Match Review
In the match against Kyoto SANGA F.C. for the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 28, aiming for the first victory after the break. Tokyo has struggled with a lack of scoring, having gone three matches without a goal, so they want to focus on attacking while controlling the flow of the game.
The team made two changes to the starting lineup from the previous match. In goal, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who has been supporting the team with a series of great saves, is set to start. The final line features Hotaka NAKAMURA as the right back, known for his high work rate, while Kanta DOI has been named as a center back, starting for the fourth consecutive match since the break. Replacing Masato MORISHIGE, who suffered a concussion in the last match, is Tetsuhei OKA, and Yuto NAGATOMO is positioned as the left back. In midfield, Takahiro KO and Keisuke KOIZUMI form a partnership as defensive midfielders, with Ryotaro ARAKI playing just behind the forwards. The three forwards remain the same as in the previous match, with Diego OLIVEIRA in the center, Teruhito NAKAGAWA on the right, and Keita ENDO on the left.
In addition, the bench includes four forwards, including the new player Ewerton Gaudino, who is expected to make his debut. The team united to aim for the long-awaited goal and victory in the match.
1st HALF - Pressed by the opponent's early moves, we fell behind by 2 points.
The match was overwhelmed by the momentum of Kyoto, who launched an aggressive press right after the kickoff.
When the aggressive press caused a disruption in the build-up and the ball was lost in a high position, Rafael Elias took a powerful left-footed shot. This was deflected away by Nozawa's diving save, but from that corner kick, Rafael Elias headed the ball into the net, resulting in a goal. This completely caught us off guard, allowing the opening goal just 2 minutes into the match.
After that, there were times when we were pressed by the opponent and struggled to connect passes, but with Takahashi as the focal point, we calmed the game down and gradually increased our possession rate, leading to more play in the opponent's half.
In the 19th minute of the first half, Diego TABA capitalized on a loose ball from Araki's left corner kick, and in the following 32nd minute, Nakagawa aimed for the goal after receiving a through pass from Araki inside the penalty area, creating scenes of pressure on the opponent's goal.
However, in the 34th minute of the first half, Kyoto launched a powerful long-range shot from a counterattack. Although it was deflected by player Nozawa, they conceded a painful additional goal from this corner kick, headed in by player Hara. The lead was extended to two points. It was a regrettable goal considering they had started to create opportunities to control the pace and push forward.
Tokyo, wanting to make a push, enters the attacking third and looks for chances, but the first half ends like this. The counterattack will carry over to the second half.
2nd HALF - A fierce counterattack was thwarted by the crossbar and did not bear fruit
In the second half, chasing a 2-goal deficit, Tokyo substituted Soma ANZAI for Nagatomo. He immediately took his place as the left side back, trying to enhance the attacking power.
However, Kyoto continued their high press from the kickoff of the second half, actively attacking from a high position. In the 3rd minute of the second half, Kyoto made a perfect connection from a corner kick, but Nozawa showed sharp reflexes and made a diving save. They are struggling to boost the team's momentum through defense.
However, Tokyo is unable to connect the ball as they wish due to the intense press from Kyoto. In the 5th minute of the second half, they suffered a wave of attacks from a loss on the left side, and their defensive line was broken in the penalty area, resulting in the loss of the third goal.
The difficult situation continues. Anzai, who was just brought on in the second half, was injured in the 8th minute of the second half due to contact with an opponent. He was forced to be substituted, and Keigo HIGASHI entered the midfield, while Kei KOIZUMI was scrambled into the left side back position. The situation relied on tactical insight and experience.
Tokyo struggled to create chances. In the 67th minute of the second half, Diego received a right cross from Nakamura and executed a right-footed volley. It seemed that Nakagawa had scored with a technical bicycle kick from the rebound, but the goal was disallowed because Nakagawa was in an offside position at the moment Diego took the shot. It was a brilliant shot, but unfortunately did not result in a goal.
In the 24th minute of the second half, coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI makes adjustments to the front line. Ewerton, making his debut for Tokyo, comes on as a right winger in place of Nakagawa, and Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA is sent onto the pitch in place of Araki.
In the 30th minute of the second half, Higashi, who had switched positions with Koizumi and moved to the defensive midfielder role, spread the play from the center to the left side. Receiving the ball, Ewerton sent it towards the goal with his strong left foot, and Takahashi, who made a run, headed it. Takahashi quickly reacted to the rebound that was blocked by the crossbar and aimed again with his left foot, but this went over the goal, failing to score the equalizing goal.
Tokyo wants to increase the pressure from the front line. In the 39th minute of the second half, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who had just been brought on, made a strong dribble from the left side and struck with his right foot. This was thwarted by a good reaction from the opposing goalkeeper, but the attackers are trying to break through by boldly challenging from both sides.
In the final stages, while enduring with Nozawa's excellent saves, there were scenes where Tawaramizuki aimed for a goal, but they couldn't break through Kyoto, who solidified their defense while aiming for a counterattack after widening the score gap.
There were unexpected accidents, but the match developed in a way that fell into the opponent's trap, resulting in three goals conceded, including the start of both halves, and leaving a frustrating outcome of four consecutive matches without scoring.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA/Kanta DOI/Teppei OKA/Nagato YUTO (Substituted: Soma ANZAI at 0 min of 2nd half) (Substituted: Keigo HIGASHI at 13 min of 2nd half)
MF Yu HIRAKI/Kei KOIZUMI/Ryotaro ARAKI (Substituted: Go KOBAYASHI at 24 min of 2nd half)
FW Diego Oliveira/Keita ENDO (Substituted: Kota TAWARA at 38 min of 2nd half)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (Substituted: Ewerton Gaudino at 24 min of 2nd half)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Yasuki KIMOTO
GOAL
―
<Kyoto Sanga F.C.>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Soen YUN
DF Shinnosuke FUKUDA/Yuta MIYAMOTO/Yoshinori SUZUKI
MF Shimpei FUKUOKA/Takuji YONEMOTO (substituted in 24th minute: Sota KAWASAKI)/Taiki HIRATO (substituted in 45th minute: Ryuma NAKANO)/Kyo SATO
FW Marco TULLIO (substituted in 45th minute: Murilo COSTA)/Taichi HARA/Rafael ELIAS (substituted in 38th minute: Sora HIRAGA)
SUBS
GK Gakuji OTA
DF Kazunari KITA/Lucas Oliveira
GOAL
2nd minute of the first half: Rafael Elias/36th minute of the first half: Taichi HARA/5th minute of the second half: Taiki HIRATO
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Coach Interview]
Q, please review the game.
A, I am very disappointed with today's score. Kyoto showed that they deserved to win and outperformed us in key areas. The important thing is to reflect on our own play and learn from it. In that process, I think there were points where we needed to be sharper. There was a difference between when we played well and when we didn't, and it turned into a very tough match. The start of the game was bad for us, and goals change the course of the match. Kyoto scored the opening goal from a corner kick, which became the best start for them. After that, we were close to gaining control of the game, but at that point, we conceded another goal from a corner kick. Such things must not happen as they change the flow of the match. We needed to take control of the game there. The players gave their all and fought to the end. Kyoto finished off dangerous situations in front of the goal decisively. That’s how they took the 3 points.
Q: Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA was brought in to replace Ryotaro ARAKI. Was there an option to use both players at the same time?
A, that option is also one of the possible choices. Player Kobayashi came on and made dangerous plays against the opponent. (Regarding coming on as a substitute) He is still in the process of getting his body rhythm, and that is important for his future. There was also a feeling that Diego OLIVEIRA would do something. There was also the point of wanting to see the combination of Diego OLIVEIRA and Ewerton Gaudino. That was the judgment from that perspective.
Q: What do you think are the reasons for not being able to win and not being able to score since entering summer?
A, we are currently in a very difficult situation. I believe winning is a habit, and in that sense, we are in a tough spot. During difficult times, the momentum rarely goes our way. Although we couldn't score today, we created several chances. There were two instances where the ball hit the crossbar, and there was also a goal that was disallowed due to offside. When things are going well, those kinds of moments turn into goals and the momentum shifts in our favor.
We talked about this a few weeks ago, but times like these are important, and we are being tested in this difficult situation. As we prepare for the next match, I believe it is crucial to consider how we will respond and what actions we will take. Our process does not change, and we will thoroughly analyze our performance. Within that, we need to learn where we can improve effectively. This situation can lead to the greatest growth, and it is essential for everyone to work hard to overcome it. We want to take it step by step and work towards achieving results. There are 10 matches left with 30 points available. We believe we can improve even more.
[Player Interview]
＜Takahiro KO＞
Q: Wasn't it a difficult match receiving high pressure from the opponent from start to finish?
A, I think the main issue in today's match was our inability to effectively avoid the opponent's pressing. This has happened many times before, and since we keep repeating the same mistakes, I believe this reflects the current weaknesses of our team. We need to clearly define what should be done, have thorough discussions as a team, and ensure that everyone takes responsibility. Although there were moments from the middle of the first half when we were able to move the ball, I want us to be able to do this from the start of the game, not after conceding a goal. Instead of just reacting to the opponent, we need to take more initiative ourselves, or else we will always be on the back foot. I think the only way forward is for the entire team to share this awareness and work together.
Q: What aspects did you aim for but were unsuccessful in?
A, the second balls still often rolled to the opponent, and when playing against Kyoto SANGA F.C., if we had firmly controlled that moment, the momentum would have shifted in our favor. The fact that the momentum rolled to the opponent there is proof that our preparation is still insufficient. First, we need to surpass the opponent in the essential parts of soccer: fighting, running, and spirit. This applies to me personally as well as the entire team, and we want to play again with a strong mindset. Even today, despite it being an away game, the fans and supporters created a wonderful atmosphere and continued to cheer us on until the very end after the match. I am very frustrated and sorry that we could not respond with a victory. However, there are still more matches to come, so we must firmly face the same direction and keep going.
Q: Everyone involved with the team is currently going through a tough time. Please tell us the most important thing you want to focus on for the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, after all, how much each individual truly has the desire to win is important. It is precisely at times like these that facing the opponent in front of you is tested. I believe we have no choice but to start from training, so while being thorough and committed, each person should direct their focus inwardly on themselves, rather than pointing arrows at others or outside.
<Ewerton Gaudino>
Q, this was your first official match after joining Tokyo.
It was my debut match in Tokyo, but I am very disappointed that the team lost 0-3 and that I couldn't contribute to plays leading to goals. However, the next match is coming soon. I will work hard with my teammates in training next week and look forward to facing Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the next round, aiming to secure a victory.
Q, I think there was a high level of contribution in defense, not just in offensive play.
A, today you came on as a substitute on the right wing, but no matter which position you play, I think you just need to perform the plays necessary for the team's victory, the plays that Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI and your teammates expect from you.
Q: Once again, is there anything you couldn't fully express on the pitch in official matches?
A, I played for about 20 minutes as a substitute, and since it was my first time playing in the J.League, and the team was losing when I came on, I think today was a difficult and tough match in many ways. From here, I want to first improve my condition further to increase my playing time, and then contribute with plays that lead to goals.
Q: There are 10 matches left in the league. How do you want to contribute from here on?
<div>A, not only in today's match but also recently, not only us players but also the fans and supporters have been going through tough times. However, to win the remaining league matches, we want to prioritize unity and moving forward. Your support has been a great encouragement, and to secure victory in the next match against Hiroshima, we players want to work hard from training and focus solely on winning to respond to your cheers.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: Although the situation is tough, what do you think is necessary to change the current circumstances?
A, we are also trying various things, but we are in a situation where we cannot create chances, cannot score, and easily concede goals. We have to change something. It must be changed by ourselves.For the pride of fighting as part of this team and for the fans and supporters who cheer for us. Another match will come soon. We will all work together again for victory.
