Review of the previous match against Yokohama F.Marinos
A goal conceded in less than a minute after the match started.
Ajinomoto Stadium was enveloped in a silence that seemed to carry over the atmosphere from the first half of the previous match against Vissel Kobe.
A three-match series against top teams such as Kashima Antlers, Kobe, and Yokohama F.Marinos. A difficult start where we conceded the first goal in all three matches. Moreover, in the match against Kobe, we conceded three goals in the first half, making it hard not to have a bad feeling cross our minds.
However, the Tokyo players stood up without bowing their heads, as if nothing had happened, and returned to battle with their heads held high. In the midfield battle for control, Yokohama FM, which has matured its build-up play, held the ball. However, once they regained possession, they quickly accelerated vertically to target space when they saw the opponent's defensive line was high, and if there was no space, they calmed the ball and pressed the opponent, attacking patiently.
The equalizing goal was created by quickly advancing vertically, while the winning goal was scored by pushing the opponent back, drawing them to the side, and dispersing the marking in front of the goal.
Although they found themselves at a numerical disadvantage midway through the second half, Tokyo's fighting spirit did not waver. They maintained their formation without dropping too deep, persistently sliding to the ball side to apply pressure, and seized the ball high up the pitch to launch quick counterattacks. In that moment, they displayed a determination to go straight for the three points without taking a step back.
If you only look at the result, it's the same 2-3 as the previous match against Kobe. However, the content was completely different. When Tokyo has the ball, something happens. They showed a passionate performance that made the viewers feel excited for the full 90 minutes.
Match Preview
The match against Yokohama F.Marinos saw us allow the first goal, but we turned the game around in the first half. However, after being at a numerical disadvantage towards the end of the second half, we allowed another turnaround, resulting in back-to-back losses.
The score is the same at 2-3, but the content is different. In the first half against Vissel Kobe, the intensity and performance did not improve, resulting in three goals conceded, whereas in the match against Yokohama FM, the team's condition did not drop at any point. Ultimately, we face the halfway point of the season with a record of consecutive losses, but the feeling of being able to fight that remains is different from before the last match.
The opponent, Gamba Osaka, has gone through a tough period, being at the bottom of the standings early in the season, but has gradually improved their ranking to 15th place. They are 6 points behind Tokyo. This season, they faced each other at Panasonic Stadium Suita in the group stage of the Levain Cup, losing 0-3. In the match at Ajinomoto Stadium, they won 1-0, making their record for the season 1 win and 1 loss.
In the 2nd Round of the Emperor's Cup held on the 7th, Gamba Osaka lost 1-2 to Kochi United SC, which belongs to the JFL, making this match a crucial home game for their resurgence. Furthermore, the point difference with the bottom team is only 1, and although they have improved their ranking, their situation remains difficult. The desire to earn 3 points in the last match of the first half of the league in front of their home fans and supporters must be even stronger.
For Tokyo, this season has been one of intense fluctuations in each match and within the 90 minutes. The key is whether they can firmly express the sense of being able to compete that they should have gained from the previous match against Yokohama FM on the pitch. Whether they can continue to deliver high performance is crucial.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: In this match, which is the last of the first half of the league, what do you want to prioritize in your battle?
A: Recently, Gamba Osaka has been transforming into a team that plays with higher intensity and actively engages with the opponent's ball. In any case, they are one of the larger clubs and are a dangerous opponent due to the high quality of their players. Moreover, this is a home game for them. I have memories of being able to play in a wonderful atmosphere at Panasonic Stadium Suita. We are in good shape right now. I have communicated to the players that they can play with confidence, so I encourage them to continue playing with that confidence. Of course, we will fight for three points.
Q: You are on a losing streak in the league, but you shouldn't worry too much about that, right?
The league season is a long and demanding battle. The most important thing is the position we finish in after all the matches are completed. In the first half of the league, we faced a period of hardship with many injuries. Because of this, we were unable to continue competing with the same members. During the large holiday period in May, we suffered consecutive losses in matches against Avispa Fukuoka and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, failing to perform well. In the most recent league matches, we faced two teams competing at the top of the table. Regarding the match against Vissel Kobe, there were some inappropriate plays in the first half, but I think we played well in the second half. As for the match against Yokohama F.Marinos, we played well overall. Although we made a comeback, having a player sent off had a significant impact on the game. The first half of the league left the impression that we had many away games. In any case, the team is currently in good condition. I am confident in the team's situation.
Q: Please tell us what is important for a comeback in the future.
A, it is important to speed up the play tempo, deepen the understanding among players, and enhance the team's maturity.
Q: It seems that you are struggling against opponents who strengthen their defense by pulling back.
What teams that form a compact block in the middle area aim for is to steal our vertical passes and quickly transition to attack. Against such teams that set up this kind of block, it is important to move the ball skillfully and lower the opponent's defensive line by making runs behind them. In Wednesday's Emperor's Cup match against Fukushima United FC, although we created many chances, scoring only three goals leaves room for improvement. Additionally, in the final 15 minutes of the match, we were still unable to play well.
Q: We have been struggling in away games.
A, last season we played with the speed of switching between offense and defense as our strength. From that perspective, I think we tended to achieve better results in away games. This season, the team is continuously growing. Following that trend, it seems we are able to play more comfortably in home games. Of course, we must express the same level of play regardless of the environment, and I believe this is an area that needs improvement.
[Player Interview]
＜Takuya AOKI＞
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the match against Gamba Osaka.
Looking back at the matches against Vissel Kobe and Yokohama F.Marinos, it seems that when we had good defense, the attack had a good rhythm. While attack is naturally important, we want to start the game with solid defense first.
Q: Please tell me what is important to avoid conceding goals in the early stages of the game.
A, I don't think there is anything we are not careful about, but I believe it is necessary to keep emphasizing the importance of maintaining concentration. It is important for the entire team to stay aware and win the match within 90 minutes. I think game planning and control are crucial.
Q: What kind of communication will you have with your teammates from the midfield position?
A, in a match, there are always both good and bad periods. Especially when entering a bad period, it is crucial for the players on the pitch to quickly correct themselves. If the players cannot make corrections among themselves, they cannot reach higher rankings. We want to create an environment and atmosphere where quick corrections are possible.
Q: How does Aoki feel about his own performance?
A, there was a practice match against Kawasaki Frontale in mid-May, and since then, I have the impression that my condition has significantly improved. This match, I absolutely want to win, and I want to play a game that the spectators can enjoy. Although the scores were the same in the matches against Yokohama FM and Kobe, the content was completely different. We want the spectators to enjoy the game, and on top of that, we want to win. We want to play a match where fans and supporters can leave the stadium with smiles.
Q: How do you approach defensive coordination?
A, Tokyo has many players who are strong in one-on-one situations, so coordinated play is important. Personally, I think we were able to create moments where we fought well for the ball in the match against Yokohama FM. When the defense doesn't work well, I believe it is also important to fall back and reorganize.
Q: Please tell us about the image of Gamba Osaka and the key points that determine wins and losses.
A, judging from the footage, I have the impression that they play solid, standard defense, so I think it will be a difficult game. The key point is whether we can play the way we want to. Even when we can't play well or during bad periods, I hope we can still do the work of defending firmly and scoring goals, even if not perfectly.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: You scored 4 goals in the last 3 league matches. It seems like you are getting into form.
A, my condition is getting better. I have overcome the injury I sustained last season and am able to play without pain. Of course, there are still areas I need to improve to score goals, so I want to further enhance my condition.
Q: This is a match against Gamba Osaka, who are on a winning streak in the league. What kind of game development do you want to see?
A, it is expected to be a difficult match against the opponent, but we also have good players. Since it is an away game and the last match of the first half of the league, we want to stay focused from the start and approach the game seriously.
Q: This season, we have already faced each other twice in the Levain Cup. How do you perceive Gamba Osaka's style and approach to the game?
A, both of the two matches we played this season were very tough games. As I mentioned earlier, tomorrow's match is an away game, and I expect it to be a challenging match. Facing Gamba Osaka, who have defenders with tight marking, we want to firmly show our winning attitude and seize victory.
Q: The first half of the league season will conclude this round. How would you briefly reflect on the league matches so far?
A, of course, this is not the result we had envisioned, and we are not satisfied. As you know, the J1 League is highly competitive, and victories are not easily obtained. Looking back over the first half of the season overall, there were matches where we played well but couldn't secure a win, and matches where we managed to win despite poor performance. In the second half of the league, we aim to continue playing good games and strive for victories.
Q: Does Diego OLIVEIRA have any particularly memorable matches from the first half of this season?
A, this is the Sec. 13 match against Kawasaki Frontale. Approximately 57,000 people filled the stands at the Japan National Stadium for the Tamagawa Clasico. As everyone knows, Kawasaki is an incredibly strong and excellent team. What left the biggest impression was being able to secure a victory in such a difficult match against such an opponent.
Q: Finally, please share your enthusiasm for the match against Gamba Osaka.
In the first half of the league, there were many away games where we could not achieve good results. Although there were stretches of consecutive away games in the first half, I believe all clubs faced the same conditions. From tomorrow's match, we want to take a new step forward, secure a solid win, and bring a positive momentum to the team.
