<Match Review>
In the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka, which aimed for a third consecutive win, we were limited to just two shots throughout the 90 minutes and lost. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA showed a stern expression, especially regarding the lack of shots in the second half. After just two days, we traveled to the northern land to face Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, concluding a three-match series during the long holiday.
As for the changes in the lineup from the previous match, Masato MORISHIGE, Henrique TREVIZAN, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, Kei KOIZUMI, and Adailton have returned to the starting lineup. Additionally, Soma ANZAI, a specially designated player currently enrolled at Waseda University, made his league debut, and PEROTTI was used in the starting lineup for the first time in league play. This match comes amid a tight schedule with two away games involving long-distance travel, but the team united to face this match with the aim of stopping the losing streak and securing three points.
1st HALF - Struggled against man-to-man defense and allowed the lead
Tokyo wanted an opening goal for victory, but they allowed the first goal in the 8th minute of the first half before the game's momentum was established. After losing the ball just before the halfway line, it was carried by player Kobayashi, leading to a last pass. Player Asano received the ball just before the penalty area, and after trapping it with his right foot, he struck with his left foot, sending a shot that caught Jakub SLOWIK off guard and into the goal.
The first chance for Tokyo came in the 16th minute of the first half. Kuryu MATSUKI's corner kick was headed by Morishige. Unfortunately, it went wide of the goal, but it was a threatening moment for Sapporo's goal. In the 23rd minute of the first half, Adailton received a long ball and created a scene where he broke through alone to take a shot.
After that, there was a difficult period where we couldn't get past Sapporo's man-to-man defense even after regaining possession of the ball. However, there were moments where Adailton's dribbling and power created opportunities to take shots. Still, we couldn't build up our attack, and each attempt ended up being isolated.
On the defensive side, in the 28th minute of the first half, after the movement of the third player, Kogashi was able to get behind the defense line, and Sugai kicked in the return pass, widening the lead.
The bad trend continues. In the 37th minute of the first half, with the support of VAR, it was determined that player Yoshifumi fouled player Fukumori in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick. This was converted by player Kaneko, extending the lead to three goals.
Tokyo, wanting to score at least one goal before halftime, approached the goal again in the 42nd minute through a play utilizing Adailton's physicality. Matsuki aimed for the loose ball with his right foot. The shot, which was on target, was denied by the crossbar, and Adailton's follow-up shot also failed to hit the target. They went into halftime without closing the gap.
2nd HALF - Substitutions changed the flow, and Nakagawa scored a goal in the counterattack
Tokyo, trailing by 3 points, made three substitutions at the start of the second half. They brought in Diego OLIVEIRA, Teruhito NAKAGAWA, and Takuya AOKI, changing the system to break the bad flow and bring in a good one.
However, the flow of the match does not change even in the second half.
In the 4th minute of the second half, a set piece created a crisis, but it was saved by a fine save from Jakub SLOWIK. However, just after that, in the 5th minute of the second half, they were broken down with a series of precise passes in front of the goal, and finally conceded the fourth goal to Sugai.
The match finally settled into a calm flow here, but Sapporo still maintained control. Nevertheless, Tokyo persevered in searching for a way to counterattack, determined to first score one goal. In the 28th minute of the second half, Adailton's cross from the right side was pushed in by Nakagawa, and their counterattack finally led to a goal.
After scoring one goal back, Tokyo stepped up their game and created chances for additional goals. However, they hit the crossbar and faced blocks from the opponent, falling just short. Conversely, in stoppage time, Kaneko scored his second goal of the day on a counterattack, leading to the final whistle.
After achieving three consecutive wins in official matches and entering a series of games, the team has now faced its first consecutive losses in the league this season. Next week, they will return home to battle Kawasaki Frontale in the Tamagawa Classico at the Japan National Stadium. They vow to make a comeback in the league in this crucial match against Kawasaki.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Soma ANZAI/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique Trevisan/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (substituted in the 55th minute: Shuhei TOKUMOTO)
MF Keisuke Koizumi/Shuto ABE (substituted in the 45th minute: Takuya AOKI)/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Ryoma WATANABE (substituted in the 45th minute: Teruhito NAKAGAWA)/Perotti (substituted in the 45th minute: Diego Oliveira)/Adailton (substituted in the 77th minute: Kota Tawara)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Yasuki KIMOTO
GOAL
28th minute of the second half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA
<Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Takanori SUGENO
DF Shunta TANAKA/Daihachi OKAMURA/Akito FUKUMORI (38th minute: Kiriya NAKAMURA)
MF Takuro KANEKO/Takuma ARANO/Hiroki MIYAZAWA (28th minute: Haruya BABA)/Daiki SUGA/Yuya ASANO (38th minute: Milan TUCIC)/Yoshiaki KOMAI (28th minute: Yuki KOBAYASHI)
FW Go KOBAYASHI (19th minute: Lucas FERNANDEZ)
SUBS
GK Kwon Sun-yong
MF Supachok/Lucas FERNANDES
GOAL
8th minute of the first half: Yuya ASANO/18th minute of the first half: Daiki SUGA/38th minute of the first half: Takuro KANEKO/5th minute of the second half: Daiki SUGA/45+3 minutes of the second half: Takuro KANEKO
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
<div>A, I think the flow of the match was decided in the first few minutes. There were also moments where we did not enter the game with full concentration. We lost possession many times in the midfield, and Sapporo skillfully took advantage of that to intercept the ball. Especially in the first 15 minutes, we had planned a game strategy to exploit the space behind, but we were not able to do that much, often receiving the ball at our feet, which led to repeated ball losses and resulted in Sapporo's opening and additional goals.
I think the impact of fatigue was due to this congested schedule and the two long-distance expeditions. In the short span of two days, the long travel to Kyushu and Hokkaido made it difficult to recover from fatigue. As I have commented many times before, this J1 League is a very competitive league. Therefore, any team can win, and there is also the possibility of losing. That is why who scores the first goal can influence the outcome of the match. Today, because we conceded the first goal and an additional goal, we had to aim for more goals, leading to a back-and-forth battle for goals.
In the first half, we weren't able to play well, but we did create a few chances. In the second half, the players who came on as substitutes gave their all, and the team fought hard together. I believe it was a completely different 45 minutes compared to the first half. We created some decisive chances, and if a few of those had gone in, I think the match would have had a different flow and result.
I believe we should not allow an opening goal in the early stages of the match. Conceding that first goal had a significant impact on the flow of the game afterwards. I want to make sure we correct the mistakes from today and carry that forward to the next match.
In the world of soccer, there are matches like this. Everything does not go well for us, while everything goes well for the opposing team. We also created several decisive chances. Nevertheless, unfortunately, there were moments when our shots hit the post and we were not awarded a penalty kick.
Q: What adjustments did you make at halftime?
A tried to reduce ball losses. Then, we moved the ball at a good tempo and confirmed once again to break through behind the opponent. This was also something prepared as a pre-game plan. However, I believe that such a significant impact from a single conceded goal should never happen.
Q: I think the fourth goal was conceded because many players gathered around the opponent's throw-in.
A, I believe that in soccer, just like in life, the state of mind greatly influences actions. When things are going well, appropriate decisions and actions can be made. On the other hand, when things are not going well, especially if it continues, a negative cycle can occur where mistakes in actions and decisions increase. I think today was such a situation.
I believe that the opening goal and the additional goal in the first 15 minutes of today's first half had a significant impact on our play and the flow of the match. I think we should not be so affected by the opening goal. Our performance in the first half was very poor. Even when we play badly, there are matches where the opponent fails to capitalize on their chances. However, in today's case, not only was our play poor, but every action by Sapporo went well, and every chance ended in a goal.
It can be difficult to create chances, and sometimes those few chances lead to goals and victories. Even if we play well, there are matches we can lose. That's the world of football. Today, our performance was poor, we were unlucky, and everything went well for the opposing team.
I don't know if the fatigue from the two consecutive away games affected us, but it might have had an impact. The J-League set this schedule, but there are parts that are a bit hard to understand. Next, we have a home game, but after that, we have another away game, which makes for an irregular schedule that is difficult to comprehend. However, teams aiming for the top must overcome such barriers. In that sense, I believe we need to overcome this barrier firmly.
[Player Interview]]
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: It was a tough result. Please tell us your honest feelings right now.
A, we caused a crisis due to our own mistakes. We conceded three goals in the first half, putting ourselves in a difficult situation. This is a major point for reflection.
Q: Regarding defense, how does the team organize what they want to do internally?
We accept the 1-5 result as a consequence of not being well-organized. We need to clarify what kind of football we want to show. If we continue to play vaguely, the game will unfold like it did today. Both in offense and defense, it ended up being a half-hearted match.
Q: Next week, there is the Tamagawa Classico against Kawasaki Frontale. What challenges does the team face, and where will you start addressing them?
A, first of all, defense. Without stable defense, you cannot develop good soccer. Of course, we will play attacking soccer, but a sense of balance between offense and defense is important. You cannot win by only attacking, so if the team seeks stable results, I believe it is essential to improve the defensive aspect.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q: It was a tough match result. Please tell us how you feel right now.
A, it was a match where we lost to the opponent's fighting spirit, and it is the part we lack the most right now. Regardless of long-distance travel or consecutive matches, our fighting attitude was not superior to the opponent's. I think that is what Tokyo needs the most right now. It's not a matter of soccer skills. There were scenes leading to goals from one-on-one situations with the opponent. Like the fourth goal conceded, even though Tokyo players were gathered in front of the goal, there were moments when we couldn't fully take the ball away. We lost in every one-on-one situation. I think Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo was also actively targeting the ball contests. Against opponents who defend in a man-to-man style, we lacked plays that overturn the situation, smoothly passing the ball to teammates, drawing the ball side to create space, and using that space.
Q: We also saw Nakagawa inspiring his teammates.
A, because we were in a losing situation. When the defense is numerically equal, we can't take the ball, so I was calling out to my teammates in those situations.
Q, please review the scoring scene.
A, I was able to score, but there were also moments when I missed. I think the momentum changed by finishing the chances. First, we need to improve on not conceding the first goal to the opponent.
Q: What preparations are you making for the Tamagawa Classico next week?
We were frustrated in the two consecutive matches against Avispa Fukuoka and Sapporo. I believe the only way to overcome this frustration is on the field. With many fans filling the stadium, how well can we play? It's not about going back to basics, but to regain our strength in one-on-one situations before the match, we need to train intensely and rigorously. Otherwise, we won't be able to compete against Kawasaki Frontale, who have high individual abilities.
Q: It seemed that changing some members during the consecutive matches affected the game.
A, I think it depends on everyone's mindset. Players given the chance must deliver results in the match. Since no player has secured a position, expressing yourself in each game benefits the team and leads to victory. Players who participated in the match should reflect on their individual performance, and we want to overcome challenges as a team. To aim for the top and break the negative streak, we must approach the Kawasaki match with the spirit of a challenger; otherwise, we won't be able to bring joy to our fans and supporters.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q: Did allowing the opening goal at the start have an impact?
A, first of all, we knew that Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo was a team that could score from the very start of the first half, so we were careful, but we conceded the opening goal in just 8 minutes, less than 15 minutes into the game. I thought the initial phase was very important, but conceding at that point led to a situation where we allowed Sapporo to score multiple goals. For us, we wanted the game to be decided by just one goal. Today, more than in any other match, the start was crucial, and conceding first gave the opponent rhythm and momentum. I think we need to reflect on that.
Q: Similar to the previous match, we couldn't establish our rhythm in the early stages.
A, since the opponents are different, the defensive approach changes each time, as does the build-up style. However, I think the game would have unfolded differently if we had been able to secure the second ball a bit more as our possession at the start today. There are tactical differences and characteristics of the opponents, but I believe we were fundamentally losing at the basic level first.
Q: It was a tough schedule with away matches involving long-distance travel.
A, Sapporo had consecutive home games while we had consecutive away games, and on top of that, there were only two days in between. However, once we step onto the pitch, the schedule shouldn't matter, and even so, we have to win. Simply put, I think the realistic difference between us and Sapporo right now is our lack of ability. I don't want to use the schedule as an excuse, and I believe the reason we lost today is not because of that.
Q, I want to use this losing streak as a springboard to show resilience in the next match.
Since the match will be held at Japan National Stadium and Kawasaki Frontale is the opponent, I believe many fans will come to watch, so we cannot afford to play such a disappointing game. Because we have been playing matches like this, I think the team needs to change something if we want to aim for a higher position. We will discuss it together and want to get things sorted out before the match against Kawasaki.
<Soma ANZAI>
Q: This is your first appearance in the league and your first time starting.
A, the team suffered a heavy defeat, so I honestly feel very frustrated. Since the fans and supporters came all this way, I feel sorry about the result of this match.
Q: When were you informed that you would be playing today?
A has been participating in practice since this Thursday, and was informed about being in the starting lineup just before the game today. However, since he was included in the starting group during practice, he was mentally prepared to play. He didn't sleep well last night.
Q: What thoughts did you have when you stepped onto the pitch?
In the match against Avispa Fukuoka, the team was losing, so I thought I would play to boost the momentum, but the results did not follow, and I was personally involved in conceding a goal, so I am filled with a very frustrating feeling.
Q: There were moments where you left your opponents behind with your dribbling.
A, my strength is adding an accent to the team through offense, but today I couldn't show my usual performance, and I still had many passive plays, so I need to do more.
Q: How do you feel about playing as a full-back?
A, My strength is that I can play anywhere, and I also find the side back position interesting, so I have no discomfort playing as a side back.
Q: It seemed like you entered the match smoothly. Did any of your teammates say anything to you?
A, before the match, everyone spoke to me and created an environment that made it easier for me. Kei KOIZUMI told me, "Go for it boldly," and on the nearby side, Masato MORISHIGE and Ryoma WATANABE also called out to me. Everyone helped me, so I wanted to repay them with results, but I ended up playing poorly.
Q: Did you feel that there were aspects where you could compete on a professional stage?
A, as my strong points, I believe I can compete well in battles and one-on-one situations here. Although I still feel there is a long way to go today, I want to start over from scratch and practice hard to be able to return to this pitch.
Q: What kind of player do you want to become, starting with your league debut today?
A, I believe I must become a player who can energize the team and, as a side back, help the team win both offensively and defensively.
