<Match Review>
In the previous match, Tokyo won the away game in Hiroshima, marking their second consecutive victory in official matches. This week, they face Albirex Niigata, a team previously managed by Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA two seasons ago. For Ryoma WATANABE and Kei KOIZUMI, it will also be a match against their former club. After achieving promotion to J1 for the first time in six years, Niigata is showcasing an aggressive style of play, and Tokyo, who are gaining momentum, will host them at home, Ajinomoto Stadium.
1st HALF - The battle of attacks sees TERRY's shot and Diego's shot giving Tokyo the lead
The match developed with both teams showing an attacking posture from the early stages. Tokyo had moments where they maintained possession and pressed forward, as well as instances where they launched quick attacks targeting the opponent's vulnerable areas when they pushed forward.
In a clash where it was possible for either side to score first, it was Tokyo that took the initiative.
In the 8th minute of the first half, after stopping the opponent's attack just outside their penalty area, Watanabe picked up a loose ball from a vertical pass, skillfully evading an opponent near the center circle, and quickly increased his dribbling speed. With supporting players coming in from both sides, Watanabe chose to pass to Nakagawa on the right side. Nakagawa, who trapped the ball inside the penalty area, expertly placed a shot into the bottom left corner of the goal, successfully giving Tokyo the lead.
However, from here, the pressure from Niigata's front line intensifies. In the 12th minute of the first half, when attempting to launch an attack to push back, the ball was lost, leading to a counterattack and a foul was called just outside the penalty area. This free kick was converted directly, bringing the match back to square one.
Both teams carried the ball with powerful attacks to the opponent's penalty area during their own possession, looking for opportunities to finish. There were moments when they were pushed back by Niigata's short passes, but Tokyo gradually increased their possession time, alternating between quick and slow attacks to aim for a lead.
The Tokyo attack bore fruit in the 34th minute of the first half. After breaking free from the opponent's press through teamwork in their own half, Shuto ABE received the ball just on the edge of the offside line on the right side, carried it deep into the opponent's territory, and made a backward pass. Diego OLIVEIRA, who had entered a position directly in front of the goal within the penalty area, received the pass in the center, evaded the approaching opponent while observing the position of the defender, and turned towards the goal while stepping out of the penalty area. In an instant, Diego created a moment of time and space, and the next moment, he struck the ball powerfully with his right foot. He slammed a fierce shot into the upper right corner of the goal near the near post.
Niigata quickly countered. In the 38th minute of the first half, a precise shot was taken by player Ito from outside the penalty area, but the ball flew to the left corner of the goal and was deflected by Jakub SLOWIK, who stretched out his left arm.
In the first half, at the 45-minute mark in Tokyo. Kuryu MATSUKI heads the corner kick from the left at the near post, but the ball that flew to the opposite side just barely missed to the left of the goal.
The thrilling back-and-forth of attacks saw Tokyo maintain a one-point lead at halftime.
2nd HALF - Control the game on both offense and defense to maintain the lead
As the second half begins, Tokyo takes control.
As the team increases their attempts in front of the opponent's goal and finishes their attacks, in the 12th minute of the second half, player Nakagawa dribbled forward and was brought down upon entering the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick decision with the support of VAR.
It was a great opportunity to pull away from the opponent, but the shot taken by kicker Diego TABA just missed to the left of the goal.
Still, Tokyo not only attacks with momentum but also controls the game by maintaining possession of the ball. Even when they lose the ball, they immediately aim to regain it, and when it's difficult, they decisively retreat to solidify their defense, showing a perfect response to Niigata's counterattacks.
It is difficult to break through for a goal, but by surpassing the opponent in physical strength at the ball, the speed of pressing, the speed of pressing back, and maintaining possession of the ball, we protect a one-point lead as we head into the final stages.
In the final stages, the team was pushed back by Niigata's fierce attacks, but they formed a defensive block to tighten the center and calmly dealt with attacks from the sides, reaching the time-up.
The three matches played during the one week of Golden Week marked the best start to the season with the first league consecutive wins.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (substituted at 45+3 minutes: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (substituted at 22 minutes: Shuhei TOKUMOTO)
MF Keisuke KOIZUMI/Shuto ABE/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Ryoma WATANABE/Diego Oliveira (substituted at 40 minutes: Adailton)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (substituted at 22 minutes: Keisuke HIGASHI)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Seiji KIMURA
FW PEROTTI
GOAL
8th minute of the first half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA/34th minute of the first half: Diego OLIVEIRA
<Albirex Niigata>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Koto ABE
DF Soya FUJIWARA (substituted at 33 minutes: Naoto ARAI)/Michael James FITZGERALD/Kazuhiko CHIBA/Yuto HORIGOME
MF Yuji HOSHI (substituted at 18 minutes: Gustavo NESCAL)
/Hiroshi OTA (substituted at 39 minutes: Yoshiaki TAKAGI)/Ryotaro ITO/Shunsuke MITOFW Kaito TANIGUCHI (substituted at 18 minutes: Yota KOMI)
SUBS
GK Haruki NISHIMURA
DF Daichi TAGAMI
GOAL
12th minute of the first half: Ryotaro ITO
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
A, today we faced a very challenging opponent. This is because they are a team that plays excellent football. They have a very fast playing tempo. In that sense, I would like to once again commend today's opponent. I believe the players and staff of Niigata are doing a wonderful job.
In the first half, I think we entered the match in good shape. We were able to start aggressively. I believe it was an exciting first half. For about the first 20 minutes, we struggled to control the match, but we were able to take the lead with a quick transition from defense to offense after regaining possession of the ball. On the other hand, we gave away a free kick due to a mistake, which led to the equalizing goal. I think the second goal was a testament to Diego OLIVEIRA proving himself to be a player of wonderful quality.
In the second half, there were times when we controlled the ball and times when the opponent had the ball and we were on defense, but even while defending, we were able to control the game.
If we had converted the subsequent penalty kick, we could have finished the match in a more composed manner, but we were unable to do so. However, such things happen in football. In the last 10 minutes of the match, we struggled against Niigata's high-quality attack, but we managed to end the match without allowing them to create any decisive chances.
Personally, today's match was difficult and challenging. There were various emotions. Both teams on the pitch were teams I had managed and am currently managing, so I felt like they were both my players.
Today, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the Tokyo fans and supporters who came to the stadium. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the Niigata fans and supporters. They have been wonderful supporters as always, and I have heard that more than 7,000 people came. Please be careful on your way home.
Q: Please tell us your feelings immediately after the match ended.
A, I have never experienced a match as painful as this in my life so far. The two years I spent in Niigata were filled with various events and many memories. Many of the players who were under my command at that time wore orange uniforms and stood on the pitch today, facing the team I am now leading. This stirred up a variety of emotions, including difficult and painful feelings. I value human connections more than football itself, so in that sense, today was a special match for me.
[Player Interview]]
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q: It was a shot that went between the opponent's legs, were you aiming for that?
A, it went as planned. It was good because it went through the legs and flew into a good course.
Q: Since we were able to score early, it created a good flow, didn't it?
A, good defense leading to good offense is Tokyo's strength, so it was good that we were able to score there, but since we conceded a goal immediately after, I think that is an area that needs improvement.
Q: Since the same members have participated in several practice matches, are you able to progress through the games while coordinating and making adjustments?
A, what is important for us is to make adjustments while winning, so I think we must flexibly adapt our attacking style depending on the opponent. Not only the build-up play, but we also want to increase scoring opportunities like the ones we had today.
Q: There was a long-distance dribble. Did you have the feeling of doing it for the team?
A, we wanted to keep possession of the ball. In that scene, whether we could carry the ball forward or not would affect the team's morale, and by earning a foul at that moment, we could create time for ourselves, so it was important to me. From that flow, I thought it would be good if we could take a shot or advance to the opponent's side.
Q: After being substituted, you jumped off the bench to encourage your teammates. Can you share your thoughts on that?
Also, Yuto NAGATOMO does this, and it is something I have cultivated at Yokohama F.Marinos. By calling out to the team, our positioning changes, and the players on the field feel a sense of "I have to do it," so I did it with the team in mind.
Q: Today, many players showed their passion.
In the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, we managed to hold on and snatch 3 points, and I wanted to create a good momentum after returning home, so we were able to decorate this important match with a victory. Since the opponent was Albirex Niigata, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA was the most motivated. I’m glad we could deliver the victory and that I was able to score as well. As for the content, it’s still not what we envision, but since we are winning even in such tough matches, we want to keep winning while making adjustments going forward.
Q, I think you are gradually feeling the results.
Since it will be consecutive matches, I think we need to unite as a team and do our best. The feeling of playing for the team is also emerging individually, so I believe it is creating a good cycle.
Q: I think there have been more scenes where the ball is settled at Teruhito NAKAGAWA's feet.
A, I think we have finally come to understand each other's strengths. We are conscious of connecting from the back, so although there are some minor mistakes, we want to improve our skills while playing matches.
Q: Did you not intend to take the penalty kick?
A, I won't take the shot. I'll tell Diego TABA, "Don't miss" (laughs).
Q, it was a shot that was like a model of 'do it this way.'
A, I was also talking with the PR team, so I'm looking forward to that video (laughs).
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: That was a wonderful goal. What was your intention when you took the shot?
A, the trap on the pass coming from the right side was too large, but I was aiming for the timing to shoot while keeping control. I was able to take a bold shot.
Q, that was a wonderful trajectory.
A, thank you very much. I am happy that a good shot led to a goal, but more than that, I value being able to win in front of many fans and supporters.
Q: We have achieved consecutive victories in the league.
A, the previous match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima was tough, and this match was also a very challenging game. From here, we have a series of away games, but none of the teams are easy opponents, so I expect difficult matches to continue. We want to keep winning and aim for the top positions.
Q: It was a difficult match, but what were the factors that allowed you to achieve consecutive wins?
A, I don't intend to make excuses, but since the season started, we have had many injuries early on and have been unable to continue competing with the same members. Players have returned and are gradually getting back to good condition. Tokyo has many good members. We want to steadily advance with wins.
Q: What was the atmosphere on the pitch like before Diego TABA's goal was scored?
A, the opposing team was highly skilled and put pressure on us with good momentum after equalizing. They were also a team proficient in ball possession, so there were certainly moments when we were under pressure. Amidst that, I think we fought patiently and managed to seize the flow. In the second half, both teams showed signs of fatigue, leading to an open match, but we controlled the game and were able to secure the win.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, please review the assist for the opening goal.
One of our aims was also a short counterattack, so I think one factor was that we were able to take the ball in a good position and quickly move it forward.
Q: Did the team have counter-attacks as an option?
A, While keeping possession of the ball ourselves, if we aim to play defense that the opponent dislikes, short counters and counters become effective and are also our strengths. I believe we had a shared understanding of this.
Q: I think Teruhito NAKAGAWA's shot was also wonderful. Did anyone say anything to you?
A, I was given an assist, so I said "thank you" (laughs).
Q: As a team, we were caught up, and it was a situation where we pulled ahead with Diego OLIVEIRA's goal. Overall, did we want to maintain possession of the ball a bit more?
A, depending on the situation, whether to kick a long ball or connect with a short ball, I think we were able to do that to some extent in today's match. You might think that there were continuous periods of being attacked, but it wasn't tough to defend, and in the final stages of the second half, when we were passing the ball around, it wasn't physically demanding. It's tough to go forward and get beaten, and I think the opponent disliked it more when we retreated, so I believe that worked well.
Q: It was a victory in front of a large crowd of over 30,000 people. We are entering a series of consecutive matches, and it seems like we can build on this momentum.
A, I think everyone has come to understand the soccer we are playing to some extent, and we have also developed a shared understanding of how to approach the game within the 90 minutes. I hope we can continue to do this in a way that leads to good results.
Q: I got the impression that there was a strong awareness of the goal, both in the dribbling course for the first goal and in the vertical pass to Shuto ABE for the second goal.
Regarding the first goal, I focused on dribbling in a way that would change the direction of the opposing defender's body. In the situation for the second goal, the circumstances were not very favorable, so I thought it would be good if I dropped back to get involved with the ball and create a numerical advantage, which successfully led to the goal.
Q: It seemed that receiving the ball in a low position was an unpleasant play for Niigata.
A, they did not commit many players to the areas where we were circulating the ball more than expected, so I was able to be in a position where I was free. It worked well, so that was good.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q: It was an exciting match, but how do you feel looking back on it?
Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Diego OLIVEIRA scored with their individual skills, and although there were tough moments, I believe the entire team was able to endure. We also practiced counterattacks this week, so we were able to execute the plays as planned. We managed to win, but there are many areas to improve both individually and as a team, so we want to make corrections.
Q: What specific areas need to be corrected?
A, as an individual, I want to eliminate simple mistakes in the defensive midfield position and have a more positive impact on the team offensively. I want to increase the time I hold the ball.
Q: As a team, do you want to increase the approach of not only relying on counterattacks but also maintaining possession of the ball while attacking to score goals?
A, I think it is ideal for any team to keep possession of the ball, score, and win. Although it is impossible to maintain possession at all times, you cannot concede if you have the ball. Even after scoring the first goal, if we can avoid retreating, extend the time we keep possession, and score additional goals, the team will become even stronger, and I believe we have the players capable of doing that. As a defensive midfielder, I need to increase the number of times I receive the ball and reduce simple mistakes.
Q: I think we only conceded a goal from a free kick today, and there were no dangerous situations during the flow of the game.
A, there were no decisive moments, but since the goal conceded was caused by my foul, I need to reflect on that. To compete for the championship from here on, there are things that can be improved both as a team and individually, so I hope we can make corrections while winning.
Q: I think we were a bit pressured during the period from 1-1 to 2-1, but is that within your expectations?
A, since we conceded a goal, I felt the opponent was gaining momentum, but we were not losing, so mentally there was no problem. Although we spent a long time defending, Tokyo has players in the front line who can score on short counters, so I was conscious of being able to attack immediately when intercepting the ball.
Q, there was a scene where player Koizumi carried the ball from his own half to the front line, recovering territory.
A, such play is necessary even as a defensive midfielder, and I am always thinking about what I can do individually even during difficult times for the team.
Q: How was the voice of the Niigata fans and supporters that you heard for the first time in six years?
A, I felt that many Niigata fans and supporters were present from the warm-up, and it was nostalgic to hear the cheering songs after a long time. However, now that I am in Tokyo, I am only thinking about winning in Tokyo, so from now on, I want to do what I should do for Tokyo to win.
