<Match Review>
In the previous match, Tokyo achieved a victory against Shimizu S-Pulse on the road, marking their first win in the league in five matches. Especially in the second half, they dominated the game by maintaining possession of the ball for most of the time. They embodied their desired style on the pitch with defensive pressure from the front line, a strong attack, and creating calm moments by holding onto the ball. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA praised the match, stating, "Today was the start of a change in FC Tokyo's playing style," as they returned home with three points.
In this match, which marked a return home to change the flow that had distanced us from victory, we faced the league leaders, Kashima Antlers. For Ryoya OGAWA, who has decided to transfer to Vitoria Sport Clube in Portugal, this was his last opportunity to play at Ajinomoto Stadium in the league. He approached this match wanting to secure a victory for his teammates, with whom he has been active in Tokyo for seven and a half seasons.
Tokyo wanted to calmly control the game while keeping possession, but Kashima fought aggressively in one-on-one situations and applied coordinated pressing on the ball holders, making it difficult to find a path to build up play and enter the opponent's territory. Even when they stole the ball and launched counterattacks, they lost possession easily due to rushing their attacks, and were repeatedly pushed back by Kashima's strong and fast vertical attacks, forcing them to retreat into their own half. They struggled to create attacking opportunities, but in the 23rd minute of the first half, after advancing the ball deep into the opponent's territory, Kuryu MATSUKI received the ball wide on the left side and played a wedge pass to Diego OLIVEIRA, who had entered the central area of the penalty box. When Diego drew the defenders and played a through ball, Ryoma WATANABE, who had made a run behind, connected with a one-touch shot, but the shot went over the goal. Although they struggled with a game full of vertical ball exchanges, they changed the tempo of passing in the 33rd minute of the first half to shift the flow of the game. Ogawa, holding the ball high on the left side, played a wedge pass to WATANABE in the central area. When WATANABE and Diego OLIVEIRA combined with a one-touch one-two, drawing several opponents, WATANABE penetrated the space inside the penalty area left open by the drawn defenders. WATANABE shot faster than the pursuing defender and slotted the ball into the right corner of the goal, allowing Tokyo to take the lead.
Tokyo, gaining momentum after scoring first, began to effectively coordinate their defense on the ball side, regaining possession in midfield battles and increasing their time with the ball. In the 41st minute of the first half, Adailton broke behind the opponent's defense and approached the goal, but his one-on-one shot was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper. Although it did not result in a goal, the opponent pushed forward, allowing Tokyo to exploit the space and launch a fierce attack. In the 43rd minute of the first half, after repelling the opponent's attack, Adailton received a wedge pass in his own half, quickly bypassed the defender on his back with one touch, and carried the ball at speed near the penalty area. Using Diego TABA, who came to support, they could not get a shot off but created a pause and moved into space on the right side. Watanabe, rushing in right in front of the goal, struck a right-footed shot that was drawn into the top left corner of the goal, extending Tokyo's lead going into halftime.
In the early stages of the second half, Adailton created a chance. In the 5th minute of the second half, he picked up a ball that seemed to go out of play on the left side touchline, and while holding off an opposing defender, he moved into the penalty area. Just as he controlled the ball towards the goal, he was fouled from behind, earning a penalty kick. In the 7th minute of the second half, Diego TABA calmly slotted the penalty into the bottom left corner of the goal, extending Tokyo's lead to three goals.
It seemed like it would be a decisive additional goal, but in the 9th minute of the second half, a cross from the right side was delivered, and Ueda Ayase scored to bring one goal back into the right corner of the net. As the opponent pushed forward and attacked, spaces opened up, increasing opportunities to counterattack, but they could not take decisive shots as they approached the opponent's goal. In the 43rd minute of the second half, Adailton initiated a quick counterattack and entered the penalty area, but his shot was saved directly by the opposing goalkeeper. Although they conceded one goal, the transition to defense after the attack was smooth and quick, and they finished the match without shaking the net until the end.
Before entering the break period, we achieved consecutive victories in the league and felt a definite sense of growth in our performance. Without letting the confidence gained from these two matches turn into overconfidence, we want to continue building our training and express further growth on the pitch in the Emperor's Cup and the resuming league matches.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review the game.
A, we anticipated that Kashima would have high-quality players and would play intense defense from the start. We corrected the mistakes we made in the match against Fukuoka and approached today's game accordingly. If we concede a goal early, the match becomes difficult for us. We aimed to avoid that. The team is still in a growth phase. We have not yet developed to the point where we can maintain possession effectively against teams that play such high-intensity defense. However, today, it was expected to be hot, and since this was the last match of a congested schedule, we also anticipated that their intensity would drop after about 20 minutes in each half. After the water break, we were able to maintain possession well. From there, once we controlled the game with the ball, we created several decisive chances. Fortunately, we were able to score two goals from about three chances, and those goals greatly influenced the flow of the match.
Regarding the second half, we anticipated struggling at the start. However, it was significant that we were able to score an additional goal during that period. After making it 3-0, we expected to maintain possession and finish the match, but unfortunately, we conceded a goal early on. I believe that goal had a major impact on the flow of the game. Nevertheless, I think we responded well after that goal. From there, I anticipated two scenarios. One was to drop the defensive block and rely heavily on long balls. However, I thought dropping the defensive block was very risky because Kashima has high-quality players up front. I always believe that the best defense is to maintain possession, so I chose that option. Even in simple situations where clearing the ball would suffice during difficult moments, the team opted to connect passes.
Rather than a counterattack, we were able to create chances to score additional goals by switching between offense and defense effectively. To finish the match, even in the final stages, the players showed a commitment to compete. For us, who live in the world of competition, fighting hard is one of the very important points. As I always say, our major goal this season is to grow every day. Our opponents have various ways of fighting and playing styles, but we aim to grow further with each match against opponents with different characteristics, and I believe we were able to grow through this match.
I would like to once again praise our opponents today, Kashima. I also met Kashima's coach for the first time, and I would like to commend him as well. I felt he is a wonderful person and is leading the team in a great direction. I also want to acknowledge the fans and supporters of Kashima. Many fans and supporters came to Ajinomoto Stadium and I believe they passionately supported their team. I would also like to commend the referees. I think they made excellent decisions. Finally, I want to praise our fans and supporters. On this beautiful day, many people came to what is (Ryoya) OGAWA's last home game, creating a wonderful atmosphere. Thank you very much.
Q: There was a mention that the opponent's intensity drops after 20 minutes. Was this communicated to the players before the match or during the water break?
A, we informed the players in advance and prepared accordingly. After the water break in the first half, we anticipated the opponent's intensity would drop, so we instructed Ryoma WATANABE to play more centrally.
Q: I would like to ask about Watanabe's positioning. I believe it was anticipated that one of the double defensive midfielders from Kashima would come to mark Aoki as part of the game plan, but is the intention to utilize the space left by the other player who remained in the area to play centrally?
A, first, we aimed to create a numerical advantage by having Kuryu MATSUKI drop down beside Aoki. In the next phase, we positioned Shuto ABE and Ryoma WATANABE near the opponent players who remained in a defensive midfield role, aiming to create an additional numerical advantage in that zone. This was part of our game plan, but sometimes it works well, and sometimes it doesn't.
Q, this marks FC Tokyo's 300th victory in the J1 League.
Ah, and for me, it was a commemorative match marking my 100th game in the J.League. There are many things to celebrate today, so I want to celebrate a lot tonight with champagne. Of course, I am happy that we were able to secure such a memorable victory. We have roughly completed the first half of the season over the past few months. The first half ended with a tight schedule in a short period, but at the start of the season, we struggled with COVID-19. After that, we overcame a difficult period with many injuries to our center backs. Leandro's prolonged injury was also a significant challenge. Amid these various obstacles, we spent several months working on a clear change in our playing style.
Comparing the first few matches of this season with the team's recent performances, I believe there is clear growth. That is why I am very proud of this team. I also want to express my deep gratitude once again to the club and the fans and supporters for patiently and warmly continuing to support the team. Imagine if, during this process, the club or the fans and supporters had become nervous and caused anxiety for the team, the outcome would have been different. Right now, we are in the process of building the foundation of the team. We are at the stage of fostering the growth of young players who will carry the club's future. Thinking long-term, I do not set goals like immediately winning titles or accumulating many victories. This is because whether we win matches depends on many factors. I think Liverpool has had a great season this year, but if you ask whether they won all the titles they hoped for, the answer is definitely no. On the other hand, I don't think they failed either. I cannot accept a value system that only evaluates winning. Whether you win or not depends on many factors. However, if we can continue to do what we need to do and keep doing good work, I believe the team can always grow to a position where it competes at the top.
[Player Interview]
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, please review today's two goals.
A, it was a goal won by outsmarting the goalkeeper. The intention was to fake a kick to the far side and shoot near, and for the second goal, with the first goal still in mind, I was able to score on the far side.
Q, I believe Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA also instructed you to play more centrally.
It was the same from the Shimizu match, but I was often able to create good opportunities by timing it myself and moving inside while watching the game. The coach told me before the match to show those scenes, and I think that worked well and led to today.
Q: In the last match, there was a shot that led to Ogawa's goal. Isn't it true that your kicking feeling has been improving during regular training?
A, there were many matches in the Levain Cup where we seemed likely to score but couldn't, so we approached the game with the desire to score at least one goal, and I'm glad we were able to score two today. However, since we are only about halfway through the season, I think there will still be many opportunities to add more goals, so I want to keep pushing forward without being satisfied with today's result.
Q: I think you have had the opportunity to play in various positions this season. Please tell us about your current situation and challenges.
A, no matter what position I play, I always give 100%. Since I originally play an attacking position, I have a strong desire to be involved in scoring, and that feeling doesn't change even when I'm a side back. Recently, I hear less about it, but defense remains a challenge and needs improvement. This doesn't change during attack either, and I believe I need to enhance my hard work and individual tactical defense.
Q: What is necessary to produce a large number of goals in the future?
A, I want to approach every position with the awareness to decide for myself and the courage to do so, without forgetting the feeling I had today and the sensation from my best moments, while being expected to deliver results such as goals and assists.
Q: What words did you offer to player Ogawa, who is challenging overseas in the same year?
A, When I first went abroad myself, I struggled with the language, so over the course of one or two years I gradually learned it, but I deeply realized that not being able to communicate well is very difficult, so I think it's best not to forget to make an effort in that area.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: What was the team's objective going into the match?
I thought it would be a tough match against Kashima, as they have a team full of high-quality players. In such a game, it was important for us to play with our usual rhythm and to defend high up in the opponent's territory. Being able to perform our typical style of play was crucial. I believe that successfully expressing that and scoring the opening goal was a major factor in today's victory.
Q: I think we were able to work hard throughout the match.
A, I believe the results came because we have been able to practice at a high-quality level regularly. Not only the 18 players who made the squad but also those who didn't make it have been able to train with high quality as a whole team, so the hard work is reflected in the matches. I think these factors are strong.
Q: I think we were able to effectively utilize the gaps in the opponent's space.
A, receiving the ball in the gap has been possible since the last match. However, entering there is not the only role for me, so I think playing with the goal in mind is important. I believe it was good that I was able to make plays involved in that and that the team was able to quickly switch when losing the ball.
Q: You had two assists and were involved in the scoring plays. What do you think about that?
A, recently we haven't been able to score goals, so I felt I had to contribute to the team in some way. In that context, being able to provide 2 assists is something I view positively as a result. I want to continue contributing to the team by scoring and assisting goals, and work hard to achieve results.
<Ryoya OGAWA>
Q: It was the last match at Ajinomoto Stadium (in the league), how did you feel approaching it?
A, I felt the same as usual, but I just wanted to win no matter what form it took.
Q: There were times when the team struggled to score, but in the last two matches, we have scored multiple goals. What improvements do you feel have been made in the attacking aspect?
A, I think we are successfully improving the quality in the vital area and sharing a clear image among the players. We are able to play calmly even in front of the goal. Instead of forcing shots or dribbles, we reliably connect with our teammates, take good positions, and score goals from a good flow by shooting at the best timing. I believe we are playing the kind of football we want to play.
Q: There are two league matches left, how do you want to approach them?
A, I can play in a maximum of 2 matches (in the league), so I absolutely want to earn 6 points and help improve the team's ranking even a little.
Q, please review the scene of the first goal.
<div>A. Ryoma WATANABE appeared between the opponent's defense and midfield, and before that, Diego made a run behind to pull the opponent's defense, which created more space for Ryoma WATANABE. The goal against Shimizu was similar; by playing the ball diagonally, the opponent's decision to step forward or not changes the options. In this case, they stepped forward, allowing a one-two pass to break through, and if they hadn't, the front would have been open for a shot. I think diagonal passes were effective in the attack.
Q: Are you studying languages for playing abroad?
I have heard discussions about what should be done for players who have experience abroad, and since I have been studying English during the COVID-19 pandemic, I think I can communicate to some extent. However, recently, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA told me that English is not understood in Portugal, so I want to work hard on learning Portuguese from now on.
Q: What words did you receive from Mr. Yuichiro Honda (your coach during your time at Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School) regarding this transfer?
A, the current coach of Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School is Masahiro Enomoto, and when I first told him, he was very happy and told me to produce results.
Q: There is a player like Nagatomo who has been active overseas as a good example nearby, but do you have any thoughts or images in your mind about the ideal path you want to take?
A, Nagatomo's amazing quality is his very high communication skills, allowing him to fit in no matter which country he goes to. I believe that aspect is especially important when going abroad, so I want to value and work on that myself as well.
Q: You have mentioned before that you want to utilize your strong left foot in play on the left side. How specifically do you want to approach that aspect of the game?
A, I think there is a unique way of holding the ball that only left-handed players have, so I want to make the most of that, and being able to hold the ball openly will expand the range of my play. Also, I want to increase my assists with crosses from the left side.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: We won against the top-ranked Kashima with a score of 3 goals.
A, we knew the opponent would apply high pressure from the front line, and our team discussed that if we could break through it, it would create opportunities for us. Scoring a goal at a good time allowed us to proceed with the match more comfortably.
Q: I think we were able to convert our chances reliably.
A, the finishing, which has been a challenge for some time, has been improving, so I want to continue focusing on that.
Q: Despite the opponent applying intense pressure from the front line, the entire team was able to maintain awareness of connecting the ball.
As Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA also mentioned, we were consciously able to maintain our style without breaking it, and at the same time, we were able to apply high pressing, so I think this will be a valuable gain for the future. I believe our opponents will analyze us more going forward, but we want to continue playing our own style of football.
Q: Right after scoring the third goal, we conceded a goal. What kind of encouragement did the team give each other?
A, at that moment, we lost focus. I thought the game would take a turn for the worse if it continued like that, so we had Morishige and the others rally the team with good communication and leadership.
Q, how do you feel about the maturity of the new style?
A, I think we were able to move the ball while coordinating with everyone. If we can further develop this style, I believe we can play our game throughout the full 90 minutes.
