had to earn at least 1 point, but since matches continue through April, I don't think there will be time to feel down. I believe the next match after games like this becomes even more important. There's no benefit in getting too discouraged, so we must properly improve the areas that need fixing and switch our mindset. I want to make sure we do what needs to be done.
<Takuya AOKI>
Q: How does it feel to be back on the pitch after a long time?
A, I’m glad I was able to participate in the match for the first time in a while. I want to improve even more from now on.
Q: I think there were some physically challenging aspects.
A, I had no sense of match rhythm at all. However, I believe that unless I participate in matches, my match rhythm will not return. I think it will gradually improve.
Q: The match ended in a disappointing result.
A, Tokyo has not been able to win against this opponent for a while, so we definitely wanted to win.
Q: The situation continues where players are not available due to injuries and other reasons.
A, I believe that the players on the pitch must take responsibility and play seriously. Even in the current situation, I think we must continue to achieve results. I want to keep making daily efforts so that the players who participate can deliver results.
Q: There are consecutive matches including the Levain Cup, do you want to participate?
A, I think if I don't play in matches, I won't regain my match fitness, so I want to participate.
Q: You mentioned in a recent interview that you wanted to enjoy the match. Did you enjoy it?
A, I am very grateful to have been able to step onto the pitch today. If I can participate in the next Levain Cup, I want to contribute to the team's strength.
Q: Please say a word to the fans and supporters.
A, it is regrettable that we were unable to achieve results. However, I believe it is something we can improve from here, so I hope both the team and individuals can raise their level moving forward.
