Review of the previous match against Tosu>
The return to the battlefield after 8 months was a ray of hope for the team, which had been plagued by injuries among midfield players.
The match against Sagan Tosu has been a tough challenge for Tokyo, as is evident from the record. Whether it's a home game or an away game, no matter how good the performance and results were in the previous match, something always seems to happen in the game against Tosu.
Even if for 90 minutes, you feel like, "No, today for sure...", you cannot let your guard down.
In this match, both teams exhibited high intensity in their battles for the ball, resulting in a balanced clash where possession was shared. However, from the first half, there were noticeable disruptions in Tosu's passing, leading to many situations where the ball returned to them before they could launch a counterattack, while Tokyo stood out for having more scenes of pressing the opponent while maintaining possession.
Even in the second half, there were many lucky moments where the ball came back, but perhaps due to a lack of coordination, Tokyo struggled to create decisive chances as the final pass went awry. Nevertheless, there was an atmosphere that a goal could be scored, as Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who made his debut in the J1 League, created scenes by breaking behind the opponent.
While it seemed that the match could be decided if Tokyo made one more attacking move, the clock passed 90 minutes, and as the additional time was nearing its end, Jakub SLOWIK attempted to connect with a goal kick that was intercepted by an opposing forward, leading to a goal and the end of the match. Once again, it ended with a dramatic twist.
The team faced a tough result, but there were not entirely absent positive elements looking ahead. Tokumoto showed a presence in both offense and defense with a performance that did not seem like his first in J1, and in the 27th minute of the second half, Takuya AOKI was brought on to replace Koki TSUKAGAWA. It was his return to competitive action after a full 8 months.
Last season, he was an unwavering anchor until his injury in July, supporting the tactical backbone of Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Tokyo. It took time for him to return, but the timing of his comeback was during a period when there were many injured players and the midfield composition was struggling.
The man suited for the anchor, essential for ball possession, returns, and from here, Albert Pobor's Tokyo counterattack begins.
＜Match Preview＞
In Sec. 6 of the J1 League, we lost 0-1 to Sagan Tosu, and in the following Levain Cup group stage Sec. 3, we suffered a complete defeat of 0-3 against Gamba Osaka. Right after losing to Gamba Osaka, marking our second consecutive loss in official matches, Diego Oliveira inspired his teammates in the locker room by saying, "It's not like players of this quality are gathering together."
However, it is a positive outcome of the early season that many players, especially the young ones, have been given opportunities to showcase their presence. One of them, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, made his J1 debut in the match against Tosu and energized the team with his proactive play. TOKUMOTO stated, "I believe I was able to show that what I have done does not lie. I want to continue to prepare well for Tokyo to win."
This match returns home to face Shonan Bellmare. In the previous match, Shuto MACHINO scored four goals by himself against Gamba Osaka, leading to a decisive victory. Their attacking power, having scored a league-high 13 goals, requires caution.
As injured players continue to return, the result of victory generates the best energy to boost the team. United as one, we aim to secure the three points that will change the momentum by overcoming the strong Shonan.
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Ryoma WATANABE, Shuto ABE, and Hotaka NAKAMURA joined the practice. What is their current condition, and do you think they will be involved in tomorrow's match?
Fortunately, all three have returned and rejoined the team. They are in a condition to play, but since each of them had a period away from the front lines, we want to proceed carefully.
Q: With Yoshifumi Kashiwa out due to injury, isn't Nakamura's return significant?
A, Both Nakamura and Yoshifu were sidelined due to injuries, which was a significant blow for us. Along with that, injuries piled up among the midfield players, and during matches, there were noticeable moments of losing the ball in midfield positions, making it difficult to control the game. In other words, we couldn't play as a unit traveling together. Of course, Yuto NAGATOMO and Shuhei TOKUMOTO each have their own strengths, but I believe Nakamura and Yoshifu are the ones who can demonstrate more offensive play.
If we can control the ball in the midfield without losing it, I believe that both wingers and full-backs will be able to participate more in the attack, adding depth to our play. Therefore, I think the number of attacks from both sides will also increase. What I just mentioned was something we were able to do until around Sec. 2 of this season. After that, we had an increase in injuries, but players are gradually returning. I hope we can return to the state we were in at the beginning of the season.
Q: In the recent Levain Cup match against Gamba Osaka, Keigo HIGASHI was left out of the squad, but I think he will take the anchor position this round. With his inclusion, we should be able to circulate the ball more proactively.
A, the most noticeable mistakes throughout the match were losing the ball in midfield positions and failing to maintain control. However, I believe it is worth noting that many young players were given opportunities. Against Gamba Osaka, who played with a lineup close to their best members, the young players' efforts deserve recognition. I don't mind if there is criticism directed at me due to the 0-3 result, and I must accept the criticism and continue my work. After the match against Gamba Osaka, eight young players were on the pitch. At the same time, the club is working on building its style and improving the maturity of positional play. For that, quality in midfield is required and indispensable. Of course, player Higashi is one of those who brings a lot to the team.
To further grow as a team, it is important for high-quality players to be involved in the matches. Once again, I have high expectations for Ryunosuke SATO. This is because he is a player who can express plays that attract the ball. Players with characteristics like his are among those we need. While center-backs certainly prioritize defense, we also seek more offensive play. As for midfielders, it is a position where losing the ball easily is not acceptable. I am looking for players who can distribute the ball effectively to the front line. I believe that having players with such profiles involved in matches and developing will lead to the growth of the club.
Q: This week, Shonan Bellmare is in good form after their recent match.
A, your recent matches show good form, but the impression was that you hadn't been getting good results since the start of the season. I feel that you have been getting into good condition in this short period. On the other hand, we have been caught in a bad streak during this short period. In the match against Sagan Tosu, we conceded a goal carelessly, and in the Levain Cup, we lost 0-3 to Gamba Osaka. Of course, that is football. Football is a sport where evaluations can change easily with each match. If we lose to Shonan tomorrow, people will say we might get involved in the relegation battle, and if we win against Shonan, there will be excitement about possibly qualifying for the AFC Champions League. However, the league has just started, and we are at Sec. 7. Considering all this, Shonan seems to show greater strength against opponents who play a possession style. They solidify their defense in the middle zone and launch quick attacks after winning the ball. Continuing from last season, they demonstrate and rely on this strength.
Q: I think the opening goal will be important.
In the previous round, which ended 4-1, the match between Shonan Bellmare and Gamba Osaka saw Gamba Osaka concede goals due to mistakes, after which Shonan scored repeatedly. Shonan formed a block, took the ball in good positions, and created chances as time went on. Therefore, the opening goal greatly influences the flow of the match. The first goal is important. I believe this applies not only to the next match but to all matches. For example, in Spain, it is hard to imagine the top team losing to the bottom team, but in the J.League, it is different. This is because the overall level of the league is very competitive.
Q: Please tell us about Kumada's evaluation. How would you like to utilize him as a team so that he can shine even more?
A, Kumada is still a young player. I think he needs to adapt more to the team. However, he is a player with characteristics that other Japanese forwards do not have. There are many players with similar traits in South America and other regions, but they seem to be rare in Japan. His ability as a finisher inside the box is high, but his play away from the goal is still in the developmental stage. We also want him to contribute more to the team. From here, if the club increases the number of times he plays in more advanced positions, he will become an indispensable center forward for the club. As I mentioned earlier, his greatest strength is being able to work effectively inside the box. I hope that his growth and the club's growth will progress simultaneously, allowing his strengths to be utilized even more. However, he must proceed with his feet firmly on the ground.
[Player Interview]
＜Hotaka NAKAMURA＞
Q: How have you spent the time from when you got injured until your return?
I was feeling a bit physically strained because I had been participating in both the league matches and the Levain Cup. During the Yokohama FC match, where I adjusted my condition with care before and after practice, I felt discomfort when sprinting. I stopped playing and was substituted before it got worse, which led to it being a minor injury, so in the end, I think it was for the best. Thanks to the trainers and doctors who worked hard, I was able to return quickly and get back to good condition. I am grateful to everyone involved in my treatment.
Q: Did you encourage each other with player Abe, who was also absent?
A, since the rehabilitation time was the same, we worked on it while encouraging each other.
Q: It was an injury while you were in good form. Didn't you have the feeling of wanting to rush back?
A, I was frustrated to have to leave the game due to an injury just as my condition and feel were improving. There was a sense of unease. However, on the contrary, I realized once again that especially when my emotions are running high, I need to stay grounded and align my mind and body to avoid injury. During the 3 to 4 weeks I was sidelined, I was able to communicate with my body in various ways and gained a deeper understanding of myself. I want to connect my mind and body more effectively.
Q: Are you able to face the Shonan match in perfect condition now?
A, I am currently able to do it without any problems. I don't know how it will affect the game, but I want to play with full effort without worrying too much about the injury.
Q: In the Levain Cup match against Gamba Osaka, there were moments when the ball was lost by the full-back.
A, I don't think it's just a problem with the fullbacks. There are patterns where the opponent traps us at the stage when the pass comes to the fullback. If the supporting players or forwards don't show up at the right timing, it becomes a tough situation. Of course, the fullbacks need to improve their ability to shake off an opponent and keep possession without losing the ball in difficult situations. However, as a team, if more players are coming back to defend from the front line, it is necessary to instantly judge where to pass the ball so it doesn't get intercepted and where the open spaces are. I want to demand more of this from the fullbacks as well, and as a team, I feel we need to enhance our shared understanding and decision-making speed. It's not about holding the ball for possession, but about how quickly we can enter the opponent's territory and complete the play with a goal. We must not lose sight of this, and I feel that, including myself, the team must not misunderstand this point.
Q: I think the performance against Yokohama FC was high.
A, the scoring scene was a shape that we had envisioned both as a team and as individuals. Finally being able to make a play that led to a goal was a personal achievement. As a team, the build-up was not going well, and individually, there were several times when I lost the ball. The play involved in the goal was good, but other plays did not leave a good impression.
I think this will be an important match that will affect the final outcome, whether we stagnate here or rise again.
A, until now, there hasn't been much difference in points across the league, and winning just once could move a team either up or down the standings. From here, I think the point gaps will gradually widen. In that sense, I believe we had to secure at least 1 point in the Tosu match, and from now on, if we drop points, the gap with the top teams will widen, so I want to fight with all my might.
Q: What is your impression of Shonan Bellmare?
A, I think Shonan has a clear plan of action. Their offensive and defensive formations are well established, so it will be important to see how they express their own style of football within that framework. Even top teams sometimes lose when facing them head-on as usual, which I believe reflects Shonan's true strength. The key will be whether they can choose to play in ways that are uncomfortable for their opponents.
Q: How have you been managing your body while aiming for a comeback?
A, there are countless minor details, but we had many discussions with the trainer about what is necessary to prevent injuries beforehand. Then, we spent three weeks collecting data to avoid injuries.
Q: Do you think there is a possibility of participating in the match?
A. I will play with full effort during the given time.
Q: I thought you might be feeling down due to your injury, but are you instead feeling motivated?
A, I am surprised myself, but my spirits are not down at all. This season, I plan to play at 100%, and as a result, I don't mind what others say from the outside. I have to stay strong. I believe soccer is also a mental sport. Right now, I think my mental state is good.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q: You joined Tokyo this season and made your J1 League debut on April 1st in the match against Sagan Tosu (J1 League Sec. 6). How has your experience been so far?
There was some confusion with Tokyo's style of moving while considering positioning, but I have been steadily working on it without rushing. I was able to play in two Levain Cup matches and the J1 League match against Tosu, and I gained confidence that I can bring out my strengths and compete.
Q, do you feel that you are adapting well to the new team?
AYes, that's right. I have been preparing through practice to be ready to play in any match, and even when I was left out of the lineup, I was able to train with the intention of motivating the players who were not in the squad, so it was fulfilling.
Q, you mentioned that positioning during camp is difficult. Is the style of play required in Tokyo completely different from what you have experienced before?
A, I think there are very few teams in the J.League that work on having the full-back take the defensive midfielder position. When I was at Fagiano Okayama, I was the left center-back in a three-back formation, so it was a completely different starting point. However, I believe I can do it now because I practiced it a bit during my time at FC Ryukyu. I truly find it rewarding now, as I decide whether to receive the ball inside or outside, or to break through from the inside, while watching the ball holder. I think I have built good relationships with the side half, center-back, and defensive midfielder positions.
QI think it's a style of soccer where the fullbacks touch the ball the most. Isn't it fun to play that way?
A, it's fun because the ball comes to me often. By playing with the ball, I think I am seen more by fans and supporters. I feel a sense of fulfillment.
Q: The league record so far is 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, and the performance has not been stable. Where do you feel the challenges lie?
A, I strongly feel that if we don't score in the crucial moments, it will become difficult. Currently, we have the problem of many injured players, but the members who can stand on the pitch must give their all and achieve results. In that sense, I think this is an opportunity for me.
Q, When injured players appear and we cannot form the best lineup, how far we can fight truly tests the team's strength.
AIn summer, it is common for injuries to increase in the latter half of the league, but Tokyo experienced a surge of injuries in the first half. In a long season, everyone's strength is absolutely necessary, and right now, we want to all hang in there together and work hard to reach the place the club is aiming for.
Q, what kind of plays and characteristics will you showcase?
AI believe the key for me is how many calm plays I can create as an escape route for passing. I make sure to deliver good passes to the defensive midfielders, and I was able to do this a few times in the matches against Kyoto and Tosu. I want to increase those opportunities and distribute the ball in a way that allows the forwards to play positively.
Q: On the left side back, there are high-level players Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Yuto NAGATOMO.
A, I am enjoying this situation where I can compete for positions with high-quality players. I feel that if I achieve results in Tokyo, I can get closer to the Japan national team, and even when I am not able to play in matches, I intend to keep learning from the play of players like Yoshifu and Nagatomo.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for this match.
A, I have not yet been able to play in a home league match, so I strongly want to play with the support of the passionate fans and supporters at Ajinomoto. When I step onto the pitch, I will fight with 120 percent effort. Thank you for your support.
