Match Review
In the previous match, Tokyo achieved a 3-0 victory at home against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, marking their first win in four league matches. However, in the last match, they lost 0-3 in an away game against Urawa Reds, ending their winning streak. There was a moment when Kuryu MATSUKI's powerful free kick hit the post, but they were unable to break through for a goal.
This match returns home, and with the support of fans and supporters, we want to achieve both quality and results to earn 3 points. Our opponent is Júbilo Iwata, with whom we will face off for the fourth time this season, including the Levain Cup. Tokyo has not yet secured a victory against Iwata in the previous three matches, with 1 draw and 2 losses, struggling against their solid defense that fills spaces and their dynamic counterattacks. We aim to move the ball patiently, exploit gaps in the opponent's defensive organization to score goals, and speed up the transition from attack to defense to apply counter-pressing, while preemptively neutralizing counterattacks and launching a robust offensive to seize control.
1st HALF - Taking the lead with two quick goals
The match started with a bang. In the 4th minute of the first half, a free kick opportunity was gained near the right side of the penalty area, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE delivered a fast ball. The ball, which the opposing defender failed to clear at the near post, rose high in front of the goal. Yasuki KIMOTO, predicting the drop point, won the contest against the opposing goalkeeper and headed the ball into the net, giving Tokyo the lead.
After taking the lead, Tokyo continued to maintain possession of the ball, building attacks in the opponent's half. With Leandro at the center, there were many opportunities to play facing the goal in the vital area, while inside midfielders Shuto ABE and Matsuki made runs behind the defense, but the final pass was just a step off.
While pushing into the penalty area but unable to create a chance, an unexpected opportunity arises. In the 14th minute of the first half, Leandro applies pressure on the opponent's goalkeeper's back pass. Although he couldn't take the ball away, the goalkeeper's pass goes to Ryoma WATANABE's feet. Watanabe brings the ball into the penalty area and takes a ground shot, which goes under the opponent's goalkeeper and into the goal. Tokyo scores an additional goal starting from a strong press from the front line.
In the 19th minute of the first half, Kazuya KONNO carried the ball deep into the penalty area, but the pass sent to the front of the goal was just slightly off target and cleared. After that, there were times when they couldn't find their rhythm, giving the opponent opportunities to attack due to their own mistakes, but towards the end of the first half, they maintained possession of the ball and pressed the opponent with a varied tempo attack.
In the 42nd minute of the first half, there was a counter opportunity. Watanabe passed the ball to Matsuki inside the penalty area, but Matsuki's one-touch shot was deflected off the crossbar.
2nd HALF - Although no additional goals were scored, victory was achieved with a clean sheet
Even in the second half, Tokyo maintained possession of the ball and continued to advance the game. Even when losing the ball in a high position, the defense pushed up to maintain a compact formation, quickly regaining possession to launch secondary and tertiary attacks towards the opponent's goal. From the start, they repeatedly pressed into the opponent's penalty area, creating numerous shooting opportunities, including direct free kicks, but struggled to convert them into goals.
While maintaining possession of the ball but unable to score, they are threatened by a counterattack from Iwata. In the final stages, they defend the goal by putting their bodies on the line against an opponent that is actively trying to shoot.
Tokyo, wanting to change the flow of the game while struggling to break through, made a series of substitutions in the latter half of the second half. In the final moments of the match, Diego OLIVEIRA and Keita YAMASHITA held the ball to create space, encouraging attacks from the back, leading to a scene where Abe broke into space and delivered a cross in front of the goal. Although both teams' formations became stretched and the game opened up in the closing stages, the defenders calmly responded to Iwata's counterattacks. They secured a clean sheet with a 2-0 victory.
MATCH DETAILS
＜F.C.Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yuto NAGATOMO/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (43rd minute: Junya SUZUKI)
MF Kuryu MATSUKI/Keigo HIGASHI (36th minute: Yuki KAJIURA)/Shuto ABE
FW Kazuya KONNO (26th minute: Keiki MITA)/Ryoma WATANABE (26th minute: Diego OLIVEIRA)/Leandro (43rd minute: Keita YAMASHITA)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Renta HIGASHI
GOAL
4th minute of the first half: Kimoto/14th minute of the first half: Watanabe
<Júbilo Iwata>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Ryuki MIURA
DF Norimichi YAMAMOTO (substituted at 0 minutes: Ryo GERMAIN)/Kentarou OOI (substituted at 39 minutes: Riku MORIOKA)/Daiki OGAWA/Ricardo GRASSA
MF Rikiya UEHARA/Kosuke YAMAMOTO/Yasuhito ENDO (substituted at 20 minutes: Masaya MATSUMOTO)
FW Kotaro OMORI (substituted at 20 minutes: Mahiro YOSHINAGA)/Yuki OTSU (substituted at 20 minutes: Shota KANEKO)/Yuto SUZUKI
SUBS
GK Yuji KAJIKAWA
MF Atsushi KUROKAWA
GOAL
―
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review the game.
Those who are in the world of professional soccer must always maintain their composure. There are wins and losses, but letting your emotions fluctuate because of that would be like reacting as fans or supporters do.
We convey the value of the ball, but it is never easy. Just telling the players, "From today, let's play with respect for the ball," does not mean they will be able to do it immediately. They must fully understand the concept in order to express it. They need to continue to build their training, and as a coach, I must keep persuading the players. I remind them that the most wonderful way to defend is to maintain possession of the ball.
In the first half today, as I always say, the match dynamics changed significantly when the goal was scored. Fortunately, we were able to score the opening goal early in the first half. Even aside from that opening goal, during the full 45 minutes of the first half, by taking the ball from the opponent and maintaining possession, we were able to suppress their attacks. Iwata has a team full of high-quality players. Therefore, if we give them the ball, they become a very dangerous attacking team. I want to convey to the players the importance of holding the ball over the course of a year, rather than being swayed by the outcome of each individual match, and I hope they will master this.
Some may wonder why sometimes they can do it and sometimes they cannot. I believe that during this growth process, our style of play has changed compared to three months ago. Some players have transferred out. We also have many injured players. Veteran players accumulate fatigue with the congested schedule. That is why we have not been able to grow steadily in an upward trajectory. We hope to grow in that way, but at the start of the season, due to various factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the growth process is not always a steady upward curve. This season, there will be good matches and matches that are not so good. For example, today, the fact that we lost many balls easily is an area for improvement. Not just for 45 minutes, but so that we can maintain possession throughout the full 90 minutes, I want to continue to convey this to the players through daily training. I have been communicating this since the beginning of the season. I want to continue to convey it now, and I also want to repeat it again at the end of the season.
Q: In the second half, the opponent aggressively attacked with the ball, but was it ideal for the team not to rush and keep attacking?
A, I did not tell the players to aim for counterattacks. I wanted them to play the same way in the second half as they did in the first half. Of course, it would be ideal if we could create chances from counterattacks, and attacking after winning the ball with high pressing is one of our strengths, so it is something we want to continue doing. However, what we aimed for in the second half was to keep possession and play just like in the first half.
I think questions arise here. Did the players not listen to what the coach said? That is certainly not the case. To continue for a long time, more time is needed, and if the players do not truly understand it, they cannot express it for 90 minutes.
Yesterday afternoon, I was watching Albirex Niigata's play, and they were performing wonderfully. I believe many people do not know what level of play I experienced in my first season in Niigata. This is because, in the first season, there were few players who truly understood how important it is to maintain possession of the ball. While the coach who is leading this season is doing a fantastic job, I think the players have been able to play confidently and continuously perform well because they have spent three seasons with the same playing style.
As I have said many times, one of the most important tasks for me this season is to build a foundation for the team. It is to guide the players to understand the key concepts. Also, giving opportunities to young players is one of my responsibilities.
Q: I feel that the team's way of fighting has changed compared to the beginning of the season.
A, the point when I started to be able to play the kind of game I expected was from the second half of the away match against Shimizu S-Pulse. I think we were able to play the way we expected during those 45 minutes. However, several players who played in that match are no longer here. And several other players are currently injured. If there had been no transfers and no injuries, I believe the situation now would be different.
In the home match against Kashima Antlers, there were difficult moments after we scored. We were able to continue playing well in the Emperor's Cup match against Nagasaki, but unfortunately, we could not win.
And today, I think we played well in the first half. I believe we also played well in the first half of the away match against Sagan Tosu. If we can continue to grow with the same players, it would have been a different situation, but because we cannot do that, we are not able to follow the expected growth trajectory.
At the start of this season, we utilized direct play to accumulate points. If we were competing at the bottom during this mid-season period, everything would change in the world of football. Naturally, fans and supporters are seeking the team's victory. That is why we must aim for victory. Of course, the club also expects the team's success. And the players also expect to win. Ultimately, whether a play style is good or valuable is judged by whether we are winning matches, which is a common understanding in this world.
However, this season, the team did not start with players who were all accustomed to this playing style. 18-year-old Kuryu MATSUKI joined the team, and he has been continuing to perform well within the team. Additionally, Kuba has joined, and Kimoto has also come on board. I am not a magician. All I can do is take the time to encourage continuous growth.
And the foreign players are working hard for the team. Leandro continues to run for the team and contributes to the press. Diego and Ada (Iuton) are also contributing to the defense.
I believe the process of growth must be viewed over a long span. At the same time, it is important to approach things positively. The first season with a new team is very exhausting. During the first season, I put a lot of energy into convincing many people. The first season is tiring, but enduring it is also part of my job.
[Player Interview]
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, please review the goal scene.
A, it was a scene where the opponent touched the ball from a set piece and it was floating in the air, but even though it slightly hit the goalkeeper, I was able to send the ball towards the goal and it was good that it went in.
Q: Did you feel like you could score today?
A, I didn't have that feeling at all, but I approached each match with a clear aim, and since I hadn't been able to score goals easily, I faced today with a strong determination to score, so I'm glad I was able to score. Scoring from a set piece helps to gain momentum in the match, and I think the timing was also good.
Q: After transferring, my first goal came from a set piece.
As a center back, I basically thought that if I were to score, it would be from set pieces. I aimed for it every time, but the ball rarely came, and even when it did, I couldn't connect properly, so I wanted to score quickly.
Q: How was the attack perspective today, such as aiming for vertical passes?
A, especially in the first half, we were able to move the ball well and use the time effectively while maintaining possession. In the previous match against Urawa, we lost the ball too easily and got physically exhausted, so we made corrections in that regard. By not rushing and valuing possession, we were able to create our own rhythm in the first half. If we can continue playing that way in the second half, I think we can have an even better game.
Q: In the second half, there were times when we were pushed back as the opponent changed their lineup.
When the score is 2-0 in favor of A, I think it is common to be pushed back. I have a strong impression that in the second half, we wanted to take more control and managed to hold the defense.
Q: After the goal, I was teased by my teammates.
A, Since my character is that kind of character, I was happy that everyone teased me.
Q: In the second half, it felt like we gave the rhythm and control to the opponent.
A, in the second half, there were some easy mistakes due to fatigue, and there were moments when we gave the ball to the opponent, so I think that is an issue. Regarding the first half, we were able to move the ball well and score goals, so I hope we can base our play on the kind of soccer we showed in the first half.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: I think the team moved well from the start of the match.
A, before today's match, Leandro and I talked about changing positions while coordinating with each other, so that worked well. Konno and Yoshifu were able to take high positions wide, so I think the attacks from there also went well.
Q: Were you able to align on the teamwork aspect during this week's practice?
A, we practiced it, and during the game, we played while being conscious of each other’s positioning, making sure someone was always at the apex by calling out to each other.
Q: Did you think the match was decided when you scored the second goal?
Of course, we were aiming for the third goal, but a point of reflection is that we slowed down the pace a bit after scoring the second goal. I believe if we had scored the third and fourth goals, we could have finished the match more comfortably.
Q: I think the opponent pushed harder because the score difference widened. How did the team respond to this situation?
A, we anticipated this development even before the match, and Albert PUIG ORTONEDA also mentioned that if the opponent was losing, they would kick long balls at the end to push forward. Everyone was conscious of raising the defensive line while playing. It was inevitable to be pushed back in that situation, and if the ball was kicked, we would be pushed back, so how well we could pick up the second ball was very important. There were several dangerous scenes, but I think we avoided conceding because we were able to use time after winning the ball in midfield.
Q, please review the goal scene.
A, when the ball came, I missed the first touch and thought the opponent would poke the ball away, so I slowed down. The defense did not come to the ball but closed down the space, so I was able to look at the keeper and score a goal. It wasn't exactly as planned, but I'm glad it went in.
Q: Did you aim for the crotch?
A, that was the only place, so I went all out there.
Q: I think the pressing was effective. As a result, it was a goal from the opponent's mistake.
A, the defense we intend to play is to press from the front line, which we have been working on since the start of this season. I believe the challenge going forward is to be able to apply that defense against any team. We managed to score one goal from that, and even if it wasn't my goal, I think it is important to win the ball in that position.
<Shuto ABE>
Q: This is your return after four matches.
A, I was able to play with a fresh mindset, and above all, it was great that the team won.
Q: It was the first match since the transfers of players Nagai and Takahagi. Did you have any thoughts about it?
I have learned a lot from players Nagai and Takahagi, so I feel very sad, but I understand their feelings as a choice as players and respect that. We must do enough to fill the gap left by the two of them so that we are not told we cannot win because they left. In that sense, I think it was good that we were able to win first.
Q: You took a two-goal lead early on, but it felt like the momentum changed around the 30-minute mark of the first half. How did you feel on the pitch during that time?
A, the start of the first half was very good, but I think there was a part where the amount of movement decreased due to the heat. However, it was good that we were able to prevent conceding a goal, so moving forward, we want to improve and correct the periods when the amount of movement drops.
Q: I think Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA sees ball possession as the best form of defense. What are your thoughts on that?
A, I think that is exactly what Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA said. If we have the ball, there is no need to defend, so I hope we can increase that time more.
Q: You received a lot of fouls in your comeback match, but how is your physical condition?
A, Since it was my comeback match, it was physically very tough, but I was able to refresh during the rehabilitation period, so I think my sharpness was good.
Q: Did you have any feelings about the team from the outside during the rehabilitation period?
Also, there were many times when we lost the ball, and there were scenes where Diego and Leandro became isolated when they received the ball, so today I consciously entered the match to support them in those situations.
Q: In light of the increasing opportunities for player Higashi to participate as an anchor, what kind of relationship do you have while playing?
Player Higashi has excellent foot skills and is able to see the surroundings well. He also calls out to support me, which makes it very easy to play. I aim to position myself to support Player Higashi while taking a position that adds a good accent to the attack, and I hope to carry the ball forward facing ahead.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, it was a great victory. Please review the game.
A, I thought we were able to play the style of soccer we envisioned from the first half. We managed to score two goals during good periods, which allowed us to take control of the match.
Q: There was a moment when you matched up against Yasuhito ENDO from Iwata. Was there anything you were particularly aware of during that time?
A, before the match, I had heard from Endo that the attack would start, so I imagined that Shuto ABE and I would be more aggressive in scouting.
Q: It seemed that you were blocking Endo's passing lanes during defensive situations.
If we can prevent A from passing from there, I thought the attack would not proceed in the direction the opponent imagines. We couldn't defend perfectly, but it was good that we were able to suppress it to some extent.
Q: The attack was able to create shooting opportunities starting from Leandro.
A, goals are something we are always striving for, and I believe the difference lies in whether you can finish decisively there. I want to continue working hard to be able to finish decisively.
Q: After gaining an advantage by scoring two points, the game developed into a back-and-forth exchange of the ball. How do you feel about the issues that arose from that?
In the last 15 minutes of the second half, the defensive line started to tire and pulled back, so if we had been able to press towards the ball side, I think we could have played a great match until the end.
Q: It was unfortunate that we couldn't capitalize on the chances, but wasn't it effective to utilize the middle well with Matsuki and Watanabe?
A, I usually take my position by watching the situation of the wing players, but this time I was able to share a good image while watching the opponent.
Q: I think it was a fluid position that didn't fixate on a center forward. Was there coordination on that within the team?
A, especially to allow Leandro to move freely, we also changed our positions, and when Leandro dropped back, if the defenders came up to challenge him, the space behind would open up, so I think we were able to do that even during training.
