<Previous Match - Cerezo Osaka Match Review>
That swing was acrobatic, magnificent, and beautiful, stunning the entire stadium and creating a moment of silence followed by explosive joy.
The pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium, hit by heavy rain, was slippery, making it very difficult to control the ball.
Nevertheless, the Tokyo players showcased their high level of skill, consistently connecting short passes to realize a style of football that "travels with the ball." While they were more aggressive, there were moments when they were quickly countered and the ball was carried right in front of the goal, but they continued to fight with high intensity in defense through pushing up the defensive line and quick pressing back.
However, Tokyo allowed the first goal. After giving a free kick near the penalty area, the ball was placed between the defender and the goalkeeper. They couldn't catch the player who broke free, and it was pushed in right in front of the goal.
It would have been understandable to be disappointed by the conceded goal while controlling the match, but the Tokyo players switched their mindset and aggressively pushed towards the Cerezo Osaka goal.
Then, in the 23rd minute of the second half, Shuhei TOKUMOTO skillfully maneuvered through the opponent's pressure and passed the ball to the right side. Hotaka NAKAMURA's early cross reached Ryoma WATANABE, who was making a run just outside the penalty area. WATANABE controlled the ball with his chest and, while twisting his body, powerfully volleyed the ball in mid-air.
The shot that the opposing goalkeeper couldn't move an inch for had a slight curve and shook the goal net.
They continued to hold the lead in the match with the momentum they gained from equalizing, but allowed a late chance to slip away, resulting in their first loss of the season at Ajinomoto Stadium. Although they faced a harsh outcome, their unwavering attitude of "never giving up" should lead to results in future matches, as they were able to manifest it in the form of a goal.
Watanabe commented that while it is not the form the team is aiming for, a team that continues to advance will create spectacular goals. Next, they will score goals in Tokyo's style of 'attacking with the ball' and secure 3 points.
<Preview>
Last season, the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima attracted attention as a clash between new managers who both employed distinctive tactics.
A style that controls the game by maintaining possession of the ball and pushing the opponent back to score a goal, and a style that applies high-intensity pressure from the front to win the ball and immediately transitions to attack with a short counter towards the goal. It has also been contrasted with the phrases possession and storming.
The result was 2 wins for Tokyo. In the home opener at Ajinomoto Stadium, despite struggling to connect passes as desired, they capitalized on the opportunities that arose and secured victory. In the away match, although they allowed the first goal and were troubled by the opponent's physical play, they dramatically turned the game around by scoring a goal in the dying moments, utilizing Adailton's individual skill.
This season, it seems that the battle for possession will determine the outcome, whether to eat or be eaten.
Considering the team's situation, it is not an exaggeration to say that Hiroshima, with five consecutive official match victories since April, is the most momentum-driven team in the J.League right now. On the other hand, Tokyo faced a tough situation in both performance and results during the matches in early April. However, in the league match against Cerezo Osaka and the Levain Cup match against Gamba Osaka, they regained their style of pushing the opponent while maintaining ball possession, and although it was a struggle, they were able to break through and score goals.
Connect the ball without fear against a vigorous opponent, neutralize the opponent who quickly closes in on the ball side with passing work, and gradually push forward to seize control. While coming up with ideas to break through the goal after pushing forward is a challenge for this season, now is the time to showcase the results of the training we have been working on since camp as we regain our form.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: In the recent Levain Cup, you continued to use the 4-2-3-1 system. Do you plan to continue this in the upcoming league matches as well?
A, this season we plan to switch systems according to the situation, but we believe that the team's style is more important than the system.
Q: In the recent Levain Cup, it seemed that the quality of ball possession improved due to the good performance of the side backs.
A. As the team's style further develops, side back players are required to play more offensively and technically. If we can control the ball better than before, the time and frequency of defensive situations will naturally decrease. Therefore, we expect side back players to play offensively. Looking back on the Levain Cup so far, I think we have been able to show good plays, and when viewed in fragments, there were scenes where we outperformed the opponent with good plays. There is still a long way to go to establish our style. We want to continue working on it.
Q: How will you utilize the gains from the Gamba Osaka match in the Sanfrecce Hiroshima match?
A, I think Sanfrecce Hiroshima tends not to make major changes to their lineup between league matches and the Levain Cup. Hiroshima's strength lies in their high-intensity pressing and play that utilizes combinations, led by a great coach. They are a dangerous club competing at the top, but we are also gradually regaining the good feeling we had at the start of the season. After the season began, players were consecutively sidelined, and we couldn't maintain that good feeling, but now we are in the process of recovering it. Along with that good feeling, the players are also honing their good chemistry and connections. Because a good flow has been reborn, we want to put on a good match tomorrow and regain that positive momentum in the league as well.
Q: What kind of momentum has been created for the team by winning against Gamba Osaka?
A. Soccer, like life, is influenced by mental strength. Naturally, losing a match causes significant mental damage. On the other hand, winning can help recover mentally and create a tailwind. The victory against Gamba Osaka had a positive impact on us.
Q: How is Kashif BANGNAGANDE's condition?
In situations like this, physical condition is not everything. Even if players like Ryoma WATANABE and Shuto ABE have regained their condition, they must first regain their match sharpness. The same can be said for the current player, Yoshifu. By gaining playing time in official matches, they can regain their match sharpness.
Q: We faced Hiroshima in a training match before the season started. I believe the team has a good impression from that time.
A, of course, I had a good feeling. It wasn't just the training match against Hiroshima that gave me a good feeling; the opening match against Urawa Reds was the same. However, after that, several players were sidelined, and I lost that feeling. It seemed that multiple players were sidelined as the matches progressed. We shouldn't place too much importance on the results of training matches, but we were certainly able to proceed through the preseason in a good way.
Q: This is a match against Hiroshima, known for their high press.
A, of course, I think it will be a difficult match. However, I believe it will not be easy for them to break through our press either. We will stick to our style and fight aiming for victory.
Q: In the recent Levain Cup, Soma ANZAI played the full match. Please provide your evaluation again.
A, a positive point in our style is that when a technical player joins, the ball becomes the lubricant for communication. Passing the ball is also a form of communication, so it won't take him long to adapt to that. A player like him is exactly the kind of player we expect. A bright future awaits him.
Q: With the addition of player Anzai, it seems that the depth of the sideback position has increased.
A, there are no players in the team who are guaranteed a position or playing time. We believe that everyone has a chance to play.
[Player Interview]
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: You are returning this week, how is your current condition?
A, I think my condition is improving. I was out for about three weeks due to an injury, but I was able to return to practice in good form.
Q, do you feel confident that you can play from here without any worries?
A, that's right. I am able to play without any particular worries or symptoms related to injury.
Q: Please tell us about tomorrow's match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, this is an important match for the team to change the momentum. We were able to secure a good victory against Gamba Osaka in the Levain Cup. We want to continue that momentum with another win and create an even better flow.
Q: Are you feeling more eager to participate in the match?
A, even during the period I was away, I was full of the desire to play as soon as possible. If I get the chance to play, my feeling is, "I'm going to do it!"
Q: During the period of absence, did you reflect on your own play?
A, Of course, I reviewed my own play, but I was also paying attention to Shuhei TOKUMOTO's play. The moves of cutting inside, which I myself lack, were very educational.
Q: How will you utilize your experience as a member of the Japan national team in the future?
Through national team activities, I strongly felt the need to improve all levels of play and technical skills inside the field, but it was also a period that worked positively for me. Since I had a period when I couldn't play soccer, I want to spend fulfilling time from now on.
Q: Did you feel a sense of achievement while playing with players from around the world?
A, it still felt insufficient.
Q: It seems that the public's evaluation of your participation in the friendly match was quite high.
A, the impression was certainly that the evaluation from others was high, but personally, there were plays I wanted to express, and I still feel there is room for improvement.
Q: In tomorrow's match against Hiroshima, if you were to participate, it would also be an opportunity to express what you gained from the national team activities, right?
A, if I get a chance to play, I want to actively try out what I have gained. Before that, I prioritize the team's victory above all else.
Q: Specifically, what kind of plays would you like to try?
I want to increase the number of plays inside and in the attacking third, which is also one of my strengths. In the friendly match against Colombia, I was not able to play in that area at all. I want to demonstrate my strengths more effectively in a higher position through offensive play.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Hiroshima again.
A, the intensity and individual abilities leave a strong impression. I believe that if we can surpass them in individual matchups, it will lead to victory. Increasing aggressive play on the sides will also help us take control of the game. When I get the chance to play, I want to take the initiative actively.
