<Previous Match - Sanfrecce HiroshimaMatch Review>
The hero appeared gracefully from the far side, the outermost edge.
This season, Tokyo, which had not won away, was keenly aiming for victory in Hiroshima. After winning against Gamba Osaka in the Levain Cup three days ago, they broke the unpleasant streak of not winning in April and confidently headed to Hiroshima.
At that time, it arrived immediately.
In the 5th minute of the first half, a free kick opportunity was gained in a shallow position on the left side of the opponent's half, and Kuryu MATSUKI delivered a sharp cross into the goal area. As Diego OLIVEIRA jumped into the center, the opposing players were drawn in, and number 2, who had been in the blind spot of the opposing defender on the far side, surged in and headed the ball into the goal.
The hero who ran to the goal area and let out a roar will accomplish even greater feats.
In the 28th minute of the first half, while the team was enduring a period of time with the opponent holding the ball in their own territory, Tokyo had a chance. After a long time, they created a scene where they advanced the ball deep into the opponent's area, and number 2 broke free from a through pass by Diego TABA. Calmly assessing the position of the hurried defender returning to the goal, Hotaka NAKAMURA sent a pass backward, setting up a goal for his fellow Meiji University graduate, Shuto ABE.
Although we conceded a goal in the first half, we held on firmly during the second half and maintained our one-goal lead, achieving our first victory in the league after five matches.
The key player was undoubtedly the fighter-type hero entrusted with the right side, who responded to the cheers of the fans and supporters.
Preview
In the previous match, we achieved victory away against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who were on a five-game winning streak, marking our first win in the league in five matches. While we felt relieved to secure a win after about a month, the players expressed their reflections after the match. In particular, the content of the second half, where we struggled to maintain possession and were on the defensive, was not satisfactory.
Kei KOIZUMI said, "There were voices saying that this match performance was not good. However, winning and correcting our issues is the most important. Personally, I want to touch the ball a bit more to help calm the team down." To achieve results in the three consecutive matches starting this round, the team's ability to make adjustments will be tested.
The first opponent in the three consecutive matches is Albirex Niigata. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA led the team until two seasons ago, and Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, who succeeded him last season, has further evolved the team. This season, which marks a return to J1 after six seasons, showcases a high level of mature football. After Sec. 9, they have earned 12 points, the same as Tokyo.
Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA expressed his feelings for his former club, saying, "I have affection for Niigata," and added, "I wish for Niigata's good fortune except when facing Tokyo." Of course, the victory at Ajinomoto will be for Tokyo.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: How do you perceive the momentum of consecutive wins in official matches?
A, I feel that we have regained the good flow and sense we had from the preseason through to the opening match. This season, we are focusing on firmly pursuing victory, accumulating points, and establishing the team's style. In the first half against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, we showed good play. Both offensively and defensively, the content was calm, maintaining a balance and changes in tempo. In the second half, we were able to solidly strengthen our defense, but since we had less time in possession of the ball, I think there is room for improvement. However, since the determination to win was evident in our play, it can also be seen that we were able to develop a good match in the second half as well.
Q, please tell me what is necessary to continue this good feeling and flow.
A, first of all, it is important not to have any injuries. Then, continuing high-quality training is the only thing necessary to grow day by day.
Q: Please share your thoughts as you prepare for the match against Niigata.
A, I was able to live in a good environment during the two seasons in Niigata and had a great time. When I started managing in Niigata, there were times when things did not go well, but I would like to once again express my gratitude to the many Niigata supporters who supported me. Four seasons have passed since then. I am truly happy that the club and team style in Niigata has become clear and is beginning to be established.
Q: We have to face Niigata, a team we have strong feelings for, in this match.
Not only against Niigata, but even if we end up playing against FC Barcelona, I am committed to winning. That is only natural. Both clubs are ones we hold dear, but of course, we want to win the match. Apart from this weekend's game, I wish them good luck, but for this match, I want to focus on winning.
Q. Do you feel any changes since Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA was in charge?
I believe that the base of our style has not changed since I was in charge. In my second season managing in Niigata, there were many instances where the opposing teams lowered their defensive positions and set up blocks, and we were unable to break through that. However, after Rikizo MATSUHASHI took over as coach, it seems that this aspect has improved. I also think that the reinforcements suitable for Niigata's style, including Ryotaro ITO, have brought an added value to the team. Additionally, young players like Shunsuke MITO and Yota KOMI, who debuted during my time as coach, have gained experience and are now playing as key players for the team. Their growth has also contributed a lot to the team. It has been about four seasons since I was with the team, fighting based on the same style, and I feel that the maturity has increased. I believe that various elements have blended well together, leading to last season's J2 championship.
The important thing is to steadily progress toward success step by step. I believe that continuing to compete on the J1 stage with consistency is a key factor that brings them a positive momentum. The two seasons I was with the team were honestly tough times, but if those hardships have contributed to their success, I am glad. I think the same can be said for Tokyo. There are not only joyful moments but also difficult times. However, if those periods lead to the future, I am happy.
Q: What are the important points in a match between teams with similar styles?
A, I feel that the styles are not that similar. Many Niigata players value footwork and excel at connecting passes. On the other hand, the style we are currently working on is built by valuing the characteristics of our existing players, so I think there will be differences between the two styles.
Q: Please tell us what is important for Tokyo to win this match.
A, first of all, it is important to firmly express our style. The aggressiveness in midfield, the movement to break into space, and further developing and expressing the play we showed in the first half against Hiroshima are crucial. I believe we just need to sharpen our strengths for this match and face it with confidence.
Q: Is the strong midfield defense likely to be a key point?
A, of course it is important. Not only in this matchweek, but defensive play in the midfield is crucial in every game. Better play is created when you can quickly switch from good defense to building an attack. I believe Niigata is a team that is currently able to express this quick transition between offense and defense well. During my time at Niigata, there was a match against Verdy where we won 7-0. In that game as well, many goals were scored from quick transitions between offense and defense. I think that is one of their major strengths.
Q: I think there are many players in Tokyo with strong defensive abilities. After the second half of the match against Hiroshima, was the fact that you were able to defend solidly with a five-back formation while leading a source of confidence for you?
The J1 League is a highly competitive league. Therefore, the first goal has a significant impact on the flow of the match. There are times when a team can win even with only 30% possession. Scoring the first goal early can sometimes lead to a more defensive approach. The same can be said about the recent match against Hiroshima. If we had conceded the first goal, we would have controlled the game more aggressively and increased our possession rate. The opponent made substitutions in their forward line, aiming to equalize and overturn the score with a quick tempo, but I believe we were able to respond well to their increased direct play. Against an attacking opponent, including the bench members, we managed to see the match through firmly. Now that injured players have returned, I think we proved in the last match that we can compete on equal footing with the top teams.
Q: What kind of person is Coach Matsuhashi in the eyes of Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA?
A is a wonderful person who devotes everything to soccer. During the Niigata days, we worked together in a relationship of coach and head coach, respecting each other and working in a great relationship. I have many good memories with him. Having such a wonderful person as the coach leading Niigata is probably the secret to Niigata's success.
[Player Interview]
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: This week's match against Albirex Niigata will be your last game as a teenager. What kind of match do you want it to be?
A, nothing we need to do has changed. First, we want to continue the momentum from our victory against Sanfrecce Hiroshima and further refine our style of football.
Q: Is there anything you are conscious of from the perspective of your last match in your teens?
A, I don't have anything in particular, but I have a strong desire to score a goal.
Q: There were times when we were dominated by Hiroshima, but we managed to win. Were you able to train in a positive atmosphere this week?
A, winning the match is absolutely essential. Regardless of the form it takes, seeking victory is an absolute requirement, and in tomorrow's match, we want to play with our focus directed inward.
Q: How do you manage risks when the press is bypassed, as seen in the goals conceded against Hiroshima?
A, defending from the front line carries risks, and when players switch with the opponents, it can lead to an equal or disadvantageous numerical situation. If each player responds properly, I believe we can prevent easy goals. I want to stay focused and approach tomorrow's match with full concentration.
Q: I think that Kei KOIZUMI and Matsuki, who play as defensive midfielders, are players with great running ability. Is there an intention to cover the spaces that open up during defense?
A, Tokyo has a level of stamina that other teams do not have. We want to firmly make a difference in that aspect.
Q: What do you keep in mind when aiming to score?
A, I always aim to score in every match, but I want to improve the quality of my shots and increase the number of times I appear in front of the goal. It's never about ego; I want to increase the number of times I contribute to scoring through plays that properly respond to the team's situation.
Q: How much is the awareness of putting more players in front of the goal shared within the team?
A, many of the goals scored in previous matches have come from short counters or set plays. Currently, there are few players entering the area in front of the goal when breaking through the pocket, so I think midfield players need to increase the number of times they appear in that position.
Q: If you are in the position of a defensive midfielder, I think the option for a final pass will also come up.
A, increasing the number of players in front of the goal also raises the possibility of scoring. I believe that the defensive midfield players need to actively get involved and pursue this.
Q: I believe you are not satisfied with the match content, but does firmly defending like in the previous match against Hiroshima lead to confidence in achieving victory?
A, the ideal is to fight through the full 90 minutes with the current team style, but I believe that by focusing on victory, such scenes will increase to some extent. During the match, including the coach, we want to communicate properly and show our commitment to winning.
Q, please tell us your impression of Niigata.
A, it seems they have many players with excellent foot skills and use short counters as their weapon.
Q: How do you perceive turning 20?
I believe that the evaluation criteria in soccer change between the teenage years and the twenties. I want to deliver results in the Niigata match, which will be my last game as a teenager, and grow into a player who can make an even greater impact in my twenties.
<Shuto ABE>
Q: You have played three matches since returning from injury. How is your current condition?
A, the injured area is not a problem at all, but I still feel that my condition hasn't fully improved. I have the feeling that I can do more, so I want to gradually raise my condition.
Q: Will it still not be at 100 percent after 2 or 3 weeks of returning?
Ah, yes. I'm playing with the feeling that the sharpness I had before hasn't fully returned yet.
Q: Please reflect on the goal scene in the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Is it a goal you are satisfied with yourself?
When Diego OLIVEIRA passed the ball to Hotaka NAKAMURA, I was running near post, so I hesitated whether to ask for the pass following that flow. However, there was a Hiroshima player in front of me, so I thought the pass wouldn't get through and stopped my movement once. At that timing, NAKAMURA was just looking at me. Since a good pass came, I focused on not hitting it too hard and kicked it into the goal.
Q: It was a goal in a situation where we wanted another point in the flow of the match. Wasn't it a goal that says, 'I did it'?
A, in the first half, Tokyo had relatively many good scenes, and we were able to score the opening goal early on. Hiroshima also created scoring opportunities, but we defended firmly and it was significant that we were able to score an additional goal. I think the additional goal was scored at a good timing in terms of time as well.
Q: Changing the subject a bit, Nakamura has been in great form this season and seems to have taken his game to the next level. What is your impression of him from the perspective of your peer, Abe?
A, on the defensive side, continues to play with high intensity as always. On the offensive side, the coach told him to "stay calm," and I think that calmness has started to show. I feel that the accuracy of his crosses and his composure in play have improved, and the pass he gave me in the Hiroshima match was well thought out with good awareness of the opponent. I feel he is growing.
Q: In the match against Hiroshima, we took a good lead by scoring two goals, but then we conceded a goal, and in the second half, we had to endure some tough moments. However, it felt like we managed to close out the game with determination to win. It was a good game with a strong sense of commitment to victory, wasn't it?
In the league matches, we had been away from victory. Since we were leading going into the second half, I was determined to absolutely hold on. Among the players, there were voices saying "let's go for an additional goal," but we couldn't create that kind of situation and ended up setting up a defensive block. Hiroshima's attacks were also of high quality, but centered around Masato MORISHIGE, we were able to physically defend in front of the goal. Although we were shaken a few times by side changes, there were no scenes where they passed sharp vertical balls through. We stayed focused on closing the central positions and accepted that being swung to the sides was inevitable, playing with that mindset. Everyone was fully committed, so I think it was a victory that leads to the next one.
Q: During the time you were sidelined due to injury, there were periods when the results were unstable. How did you view the team from the outside?
A, for about a month, I felt frustrated watching the team from off the pitch, and when the team was not getting results and continued to lose, I felt sorry for not being able to help. I watched the matches thinking, "If I were on the pitch, I would play like this."
Q: Do you feel that the challenges you observed from the outside are being addressed in your current preparations?
A, challenges arise in every match, so I want to keep improving day by day while playing. Gradually, the players have been returning, and I want to coordinate more with them. Communication has been going well, including during this week's practice, so I think things are shaping up nicely.
Q: During the time when key players, including Abe, were unavailable due to injuries or national team duties, there were also contributions from young players and academy players. I believe there were positive aspects for the team as well.
A, I believe that young players need to come forward one after another and compete for positions; otherwise, the team cannot move forward, and without competition, individuals cannot grow either. In that sense, there are many very good young players. Among many players who show potential for the future, I also want them to do more, and I hope they will continue to emerge more and more from now on.
Q: Abe joined the team just as the COVID-19 pandemic began, but this season we can finally have fans cheering in a full stadium. It feels like the atmosphere at Ajinomoto Stadium has finally returned. What is your impression of this, Abe?
When fans and supporters cheer for us, the players' motivation really goes up. Especially in the last 15 minutes of the second half, the excitement and energetic atmosphere they create is greatly appreciated. It feels like the scoring chances increase, and it makes me realize once again that soccer is truly a sport that exists because of its fans and supporters. We are grateful for everyone's support.
Q: Finally, please share your enthusiasm for the match against Albirex Niigata.
In the first match of the three consecutive games, since it's at Ajinomoto Stadium and we won the previous match, we want to ride that momentum and win all three games. First, we aim to secure a victory at Ajinomoto Stadium, then face two away games. We appreciate your passionate support.
