<Match Review>
In the midst of a series of matches including the Levain Cup in the middle of the week, Tokyo faced an away game against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. They had been distant from victory, but three days ago in the Levain Cup, they changed the momentum with a 1-0 victory against Gamba Osaka. In this match, they regained their ball possession style, took control of the game, and won, restoring their confidence.
In this match, aiming for a victory after five matches in the league and the first away win of the season, we approached the game with the same starting lineup as the previous league match. Shuto ABE was positioned as an attacking midfielder, with Kei KOIZUMI and Kuryu MATSUKI forming a double pivot. The substitute bench saw the return of Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who had been sidelined due to injury.
1st HALF - Nakamura's 1 goal and 1 assist, and Abe's first goal of the season
The match suddenly comes to life. In the 5th minute of the first half, a free kick is awarded just outside the left corner of the penalty area. Matsuki delivers a sharp ball into the goal area, and Hotaka NAKAMURA, who has rushed in to meet the ball that has flowed to the far side, heads it in. The header shot, propelled by Hotaka NAKAMURA's momentum as he came in from the blind spot of the opposing defender, flows into the right corner of the goal, giving Tokyo the lead.
After that, there was a period of time where the home team gained momentum for a counterattack. In the 14th minute of the first half, they were shaken wide, allowing Morishima to finish in a free position in front of the goal, but the shot went over the goal, escaping without incident. There was a continued inability to move the ball forward against the opponent's high-intensity press, but Tokyo did not miss their one chance.
In the 28th minute of the first half, after creating a situation to bring the ball deep into the opponent's territory, Diego OLIVEIRA dribbled and made a through pass into the penalty area. Nakamura, who had surged up the right side, broke free and delivered a backward pass in front of the goal. Abe, who was waiting, connected with a one-touch shot into the bottom left corner of the goal, extending Tokyo's lead.
It seemed like they had grasped the flow of the match, but in the 39th minute of the first half, they were countered after being targeted behind the high defensive line, allowing Morishima to score in the bottom left corner of the goal, reducing the lead by one point. It was anticipated that Hiroshima would push forward with momentum, but from this point, Tokyo increased the intensity at the ball and brought the battle to the midfield, maintaining a one-point lead as they headed into halftime.
2nd HALF - Unable to grasp the rhythm of the attack, but maintaining the lead
As the second half begins, the match continues to be a test of endurance. Unable to connect with my ball in the face of the opponent's speed and strength, even when entering the opponent's territory, our attacks end up being isolated.
They try to change the flow of the game by making substitutions, but they cannot shift the momentum that is pushing them back into their own territory. In the final stages, they also reinforce the defensive line and engage in a battle with closing in mind.
In the final stages, Adailton held his ground up front to secure the ball, creating time for his teammates to push up their formation while keeping the opponents away from their own territory. The match ended with them maintaining the lead, achieving their first away victory of the season in the league.
Tokyo is working on a style that progresses the game while maintaining possession of the ball, but in a match where they wanted to change the flow of being far from victory in the league, they decisively focused on winning and secured 3 points. Kei KOIZUMI stated, "I want to make adjustments while winning," expressing his outlook for the future. In the next match, they will return home to Ajinomoto Stadium and aim for victory while sticking to their own style.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (substituted at 31 minutes: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Shuhei TOKUMOTO (substituted at 37 minutes: Henrique TREVISAN)
MF Shuto ABE/Kei KOIZUMI/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Ryoma WATANABE (substituted at 37 minutes: Keisuke HIGASHI)/Diego Oliveira (substituted at 31 minutes: Adailton)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (substituted at 22 minutes: Kashif BANGNAGANDE)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
FW PEROTTI
GOAL
5th minute of the first half: Hotaka NAKAMURA/28th minute of the first half: Shuto ABE
<Sanfrecce Hiroshima>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Keisuke OSAKO
DF Tsukasa SHIOTANI/Hayato ARAKI/Sho SASAKI
MF Sota KOSHIMICHI (substituted in 17th minute: Shuto NAKANO)/Takumu KAWAMURA/Gakuto NOTSUDA (substituted in 17th minute: Ezekiel)/Shunki HIGASHI (substituted in 33rd minute: Pieros Sotiriou)/Makoto MITSUDA/Tsukasa MORISHIMA
FW Nassim BEN KHALIFA (substituted in 0th minute: Douglas VIEIRA)
SUBS
GK Goro KAWANAMI
DF Takaaki SHICHI/Taichi YAMASAKI
GOAL
39th minute of the first half: Tsukasa MORISHIMA
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
A, I believe we were able to once again prove that when all players are available, we can compete evenly against strong J1 opponents. When reaching that level, the flow of a match often changes depending on which team scores the first goal. Today, we were fortunate to score the opening goal early. In the first half, I think we balanced targeting the space behind the defense and playing calmly. In the second half, since Hiroshima was playing at home, they pushed forward aiming to equalize or take the lead. To respond to that, we made substitutions and I believe we handled it well. To effectively counter Hiroshima’s more aggressive attack at home, we made various decisions and substitutions, which worked out well. I am happy that we were able to block the opponent’s attacks in good form and secure the victory. I think Hiroshima is one of the strongest teams in J1. I also want to praise Coach Skibbe. I believe he is an experienced and great coach and person. I want to commend the club and the supporters as well. I am glad we could play in such a wonderful atmosphere. I felt that Hiroshima has fantastic supporters who cheer from start to finish. I also want to praise the referees. I think the refereeing in today’s match was very difficult.
Q: You have won all matches against Hiroshima since last season. Do you feel a good compatibility with them?
A, I am not concerned about that. Just as we are not worried about our consecutive losses to Tosu. In soccer, there may be winning or losing streaks, but I do not put faith in those numbers. The league is a long battle. What matters is not each individual match, but the position we hold at the end of the season.
Q: How is the team's atmosphere after the victory for the first time in five matches?
A, we went through a period where it was difficult to win, but we were able to play well in the preseason match against Hiroshima, and we also had good play and a good feeling in the opening match against Urawa. However, after that, players continued to be sidelined due to injuries in every game. That said, behind the negative developments, there were also positive aspects. Because of the overlapping injuries, we were able to test how much potential the young players have and encourage their growth. Thanks to their development, I believe we are now prepared to aim high in all three competitions. I came to this club to change the style. I think we are making progress step by step. At the same time, I hope to promote the growth of the young players. I believe both are progressing in parallel.
Q: What was the intention behind using Kashif BANGNAGANDE in the forward position?
<div>A, I was waiting for that question. I think many people wondered why there were two fullbacks, Yuto NAGATOMO and Yoshifu, on the bench. Everyone learns from various experiences. For example, when Hotaka NAKAMURA returned from injury, he struggled to regain his match fitness. The same goes for Ryoma WATANABE and Shuto ABE. Yoshifu is an attacking fullback who can also play as a winger. In forward positions, mistakes do not necessarily become major errors. I believe NAGATOMO is one of the greatest players in the history of Japanese football. He can play both on the right and left. Depending on the flow of the game, he provides various solutions. NAGATOMO is the soul of this team and of Japan.
[Player Interview]]
<Hotaka NAKAMURA>
Q, please review the scoring scene.
A, we had been practicing set pieces since training, so I just trusted it and moved into the goal area. I think everything was thanks to Matsuki's excellent ball. I believe that goal was scored as a result of the team's shape. We hadn't been able to score from set pieces recently, so it was good. Sometimes, like today, the match can be decided by a goal from a set piece, so from now on, we want to continue working well as a team.
Q: After stealing the ball, the assist scene involved running a very long distance.
We anticipated a fast vertical game, and as a team, we decided to target the space between the opponent's three-back line after winning the ball. Since the opposing players were positioned high up, I believed that making a run would create a chance, so I ran. Diego OLIVEIRA also delivered a good ball, so I calmly looked inside and crossed. It was something the team aimed for, and it was great that Shuto ABE finished it.
Q: You scored a goal in the previous match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, that was my first professional goal. However, I wasn't really thinking about that much today.
Q: We continued to fight as a team.
A, in the first half, both teams showed their strengths. As a team, we talked about not letting things stagnate at the back and pushing forward with momentum, so I think that was good. However, in the second half, we spent a long time defending and went through a tough period. Because the team had the fighting spirit and determination, we were able to hold on and win 2-1. Realistically, the second half was a game with no future prospects both individually and as a team, so we want to thoroughly analyze today's match and improve for the next by understanding why it happened.
Q: Please tell us about the challenges you personally face heading into the next match.
A, personally, there are many scenes where the team’s fullback players are challenged and the space behind them is exploited. Even in the match against Cerezo Osaka, my misjudgment led to conceding a goal, so personally, I want to avoid creating such gaps more. However, I don’t think this is something I can solve alone, so I will talk with Yasuki KIMOTO and Masato MORISHIGE to stabilize our defense first in order to make good attacks.
Q: You achieved your first victory in the league in April. How do you want to build on this next?
A, although we have not been able to win, looking back at today's match, it was not good, but I think it is positive to be able to reflect after a win. I think both the players and the fans and supporters can be happy about today's victory, but I believe today's win does not affect the next match, so I want to thoroughly review today's game and work hard again to avoid any weaknesses.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, please review the game.
A, we scored 2 goals during a good period in the first half and were able to proceed with a good flow, but conceding a goal just before the end of the first half is something to reflect on. In the second half, we were under pressure for a long time, but I think it was very important that everyone fought patiently and we were able to win.
Q: It was a match that conveyed a strong desire for victory.
In the league matches, we had been away from victory. "Today, we definitely talked among the players before the match that we would win and return." Being able to win is truly significant.
Q: I felt the synergy between Shuto ABE's goal and Hotaka NAKAMURA.
A, Hotaka NAKAMURA was closely watching my movements. Instead of running straight forward, he passed the ball at the moment I paused. It was an assist that showed Hotaka NAKAMURA's composure.
Q: Is your positioning before scoring a result of instant judgment?
A, well. I saw the opponent moving forward ahead of me, so I stopped for a moment and switched to receiving the ball. Nakamura sent a good pass, so after that, I just focused on placing the ball into the goal and kicked it in.
Q: You have played in the attacking midfielder position for two consecutive league matches. How does it feel?
A, first of all, I prioritize aiming for goals, and since I play in the attacking midfielder position, I believe I am expected to score. I also focus on demonstrating my key strength, which is my work rate, both offensively and defensively.
Q: What discussions took place within the team in preparation for today's match?
In Wednesday's Levain Cup, players who have not been much involved in the league matches put their feelings front and center and led the team to victory. We discussed with today's members how to continue that good momentum in the league matches as well. While we were hungry for a win, the time spent enduring was really long, but I'm glad we were able to win.
Q: We achieved our first victory in the league match in April.
A, we finally managed to secure a victory. With a series of consecutive matches coming up during the long holiday period, we want to maintain this momentum and aim for more wins.
Q: With the injured players returning, it seems like the team's condition will improve from here.
A, since we have consecutive matches coming up, I think it will be an all-out battle. As a professional, I believe that if we don't achieve results in the upcoming match, there won't be a next opportunity. Tokyo has many excellent players, so I always want to maintain a competitive spirit and strive to improve together.
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q, please review today's game.
A, I don't think anyone is satisfied with today's match. However, I believe it is good if we can make corrections while winning. Even in a match like this, I think winning allows us to calmly work on improvements, and it also changes the way things are perceived, so I think the only good thing was that we managed to win.
Q: I believe that everyone running and fighting for 90 minutes led to our victory.
A, there were several good scenes in the first half, but in the second half, when we were being pressed, I think it was important to find a way to regain control of our time. Today, we couldn't recover it and switched to focusing on defense.
Q: During the tough times, Keigo HIGASHI and Yuto NAGATOMO came in. Was it significant that those players helped bring the team together?
A, after all, in a situation where it is unclear who will participate, I believe the current Tokyo team is one where everyone fights for the team. The veterans should firmly take on the role of uniting the team, and it would be good to provide an environment where young players can actively take on challenges.
Q: We achieved our first victory in the league match in April.
A, I think we have no choice but to keep making corrections, and today the content was not good either, so I feel there are many issues. Things are gradually getting organized, so I believe we must continue to organize further and increase the time to express that.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, please review the opening goal that brought the victory closer.
A, it is said that opening goals and goals from set plays move the game. If we kick the ball firmly, there are many players in Tokyo who can score, so I want to continue supplying balls that lead to goals from free kicks and corner kicks.
Q: Was it a kick as you intended?
Aiming for a high ball to avoid being touched by the goalkeeper.The ball drifted to the far side, but before the match, Nakamura told me he wanted it to go to the far side, and since we discussed it, I positioned myself at the far side, so I’m glad he scored.
Q, it was an assist in a play that was seeking to involve scoring.
I was able to contribute to the score in the form of an assist, but I am always aiming to score. Players who can score from the defensive midfield position, such as making runs into the box, are highly valued, so I want to become that kind of player.
I think the value of this one victory is significant.
A, first of all, gaining points3 is important. In today's match, we were unable to express the style of football that coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA demands, but I think it was good that we were able to secure 3 points away from home.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the next match.
A,I think Albirex Niigata is a team that actively involves a third player while passing the ball around. I want to enhance the intensity of the defense and thoroughly express a style of football that maintains possession of the ball.
