<Match Review>
Two weeks have passed since the blue and red warriors thrived in the match against SANGA in the National Stadium in September. The league was interrupted due to the Japan national team's European tour, during which the team has been "adjusting the details of tactics" (Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA). Then, on October 1, they faced Kashima Antlers in an away game. There are 5 matches left this season. This is an important final five that can be seen as the culmination of Albert's first year in charge. The match against Kashima marks the start of that.
1st HALF――Gradually gaining pace, closing in on the Kashima goal
This match is without captain Masato MORISHIGE due to suspension. This season, there is an unpleasant statistic of 1 win and 4 losses in league matches without MORISHIGE. Seiji KIMURA will partner with Yasuki KIMOTO as center-backs. Expectations are high for the performance of the young center-back who returned to Tokyo from Montedio Yamagata this summer.
In the early stages, the intense defense from Kashima put pressure on the build-up play of players Kimoto and Kimura, making it difficult for them to function effectively. During the first five minutes after kickoff, they were almost pushed back into their own half, allowing Kashima to take control from the start.
Tokyo's first shot came in the 12th minute of the first half. Leandro, who picked up a pass mistake from Kashima in enemy territory in a match against his former club, aimed for the goal with his right foot, but it went just outside the left post. However, from then on, Tokyo gradually began to create opportunities to penetrate the opponent's territory.
Kashima is based on a 4-3-1-2 formation, applying pressure on Tokyo with two forwards and three attacking midfielders, while the three defensive midfielders solidify the central area in their defensive shape. Tokyo often had their passes to the central area intercepted by the opponent, but conversely, they began to create opportunities on both flanks to exploit the gaps in the enemy's formation.
There were scenes where Hotaka NAKAMURA and Ryoma WATANABE combined to penetrate into the Kashima territory from the right side, and Kuryu MATSUKI flowed to the left side from the central midfield, creating opportunities to attack high positions with Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Leandro.
In the 28th minute of the first half, Matsuki broke free from Kimoto's long feed and aimed for the goal with his right foot. Furthermore, in the 31st minute of the first half, Leandro took a left-footed shot after a one-two with Diego OLIVEIRA. In the 36th minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA took a middle-range shot after a dribble, and in the 44th minute of the first half, Leandro took a shot after stealing the ball from Kashima with high pressing, but none of them found the back of the net. Despite getting close to the Kashima goal, they ended the first half without scoring.
2nd HALF――Intense defense, and finally a dramatic winning goal
In the early part of the second half, it was Tokyo's pace. However, in the 11th minute of the second half, a momentary gap was exploited by Kashima, allowing Suzuki to break free, but at this moment, Kimura calmly intervened to clear the ball, averting the crisis.
Immediately after the play, Kashif BANGNAGANDE's left-foot feed found Watanabe running in front of the goal. He aimed for a left-foot shot after a chest trap... but unfortunately, he couldn't make contact with the ball and missed a great scoring opportunity.
In the 14th minute of the second half, there was a connection between Leandro → Diego OLIVEIRA → Leandro, resulting in a shot. This was denied by a great save from Kashima's goalkeeper Hayakawa.
In the 20th minute of the second half, coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA brought in Shuto ABE and Adailton. Then, two minutes later, Adailton took a control shot from his favorite left 45-degree angle during a quick attack, but it went over the crossbar. Furthermore, Tokyo made another substitution in the 28th minute of the second half with Luiz PHELLYPE entering the pitch. PHELLYPE then took consecutive shots in the 30th and 36th minutes, accelerating the team's attack.
The match saw a back-and-forth battle between Kashima and Tokyo, but Tokyo had more opportunities to finish their attacks with solid shots. On the other hand, Kashima struggled to reach decisive moments despite their offensive efforts. This was largely due to Tokyo's defense, which displayed organized control at key moments, and individual players consistently putting in dedicated performances. On the right side, Nakamura did not lose out in duels, and Kimura effectively contested in front of the goal, ensuring that the opponents were not given any freedom.
And then, player Abe, who had increased the defensive intensity like them after coming on as a substitute, scores the long-awaited goal.
In the 36th minute of the second half, after picking up a second ball from the opponent's clearance, he struck a right-footed volley from mid-range. The ball grazed the outstretched hand of Kashima goalkeeper Hayakawa, who is also from Meiji University, and pierced the goal net. This became the 1,000th goal in J1 history for Tokyo, marking a memorable goal.
A moment of joy for all in Tokyo. From the bench, Yuto NAGATOMO and Go HATANO rushed to join the circle of joy, and in front of the supporters' stand that filled the away ground at Kashima Stadium, they finally performed a cradle dance for Junya SUZUKI, who recently welcomed his second child.
Tokyo maintained their defensive concentration and intensity without interruption until the final whistle. The dramatic final goal, of course, showcased the growth of player Kimura, who displayed tough defense in the absence of captain Morishige, as well as the comeback of player Nakamura, who had suffered from injuries for a long time. Additionally, the dedication of Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who tirelessly moved up and down the left side, contributed significantly to the team's victory, resulting in a satisfying three points.
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Nakamura Hodaka/Yasuki KIMOTO/Seiji KIMURA/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Koki TSUKAGAWA (substituted at 42 minutes: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Keigo HIGASHI/Kuou MATSUKI (substituted at 21 minutes: Shuto ABE)
FW Ryoma WATANABE (substituted at 42 minutes: Kazuya KONNO)/Diego OLIVEIRA (substituted at 21 minutes: Adailton)/Leandro (substituted at 28 minutes: Luiz PHELLYPE)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF / Junya SUZUKI
GOAL
39th minute of the second half Shuto ABE
<Kashima Antlers>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Tomoki HAYAKAWA
DF Rikuto HIROSE/Ikuma SEKIGAWA/Kento MISAO/Koki ANZAI
MF Yuta HIGUCHI (41st minute: Yuta MURAMATSU)/Shintaro NAGO (20th minute: Ryuji IZUMI)/Diego PITUCA
FW Hayato NAKAMA (13th minute: Ryotaro ARAKI)/Arthur CAIKE (39th minute: Everaldo)/Yuma SUZUKI
SUBS
GK Sun Tae KWOUN
DF Min Tae KIM
MF Shoma DOI
GOAL
-
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review the game.
First of all, regarding the first half, in my opinion, it was the most wonderful development in this season's matches. The team played excellently according to the concept. They maintained possession, aimed for the goal, and played aggressively in defense. Each player made the right decisions throughout the match in the first half. We were able to create several decisive chances. As a coach, what I always aim for is for the players to fully enjoy playing football. That was achieved in the first half. The players looked happy on the pitch, and at times they even smiled. I think it was such a first half.
On the other hand, the second half became a more difficult development. Naturally, it was a match at the home of a great club. I did not expect things to go easily. Today, I am pleased as a football official to have been able to play in this wonderful stadium in front of the fantastic Kashima Antlers supporters. And we are very grateful to the many Tokyo supporters who came all the way here to cheer for us.
In the final stages of the match, Kuryu MATSUKI, who felt slightly unwell last night, needed to be substituted, and Shuto ABE came on as a substitute and scored a wonderful goal. Also, Seiji KIMURA had been on a U-21 Japan national team European tour until three days ago. Although it was a match immediately after his return, he played brilliantly. After scoring the goal, anticipating that Kashima Antlers would play more directly aiming for the goal, we changed the system to protect the match result and tried to finish the game. Yuto NAGATOMO had just returned from the Japan national team expedition two days ago, but by standing on the pitch with his experience and wisdom, he contributed to closing out the match. I believe that his contribution in such a difficult situation is proof that he is a great player. I hope the young players learn a lot from Yuto NAGATOMO.
Q: What is your evaluation of Yuto NAGATOMO, who has returned from the national team?
Regarding A, I believe the numbers prove that Yuto NAGATOMO is great. Many people need to understand how difficult it is not only to belong to but also to continue playing for Inter Milan, a top-level European club, for many years. His fourth World Cup appearance is also approaching, and that itself is proof of his greatness. From a global perspective, I think you can understand how difficult it is to participate and play in four World Cups.
What surprised me the most was his reaction when I told him at the beginning of this season that I was considering using him on the right side instead of the left side. I asked him to also play in a more central area as a fullback and told him I wanted him to learn that. Many players of his age and experience might think, "What can you teach me? I'm the one who should be teaching football," when a coach points something out. However, he did not take such an arrogant attitude and responded differently. He has two important qualities to become a great and wonderful player. The first is a strong mentality, a strong commitment to winning. The second is that he continues to have the desire to learn. These two qualities are why he is a player that many young players should learn from. And these are necessary not only for football players but also in life. Football and life are connected. What is needed in football is also important in life. Additionally, I would like to add that he is a wonderful person. Yuto NAGATOMO is truly a wonderful person.
[Player Interview]]
<Shuto ABE>
Q, please review today's goal.
It was 0-0, and I was thinking of swinging my right foot through. This week, I had a good feeling during shooting practice, and when I took the shot, I felt I made good contact, so I'm glad it went in.
Q: What instructions did the coach give you when you came on as a substitute?
A, I was asked to show the intensity of my play once again. Since that connects with my own strengths, I entered the game hoping to bring out my best performance.
Q: Was it difficult to come in from the bench, unlike starting in the lineup?
When coming on midway, it was difficult to match the intensity of the game and quite challenging, but since I was on the pitch, I couldn't make any excuses, so I focused on running hard and maintaining the intensity while playing.
Q, wasn't it significant to score during that time with a 0-0 scoreline?
A, we were able to score at a good time, and in the end, the game developed into defending the lead. Scoring at that time gave the team a sense of relief, and we were able to refocus afterward, which was good.
A truly large number of fans and supporters came rushing to Kashima, and it was very encouraging. When we scored, we naturally shared our joy towards the goal behind, and I believe today's victory was thanks to the fans and supporters.
Q: Today's match marked the 1000th goal in J1 history.
A, I just heard in the interview. I am very happy to have been able to make a name in FC Tokyo's history.
<Seiji KIMURA>
Q: How was it to participate in the match?
A, until now I have always been a substitute, and even when I played, it was only as the left side of the three-back. Although we did not concede any goals in that position, if we had conceded during that playing time, I would have been considered unusable. So, being able to play a full 90 minutes today without conceding is a significant result for my future football career. I truly believe this is a good outcome that strongly connects to how I can be involved in the remaining four matches.
Q: I think it was a great test to fill the gap in the absence of player Morishige.
A, Morishige and I have different characteristics, so there is a need to cover the gaps, but rather than thinking too much about being like Morishige, I focused on bringing out my own strengths and contributing to the team by maximizing what I can do, and entered the match with that mindset.
Q: Throughout the 90 minutes, I think there were many tough players on the opposing team, such as Suzuki. How was it to compete against them?
A, after all, one of my strengths is in close ball battles and aerial duels, so I believed I must not lose to any opponent, no matter who they are. I think I was able to handle that well. The Paris Olympics are still some time away, but to compete on the world stage, you can't afford to be defeated here, so in that sense, I think it was good.
Q: I believe that the fans and supporters in Tokyo have understood how much strength player Kimura has gained since his return today.
A, that's right. For a year and a half, I haven't had the opportunity to be seen by Tokyo's fans and supporters, but I believe I was able to properly show what I have built up. I want to continue fighting through the rest of the season in good condition.
Q: Do you think we can aim for the ACL spots in the remaining four matches?
The coach said that it is important to play our own style of football and win. He talked about becoming a great team that remains in the memories of many people, so if we stick to our style and win steadily, I believe we will eventually qualify for the ACL zone. Therefore, without focusing too much on that, I want the whole team to fight together.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: I think you were boldly crossing from the side, was there a specific aim behind it?
A, before the match during scouting, we understood that space would open up on the sides. The coach also told us to aggressively exploit those areas, and we targeted them from the first half. Although some crosses didn’t go as planned, we were able to get shots off from the rebounds of those crosses, so I think it was good and went according to plan.
Q: How did you find the opponent's play while they were also valuing the ball?
A, There were moments when we were pushed back by the opponent, but since we were able to control the game from the first half, I think we were able to proceed without rushing.
Q: You were side by side with Kimura, how do you feel about the match in retrospect?
It was one of my goals after moving up to the top team. Personally, the first match I ever watched at a stadium as a child was at Kashima Stadium, Tokyo vs Kashima. Playing on the same side as Kimura and keeping a clean sheet made it the best day ever.
Since we were playing on the same side, if our focus slipped even a little, we would get beaten, so we kept encouraging each other after every play and were able to repeat that, which I think was the reason our defense did not collapse.
Q: What kind of encouragement did you give as you entered the second half?
A, we played good soccer in the first half and then it was just a matter of scoring goals. We talked about the importance of playing carefully to finish well, and since we had two dangerous moments, we also discussed making detailed adjustments.
Q: What preparations do you want to make for the next match?
A, earning 3 points away at Kashima was significant, and we must win the next match as well, or else this victory will lose its meaning. I believe whether we can continue this will determine if we can reach the ACL zone. I want to approach every match as if it were the Final Round to ensure we secure a victory at the next home game.
<Hotaka NAKAMURA>
Q, please review the game.
Since our captain Morishige was suspended due to accumulated cards, Kimura played, and I got the opportunity to play replacing Nagatomo who returned from the national team. Before the match, I talked with Kimura saying, 'Let's give it our all in today's game,' and as a team, we agreed to play our style of football and win. I believe everyone was able to play with strong determination.
Q: It was an impressive match with one-on-one battles occurring in various places. I think there was a bit of a gap, but how was your condition?
A, this season has been difficult for me in many ways, but I was always prepared to step in whenever needed, so my condition was not an issue. The opponent, player Anzai, was positioning himself high up and kept making aggressive moves, so I thought I absolutely had to stop him. I believe it was good that we ended with zero goals conceded.
Q: I would like to see passionate play in the home match against Shonan. Please share your enthusiasm.
A, whether in the starting lineup or on the bench, run for the team regardless. I will continue to do this without wavering. I will do my best to celebrate with the fans and supporters at home Ajinomoto Stadium.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, please review the game.
A, it was a good match where we were able to show our strengths from the first half, so I think that ending in a draw or scoring one goal to win will boost our confidence going forward, and I believe it was a good victory.
Q: The match had a rapid transition between offense and defense from the first half.
A, the aim was not to defend by retreating, but to try to take the ball from the front. We knew the opponent would also come forward, so I felt that the use of long balls and short passes, especially in the first half, was good, making it difficult for the opponent to catch us. Also, Seiji KIMURA stopped the opponent firmly, and since there were not many scenes where I was on the field today, I would like to thank Seiji KIMURA.
Q: It seemed like you were also aiming to score from set plays.
A, although it was difficult to score, if we can score from set pieces, the match will become easier, so we want to value set pieces as well.
Q: Many fans and supporters came out today. Please say a few words.
A, thank you very much for rushing to support us all the way to distant Kashima and helping us deliver a victory. We have two home games in a row from here, so we will switch gears, prepare ourselves, and hope to receive your passionate support again.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, it was a wonderful victory.
Since the opponent had many high-level players, we knew before the match that it would be a difficult game. In that situation, we are very pleased that we were able to stick to our style of soccer and secure 3 points.
Q: In the first half, there was a powerful play where Diego dribbled through the center area. Even with the roles within the team, I was very happy to see such plays from Diego.
A, I was injured in January, and tactically I also have defensive roles to play, so I haven't been able to show scenes like that very often until now. However, not only in that scene, I am glad that I was able to play for the team's victory.
Q: I am looking forward to the goal in the Shonan match.
A, I haven't scored a goal myself for a long time, so I definitely want to score, but there are always such periods, and precisely because I haven't scored, I am working hard in practice. I feel that the fans and supporters at the stadium are giving me strength, so I will do my best to score in the next match.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: You participated in the match as a closer.
A, I am relieved that I was able to properly finish as the 'Closer Nagatomo'.
Q: What role were you given by the coach to play in the match?
A, I was told not to concede any goals and to finish with a win, so I think it was good.
Q: You were also vocal from the bench in the first half.
A, we were playing a great match from the first half, so we were able to control the game at our own pace. I think the team is improving based on positional soccer, which is the foundation of Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's style.
Q: What is needed to take another step up?
A, I want to thoroughly improve the accuracy in the final attacking third and our scoring ability.
