Match Review
In the previous match, we scored a goal for the first time in five league games and drew against Verdy, but we have been without a win for five matches.
Tokyo headed to Okayama for their first victory in six matches. As their attacks began to take shape and the number of chances increased, they want to firmly assess the opponent's response in this match and seize control with precise positioning and movement.
Not only should we focus on the details in our attack, but we must also enhance our concentration in defense, having conceded 5 goals in 2 matches, as we enter the game.
Fagiano Okayama, despite being in their first season after promotion to J1 League, is fighting hard with a focus on hard work, solid defense, and sharp counterattacks with few touches. So far, they have 3 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses, placing them in 9th position. Ryunosuke SATO, who is on a developmental loan from Tokyo, cannot participate due to contractual reasons, but the team plays aggressively with a strong presence in duels and quick transitions between offense and defense.
Tokyo made two changes to the starting lineup from the previous match. Kanta DOI was placed as the right stopper in a three-back formation, and Teruhito NAKAGAWA was utilized as the right inside half.
Kicking off under a clear sky typical of Okayama Prefecture, known by the nickname 'Land of Sunshine,' with a slightly strong wind blowing.
1st HALF - Early on, there was a fierce attack approaching the goal, but no goals were scored.
From the start of the match, the powerful blue-red attack shines brightly.
In the 5th minute of the first half, a sharp cross from Megumi SATO brought the ball close to the opponent's goal. In the 6th minute, Kosuke SHIRAI broke through on the right side with a through pass from Dohi, and SATO took consecutive shots. Furthermore, in the 7th minute, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA attempted a dribble inside the penalty area, cutting back deep, but SATO's attempt was thwarted by the opponent's quick recovery.
In the 8th minute, from a right corner kick, player Sato made a perfectly timed header with great elevation. Although it went straight to the opposing goalkeeper, Tokyo consistently aimed for the goal, with striker Sato repeatedly getting involved in chances, continuing a phase of pressing into the half court.
Having experienced many times the difficult match situations caused by missing chances, we want to turn this into a goal during a good period of the game. However, after the 20th minute of the first half, our attack has somewhat toned down against an opponent who has allocated players to the defense line and midfield to set up a block.
In the 27th minute of the first half, a sharp vertical pass from player Esaka pushed into the penalty area, creating a series of near-miss situations. The defense managed to escape danger by concentrating on their play and blocking the shooting lanes, but scenes of being pressured by the opponent, who quickly switched between offense and defense, have become more noticeable.
Tokyo, wanting to regain the momentum, in the 34th minute of the first half, aimed for consecutive mid-range shots from a left corner kick by player Taka, while the team also looked for opportunities by spreading the pitch and circulating the ball.
In the end, despite creating numerous scoring opportunities early in the first half, they were unfortunately unable to change the course of the match. After two minutes of added time, they reached halftime.
2nd HALF - Substitutions made in the final stages but unable to change the situation
In the second half, which started without any player substitutions, they faced an immediate crisis. In the 2nd minute of the second half, they were broken down on the left side by a one-touch pass, allowing the opponent to enter the penalty area and shake the net, but with VAR support, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Tokyo, struggling to create chances, brought Marcelo RYAN onto the front line in the 14th minute of the second half, replacing Tawaramizuki. They aimed to add depth to their attack by dropping forward Sato to the left inside half.
However, just after that, in the 16th minute of the second half, we allowed a difficult clearance to be picked up by the opponent, and Ryo TABEI scored a powerful volley, giving up the opening goal.
Tokyo, wanting to regain the flow once again, sends Keigo HIGASHI to the pitch as a defensive midfielder in place of Hashimoto and Nakagawa, and Maki KITAHARA as the left inside half.
In the 27th minute of the second half, player Kitahara made a feint and initiated an attack from the left, taking a shot. The loose ball was reacted to by player Takahashi, who ran in from behind and aimed for a right-footed shot from mid-range, but unfortunately, the ball went just over the goal.
Tokyo struggled against the opponent's quick transitions between offense and defense, unable to break through their solid central defense. In pursuit of a goal, Coach Matsuhashi wanted to implement clear changes and switches, so in the 35th minute of the second half, he brought in Keita YAMASHITA to adopt a two-striker formation and also substituted Teppei OKA into the left side back position to change the formation.
Tokyo wanted to fight back somehow, but despite player substitutions and system changes, the situation did not improve. In the 6 minutes of added time in the second half, Lukian took a decisive shot but was thwarted by a great save from the opponent. They showed an attacking play by pushing Taishi Brandon NOZAWA up high, but they could not shake the net until the end.
Unable to convert the numerous big chances created in the early stages into goals, the team repeated matches where they could not link their performance to results, making it six winless matches in the league.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kanta DOI/Enrique Trevisan/Seiji KIMURA/Kosuke SHIRAI
MF Soma ANZAI (substituted in 36th minute: Teppei OKA)/Takuto UHIRO/Kento HASHIMOTO (substituted in 18th minute: Keigo HIGASHI)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (substituted in 14th minute: Marcelo RYAN)
FW Megumi SATO (substituted in 36th minute: Keita YAMASHITA)/Teruto NAKAGAWA (substituted in 18th minute: Maki KITAHARA)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Yasuki KIMOTO
MF Kouta TOKIWAN
FW Leon NOZAWA
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
―
<Fagiano Okayama>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Svend Brodersen
DF Kaito ABE (40th minute: Ikutaka YANAGI)/Daichi TAGAMI/Kota KUDO
MF Masaya MATSUMOTO/Ibuki FUJITA/Kaiwa FUJII (0th minute: Ryo TABEI)/Kaito KATO
FW Takaya KIMURA (40th minute: Hiroto IWABUCHI)/Kazunari ICHIMI (14th minute: Lukao)/Nobuhito ESAKA (33rd minute: Yuta KAMIYA)
SUBS
GK Junki KANAYAMA
MF Riku SAGA/Ryo TAKEUCHI
FW Brown Noah Kenshin
MANAGER
Takashi KIYAMA
GOAL
16 minutes into the second half: Ryo TABEI
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, please review the game.
A, it is a very disappointing result, and I am filled with nothing but feelings of apology. In the early part of the first half, we continued with very good attacks but failed to convert them into goals, and I feel that "if we had scored then". Gradually, it felt like the opponent took control of the flow of the game. Regarding the second half as well, we couldn't start well in the beginning, and the opponent scored a brilliant, bold shot. Including that, it was a game where our tone seemed to drop.
Q: What were the factors that led to not being able to push forward in the first half when we had the wind at our backs, and gradually falling into the opponent's pace?
A, I don't know if I misread it, but there is always the feeling that if only one had really gone in. We had very good attacks and there were scenes where we pressed hard. At the final moment, not being able to finish decisively means goals are not easily scored, but there is that feeling of if only one had gone in... I think there was energy, but I believe the difference came down to the final quality.
Q: What kind of encouragement do you give to the team during a streak of losses?
A, we live in a world where we experience highs and lows with each match, celebrating wins and feeling frustrated with losses. When losses continue, I believe doubts inevitably arise about what we are doing, but we must communicate to dispel those doubts. I myself have no intention of giving in, and in building the team, we must share the desire to win through the way we play football.
As a method to win, the players are making a solid effort to utilize their strengths and our ideas. While our identity is starting to emerge, I feel we are at a frustrating point where things are not rolling in a positive direction. I need to convey a clear message from my side, and I want to continue having close dialogues with the players. We need to ensure that our perspectives align, and with a strong determination to do better in the next match, I want to prepare for the upcoming game.
Q: Even though we are making great movements, when we can't score, we tend to lose momentum, and during those times when we want to regain the flow, we need to have a second and third option. How does the coach think about that?
A, this is what was discussed during halftime. The opponent forms a solid block, so it is not easy to break through. In that situation, we must attack and hold the ball while also enduring. I talked about not rushing to make careless passes or moving the ball repeatedly in the same area even though there is time to build relationships. I emphasized waiting patiently for space to open up by shaking the opponent left and right to stretch them out.
From the perspective of the viewers, it may just look like we are moving the ball around, and they might think we should take more shots. However, we are patiently moving the ball while enduring the time needed to create those moments, and we switch on as soon as an opportunity arises. We have been able to build a relationship where we share that vision, so I emphasized that we should not engage in shallow plays or choose the easier, more careless options.
It is important to always seek certainty while moving the ball. However, since opportunities can arise unexpectedly, I do not deny the importance of challenging oneself without missing those moments. I also think it is important to align that perspective.
[Player Interview]
＜Takahiro KO＞
Q: The start of the match was very good. What was the reason for that?
A, we decided to press forward from the start and were actually able to create clear scoring opportunities. The opponent was also pressing forward initially, so we aimed to cleverly use that to turn the game around. However, if we can't score in such situations, the match ends up like that again.
Q: Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI mentioned in the press conference that he has toned down. What do you think are the factors that led to this?
<div>A, we lost momentum in the second half, and there was a certain atmosphere on the pitch, but we also conceded goals during those periods. We struggled to regain control, and I have been trying to keep encouraging everyone, but I think it’s necessary to clearly decide whether to overturn the opponents pressing from the front or what actions to take. While maintaining consistent ball movement, it’s important not just to kick but to apply pressure on the opponents with intention. We managed that well in the first half. In the second half, I believe it’s essential to create the game by applying pressure on the opponents and to unify the team’s intentions.
Q: It seemed that the options for passing routes and movements were decreasing rapidly.
A, we have also lost the ability to pick up second balls. I have been telling the front line all along, but I want them to always stay focused and pick them up without letting them slip. The support part is the same. I myself also need to find (passing lanes). We must continue to do this without dropping it.
Q: Coach Matsuhashi mentioned that "it is when we are attacking that we must endure," but has that idea not fully permeated the team yet?
A, there is definitely a feeling of not rushing. We need to make vertical passes or penetrate at some point, but I feel we lack the sense of moving the ball enough to bother the opponent. That is something we want to develop more. If we calmly pass the ball around, the opponent will naturally break down, so as a team, we need to be able to do that.
Q, the next home game is at Japan National Stadium.
A, we have to win no matter the situation. At the end, I also spoke to the fans and supporters myself, and there is no player who doesn't want to win. We believe we just have to keep going. We want to face forward once again and continue moving forward.
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q: Since you are in the position where the flow of the game is most likely to emerge, how did you feel about today's match?
It was a match we had to win, and there were two or three chances in the first half. If you don't score in the scenes where you should finish, the game can be overturned by a single shot. It was truly a typical match.
Q: From Kosuke SHIRAI's perspective, what are the factors that prevent scoring in decisive opportunities?
A, of course, whether a goal is scored or not is really a very fine line, and it's difficult to say exactly what causes it. Honestly, I don't know what to say. We have been able to get to the scene just before the goal, and I think it's important to increase that quantity. Increasing chances raises the probability of scoring. In the end, we just have to stay focused and keep pushing the ball into the goal.
Q, you started the match very well, but what do you think was the reason for the drop in tone and the discrepancies that occurred in the second half?
After conceding a goal,Marcelo RYAN also entered the pitch, increasing the focus on moving forward. However, it became too intense, causing some disarray. Even in a situation where we have to chase a goal, we need to continue playing on the pitch without rushing. I think that was the part we couldn't organize.
Q: Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI mentioned that there is no choice but to continue with the methodology to win, while also expressing regret about the current situation where they are not winning.
A, it is us who have brought those words out, and we are filled with a sense of regret towards the fans and supporters, as well as Coach Matsuhashi. Nevertheless, there was also the phrase about moving forward without wavering, and if the team or players easily waver here, it would mean the end for us as a team. Of course, we are in a situation where we are not winning, but we are still able to create a good form within that. Together with the coach, we will continue to move forward without wavering.
