<Match Review>
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's second season. This season poses a challenge for the team to deepen the style of "playing with the ball" (Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA) that has been developed since last season, and to evolve as a team. What we have been working on in the preseason is to systematically create a pathway to score goals after maintaining possession of the ball and pushing the opponent back to break through their defensive line. Through daily training, including practice matches, we have been enhancing the maturity of the organization by repeatedly identifying and resolving issues in a short period of time.
After a fulfilling preparation period, the stage for the opening match that shows the evolution in the second year is against Urawa Reds. The stadium is now at 100 percent capacity, and cheering with voices from all seats has been lifted, bringing back the unrestricted 'voice' to the stadium after a long time. The approach of the opponent, who has welcomed a new coach, is difficult to predict, but we are fully prepared to lead the match ourselves rather than focusing on the opponent. The blue and red, focused on attack, return to Ajinomoto Stadium.
1st HALF - Taking the initiative at the 30-minute mark
The intensity has been high from the start, with fierce contests continuing. In particular, Urawa is applying strong pressure from the front, but Tokyo maintains possession while fluidly changing positions. They advance the ball to a high position while neutralizing the opponent.
In a back-and-forth development where both teams exchanged control, in the 16th minute of the first half, a powerful shot was taken by Sakai, but the ball on target was saved by Jakub SLOWIK with a fine save. Although there were moments of ball possession during the flow of the game, a series of mistakes led to a prolonged period where they could not bring the play to a finish. There was a continued struggle to gain control, but after the 30th minute of the first half, the coordinated press from Tokyo's frontline began to take effect, allowing them to win the ball in high positions and transition to attack.
In the 38th minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA became the starting point and attempted to break through the opponent's defense in a deep position with a connection to Teruhito NAKAGAWA, but they were unable to create a decisive chance. In the additional time of the first half, at 45+1 minutes, Hotaka NAKAMURA broke through the right side and delivered a cross, but it just missed Kuryu MATSUKI, who had rushed in front of the goal, and the match went into halftime at 0-0.
2nd HALF - Securing the scoring opportunities to achieve victory in the opening match
Struggling to find rhythm, Keigo HIGASHI, who plays an important role in defense, received a yellow card, prompting Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA to make a move at halftime. Shuto ABE was brought in to replace Higashi. The midfield arrangement was changed to break the deadlock.
In the 3rd minute of the second half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who had the ball deep on the left side, made a horizontal pass into the penalty area, and Nakagawa, who dove in, controlled the ball and took a powerful shot just in front of the left side of the goal, but the ball was deflected off the crossbar. Although they missed a great opportunity, Tokyo, maintaining possession, pushed Urawa back and continued to dominate the match.
Starting from the side, the team gradually synchronizes their movements while supplying effective balls in front of the opponent's goal. Then, in the 21st minute of the second half, they break the deadlock starting from the left side. Player Yoshifumi receives the ball in a wide position and plays it into space, allowing player Abe to break free. With a sharp turn near the goal line, he shakes off the opponent and, after checking the situation in front of the goal, delivers a cross ball in a backward direction. A Tokyo player also rushed in, but the ball hit an opponent and changed trajectory, rolling into the corner of the goal before the surprised opposing goalkeeper could react.
Substituting immediately will be the turning point that decides the match.
In the 29th minute of the second half, Adailton received a throw-in on the right side and made a vertical pass. Diego controlled the ball and evaded pressure from the opposing defender. Without losing the ball, he sent it to the left side, where Ryoma WATANABE, who was substituted in the 24th minute of the second half, took a shot in a free position. The ball, which hit the opposing player who tried to block it, flowed into the goal.
Tokyo, having extended their lead, experienced moments where the opponent held the ball and pressed them, but the team's overall defensive awareness was high, preventing any decisive chances. As the match approached its final stages, they maintained possession of the ball without forcing attacks, skillfully closing out the game while keeping their balance.
In the first half, it took time to showcase our strengths due to the unique tension of an official match, but in the second half, we effectively brought the ball into the opponent's penalty area and capitalized on the chances we created. Tokyo's attack is still in a developing stage. We will not relax after this victory, but will tighten our grip as we head into the away game against Kashiwa Reysol in the next round.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA/Yasuki KIMOTO/Henrique Trevisan/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (substituted in 24th minute: Yuto NAGATOMO)
MF Keisuke Koizumi/Kegao Higashikawa (substituted in 0th minute: Shuto ABE)/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA (substituted in 24th minute: Ryoma WATANABE)/Diego Oliveira (substituted in 43rd minute: Perotti)/Adailton (substituted in 35th minute: Koki TSUKAGAWA)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA
GOAL
21 minutes into the second half: Own goal/30 minutes into the second half: Ryoma WATANABE
<Urawa Reds>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Shusaku NISHIKAWA
DF Hiroki SAKAI (36th minute: Ayumu OHATA)/Alexander Scholz/Marius Hoibraten/Takahiro AKIMOTO
MF Atsuki ITO/Ken IWAO/Davide Moberg (11th minute: Kai MATSUZAKI)/Yoshio KOIZUMI (24th minute: Takahiro SEKINE)/Tomoaki OKUBO
FW Brian LINDSEN (24th minute: Shinzo KOROKI)
SUBS
GK Zion SUZUKI
DF Tomoya INUKAI
MF Kai SHIBATO
GOAL
―
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review the first half.
A, the first half can be divided into two phases for review. In the first 30 minutes of the first half, neither did we play terribly, nor did Urawa play exceptionally well. We made simple mistakes repeatedly and struggled to find the rhythm of the game during those 30 minutes. We especially struggled with Urawa attacking the space beside our anchor midfielder. Additionally, Urawa effectively bypassed our high press with long balls and mid-range passes from their goalkeeper, which made the situation difficult for us. In response, we tried to launch attacks by positioning wingers wide on both sides, but we couldn’t establish a good distance between the wingers and the midfielders, so we couldn’t create effective attacks from the wings. Also, an early yellow card for Keigo HIGASHI affected our game plan. After that, for the remaining 15 minutes of the first half, we controlled the game. From there, the wingers were able to take inside positions and create numerical superiority, allowing us to attack effectively. Considering Keigo HIGASHI had a yellow card and the space beside our anchor was being exploited, we made a substitution at the start of the second half and switched to a double defensive midfield, which improved the situation. The 4-2-3-1 is one of the systems we have been training extensively during this preseason. Of course, we respect Urawa, but I believe we dominated the second half. In the second half, we controlled the ball and were able to create good plays from transitions between offense and defense.
Today, captain Masato MORISHIGE was absent. He is sidelined due to an injury sustained during the last preseason practice, but I believe it is significant that we were able to achieve victory even in his absence. Seiji KIMURA also suffered an injury during training, so he could not be called up. With injuries in the defense, we had bench members who could make more offensive substitutions.
Finally, I would like to express my utmost respect for the coach of Urawa Reds. I believe he is a great coach who has achieved a lot of experience and success. I think he will do a wonderful job in Japan.
Q, it was impressive to change the midfield structure and turn the second half into a completely different match. Is there any other reason for the improvement in performance in the second half?
<div>A, not only in the second half but also in the last 15 minutes of the first half, I think we controlled the game from there. Ahead of today's opening match, there were some concerns. Despite the accumulation from last season and thorough preparation during the preseason, there was a worry that small mistakes could lead to conceding goals and the players losing confidence. However, in reality, those concerns proved unfounded, and the players showed confident play in this opening match just as they did in the preseason. I believe the team and players have gained confidence from this victory and will perform even better going forward. It is unfortunate that we could not debut Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who was called up this time, but I think everyone knows how much I love young players. Sooner or later, the moment to debut him will come. Also, today we gave PEROTTI, our new signing, a few minutes at the end of the match. Even a few minutes of play will help him adapt to the J.League, and we brought him on also to close out the game. From next week, Kuryu MATSUKI will be absent due to national team duties. I am glad that young players have grown. We will continue to encourage the development of other young players as well.
Q, congratulations. You mentioned that it is important to pursue your own style of football, but did you feel that in this match?
A, exactly. I am proud that the players focused on their own style and played today. The style Tokyo aims for is by no means a copy of other clubs. Some may imagine the FC Barcelona style from my background, but that is incorrect. I myself want to adapt it to the J.League, understand the players' characteristics, and establish Tokyo's original style.
[Player Interview]]
<Ryoma WATANABE Player>
Q: How do you feel about the scoring scene?
A, Diego TABA passed the ball well into space, so I was wondering whether to shoot it directly or trap it first. Since the opponent I was facing was Sakai, I tried to shoot directly to the far side, but it hit the opponent and went in successfully.
Q: What were your feelings when you entered the game and it was immediately after that scene?
A, I was glad that I could carefully think about what to do by observing the situation of the match and participate in the game. I had a strong desire to win with my own goal.
Q: What instructions did you receive from the coach?
A, there were no particular instructions. Until now, I have often had the opportunity to play on the right side, but today, since the player on the left side spent a long time defending, I switched with that player, so I thought I had to contribute defensively as well. In that situation, I made sure to go forward whenever I could.
Q: There were many instances of the team implementing strategies for pocket attacks and intentional offensive plays that we had been working on since camp. How do you feel about the results?
A, personally, I think we need to do more. Regarding today, although the number of opportunities was limited, I think it was good that we were able to score. However, I believe we can do more, so I want to increase that.
Q: It may be one out of thirty-four overall, but how do you feel about it as a first step?
At camp, we have been working on new things, and there are both achievements and reflections, so I think it has become clear what we need to do going forward. I believe it is a good thing to learn something new while winning matches and to connect that to the next step. I want to take a positive view of that and aim even higher.
Q: How do you feel about scoring in the opening match, considering you mentioned wanting to focus on results personally?
A, it would be meaningless if it ended here, so I want to continue.
Q, how was it to perform the 'Sha' in front of many fans and supporters?
A, more than being able to perform in front of many fans and supporters, I was glad to have done well in the opening match. I believe this was the first step for the team to improve, so I was happy to achieve a result there and be able to "shout".
Q: You mentioned that you were struggling during the camp, but today you seemed sharp and looked light on your feet.
A, for better or worse, I had a lot on my mind, so I have analyzed myself and realized that I can demonstrate my true ability when I stop overthinking. Therefore, I am conscious of playing without overthinking.
Q: Did your body move naturally today?
A, I think it was good that I was able to play without overthinking the details while being aware of my role. Regarding the scoring scene, if I had taken more time to think, I might have trapped the ball, so I realized that playing boldly is also important.
Kashif BANGNAGANDE
Q, please review today's play.
A, I was not able to leave results such as assists or goals. The most important evaluation is the results, so this season I personally want to pursue results more.
Q. The opposing side back you faced was Hiroki SAKAI. Was there anything you were conscious of?
I believe he is one of the highest-level fullbacks even in the J.League. Before the match, I watched play videos of Sakai and David MOBERG many times to prepare for the game, but in the first half, there were several dangerous situations created.
Q: You started in the opening match, but what kind of season do you want to have this year?
A, I want to focus more than ever on scoring and assisting. And I want to fight hard in each and every match in front of me.
Q. There is also Nagatomo in the same position, are you conscious of him?
Not only Nagatomo but also Tokumoto has qualities that I don't have, so I receive good motivation from them. I study every day, asking about positioning during practice, and I think we are both improving each other.
Q. Do you ever receive any advice from Nagatomo?
A, I receive advice daily. I am told that to compete on the world stage, I must become a player who can defend alone. Since they are players at a higher level than me, I am learning from them.
Q, Is there any area where you personally feel you have grown over the past year?
A, I want to increase the variety of crosses. Some connected well, but many did not, so I want to improve the quality.
Q. How is the communication with the players entering in front of the goal?
A, communication has increased more than ever before. I also feel that our crosses have become more coordinated during practice.
Q. Until now, you seemed to be a bit reserved, but have you become able to speak up firmly now?
A, I think I’ve become able to say it (laughs).
<Kei KOIZUMI Player>
Q, how do you feel about reviewing the game?
A, we also have the desire to control the ball, but we intended to fight for second balls and in close contests. We knew the match would be like that, and we talked about it before the game. The start was neither good nor bad, I think. It gives the impression typical of an opening match.
Q. In the first half, there was a scene where players Koizumi and Higashi kept the ball in front of their bodies and persisted. Is the determination to win reflected in their attitude?
A, especially this team, focuses on players who are older, practicing not to lose in one-on-one battles, not to lose in intensity, and not to lose in competing for second balls. Before today's match, they also conveyed this to the younger players. When experienced players like Nagatomo and Higashi emphasize this strongly, it shows how important it is. There are various tactics, but they teach us that "if you don't win there first, you can't win the match." I myself believe that I play a position where I must not lose there, and if any team maintains that intensity without losing, this team can definitely win the championship. However, since it is only one match so far, I want to switch focus to the next game and continue to be mindful of intensity.
Q. After Abe entered in the second half, the midfield formation changed.
Ah, that was a double defensive midfielder setup, and we practice it as well. I knew the opponent wanted to use the central space, so I was conscious not to leave it open. I wanted to let Matsuki play forward as much as possible and hoped to play defensively myself.
Q. Are Abe, Koizumi, and Matsuki coordinating their positioning? Or is it more based on intuition?
Both Abe and Matsuki are players who can hold the ball and play with high intensity, so I made sure to let them play boldly. Rather than pushing forward aggressively myself, I wanted to let Abe and Matsuki move forward more and get involved near the goal, so I focused on covering dangerous areas and stepping forward when things got tough.
Q. It seems that you are bringing out Matsuki's abilities.
A, what he originally has is amazing. He also has various attention and expectations, but regardless of that, I want him to play freely and confidently. I believe those who can make that happen are myself, Higashi, Abe, and other players in the same position nearby. I hope we can be conscious of that and do well.
Q. Were you able to do what you had planned in the second half?
A, I always believed that a goal would be scored somewhere and that a chance would come, so I stayed calm and focused on increasing intensity in one-on-one situations and in areas where we needed to keep up the pressure. We scored, which gave us some breathing room, and I think it was also good that we didn't fall back into a defensive mindset.
Q. In the second half, Tokyo was in a position where they were pressing quite hard. We saw scenes during the camp where they continued to dominate in front of the goal. Is the system change related to the style of play seen in the second half?
A, I wanted to avoid the situation where Higashi received a yellow card and we were down to ten players, so Matsuki and I became the double pivot. In defense, we were consciously able to eliminate spaces together, and with Abe moving into the attacking midfield position, we were able to press the opponent's anchor. Also, Abe can hold the ball, and from there, I think the counterattacks led by Diego TABA, Adailton, Nakagawa, and the players who came on as substitutes will be intense. I hope we can continue to adapt our system and positions flexibly according to the situation.
Q, haven't you touched the score?
A, I haven't touched it (lol).
Q, We were able to secure the win.
A, it was the opening match and also my first game since transferring and becoming a member of Tokyo, so I really wanted to get a result no matter what, and it was a situation where I had to deliver a result. Rather than focusing on playing well, I truly wanted a result, so the most important thing was that we were able to win. I want to continue working even harder from here on.
Q. How was the atmosphere at the stadium?
A, that was great. I have played as an away player before, but it was my first time playing on the home side. The atmosphere when I scored, the cheers that rose when I worked hard to cut the ball or slid in, were genuinely pleasing to me as a player and really motivated me. Playing felt good, and it was encouraging.
Q. In the opening match, you skillfully handled multiple positions, ran to participate in the attack until the end, and showed various sides of Koizumi. Do you think you can show even greater potential going forward?
A, honestly, it doesn't matter if I play well or poorly, as long as Tokyo wins. I came here to win the championship. I believe the team that wins the championship is the team that keeps winning consecutively, and since we've only won one match so far, after the game the coach and players were saying we shouldn't be satisfied and need to stay focused. Without a doubt, I think everyone is confident.
<Shuto ABE Player>
Q: I saw moments where we pushed the opponent during the practice matches at camp. Is this season going to be more about attacking football?
Regarding the first goal scene, I think it was a difficult ball breakaway and reception for any team to handle. With the second-row player making a run, it becomes harder to mark, and I hope we can continue to create and increase goal-scoring opportunities like this throughout the season.
Q, please review the game.
A, since I was not in the starting lineup today and came on as a substitute, I believe I need to deliver results to be able to stay on the pitch. Although it ended up being an own goal rather than an assist, I want to improve and leave better stats.
Q: You were a bit late getting started at the camp and probably felt some anxiety, but how do you feel about having firmly achieved results?
A, I started the season recovering from an injury, so there was some frustration, but every day leading up to the opening, I seriously did what I could. I believe that accumulation showed in today's match. From now on, I want to continue steadily without neglecting my daily efforts.
Q: It was my first match wearing the number 8 uniform.
A, Tokyo's number 8 is Shuto ABE, and I want to work hard so that more people can know about this.
Q. I think Tokyo fans find it refreshing that number 8 is wearing the captain's armband.
A, today I happened to be near Diego TABA, who is also the 3rd captain, and he called me over and gave me the captain's armband. It was the first time since turning professional that I played wearing the captain's armband, and I felt that I had to play with a sense of responsibility and weight.
Q. Leading by 2 goals, in a game situation where it was probably okay to drop back a little at the end, it seemed that continuing to play with a focus on firmly winning the ball led to the victory.
<div>A. If we pull back, the opponent will push us back more often, and we will end up in a defensive situation. Therefore, I think the opponent dislikes it more if we actively try to take the ball and play with the mindset of scoring one more goal. If we aggressively press from the front, the opponent will have no choice but to kick the ball long, so we talked about maintaining that kind of play for the full 90 minutes, and I think we showed good play.
Q. This season, as you focus on competing, wasn't it really good to be able to win the first match?
A, it was clear from today's match that winning the ball battles and running more than the opponent, which are fundamental aspects of soccer, are essential to winning. I want to continue doing what we achieved today and keep improving further.
Q. What kind of potential do you feel for this season?
A, including practice matches, I have the impression that we have improved compared to last season. First of all, the player roster has become deeper, and good competition has emerged through daily practice efforts, which feels like an upgrade. Since I am also part of the competition, I feel that I need to play in a way that I don't lose.
Q. It was impressive to see Nagatomo shouting out strongly towards the pitch while warming up on the bench.
A, I believe that to achieve victory, we must fight not only with the players on the pitch but also with the players on the bench and the staff. Nagatomo is truly a role model senior, and even when he is not on the pitch, he calls out and behaves as if he were, so I felt that I need to do the same.
Q. As competition intensifies, do you think that players coming on as substitutes scoring goals creates further competition within the team and fosters a positive cycle?
Player A, Watanabe, also scored after coming on as a substitute, and I believe that when substitute players bring momentum and achieve results, the team improves even more. We want to face each match by continuously competing and raising each other's level.
Q. Is the team focusing on outperforming the opponent in one-on-one situations and running distance?
A, the coach often emphasizes this point, and on the pitch, especially with Nagatomo as the center, we always repeatedly say that we must first do the basics to win. Those things showed on the pitch today and resulted in success, so I believe there is no doubt about that. We want to play more aggressively than any other team.
Q. Have you clearly improved compared to last season?
A, that's right. Last season, the players were doing their best to adapt to the new style, and there were some parts where they struggled. This season, being the second year, I feel that the soccer style the coach wants to implement has permeated the team. In addition to that, I think it is important to firmly focus on the basics of soccer, such as winning the ball in one-on-one situations.
<Yuto NAGATOMO Player>
Q: What were you conscious of in your dealings with Hiroki SAKAI?
Player Sakai is such an outstanding player and a mainstay of the Japan national team, so I am always aware of him. I played today with both the desire not to lose and a feeling of respect.
Q: You completely suppressed it, didn't you?
A, that was because the team was working together. I call it the "spirit moment," and I think everyone showed the "spirit" part of the duel.
Q: Was there something you wanted to show to the fans and supporters in the first official match after the World Cup?
A, something that resonates in the hearts of everyone who came today. Since I can't perform flashy plays, I wanted to show a gritty, aggressive spirit by charging forward relentlessly and deliver that emotion. In terms of technical aspects, I still feel there is room for improvement and challenges, such as in scoring scenes, but I think I was able to show that attitude of greedily going in there. I also think the team performed very well.
Q: Was it a match where the team was able to show their determination?
A, as you can see. They were fighting with "soul intensity." It's fundamental, right? Before tactics and such, I believe you can't win a match unless you first fight with "soul intensity."
