Match Review
In this match, played three days after the last, we face Cerezo Osaka in the postponed Sec. 25 due to the typhoon. Tokyo came into this match against Shonan Bellmare with a good momentum from two consecutive wins, but despite having chances early in the game, they failed to convert and ended up conceding a goal in the latter part of the match, resulting in a loss.
This season, there are only 3 matches left. Tokyo is in 7th place, 4 points behind 4th place C Osaka. The competition for the top spots is tight, and the results of a single match could significantly change the final rankings. Tokyo aims to climb at least one position and, to show fans and supporters the progress made this season through their efforts for transformation, this match requires not only results but also quality performance.
1st HALF - Created chances but blocked twice by the post
In the early stages, both teams created scenes to bring the ball into the penalty area. The first team to create a clear chance was C Osaka. As Tokyo's defense fell back to respond, a penetrating pass was played between the defenders, utilizing the space behind on the left side. As the defenders closed in on the player who broke free, a cross was sent to the far side, but Tamada's shot missed the target and went over the goal.
Tokyo's counterattack came in the 18th minute of the first half, when Kashif BANGNAGANDE reacted to a looping pass from mid-range and carried the ball deep down the left side. Near the goal line, he delivered a floating cross ball towards the back post, but Diego OLIVEIRA aimed for a bicycle kick and missed the connection.
Gradually, Tokyo increased their possession of the ball, creating opportunities to break down the opponent during the flow of the game. In the 27th minute of the first half, a diagonal pass from Kuryu MATSUKI, who had moved to the left side, entered the central area. Although it did not reach Diego TABA, Ryoma WATANABE, who had made a run from behind, took a one-touch shot from just outside the penalty area, hitting the left post. As the loose ball spilled in front of the goal, Adailton, who was in the trajectory, also made a powerful one-touch attempt, but his ground shot was once again deflected off the left post.
In the 34th minute of the first half, Matsuki received a pass facing the goal just outside the penalty area. Taking advantage of the defender's delayed approach, he aimed for a powerful long-range shot, but the ball, gaining speed, went just over the goal.
Tokyo's offensive continues. In response to the opponent's counterattack, the defense sharpens its press to recover the ball high up the pitch, quickly extinguishing any chance of a counter. Even in a pressed state, they utilize space to advance the ball, closing in on the opponent's goal. In the 40th minute of the first half, Yoshifumi sent in a low, sharp cross from the left side, and Adailton made a diving header at the near side. It was a shot aimed at the far side of the goal, but it narrowly missed to the right of the frame.
2nd HALF - Watanabe's Hat-trick & Luiz PHELLYPE's First Home Goal
Tokyo created many scoring opportunities in the first half but couldn't convert them, but suddenly changed the game at the start of the second half.
In the 3rd minute of the second half, Adailton created space and sent Kafumi running into the space on the left side. When Kafumi delivered a cross in front of the goal, Watanabe skillfully trapped the ball from a one-touch motion as it flowed to the far side, and while the defender was slow to close in, he took a shot with his left foot. The ball was drawn into the upper left corner of the goal, and Tokyo succeeded in taking the lead.
After taking the lead, Tokyo maintained possession of the ball. The players kept an exquisite distance, moving the ball while making the opposing players run. If the opponents advanced, they utilized the space behind them; if they did not, they connected short passes and gradually pushed forward.
As the match entered its final stages, Tokyo secured the game. In the 31st minute of the second half, Hotaka NAKAMURA broke free on the right side and delivered a cross, which was met by Watanabe with a right-footed volley to add another goal. Tokyo was unstoppable. Just a minute later, in the 32nd minute of the second half, Koki TSUKAGAWA sent a cross from the right corner of the penalty area into the goal area, where Watanabe headed it in, completing a hat-trick with his left foot, right foot, and head.
With the lead widening, Tokyo's momentum shows no signs of stopping. In the 38th minute of the second half, Kazuya KONNO makes a through pass on the right side. Shuto ABE, who dives into the space on the right side of the penalty area, sends in a cross near the goal line, and Luiz PHELLYPE changes the trajectory with a one-touch finish, scoring the fourth goal, which is his first goal at home.
With the belief that offense is the best defense, Tokyo allowed C Osaka almost no real attacks, raising their rank to 5th place. In the next match, they will face Nagoya Grampus away, and in the final match, they will battle Kawasaki Frontale in the Tamagawa Classico at Ajinomoto Stadium.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Kashifu BANGUNAGANDE
MF Koki TSUKAGAWA (substituted in 36th minute: Shuto ABE)/Keigo HIGASHI (substituted in 40th minute: Seiji KIMURA)/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Ryoma WATANABE (substituted in 36th minute: Leandro)/Diego Oliveira (substituted in 30th minute: Luis Felipe)/Adailton (substituted in 30th minute: Kazuya KONNO)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Yuto NAGATOMO
GOAL
3 minutes into the second half: Watanabe/31 minutes into the second half: Watanabe/32 minutes into the second half: Watanabe/38 minutes into the second half: Luiz PHELLYPE
<Cerezo Osaka>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kim Jin-hyeon
DF Matsuda Riku (31st minute: Bruno Mendes)/Ryosuke Yamanaka (24th minute: Ryosuke Shindo)/Matej Jonić/Ryuya Nishio
MF Hiroshi Kiyotake/Seiya Maikuma/Tokuma Suzuki (0th minute: Nelson ISHIWATARI)/Hirotaka Tameda (11th minute: Jean Patric)
FW Satoki Uejo/Adam Taggart (11th minute: Sota Kitano)
SUBS
GK Keisuke SHIMIZU
MF Hikaru NAKAHARA
GOAL
―
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review the game.
One of the objectives we set for the players was to take an aggressive approach, and I think that was the key. They have become more confident in maintaining possession of the ball. We were able to effectively connect that to our attack. As we demonstrated in the first half of the Kashima match, I believe we have entered a phase where we increase opportunities to play towards the goal while keeping possession of the ball.
The team fought for victory from the very start of the match. They maintained a high level of intensity and playing tempo. What I am satisfied with today is that they were able to keep a high level of intensity throughout the game. I believe they were able to express both the ball possession and game control that we have been instilling, as well as the more aggressive approach towards the goal that I asked the players to adopt today. Of course, the first half against Kashima was good, and I think it was one of the best performances this season. However, what I am satisfied with in this match is that they consistently demonstrated a high level in all aspects, including both attack and defense.
The growth stage this season is as expected. Of course, it is natural that we need to grow even more. In terms of results, we have first eliminated the risk of relegation. Additionally, we have surpassed the average points earned per match compared to last season. This club was in a declining position, but we managed to recover and take steps upward. The team composition has not changed significantly from last season. Within that, we have dramatically changed our style over the year. The goals moving forward are clear, and I believe the next two matches will be fantastic. Of course, they will be difficult matches. It's a home game for Nagoya, and Kawasaki may be playing for the championship. I think facing such teams is a wonderful challenge.
(Watanabe) I want to say 'Congratulations on the hat trick' to Ryoma. I am also satisfied that we did not let the best fullback in Japan, Nagatomo, play (in the match).
Q: Today, we maintained calm play by circulating the ball in our own half to draw the opponent in, and by making vertical passes through the center. What allowed us to have this mental composure?
A, of course, depending on the game, there are times when we can play with composure like in the Kashima match, and on the other hand, there are moments when we become a bit nervous like in the Shonan match. It is still true that such irregularities occur from game to game. However, it takes time to turn those irregularities into regularity and to consistently perform at the same level.
We have now played together as a team for seven months. I think it is a good thing that young players like Kuryu MATSUKI, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, and Ryoma WATANABE are becoming the main players in the matches.
[Player Interview]]
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, please review today's game.
A, there were chances to score from the first half, but we couldn't finish them. However, I felt like we could score today. Although there were more mistakes than usual, we managed to score, so I want to take that positively.
Q, please review the game starting from the first goal, all of which were wonderful.
I overlapped with player Tsukagawa, but I was able to call out well, so I planned to enter the drop zone and take the shot. Since Tsukagawa's body was right in front of me, I controlled the ball with my first touch and placed it well, so I calmly slid it to the far side.
Q: You were calm for both the second and third points.
When player Nakamura was about to deliver the cross, I was ready, so I think that's why it went in a good form and on a good course.
For the third goal, I thought the ball would come with one touch, so I moved forward carefully watching for offside, and a good ball came at the right timing, so I’m glad I was able to score.
Q: The content was very compact and it was a good game, wasn't it?
A, I think games where we can press from the front tend to be good matches. In the Shonan game, we struggled to get into rhythm and had to reflect on the fact that we were too defensive. We have been working on that heading into today. If we can keep pressing forward and trap the opponent, I believe we can play our style. With that in mind, we want to focus on this for the remaining two games as well.
Q: How will you approach the last two matches of this season?
We have set the goal of participating in the ACL, but first, we want to take on each match one by one. Nagoya and Kawasaki are not easy opponents, so we intend to fight each match step by step.
Q: When was the last time you scored a hat trick?
A, it's been since elementary school (laughs).
Q: Did you receive the ball?
A, received.
<Luiz PHELLYPE>
Q: Please share your thoughts on scoring your first home goal.
A, not only was it my first home goal, but I am also happy to have been able to achieve a result during this period when we haven't been scoring.
Q: Given the limited playing time, I think it is difficult to achieve results. What are you conscious of in this situation?
A, I am usually given about 15 to 20 minutes, so I try to do my best with what I can do within that time on the field. I felt that the only thing I was lacking was goals, so I am happy to have been able to leave a visible result in the form of a goal.
Q, do you think this goal could be a good opportunity?
A, I am always aiming for goals, so I hope to score in the next match as well. However, soccer is difficult, so there are times when I can score and times when I cannot. I will prepare to be able to score.
Q: I think the process leading to the goal was good, what do you think?
A, believing the ball would come in, moved into the front of the goal, and as a result, the ball reached properly, so all that was left was to score.
Q: I think there were significant parts where we were able to collaborate well, what do you think?
A, today, including the scene where I scored a goal, recently there have been many difficult situations where I couldn't get the ball to the center forward or I entered the game while we were losing. In such situations, the ball was properly delivered to me, and I was able to produce results, so I think it was good.
Q: How do you feel about the last two matches of this season?
A, for the last two matches, we want to give our all to win. Regardless of whether we have a chance to win the title or not, I believe the most important thing is to fight the matches in front of us, so we will prepare thoroughly with the goal of finishing the remaining two matches with victories.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q, please review the scene of the assist.
A, I was able to kick the ball just as I imagined. It was great because Watanabe skillfully cut back and scored.
Q: There were many improvements seen since the Shonan match. What were you conscious of?
Compared to the match against Shonan, there was greater aggressiveness in breaking behind the opponent's defense up front, and we were able to dominate the opponent throughout the game. It was precisely because of this aggressiveness that we were able to play such a good game today.
Q, Nakamura and Yoshifumi's performance as full-backs stood out in the match.
A, it was mentioned in the pre-match scouting that the opponent's fullbacks are the starting point of their attacks. Before the match, I talked with Nakamura about how if we could win the duel between the fullbacks, we could control the pace of the game. It was good that we were able to surpass the opponent's fullbacks and maintain control throughout.
Q: I have the impression that early crosses have become more common in matches.
A, I have been told that it is okay to actively push forward to the players inside from practice, and gradually I feel a sense of coordination between myself and the players inside. I am glad I was able to show that in the match.
Q: Do you feel that the variety of plays is increasing?
A, every time you play in a match, your specialty moves are being closely watched, but I feel that actively attacking from the left has led to good plays.
Q: How does it feel to have a big victory while having vocal support during home games?
A, it was the first time we had a big win in a home game with vocal support from the fans, so I am very happy.
Q: Did you have any communication regarding positioning?
A, in the first half timing, space was created because Adailton opened out wide. Regarding who opens up and who breaks behind, Morishige had talked about the combination with Adailton before the match, so I think the team had a shared understanding.
Q: Unlike the previous match, we maintained possession of the ball for most of the time. As a full-back, what plays were you conscious of since the last match that influenced that change?
A, I thought that even if we kept possession of the ball all the time, it would end up like the Shonan match, so as a correction for that point, I believed it was necessary to actively make runs behind the defense even as a fullback. In the Shonan match, we lacked forward aggression, which led to that kind of game. To learn from that reflection, there were many plays where we surged forward, and as a result, our ball possession rate increased, allowing us to play our style of football.
<Hotaka NAKAMURA>
Q, please review the game.
A, since we lost a match that we needed to win in the previous round, we talked about fighting together from the beginning today, regardless of the content of the game. We couldn't score in the first half, but I think we were able to show our spirit in the match.
Q: I think it was a very passionate match, but what were your thoughts going into it?
A: It's the same for every match, but I wanted to firmly defend the aspects of my game that I excel at, as well as the build-up play and attacking participation that the coach expects from me.
Q: It was a goal from a cross by Nakamura, but were you watching Watanabe?
A: I definitely need to work more on the number and quality of crosses I deliver. In that scoring moment, I wasn't not watching Watanabe, but I was hoping someone would connect with my cross based on instinct. The goal was more thanks to Watanabe finishing it rather than the quality of my cross, which I don't think was that high. However, it was good that it led to a goal. From here, I want to improve both the quality and the number of crosses.
Q: I think the defense was quite good, and I believe we were able to build our attacks properly. What areas have improved?
A, as expected, each team has various formations and different defensive approaches, and in the previous match against Shonan, we had to respond within their excellent defense. This time, we carefully studied the opponent's footage, confirmed positions within the team, and were able to circulate the ball effectively, so I think we improved compared to the last match against Shonan. As a team, how we navigate through intense pressure is crucial, and we must not panic as a team. In matches like the one against Shonan, we need to become better at calmly carrying the ball forward without rushing.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: The game was completely different from the recent match against Shonan. What kind of preparations did you make in the last three days?
Regarding the match against Shonan, there was a part where we couldn't apply pressure from the front, so we talked about improving that aspect. In today's Cerezo match, our analysis showed that if we didn't go to disrupt the opponent's anchor, they would develop their play from there, so we made sure to go after it.
Q: You seemed to keep it compact for 90 minutes and reacted quickly to the movement of the ball. How did you feel on the pitch?
A, it was a very tough match, but even before scoring the first goal and after, everyone moved fluidly. When I was pressing from the front, Higashi covered well, which I think made the whole team more solid.
Q: Wasn't this the best game of the season?
A, since it was a victory with a certain margin in the end, I want to take that as a positive.
Q: I think the meaning of the remaining matches will change with today's victory.
A, since there will be a short break, we will use this period to prepare thoroughly for the next match against Nagoya, and for the remaining two games, we will do our best to climb higher in the rankings.
Q: I think the coordination on the left side was smooth today.
When Adailton came on, we made sure to use the space effectively. Also, since Yoshifu is a player whose strengths show more when positioned forward rather than behind, we managed to balance that well and I think I was able to handle the ball effectively in my area. Today, the play was very smooth, and there were many opportunities to break through from there, so I believe this style of play will be beneficial in upcoming matches as well.
Q: Do you feel that the team becomes more active when the inside half has a lot of movement, like today?
A, that's right. While creating plays from the back, I think the team could become even better if we don't forget to make runs into the area in front of the goal.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: What were you careful about during the match?
In terms of focusing on the competition, we had a disappointing match last time, and since we can only make up for it in matches, I think the reason we achieved this result today was because everyone worked together to make corrections, properly organized ourselves, and approached the match with a clear mindset.
Q: I think you were able to move the ball around quite well without fearing the opponent's press. What allowed you to do that in today's match?
There are various factors, but first we organized the defense. In the previous match against Shonan, things didn’t fit well and we kept dropping back. Therefore, this time we were able to push forward positively, which improved the rhythm of our attack. Tokyo plays really well when we can perform like that, and I think we were able to bring that out successfully.
Q: Did the team discuss anything in preparation for today's match?
A, throughout the season, I think each player was able to play while thinking during today's match. Above all, it was good that we were able to improve on the points we reflected on from the Shonan match today. Even though we are winning, there are still areas to improve, so I think the team should discuss further and continue to get better.
Q: What are the areas for improvement?
Team A, although we pressed forward in the first half, we had difficulty getting into the area right in front of the goal, so we talked about focusing more on that. While it is good to simply send crosses from the sides, we hope to increase the variety of our attacks by also penetrating into other dangerous areas.
Q: I think that player Higashi's defense was effective, but how do you feel about it intuitively?
A, by reading the course and anticipating the opponent's intentions, the inside half skillfully coaches and there are many players who can run a lot, so while utilizing that, I handled the situations where the ball spilled out well. I think I was able to do that well today.
Q: I think we were able to work more smoothly compared to the Shonan match, including our collaboration with the front line.
A, of course, since there is an opponent involved, there are matches like today’s where things don’t go well. The Shonan match was not good in terms of both content and result, but I think there are a few matches like that throughout the season. Even in such situations, securing points is important during the season. I think this is still an area that needs improvement. When things are going well, we play good matches like this, score goals, and succeed, but how to organize the team in matches that don’t go well is still a challenge if we aim higher.
