<Match Review>
Tokyo faced two away matches against Sagan Tosu in the league and Gamba Osaka in the Levain Cup, both ending in no goals. In a crucial match to change the momentum, they returned home to Ajinomoto Stadium to compete against Shonan Bellmare.
Tokyo has been plagued by injuries since the start of the season, but today Hotaka NAKAMURA has returned to the starting lineup, and Shuto ABE has made the squad for the first time since the opening match. Additionally, Ryoma WATANABE, who was injured in Sec. 2, has also returned. With these key players back, the team is set to face Shonan, who have been on a winning streak and are gaining momentum as April begins.
1st HALF—Nakagawa scores the opening goal from the collaboration with Matsuki
Tokyo showcased their strengths from the beginning. They outpaced and overpowered their opponents with speed and strength at the ball, and after recovering the second ball, they carefully connected their own passes to push the opponents back into their own territory.
The attacking stance was clear from the start. In the first minute of the first half, Shuhei TOKUMOTO received the ball about 5 meters in front of the opponent's penalty area and boldly struck with his left foot. The shot was saved directly by the goalkeeper, but it was a play that expressed Tokyo's intent.
While carefully observing the opponent's formation, Tokyo speeds up vertically at the right moments to attack, and when they see the opponent is organized, they prioritize maintaining rhythm by moving the ball within their own half. They gradually increase the time spent with the ball in the opponent's half, creating scenes that end with a finish in their attacks.
In the 14th minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA reacted to a through pass and struck with his right foot in front of the goal, but the shot was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
The match began to change in the 30th minute of the first half, when it seemed to be stuck in a stalemate. From the right side, Teruhito NAKAGAWA made a dribble and cut into the center. He sent a diagonal pass, and Kuryu MATSUKI, who received it inside the penalty area, dribbled forward and struck with his right foot. Although it was initially blocked by the opposing goalkeeper, NAKAGAWA picked up the loose ball, took one touch, and slotted in a volley, successfully giving Tokyo the lead.
In the 38th minute of the first half, there was a scene where a decisive shot was taken after penetrating the vital area, but the shot that flew to the upper left corner of the goal was astonishingly saved by Jakub SLOWIK, who stretched out his arm to deflect it away from the goal.
In the latter part of the first half, there were more scenes of defending against the opponent's attacks in our own territory, but during these moments of endurance, the team compacted its formation and slid collectively towards the ball side to respond. Although the opponent managed to bring the play to the finish, we maintained our lead by closely contesting the ball and preventing them from taking free shots, reaching halftime with the lead intact.
2nd HALF - Although we allowed a temporary reversal, Henrique's goal equalized the score.
Even in the second half, Tokyo's rhythm remains unchanged. Five minutes into the second half, they launched a counterattack, with Nakagawa taking the ball in front of the goal and passing it sideways to Ryoma WATANABE, who had come in to support from the left. The one-touch shot was unfortunately blocked by the left post.
It seemed that we were able to control the flow of the match, but in the 8th minute of the second half, we gave the opponent an opportunity to counterattack due to our own mistake.
A corner kick was given after a pass mistake in our own half, leading to pressure in front of the goal. After conceding an equalizer from a short corner, we were pushed back and turned around in the 14th minute of the second half after being attacked down the right side.
Tokyo, now in a chasing position, made three substitutions in the 18th minute of the second half. Adailton was brought on for Nakagawa, Yuto NAGATOMO for Nakamura, and Abe for Keigo HIGASHI. These substitutions quickly led to results.
In the 20th minute of the second half, Adailton was fouled while trying to break through the center, earning a free kick opportunity. The kicker, Matsuki, could not deliver the ball directly in front of the goal and instead used Adailton, who was positioned on the left side. After shaking off the opponent's mark with a feint, he delivered a sharp inswinging cross with his right foot in front of the goal. It was Henrique TREVISAN who showcased his jumping ability. He leaped higher than the competing defender and headed the ball, which was then drawn into the left corner of the goal.
The player who further energized Tokyo, who was gaining momentum with the equalizer, was Nagatomo. He became a key player in a high position on the right side, persistently stealing the ball from the opponent and turning it into Tokyo's possession, inspiring the team with his passionate play and voice.
In the open development of the final stages, both teams committed players to attack, engaging in thrilling scenes of counterattacks and pressing towards the goal. In stoppage time, Tokyo had a chance from a corner kick in a scramble in front of the goal, but lacking the final touch, the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (substituted in 18th minute: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Henrique Trevisan/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Keisuke KOIZUMI/Kengo HIGASHI (substituted in 18th minute: Shuto ABE)/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA (substituted in 18th minute: Adailton)/Diego Oliveira/Kota TAWARAZAKI (substituted in 0th minute: Ryoma WATANABE)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Masato MORISHIGE
FW Naoki KUMATA
GOAL
30th minute of the first half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA / 20th minute of the second half: Henrique TREVISAN
<Shonan Bellmare>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Daiki TOMII
DF Koki TATE/ Kazuki OIWA/ Daiki SUGIOKA
MF Hirokazu ISHIHARA (substituted at 44 minutes: Takuya OKAMOTO)/ Tarik (substituted at 36 minutes: Naoki YAMADA)/ Ryota NAGAKI (substituted at 0 minutes: Kohei OKUNO)/ Taiyo HIRAOKA (substituted at 44 minutes: Yamato WAKATSUKI)/ Yoshihiro NAKANO
FW Shuuto MACHI/ Hiroyuki ABE (substituted at 41 minutes: Akito SUZUKI)
SUBS
GK Hiroki MAWATARI
DF Kazunari OHNO
GOAL
9 minutes into the second half: Daiki SUGIOKA/14 minutes into the second half: Tarik
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
A, I wanted to control the game with passing and technique. However, the reality is that the team is struggling in that area. In daily training, that aspect has been improving. We are able to connect the ball well in good form, but we struggle to express that concretely in matches. As the manager of this club, I have a desire to leave something for the future. This is because I believe the style of carefully connecting the ball, which I love dearly, brings a lot to the team and academy players. I think there are various styles in football, and I respect all ways of playing. A style that only works when certain players are in the lineup does not bring long-term stability to the club. On the other hand, as I mentioned earlier, this style that I love dearly will bring stable success to the club. If we cannot properly express the style of valuing the ball, we will struggle like we did in today's match.
It is very unfortunate that we conceded goals due to build-up mistakes in several situations. With Watanabe returning and us creating better opportunities from the second half, the goals conceded were disappointing. There was also a scene where Watanabe's shot hit the post. With his introduction, the team seemed to play with more confidence in the second half than in the first, but it is regrettable that we made repeated mistakes in a short time and conceded goals. By bringing on Yuto NAGATOMO, Adailton, and Shuto ABE simultaneously, we created different good opportunities. I am satisfied that the players showed their determination to win until the very end. I have a clear idea. Last season, we responded more clearly and flexibly, but if we continue with the same style in the second year this season, nothing will change. Therefore, I want to keep focusing on daily training and continue making fine adjustments. I also look forward to young players suited to this style growing by overcoming these hardships firmly. By progressing various aspects simultaneously in a positive direction, I believe that in the not-too-distant future, the style I aim for will permeate this club and achieve various successes.
Q: It seemed that you substituted three players at once and changed the formation in the midfield. What was your intention as a coach?
I believe the team started to function as a unit after the three substitutions because there was a mental stimulus and influence. For example, by bringing in Adailton, I think it caused anxiety for the opposing team. Since it was after we had been overturned, we were in a situation where we had to catch up and turn the game around. Adailton and Shuto ABE are players who can move straight toward the goal. If the entire team can move toward the goal without falling apart, I support players who have a strong awareness of going for the goal. When thinking about the future of this club, I believe it is important to continue to stick to and be committed to this style. In today's match, Nakamura, ABE, and Watanabe returned. Each of them had been out of the lineup for a long time, so it is not guaranteed that they can play as usual in official matches. They will need a little more time.
However, I would like you to recall our opening goal. The starting position of the play was with the goalkeeper. If we can create such goals, I want to persuade the players again. Connecting the ball carefully from the back created opportunities and led to goals. It was a clear and exemplary sequence of play. It was a style of play that could serve as a model, like Manchester City or FC Barcelona. We were able to create such an opening goal, and I believe it is proof of our daily efforts. However, in the subsequent plays, there were noticeable scenes of easily losing the ball. There were also many moments when the tempo of the play was slow. While we have been able to express ourselves well in training, we must continue to work hard to express that properly in matches.
Please direct your dissatisfaction and criticism to me as the coach. However, I believe that advancing this style is our path. I am not speaking only for myself. I have done similar things during my time at Albirex Niigata. In the near future, I hope you will understand the importance of advancing this style. Of course, I want to bring joy to all the fans and supporters. However, if we do not achieve growth through our soccer style, we cannot create stable success for the club. I want you to understand that the players are making an effort to express themselves on the pitch.
[Player Interview]]
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q, please review the scene of the opening goal.
A, Kuryu MATSUKI took the ball forward, so I anticipated a shot or a cross and prepared to react quickly. The ball that the goalkeeper deflected came right in front of me, and although it was a difficult position, I was able to calmly finish it.
Q: I think the opponent's pressing was intense, and it caused us a lot of trouble.
A, I think Shonan Bellmare's strength lies in aggressively defending against opponents. Conversely, if you can get past one player, it leads to opportunities, so I believed it was important to break through the opponent. The other team had momentum in the first half, and there were parts where passing alone couldn't break through effectively, so I focused on breaking through individually. Shonan's pressing is fast and intense, making some situations difficult, but like the first goal, if the team can increase the number of times we shake things up significantly and enter the attacking third, I feel we can create more chances.
Q: This season, there are many opportunities created by individual skills, but how is the team's breakdown?
A, in the past few matches, there have been many injuries, and the team's condition has not been very good. With the changes in the lineup, there were gradually some mismatches in play. The plays we were able to do during the camp became impossible, but with the injured players returning, I believe we can now compete with sufficient strength. Each individual's quality is high, so we want to refine our combinations and pose a threat to our opponents.
Q: Today, there were noticeable scenes where you initiated dribbles from a deeper position. What was the intention behind receiving the ball lower than your usual position?
<div>A. Shonan is a team that applies pressing from the front and tries to trap opponents, so there were moments when the passing lanes disappeared as the ball went from Yasuki KIMOTO to Hotaka NAKAMURA. To break through this, I thought increasing one-twos or drawing opponents to the right side and then passing to the open space on the left side would bring more composure to the team, so I positioned myself slightly deeper. I aimed to support Hotaka as much as possible.
<Henrique TREVISAN>
Q, it became a goal that saved the team.
A, I was personally happy to have scored a goal. However, it is unfortunate that we could not win today's match.
Q: We took the lead, but we were overtaken.
After conceding one goal, we lost concentration and allowed additional goals. Even so, after catching up, the match was closely contested between both teams.
Q: The difficult situation continues. What do you think is necessary to get out of the current situation?
A, we are always playing to win. It is unfortunate that we have not been able to secure victories. With injured players returning and the team's condition improving, we want to make good preparations to win.
Q: We conceded a goal due to a mistake in the build-up.
Regarding the two goals conceded, the cause was a lack of concentration. Therefore, we will correct this during practice and aim to improve in the next match.
Q: The "Brazil Festival" will be held at next week's Cerezo Osaka match. We are looking forward to the performance of the Brazilian players.
A, Tokyo is like that, but Japan warmly welcomes us Brazilians. This is my third season, and I have always been able to spend my time comfortably, and my wife also really likes Japan. Since the Brazil Festa will be held, we want to perform well and win.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: You came on in the second half. What were you focused on as you entered the match?
In the first half, there were many one-on-one situations, resulting in an 11 versus 11 match. At such times, I thought it was necessary to position myself in space and create a numerical advantage, so I kept that in mind during the game.
Q: I think the team has shown good movement since Shuto ABE started playing.
A receives the ball in advanced positions and takes up positions between opposing players, making it easier to find space, allowing me to receive the ball from a higher position as well.
Q: There were some close shots that seemed likely to score.
If I had been able to score that shot, I think the situation would have changed. For the team to move up, I believe we have to make shots like that, so I think we need to practice more.
Q: I think you have been watching the team from the outside for the past month. Did you feel any gaps when you actually stood on the pitch in today's match?
A, I think there was a clear difference between the first and second halves of the match due to several players coming onto the pitch as substitutes in the second half. We want to properly integrate as a team and as players, and show matches that we can win.
Q: Do you feel relieved about your return?
A, I thought I wouldn't be able to play as I wanted, but since it was from the second half, I think I was able to play as usual. However, my condition is still not fully up, and my body is not keeping up with my mind, so I will continue to adjust.
Q: As a member of the team, how do you want to proceed from here?
A, I was very happy to be able to return at home Ajinomoto Stadium. I want to keep accumulating points even in away games.
Q: Before the season started, you mentioned that it is important to know what can be done during difficult times. What do you think is necessary to turn things around now?
<div>A, today I played while we were winning. We wanted to score one more goal, but instead, we conceded. The final score was 2-2, but if you look only at the time I was on the field, we were losing 1-2. I believe that helping the team win is the most important thing, so I need to reflect on that. After the team's victory, I want to work on my own challenges. First, to become a player who can help the team win, I will get my condition in shape and aim to show an even better performance than today's match.
<Shuto ABE>
Q: I think it has been a while since the league match after getting injured in the match against Urawa.
A, it was the first official match since the opening game, and I was finally able to come back. I'm glad that I was able to finish today without any injuries.
Q: How did it feel to play?
I only played for about 25 minutes, but it was physically tough, so I will work on improving my condition starting from practice. I think I was able to manage ball touches and intensity in my own way, but if my condition improves more, I believe I can play with higher intensity.
Q, please review the game.
A, there were many periods in the first half where things did not go well, but we were able to score the opening goal from one chance. On the bench, I talked with Morishige about how even if we were attacked that much, we could still score from one good opportunity. In the second half, we gave the momentum to the opponent due to mistakes, so we need to eliminate those parts, and from now on, I think we have to secure the win.
Q: You came on right after the team was turned around 1-2. What instructions did you receive from Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA?
There were no specific instructions, but during yesterday's practice, I was told that I would be used in the match, so I was preparing thoroughly for it.
Q: How do you perceive the situation of not being able to win?
In Group A, we have been struggling to win, but today’s match was one where we could have won. It’s very frustrating, but we have no choice but to move on. We want to increase the intensity in our team practice as we prepare for the next match against Cerezo Osaka.
Q: What were you aware of when you entered the pitch in the second half?
A, since the opponent's anchor was controlling the ball, I consciously positioned myself as an attacking midfielder just like in the match against Urawa, focusing thoroughly on defense.
Q: What was the difference between the team you watched from the outside due to injury and the team you actually played in the match?
A, while I was injured, it was a tough situation where we couldn't win easily. I wanted to come back and do something for the team. I felt that substitute players need to play in a way that can change the flow of the game more. I think it is important not only for the starting 11 but also for the substitutes to play in a way that can change the momentum and decide the match.
Q: What changes occurred in the team due to Abe's participation in the match?
A, the formation changed when I came on. There were also moments when I received the ball between the opponent's defenders and passed it to Adailton. Watanabe is also a player who moves inside to receive the ball, so we were able to circulate the ball well. I think the fact that fresh players kept coming on was also a factor.
Q: There may be factors such as the time of day and the opponent's fatigue level, but it seemed that placing a player in the attacking midfield position allowed the team to move the ball more effectively. What was your experience playing in that position?
A, my characteristic is being able to move freely in all directions. In terms of being able to appear anywhere, playing as an attacking midfielder is very comfortable, and I think I was able to create plays that circulated the ball in the second half. I believe that midfield players need to be creative in circulating the ball without being fixated on the formation.
Q: How would you evaluate the offensive performance?
A, I wanted to be more involved in the attack. I also want to increase plays where I aim behind the opponent from my position. I believe that unless we increase such plays, the opponent's defense won't break down, and if we can get into the opponent's territory, chances will increase. Even if I can't deliver crosses, if the ball hits the opponent, we might be able to earn a corner kick, and as a team, I want to work hard to push forward more.
