<Match Review>
In the opening match of this season, Albert Tokyo had many positive elements, but shortly after, team activities were suspended from February 20 to 26 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, after resuming activities, they faced Fukuoka today with a preparation period of three days.
There are still teammates in the recovery period, and the 17 members who traveled to Fukuoka included one specially designated player and two registered players. This is the best possible team composition we could assemble at this time, and they took the pitch for the second match of the season.
Immediately after the kickoff, Keita YAMASHITA made a move towards the goal, and continued to maintain possession of the ball, pushing the opponent back. The transition between offense and defense after losing the ball was quick, and they regained possession with high pressing to launch consecutive attacks. However, in the 22nd minute of the first half, a cross from the right side was met by Tatsuya TANAKA, who jumped into the gap between players, allowing the first goal to be scored against them.
Tokyo, wanting to counterattack, not only retains possession of the ball but also sends penetrating passes to the forwards to push forward. In the 24th minute of the first half, Kazuya KONNO, who received the ball on the right side, made a significant switch to the other side. Adailton controlled the ball in front of the left side of the goal inside the penalty area, but his shot was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
The biggest chance of the first half came in the 35th minute. After earning a free kick in a position close to the right side of the penalty area, Ryoya OGAWA took a sharp kick aiming directly at the goal, but it hit the crossbar. The rebound was headed by Hotaka NAKAMURA, but it went straight to the opposing goalkeeper.
Tokyo, aiming for a comeback by stepping up their game, will bring in the designated reinforcement Yuta ARAI from the second half.
In the 24th minute of the second half, Adailton cut in from the left side to the center, drawing the opponent towards the right side. Arai, while controlling the ball, entered the penalty area and actively aimed for the goal, but could not hit the target. In the 29th minute of the second half, Yamashita had a chance for a header in front of the goal, and in the 38th minute, Adailton also had a chance for a header, but both were thwarted by the opponent's goalkeeper's excellent saves, failing to score.
While managing risks against the opponent's counterattacks, we repeatedly recovered the ball with high pressing, launching a thick attack and maintaining control of the match throughout. Even in difficult situations, the team showcased what they had and fully displayed the Albert PUIG ORTONEDA style. The issue of finishing, which carried over from the match against Kawasaki Frontale, is something we want to resolve in the league match against Cerezo Osaka in three days.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review today's game.
First of all, I would like to commend the players for their fighting spirit. Among the players who played today, there were several who had tested positive for COVID-19 and had just recovered. I hope you understand that they had to face this match under such extreme pressure.I would also like to praise the young players who stood on the pitch today. The match result was not what we expected. While we did not play an outstanding game, I believe that losing is not a fitting result, especially considering the many decisive chances we created.
From a tactical perspective, considering the players available to play, we thought about various combinations and positions, and during the match, we fought while considering different combinations. There were players who had to play in positions they do not usually play. Despite such circumstances, I believe it is commendable that we were able to create multiple decisive chances while making various position changes.
Q: With limited players available, Takuya AOKI was substituted due to injury. How is his condition?
A, it is simply a bruise, and we hope for a quick recovery. A detailed examination is planned, but we hope it is just a bruise.
Q: You were applying pressure high up the pitch from the start of the match, but wasn't it significantly better compared to the opening match?
A, during the periods when we were able to maintain good condition, we were able to keep the match under our control. However, we made a mistake in the build-up from the back. We conceded a goal after the opponent capitalized on the chance created by our mistake. There was a chaotic period of about 10 minutes after that, but I think we then calmly regained control and dominated the match for a long time. I also believe we controlled the game for much of the second half.
For many players, this was their first official match appearance. Some players had to participate in this game just a few days after their recovery period ended. In that sense, I want everyone to understand that it was a difficult match for all. However, even in such circumstances, I believe the players who performed well deserve to be praised.
[Player Interview]
＜Keita YAMASHITA＞
Q: How did you approach the match with a limited number of members and concerns about the combination?
A, throughout the 90 minutes, there were few shots and few scenes involving the ball, so it was a difficult situation, but I think there were more things we could have done.
Q: Did you have any expectations for the match in your hometown of Fukuoka?
A, Although it was in my hometown of Fukuoka, it was my debut match as an FC Tokyo player, and I approached this game with strong feelings, so I am disappointed that we couldn't win.
Q: Regarding the fact that we have possession of the ball, including the match against Kawasaki in the league, but we are struggling to finalize our chances, how do you perceive this situation?
A, I believe that each player must improve their quality in front of the goal. We are working on valuing the ball through positional play, but the purpose of that is to score goals. I feel we need to focus more on that aspect and work towards "scoring goals."
Q: I think you faced a difficult situation in the match. Have you communicated with each other as a team with this lineup?
A, as you said, it was a difficult match, but once on the pitch, each player represents FC Tokyo, so I believe we should not make excuses. Although there was little time to coordinate, we all agreed to demonstrate what we built up during the camp and approached the game with that mindset.
Q: Did you feel any difficulties, especially regarding your condition?
A, honestly, there were difficulties both in terms of physical strength and condition, but from here, members will return, so we want to work together as a team to move in a positive direction again.
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q: Did you feel a sense of achievement in today's match?
A, I think we had a higher ball possession rate, and I believe we controlled the game throughout the 90 minutes.
Even though I was able to create chances by dribbling past opponents on my side, it is meaningless if I cannot produce results such as goals or assists there.
If we can delve deeper into that, I believe the content will improve and we will likely score goals as well. I have a good feeling about this, so I want to make it even better from here.
Q: Were you aware of creating a starting point on the side and positioning yourself accordingly?
Also, the coach's instructions were to 'get into the side, and when in a good position, keep attacking aggressively.' My condition is good now, and I was able to deliver crosses and take shots almost without losing in one-on-one situations.
However, it is meaningless unless we improve the accuracy of the final part and score goals, so we need to practice more in that area.
Q: Was the side change pass that connected to Adailton in the first half a ball that went through because he had shown a shot from a cut-in?
A, I was able to play with many options such as cut-ins, crosses, and shots, so I was able to play without losing the ball almost entirely. Finishing is an area for improvement, but I think that part was good.
Q: Today, you were able to create a starting point in a high position on the side, but do you have the impression that the accuracy of possession has improved?
A, the coach's idea is not to keep circulating the ball at the back for a long time, but to quickly move the ball forward for possession aimed at attacking. Regarding that part, I think we were able to coordinate with the surrounding players and create a starting point. Also, I want to improve on effectively switching between receiving the ball at the feet and making runs behind the defense.
Q: There have been no results from the first two matches since the opening, but is it just a matter of improving the precision of each aspect?
Also, the coach told us, "If we keep building up like this, results will surely follow. So let's all believe and keep going together."
I think the same applies to us, and although we have scored zero goals in the last two matches and it is frustrating as a forward player, we will play with the determination to definitely score in the next game.
Q: Please tell us your enthusiasm for the upcoming match against Cerezo Osaka in three days.
A, of course, how the opponent defends is important, but I believe our own play and positioning are truly crucial. The preparation period until the next match is short, but we will all prepare thoroughly and aim to perform better than in today's game.
<Ryoya OGAWA>
Q: With a limited number of players available, it was your first time playing as a center-back in a while. What did you focus on while playing?
A, it was almost my first time playing as a center back in an official match. There wasn't much time to prepare, and we had never played a match with this lineup before. Therefore, during the game, I focused on communicating with my teammates and also on improving our physical condition, as we were not in top shape.
Q: I think you were able to move even when your condition wasn't optimal, and there were parts where you were able to play the soccer you intended. What are your thoughts on that?
A, today many young players also participated. Among them, there were parts that did not go well and parts that did, but there were many parts that went well. I believe we were able to prove that we can perform in a way that involves everyone even when they return in the league matches from now on.
Q: What are your thoughts on the issue of not scoring a goal following the league match?
A, today as well in the match against Kawasaki, we were able to create chances, but unless we improve our finishing, it will always be a game where the content was good but we couldn't secure the win. We need to make sure to finish properly when the opportunity arises.
Q: I think there were some close scenes created from free kicks and other situations, what do you think?
A, overall I think the kicks themselves were good, but the reality is that they have not led to any goals. We need to improve the accuracy of our kicks further.
Q: With many young players and those making their debut, did you say anything to help bring the team together?
A, many teenage players participated, and there were several players younger than me, so I actively spoke to them. If possible, I wanted the young players coming in as substitutes to play while we were winning, so that part is a bit disappointing.
Q: What specific kind of encouragement did you give?
When Yuta ARAI (player Yuta ARAI) came in during the second half, I told him to keep showing his own play more and more. Since he is a player good at dribbling, I told him it was okay to play without worrying about those around him.
Q: I think the challenge is how to break down an opponent that solidifies their defense like Avispa Fukuoka, but what about the finishing aspect?
A. If we stick to our style, I think there will be teams that will firmly strengthen their defense. To break down such opponents, we need to improve accuracy in the attacking third; otherwise, passes will be off target and we will lose the ball more often. I believe it is necessary to increase the accuracy of the final pass.
Q: In the final stages of the match, I believe the substitute players were able to enter the attacking third. What are your thoughts on that?
A, I think there were many good parts, but from there, it’s about aligning our ideas and teamwork, so if that goes well, I think it will lead to scoring.
