<Match Review>
Tokyo, which has invited coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA and is challenging a new soccer style based on positional play, has finally set sail after preparing for about a month in the preseason. The opponent is Kawasaki Frontale, who is aiming for a consecutive league title. The match was played at their enemy's home ground, the Tama River Classic.
In the early stages, the ball did not settle down due to the opponent's pressure, and there were several occasions where they were pushed towards the goal. However, center back Henrique Trevisan and goalkeeper Jakub Slowik bravely blocked shots. They continued to withstand the pressure while communicating on the pitch.
The tide began to turn after 20 minutes into the first half. In the 24th and 28th minutes, Leandro and Kuryu Matsuki took shots, with Kensuke Nagai setting up the plays, but both were blocked by the opposing goalkeeper. They continued to threaten the Kawasaki goal multiple times towards the end of the first half, creating chances in the 36th and 43rd minutes.
As the second half began, the team started to hold onto the ball more and created opportunities to push Kawasaki back. In the 16th minute of the second half, Leandro was fouled and the team was awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area. Leandro, the kicker, placed a perfect ball between the goalkeeper and defense, and Kensuke Nagai quickly reacted by heading it into the goal. However, it was ruled offside and the goal did not count. In the 24th minute of the second half, Kensuke Nagai broke through on the left side and sent a cross ball towards the goal, but Kuryu Matsuki's attempt to head it in was cleared by a sliding defender just before the goal line.
After allowing Kawasaki to take the lead from a corner kick in the 36th minute of the second half, Tokyo's fierce attack accelerates. They push their opponents back, spread out wide, and send crosses into the goal box for shots, but they are unable to find the back of the net. In the final minutes of the game, Kazuya KONNO, who intercepted the opponent's pass on the right side, cuts in towards the center and takes a shot. The ball slips past the opponent's goalkeeper's arm, but is deflected off the left goal post.
The 7 minutes of additional time were mostly played in the opponent's half, but the final step was not enough. Albert Pobor's debut in Tokyo ended in a close defeat.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, How was today's game?
After drastically changing our playing style, we started the season with only one month of preparation. Many players understand the new style, and we also have young players and new signings. Unfortunately, six players had to leave the team due to testing positive for COVID-19.
In this situation, the first 15 minutes of the game did not go well, but after that, there was a long period of time where we dominated the game. We were able to create many decisive chances and there were also scenes where we hit the post and important moments. To be able to dominate the game against a team that has won two consecutive titles. From that, I think you can imagine how proud I am of the players. Despite many obstacles, I am proud to have played this well.
Kawasaki Frontale is a mature team that has been playing with the same play style for many years. In the midst of that, they scored a goal from a set piece. My players are hungry for victory and have a strong desire to learn. The team has just started to walk with a new play style. In that sense, we need to build a foundation to become a team worthy of champions and strive to achieve it every day. Of course, mistakes will happen. However, as I have conveyed to the players, the fighting spirit they showed today is necessary to get closer to achieving our goals.
I was hoping for a VAR to blow the whistle for a PK, but unfortunately the whistle did not sound. The last part is a joke (lol). I respect the referee and I think he blew a great whistle today.
Q: Was the composition of the team a concern, even though player Morishige was not present?
A, I was able to have a wonderful preseason. However, it is unfortunate that six players have left. And Kuryu MATSUKI made his debut in the professional world. I am satisfied with his play and want to praise him. He still needs to grow more, but I hope he will become a player who will bring great joy to Japanese football in the near future.
There were players crying in the locker room after the game ended. I am proud of that and I could feel how great the game was today. We have just started walking this path again. There will be more and more mistakes in the future. However, I believe that our fighting spirit will definitely be expressed.
Q, I think we were able to make good progress in the second half of the game, but what kind of instructions were given for improvement?
A, I told them to play the ball carefully. There are high-quality players and I thought Kawasaki Frontale would come for a counter, so I told them to manage the risk. Kawasaki Frontale has been playing with this play style for a long time and in most games, they have a higher ball possession rate than their opponents. Today, we were able to surpass our opponents in that aspect and we were dominating the game. This is the path we are moving forward on, but the players still have a lot of room for growth and I don't think we have reached even 20% of our full potential yet. In that sense, I believe the players will continue to grow throughout this season as we still have time.
In the Levain Cup, we want to give young players a chance and hope they will also grow. And not only the team, but also the club will grow step by step. The place we are heading towards is the path we expressed today. While expressing a fighting attitude, there will also be mistakes, but we will grow day by day and achieve something great. That is how we want to grow into a great club.
[Player Interview]
＜Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q: What kind of training have you been doing in the two weeks since the end of the camp? How well were you able to perform in today's match?
A, as coach Albert Puig Ortoneda says, we are working on "football that loves the ball". In that, at first, there were some chaotic parts, but gradually we were able to increase the time to pass the ball with our own football, and we had more chances, so we want to focus on whether we can finish it next time.
Q, how was your performance today?
A, I want to become a player who can improve on that point and not lose the ball throughout the game, and be able to make decisions and not lose the ball often in Tokyo.
Q, how did you approach the relationship with Leandro and Watanabe players in the right side position?
A, I often talked to Watanabe about how to defend in practice matches and training. I was always conscious of positioning myself in a way that would allow Leandro to showcase his strengths. If Leandro was in the middle, I would play on the outside, always keeping an eye on him while playing soccer. I want to continue to improve and bring out my own strengths even more.
Q, during the match, showed a strong attitude towards scoring goals, such as a left-footed middle shot.
A, I wanted to score in the opening game, and the outcome will depend on whether or not I can score in that scene, so I want to approach this part sincerely from practice.
Q, Were you nervous?
A, I wasn't nervous, but it was unexpected that the ball didn't stick to my feet at the beginning. I think I'll get used to it next time.
Q, How was it to face Kawasaki Frontale, who has a strong midfield?
A, I think we can surpass this point because we didn't lose in terms of ball control and physicality. If we can break through at my own, Aoki's, and Abe's positions, I think the front line will become even stronger, so I want to focus on that and work on it.
There were intense scenes of challenging for the ball, such as when Q entrusted his body to Chanathip and took the ball away. I think he showed plays that you wouldn't expect from a rookie player.
A, I just did what I always do, so I want to continue doing that part.
Q: Did any issues arise during today's match?
A: There were also places where I could have looked around a little more and finished with a shot. I want to improve on the final quality.
<Kensuke NAGAI>
Q, despite a great game, ended up with a defeat. How do you feel looking back on the entire game?
A, while keeping the ball precious, I feel that we missed the chance to attack and make it our own.
Q, What were your goals before the match and what are your thoughts after actually playing in the official game?
A, I think we were able to create enough time to push as a whole. However, we were unable to score from set pieces in the second half and ultimately lost the game due to a difference in finishing. This is something that the entire team needs to reflect on. It was a disappointing result, but I hope we can use it as a learning experience and continue to grow in the future.
Q, We have become a new team and have been preparing for this camp. I think there was both anxiety and excitement about how far we could go, but how do you feel, player Nagai?
A, There were various irregularities before the opening, and there was a sense of crisis that the older players had to lead. It was a good tension, but in the end we couldn't win and it's really frustrating.
What are the necessary things to do in order to beat Kawasaki F, who has won the league two years in a row?
A, improving accuracy in front of goal and also, there were still easy mistakes, including myself, so I think it's a part that will get better as we play more games, and I really enjoyed playing in the game.
Q, There were also scenes where we came close to scoring a regrettable goal despite being offside, and I felt the power as we headed towards the goal.
A, I was trying to jump out while being conscious of Chanathip's line, but unfortunately it ended up being offside. As a feeling, it was really good, so I want to stick to the goal until the end.If I had been able to give the ball to Matsuki after cutting, we could have taken the lead, so I want to reflect on those aspects and work with the whole team to become even better.
Q, Was the moment of shaking the net as intended?
When Leandro player stood at the ball, I had a feeling that he was going to kick it here, so I aimed for it, but maybe it was a little too early.
Q, How did you feel about the team's completion level in the opening game of the league?
A, I still feel like there is a lot to learn and grow from. I am excited to see how far we can go from here, and I hope to be able to score and share the joy with our fans and supporters.
Q, Next, the Levain Cup will start and the league's home opener is also approaching. What message do you want to convey to the fans and supporters waiting at Ajinomoto Stadium for the next game?
A, last season was a tough end of the season where we couldn't win. We want to beat Iwata and Nagoya firmly. Kenji Hasegawa is also on Nagoya, so we want to do our best as a team to repay him.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, How do you feel after the game?
A, I think we had a good game against the strong opponent Kawasaki. There were times when we were able to surpass them, and we were able to create many scenes where we could take shots. However, it is very frustrating that we were not able to score and ended up losing. (I think it will take time for the new style of soccer to spread), and I hope we can gradually improve and carry it over to the next game.
Q: Is there any sense of accomplishment in today's game despite the long time it took?
A, I think everyone understands what the coach is looking for in this game and that we were able to express it even a little. However, I think it will take time to put it into shape, so I want to focus on daily training and achieve results as soon as possible.
Q, it seemed like there were instructions coming from the bench during the first half. What were they like?
A, I can't say much about that (laughs). There were some things that needed to be fixed at the beginning, and we shared them among the players. From there, I think we were able to create chances, especially in the second half. Unfortunately, we couldn't convert them into goals, so that's how today's result turned out. We were talking about that during the game.
Q, Diego TABA also created many chances, and simply increased the number of chances. What is needed to finish it off in the end?
A, I think it is true that chances are increasing due to the current soccer style and tactics, but we still need to score goals. We want to continue what we are working on and improve the team, as well as ourselves, even if it is just a little bit, and although today's result was a disappointing 0-1, we want to aim for a level of completion where we can score quickly and win.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, First, please review the game.
A, it is frustrating to have lost as a result. On the other hand, I feel fulfilled that we were able to play the soccer we are aiming for, and I think it was a game that will lead to the next one.
Q, How did you feel about the start of the game, which seemed a little chaotic?
A, We were prepared as a team for the tough time zone, but we were able to create chances in the beginning and we were talking to each other on the pitch to try to fix it. As time went by, I think we were able to control the game. It was the opening game, so I was a little stiff myself, so I want to control the game from the beginning in the next game.
Q. During the preseason, we have been repeating trial and error, and I think there were certainly some errors in this game as well, but there was also a sense of accomplishment, wasn't there?
A, there were no major mistakes and I think the way we made mistakes will lead to the next one. I think the scene of conceding was a result of the opponent's high quality surpassing us.
Q, What do you think about the scene where you wanted to prevent the goal scene?
In the midst of a pressing situation, we have experienced many times where the result was determined by just one set play. That's why I think we needed a little more patience to keep a clean sheet.
Q, there were goals conceded from set pieces, but did you feel confident as the last line of defense?
A, chances were created for Kawasaki's powerful attack, but in the second half, I feel the sense of accomplishment in not allowing decisive scenes to be created, and it was a fulfilling 90 minutes.
Q, next is the home opener. Please give us your enthusiasm.
A, I think the team is moving in a good direction together, so while continuing to level up, I want to fight for victory in each game, aiming to show the same soccer as today in the next match.
