<Match Review>
The J1 League has reached the halfway point of the 2023 season. The last match of the first half was an away game against Gamba Osaka. Including the Levain Cup, this was the third matchup of the season.
Tokyo has the same lineup as the previous match. Kei KOIZUMI, who was substituted in the first half due to discomfort in his leg, started on the pitch without any issues. Up front, Diego Oliveira, who has scored 4 goals in the last 3 matches, plays centrally, with Teruhito NAKAGAWA on the right wing and Ryoma WATANABE on the left wing, which is Tokyo's standard formation. Kuryu MATSUKI, who was sent off in the last match, is suspended, and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who performed well in the Emperor's Cup second round three days ago, has been included in the substitute list.
1st HALF - Trailing by 2 points after the incident
From the early stages, both teams increased pressure on the ball side, and Tokyo quickly passed the ball to Diego TABA to create a starting point, looking for opportunities to attack after securing the ball in a high position.
The opportunity came in the 9th minute of the first half when a ball was passed from the left side to Koizumi in the central space, who then passed it to Diego in front of him. Confirming that the opponent's mark was not behind him, Diego turned and faced the goal, actively aiming for a shot from mid-range.
On the other hand, there are noticeable scenes where the opponent carries the ball deep into our territory. In the 15th minute of the first half, when the ball was held in the vital area, the marking on the ball holder couldn't keep up, allowing a free shot inside the penalty area, but Jakub SLOWIK made a fine save with his foot to avert the crisis.
Before this crisis, Takuya AOKI was injured while clearing a decisive pass in the penalty area. He returned to the pitch once, but when he couldn't get up after surviving the crisis in the first 15 minutes, Keigo HIGASHI was urgently brought in.
They wanted to respond to the accident, but the opponent took the initiative. In the 25th minute of the first half, a corner kick from the left side was headed back towards the goal at the far side, and Issam JEBALI pushed it in, allowing the first goal.
Tokyo wants to launch a counterattack, but in the 29th minute of the first half, they were slow to react to the opponent's restart during a throw-in situation, allowing a looping pass from midfield into the goal area. Issam JEBALI, who came rushing in, headed the ball into the right corner of the goal, conceding an additional point.
Just before the end of the first half, Nakagawa was fouled, earning a free kick opportunity. Shuhei TOKUMOTO delivered a sharp ball into the goal area, and Taira SHIGE had a free header right in front of the goal, but it went straight to the goalkeeper.
2nd HALF - Just before the end, Tsukakawa's goal only resulted in a single point for the comeback.
Tokyo, wanting to change the flow of the game, brought in Adailton in place of Yuto NAGATOMO at halftime to strengthen their attack.
From the start of the second half, Tokyo showed a strong awareness of vertical play, pushing deep into the opponent's territory using Adailton. In the 2nd minute of the second half, while pressing the opponent, they stretched wide, and Diego TABA headed the cross from the left side by Tokumoto, but the shot went straight to the goalkeeper.
They were aggressively attacking with a strong awareness of the goal, but in the 15th minute of the second half, they were targeted from behind. They penetrated deep into the opponent's territory on the right side, but when they lost the ball, it was quickly spread to the opposite side. The ball was carried high up the field, creating a numerical disadvantage in the penalty area. Although Yasuki KIMOTO managed to block a cross with his body, the loose ball was seized by Handa, who extended the lead.
Tokyo, wanting to strengthen their counterattack without letting up, in the 21st minute of the second half, had Nakagawa as the starting point near the penalty area. He utilized Tokumoto, who held on and kept the ball near the goal line, delivering a strong pass in front of the goal. Diego TABA stretched out his foot to connect, but the shot narrowly missed to the right of the goal.
In the 26th minute of the second half, we were once again countered and shaken wide, allowing a shot to be taken in a free position right in front of the goal, but Jakub SLOWIK made a super save.
In the 33rd minute of the second half, Diego TABA received the ball in a high position and was fouled by an opponent, earning a free kick. Julian sent a sharp ball into the goal area, and Kimoto attempted a high header shot, but the ball heading towards the goal was cleared by a defending player.
Tokyo, who continued their attacking posture without giving up, created an opportunity on the right side in the 45+2 minutes of the second half. The ball flowed to the opposite side, where player Tokumoto picked it up, made a vertical run, and delivered a cross. Koki TSUKAGAWA, who jumped in at the far side, headed the ball into the left corner of the goal, finally scoring one point.
However, the counterattack was limited to one goal, and we lost 1-3.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Yuto NAGATOMO (Substituted: Adailton, 0 min into 2nd half) / Yasuki KIMOTO (Substituted: Henrique Trevisan, 43 min into 2nd half) / Masato MORISHIGE / Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Keisuke KOIZUMI / Takuya AOKI (Substituted: Keigo HIGASHI, 17 min into 2nd half) / Shuto ABE (Substituted: Koki TSUKAGAWA, 23 min into 2nd half)
FW Ryoma WATANABE / Diego Oliveira / Teruhito NAKAGAWA (Substituted: Kota TAWARA, 23 min into 2nd half)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
GOAL
2 minutes into stoppage time in the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA
<Gamba Osaka>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Masaaki HIGASHIGUCHI
DF Shota FUKUOKA/Hiraku HANDA/Yota SATO (39th minute: Genta MIURA)/Keisuke KUROKAWA (45+3rd minute: Wataru YANAGISAWA)
MF Akira KURATA (23rd minute: Yuya FUKUDA)/Neta LAVI/Dawan (23rd minute: Hideki ISHIGE)/Yuki YAMAMOTO/Fan Alano (39th minute: Ryotaro MESHINO)
FW Issam Jebali
SUBS
GK Kosei TANI
FW Hiroto YAMAMI
GOAL
25th minute of the first half: Issam JEBALI/29th minute of the first half: Issam JEBALI/15th minute of the second half: Riku HANDA
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
A, I think today's match was lost due to two defensive mistakes during set plays that led to conceding goals. Those two goals had a significant impact on the flow of the game. Today, we lost the balance between offense and defense. Regarding the attack, I believe we played well in both the first and second halves. We maintained possession, actively aimed for the goal, and created decisive chances. On the other hand, if the defensive balance is disrupted, the overall balance between offense and defense collapses. Even if we maintain possession as planned and play more aggressively, if we continue to make defensive mistakes and concede goals, our progress and growth will be hindered.
I have also conveyed this to the players. I believe the quality of play was worse last season than this season. However, there were many matches where we finished without conceding a goal by solidifying our defense. On the other hand, I think our attacking play has improved this season, especially. However, even if we can attack well, if our defense becomes unstable and the balance between offense and defense is disrupted, it can lead to poor results and a loss of confidence. I think this season is a difficult one. The number of injuries has compounded, making our battles more challenging. However, we must overcome this barrier.
Q: You were unable to fully contain the opponent's attacks from the first half. What kind of plan did you have in place?
A, I believe that conceding two goals early in the first half greatly affected our play afterward. The two goals had a significant impact. After conceding twice, we were psychologically forced to play more aggressively. In that situation, I think we ended up giving the opposing team a lot of space.
I think the first goal we conceded was during a period when we were able to play aggressively. However, after that, we easily lost the ball and were countered, leading to a corner kick from which we conceded a goal, and that affected the subsequent developments in the match, which is the nature of football. The second goal was similar. It was a goal conceded because we did not properly respond to the opponent's throw-in. Those two goals created a situation where we had to be more aggressive, which I believe influenced our play afterwards.
Q: With 19 points at the end of the first half, what is necessary to make a comeback in the second half?
A, we have continued to grow in the attacking aspect, but now the defense has become unstable, so we need to thoroughly improve it starting from training. We are also advancing in the Emperor's Cup. In the Levain Cup, whether we advance past the group stage depends on the results of the final matchday. We want to aim high and compete in both of these tournaments. Looking back on the first half of this league season, injuries have had some impact. On the other hand, even when the players were fully available, I don't think we always produced the expected results. In that sense, if asked whether we played the first half as expected, I would say definitely not.
[Player Interview]]
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: It was a difficult match, but what is necessary for the team to win?
A, at this point, it is difficult to specify anything concrete, but there is no doubt that some kind of mistake was made. However, it is not about blaming anyone in particular; we need to calmly reflect on what went wrong. Although the flow is unfavorable, I believe we have no choice but to start over again as a team.
Q, it seems that Diego TABA is able to play in good condition. Even in difficult times, we saw him play in a way that leads the team.
A, I think my condition is not bad, but that is separate from the team winning. It is important to fight as a team, so I believe we have no choice but to fight together and win.
Q: In the second half, we created many chances to approach the goal centered around Diego TABA, and we scored one point.
A, I think the second half was better. We had many chances, but we were only able to score one goal. There are points to improve in both offense and defense. As we head into the second half of the league, we want to work on both and prepare thoroughly.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, please reflect on the match
A, I think the key was that we tried to score the first goal before the opponent, but ended up conceding first. We needed to play with more momentum in both offense and defense from the first half. In the second half, with Adailton being brought on, it seemed like there were more moments where individual skill could break through.
Q: Throughout the match, it seemed that many chances were created through breakdowns and crosses on the left side.
Before the match, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA had already communicated about the side attacks and breaking down the defense, so I was especially conscious of how to engage forward and play with momentum. Since only one goal was born from my involvement, I want to create more impact from my side.
Q: Tokumoto's participation in the attack led to a goal. How will you build on this assist in the future?
A, including set plays, I feel that my connection with my teammates is improving. Although it did not lead to a goal, there were three or four occasions where I was able to kick with a good feeling. I just have to keep doing that. I want to continue supplying high-precision balls for the team and create many goals.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, please review the game.
A, regarding this matchday, I think there were probably multiple reasons for the defeat, too many to count. The biggest difference compared to Gamba Osaka was whether we could demonstrate strength in one-on-one situations and firmly recover the second ball. Winning those moments brought a good flow to Gamba Osaka. In a difficult match, the opponent scored the opening goal from a set piece, which led to a flow resulting in an additional goal. There are many reasons for the defeat, but losing in key moments like one-on-one situations made the match difficult. I played as an inside half in the first half, but a major reflection is that we gave too much freedom to Neta LAVI and Dawhan.
Q: You played as a right back in the second half. Please tell us what you were conscious of while playing in a different position than in the first half.
A, I was especially conscious of creating the shape of the build-up. Among them, I paid attention to the suitability and playing style of wing players such as Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA. How to use teammates depends on the players in the back, including myself. I want to be more particular about the shape when creating attacks, and I want to further increase my intensity so as not to lose in one-on-one situations.
<Shuto ABE>
Q: I had the impression that there were many situations where you were not marked by the opponent.
A, in the past few matches, we have been conceding goals mainly from crosses, so this week's training also focused on defending against crosses. Even so, we conceded goals from set pieces and crosses, and I feel that we are not marking tightly enough. It is also important to prevent the opponent from delivering crosses in the first place. Especially for the second goal, we allowed a free cross. In that situation, I was partly at fault for slacking off, and it took me too long to apply pressure. I believe it is my responsibility.
Q: With players moving fluidly, was there no option to mark them one-on-one?
A, it is difficult to watch both the ball and the opponent, but in front of the goal, if you lose your mark, it directly leads to conceding a goal, so I think each person must take responsibility and mark their opponent.
Q: Before entering the second half of the league matches, next week is the final match of the Levain Cup group stage.
Also, the next Levain Cup match is an important game, and we must win. Since it is a different tournament from the league matches, we need to adjust our mindset and compete with a different attitude.
