<Match Review>
After a break of about three weeks, this match was against Nagoya Grampus, led by Kenta HASEGAWA, who managed FC Tokyo until last season. Kicking off with the momentum from their 4-0 victory at home against Cerezo Osaka on the 12th, they aimed for consecutive wins.
1st HALF - Although we held the ball, we couldn't seize control
At the start, we were pushed back by Nagoya's sharp start, as this match was their final home game. In the 3rd minute, a sudden crisis arrived. A free kick from the right side was headed back by Haruya FUJII to Kensuke NAGAI, who was waiting free after having fought together in the blue and red uniform until this summer. However, a powerful shot that was on target was brilliantly saved by GK Jakub SLOWIK, preventing a clear chance.
In the 10th minute, a free kick was given deep on the left side. Ryota NAGAKI's ball, delivered with his right foot, was deflected at the near post, and Noriyoshi SAKAI pushed it in front of the goal, resulting in an early deficit.
Finally, Tokyo's attack started to gain rhythm around the 20-minute mark. The time spent moving the ball in the opponent's territory increased, leading to more scenes ending with shots. In the 24th minute, Leandro struck with his right foot after intercepting a pass in midfield, and in the 28th minute, Ryoma WATANABE and Keigo HIGASHI took consecutive shots on a counterattack. They closed in on the Nagoya goal.
Still, the goal was far away, and they allowed the lead before the halftime break.
2nd HALF - Equalized but caught off guard for defeat
Both teams started the second half without substitutions. Tokyo was able to advance smoothly with the ball, creating rhythm and tempo in their attack. In that flow, they suddenly shook the goal net. In the 4th minute of the second half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Kuryu MATSUKI combined on the left side for a cross. It was cleared once, but Yasuki KIMOTO picked up the second ball and, with skillful control, struck with his right foot, powerfully piercing the upper right corner of the goal.
Tokyo launched an overwhelming attack following the equalizing goal. The players maintained good spacing, connecting short passes effectively, and even when they lost possession, they quickly transitioned to regain the ball and shifted to secondary and tertiary attacks.
However, in the atmosphere where a comeback goal was building, a momentary lapse occurred. In the 24th minute of the second half, a free kick was awarded on the left side, allowing for a quick restart. Ryoya MORISHITA's low and fast cross was deflected by GK Jakub SLOWIK, but Kensuke NAGAI, who was following up, pushed it in, regaining the lead once again.
Tokyo, wanting to equalize and then take the lead, sends out Adailton and Shuto ABE. However, Nagoya's defensive block, which is solid in the center, makes it difficult to create chances. The time of patience is becoming longer.
In the end, they were unable to score a second equalizer before the time was up. They could not achieve consecutive wins, and in the next match, they will face Kawasaki Frontale, who still have a chance for a third consecutive league title, in the Tamagawa Classico at home in the final match of the season.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yuto NAGATOMO (substituted at 42 minutes: Hodaka NAKAMURA)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Koki TSUKAGAWA (substituted at 30 minutes: Shuto ABE)/Keigo HIGASHI/Kuou MATSUKI (substituted at 42 minutes: Hirotaka MITA)
FW Ryoma WATANABE (substituted at 30 minutes: Adailton)/Luiz PHELLYPE/Leandro (substituted at 17 minutes: Kazuya KONNO)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF /Seiji KIMURA
GOAL
4 minutes into the second half Yasuki KIMOTO
<Nagoya Grampus>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK LANGERAK
DF Yuichi MARUYAMA/Haruya FUJII/Shinnosuke NAKATANI
MF Yuki SAOMA/Ryoya MORISHITA (26th minute: Kazuya MIYAHARA)/Sho INAGAKI/Ryota NAGAKI (44th minute: Keiya SENTO)
FW Noriyoshi SAKAI (11th minute: Takuya SHIGEHIRO)/Kensuke NAGAI (26th minute: Leonardo)/Mateus CASTRO (44th minute: Leo SILVA)
SUBS
GK Yohei TAKEDA
DF Thiago
GOAL
10th minute of the first half Noriyoshi SAKAI
24th minute of the second half Kensuke NAGAI
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review the game.
A, I have also conveyed this to the players, and I am proud of their performance today. I believe you saw them playing with the aim of winning for the full 90 minutes along with good play. Naturally, we are not satisfied with the match result, and there is room for improvement in the details, such as conceding two goals from set pieces. However, I think we clearly outperformed the opponent in terms of the quality of football. I believe the players clearly expressed the direction and style that the team and club are aiming for. As time passes and we play more matches, the players are pressing the opponent and becoming able to play calmly. That is how I understand and interpret it. I ask the players to play smartly, give them difficult challenges, and through overcoming them, the players grow. That is my interpretation.
Of course, I understand that the match results are the most important thing. However, as the coach of this team, after 8 months, I feel truly proud that the players have reached a point where they can express such a high level in a wonderful stadium.
Match results can be determined by elements beyond our control. However, as a coach, I must calmly analyze and judge whether the team is moving in the right direction. From that perspective, I believe this match proved that the team is heading in a positive direction. FC Tokyo, due to the name it carries, is a club that is expected to play more attacking football and deliver more exciting matches, and we are currently aiming for that. Whether at home or away, I believe we will position ourselves to express that kind of play. This approach is how I interpret football and also how I interpret life.
Q: Finally, what do you feel is necessary to break down the attacking third?
A, today, the opposing team had 9 players inside the penalty area defending. We need to understand that we were in a situation where we had to attack that team. I think we were able to create many chances against a team that was defending solidly. The opposing team was only able to create a few chances. Regarding our attack, there were many periods when we executed good attacks properly. I believe the feeling of having created chances is important. I ended this match with the feeling that the team was attacking well.
I think there were still many areas for improvement in the first 10 to 15 minutes of play. However, looking back on the season, I believe the team has changed significantly from the opening match to today. Has there been a change? I want you to remember the home game against Nagoya. In that match, we couldn't dominate the game, but today, I think we clearly outperformed our opponent away from home. We lost the match. However, if we say that we are not progressing in a good direction, that is not the case; rather, today's match made it clear that we are moving in a positive direction. Looking at the standings, we are in a position that is by no means bad. Next week, we have a match against Kawasaki Frontale. I want to express the same kind of play as today and achieve victory there. I want to aim for victory while expressing our style.
[Player Interview]]
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, it was a frustrating defeat.
A, before conceding the first goal, we had already created scoring opportunities, but conceding from a set piece in the first half made the match difficult.
Q, among them, we scored the equalizing goal.
I thought we could turn the game around if we scored one point, so I'm glad the bold shot I took went in.
Q, the player I least wanted to score, ended up scoring, and it was Nagai.
A, I don't think we allowed it during the flow of the game, but we stopped moving during set pieces and lost concentration. Conceding goals in such situations leads to defeat in the J1 League.
Q: How was the match at Toyota Stadium?
A, Many people came to the venue, creating a great atmosphere, and it was an environment where it was easy to play. However, we had a strong desire not to lose, and since we were in a position to aim higher in the rankings, this season we have felt the frustration of not being able to win at crucial moments, which made us keenly aware of our own lack of strength. I believe that if we cannot win at these important moments, we cannot move up, and I want to use this experience for next season.
Q: We fell behind early, and the opponent has now pulled back. How should we break down a team that is sitting back?
A, I think it is a wall that the team holding the ball faces. When we are losing, the opponent forms a block, making the situation difficult. I think there were many safe passes in the first half. We talked about making bold plays so that we can finish properly with crosses or shots.
Q: In that sense, I think plays like the one where Kimoto scored are also important.
A, I think many players were involved in the crosses during the scoring scenes, and I believe goals are born when such aggressiveness comes out. We want to increase those kinds of situations.
Q: The possibility of finishing in 3rd place has been eliminated due to today's results.
A, looking at today's (other venues') results, there was a possibility, but since it originally depended on others, I was only thinking about winning today without much consideration. There have been many matches this season where we said, "If we win here," so I don't think it's just about this one loss. To be at the top next season, I believe it is necessary to have the strength to win important matches.
Q: The next match is the home Tamagawa Classico in the final round.
We will not change what we do, and this applies to the next season as well. Since we can play the final match at home, we want to make it a good conclusion to the year. The opponent is fighting for the championship and will be highly motivated, so if we can beat Kawasaki, who are at the top, it will boost our confidence. We want to continue what we did well today and fight in the last match.
Q: Please say a word to the fans and supporters who came to cheer in Nagoya.
A, the support gave us strength, and even in the post-match greetings, the cheering gave us energy, so we want to play a good game at home, win, and celebrate together.
<Luiz PHELLYPE>
Q: I think it has been a while since you played for a long time. Can you share your thoughts?
A, it has been a while since I was able to play for a long time, so I view it positively. I want to work hard in practice so that I can play for a long time in the next match as well.
Q: I believe you had a wide range of tasks, not only finishing but also being the starting point for creating chances. How do you feel about that?
A, you were always able to play with confidence, and I view positively that you were able to maintain that level of play over a long period of game time. However, I feel that you need to make that confidence visible in your results.
Q: I think we were able to create many chances in collaboration with Leandro, but what do you feel was lacking that prevented us from scoring?
A, I think I should have made a better decision in the final part. Today, I believe I couldn't score a goal because I failed to make good decisions among the play choices that arose on the spot. I want to be calmer and make better decisions in the next match.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming final match against Kawasaki.
Although we were unable to win the title as a team, I remain highly motivated to do what I can as an individual. I want to focus on playing for long periods, scoring goals, and being dedicated to leading the team to victory through my performance.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q. It was a disappointing result despite controlling the ball.
Of course, the result is disappointing, but since Albert PUIG ORTONEDA became the coach, there have clearly been more matches where we could control the game, and we can feel our own growth. However, we lost today's match, and there are still challenges such as our fighting spirit, but I feel that the path we are on is definitely the right one.
Q: How was your condition throughout the match?
A, there are good points and areas for improvement, but it's absolutely fine.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, please review the game.
It was a match that reaffirmed that even playing good soccer does not necessarily mean you will win. Although we did not get the result, I feel that what we have been building up is not wrong, and honestly, I was able to enjoy the match. The fact is that we have to turn this into results, and regarding today's match, I think the reason for the loss was that we couldn't finish it off when it became 1-1.
Q: I think we created many scenes where we pushed into the opponent's territory even after falling behind by one goal. This led to Kimoto's equalizing goal.
A, When the team presses forward defensively, situations like that are bound to happen, and if we defend by dropping back, player Kimoto wouldn't have been able to get in that far. Today, we were able to score in that area, and if we continue in that direction, I believe we can score even more goals. At the same time, we all want to raise our awareness to reduce the number of goals conceded.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the final home match against Kawasaki.
A, the opponent has the championship on the line in this match, so I am really looking forward to stopping them.
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q: How did it feel to be in a situation during the match where a penalty kick seemed likely?
A was pushed and fell, but in the end, no foul was awarded. I need to be able to endure more in situations like that, and I felt that I need to develop a bit more strength to avoid falling.
Q: I think I was able to contribute to the team in the final breakthrough part after making several attempts.
A, after the opponent took the lead and set up a defensive block, we had some time with the ball, so when receiving the ball on the side, I tried to add some accents to my play. In that sense, I don't think it was bad, but in the end, we couldn't take any shots or score an equalizing goal, so that is a point for reflection.
Q: I think the team is able to maintain possession of the ball, but is breaking through the final defense a challenge?
A, we have been able to smoothly reach the final third, but I think it comes down to the quality of the final shots and crosses, as well as individual aspects. Each person needs to be more conscious of this, and I myself need to improve the quality even more. Otherwise, I don't think it will lead to an increase in the number of goals.
Q: Does each individual need to raise one at a time?
A, I believe that will ultimately lead to the team's improvement, so first, I felt once again today that I need to work on improving myself even more.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: I think there were times when the defense against Nagoya's frontline was not going well. What do you think about that?
A, I think that part will be a challenge, and it is a wall that teams advancing the game while maintaining possession will face. After all, the work of breaking down opponents who form blocks and defend is still insufficient. However, I think there were good periods in the second half, so the challenge is to be able to do that from the first half.
Q: Is it a wall we face precisely because we have been making progress, even though it remains a challenge?
A, well. I think this was not from the Shonan match, so in that sense, among the players as well, there is room for improvement in both offense and defense depending on the opponent's situation.
Q, for example, what kind of places are there?
A, I haven't watched the footage of the match yet, so I can't say much, but if I were to point out details, it would be not conceding the first goal, not giving up goals from set pieces, and if the game progresses at 0-0, it would create a different scenario. I feel this also includes psychological aspects.
Q: How was it to play on the pitch against player Nagai again?
A, it was fun, wasn't it? I truly think we played fiercely. I believe the goal scene was due to his instinct, something a forward possesses, so I want to praise the opposing team for that. Once again, I felt he is a great player. It was good to be able to compete like this.
Q: Finally, was the uniform exchanged?
A, that's right. We made an exchange at the end. With Kenta-san (Coach HASEGAWA), I couldn't play in the first half of the season at home, but this time I was able to play right in front of him. I hope to show a lively appearance again next season as well.
Q: I felt it was a strange sight when Nagai and Morishige were competing at the start, and I rushed over to see if everything was okay.
I think this applies not only to me but also to Nagai's character. Knowing his personality, I'm really happy that he is doing well energetically even in Nagoya.
Q: The final match is at home against Kawasaki.
As for the standings, nothing is at stake, but I think this is an opportunity to showcase what we have built up for ourselves. If we can play well in the final match, I believe it will lead into the next season, and that confidence will help us make a good start, so I want to make it that kind of game.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q, it was a disappointing result. Please review the game.
A, although we had our own time, we couldn't finish decisively, and the second goal conceded was a regrettable one, so I think we need to correct that part.
Q: It seemed like you were going in hard on your opponent to the point of receiving a yellow card.
A, I regret that I went for the yellow card without considering the accumulation. I feel that I was able to be aggressive from the start of the match.
Q: Were there any issues identified in today's match?
A, regarding defensive positioning, I still feel there is room for improvement. In the first half, there were about two occasions where the opponent got behind us, and player Morishige had to come to our rescue. In the second half, the accuracy of crosses also declined, which is another area to improve.
Q: Did you find it difficult because the opponent had many players focused on defense?
A, I think there will be more matches where our style of football will be closely guarded, so even if countermeasures are taken, we must score goals to win. We want to continue focusing on that.
Q, after returning from a major injury, wasn't this a year of growth in your defensive skills as well?
A, I think I have grown compared to the beginning, but there are still many areas, such as my initial positioning, where I feel I have a long way to go. I want to keep refining my skills to achieve results.
