<Match Review>
In the opening match of this season, Albert Tokyo had many positive elements, but shortly after, team activities were suspended from February 20 to 26 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, after resuming activities, they faced Fukuoka today with a preparation period of three days.
There are still teammates in the recovery period, and the 17 members who traveled to Fukuoka included one specially designated player and two registered players. This is the best possible team composition we could assemble at this time, and they took the pitch for the second match of the season.
Immediately after the kickoff, Keita YAMASHITA made a move towards the goal, and continued to maintain possession of the ball, pushing the opponent back. The transition between offense and defense after losing the ball was quick, and they regained possession with high pressing to launch consecutive attacks. However, in the 22nd minute of the first half, a cross from the right side was met by Tatsuya TANAKA, who jumped into the gap between players, allowing the first goal to be scored against them.
Tokyo, wanting to counterattack, not only retains possession of the ball but also sends penetrating passes to the forwards to push forward. In the 24th minute of the first half, Kazuya KONNO, who received the ball on the right side, made a significant switch to the other side. Adailton controlled the ball in front of the left side of the goal inside the penalty area, but his shot was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
The biggest chance of the first half came in the 35th minute. After earning a free kick in a position close to the right side of the penalty area, Ryoya OGAWA took a sharp kick aiming directly at the goal, but it hit the crossbar. The rebound was headed by Hotaka NAKAMURA, but it went straight to the opposing goalkeeper.
Tokyo, aiming for a comeback by stepping up their game, will bring in the designated reinforcement Yuta ARAI from the second half.
In the 24th minute of the second half, Adailton cut in from the left side to the center, drawing the opponent towards the right side. Arai, while controlling the ball, entered the penalty area and actively aimed for the goal, but could not hit the target. In the 29th minute of the second half, Yamashita had a chance for a header in front of the goal, and in the 38th minute, Adailton also had a chance for a header, but both were thwarted by the opponent's goalkeeper's excellent saves, failing to score.
While managing risks against the opponent's counterattacks, we repeatedly recovered the ball with high pressing, launching a thick attack and maintaining control of the match throughout. Even in difficult situations, the team showcased what they had and fully displayed the Albert PUIG ORTONEDA style. The issue of finishing, which carried over from the match against Kawasaki Frontale, is something we want to resolve in the league match against Cerezo Osaka in three days.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review today's game.
First of all, I would like to commend the players for their fighting spirit. Among the players who played today, there were several who had tested positive for COVID-19 and had just recovered. I hope you understand that they had to face this match under such extreme pressure.I would also like to praise the young players who stood on the pitch today. The match result was not what we expected. While we did not play an outstanding game, I believe that losing is not a fitting result, especially considering the many decisive chances we created.
In terms of tactics, we considered various combinations and positions based on the players available to play, and we fought by thinking of various combinations during the match. There were players who had to play in positions they usually do not play. Despite such circumstances, I believe it is commendable that we were able to create multiple decisive chances while making various position changes.
Q: With limited players available, Takuya AOKI was substituted due to injury. How is his condition?
I simply hope it's just a bruise and that he recovers quickly. He is scheduled for a thorough examination, but I hope it's just a bruise.
Q: You were applying pressure high up the pitch from the start of the match, but wasn't it significantly better compared to the opening match?
During the periods when we were able to maintain a good condition, we were able to keep the match under our control. However, we made mistakes during the buildup from the back. We conceded a goal from a chance that arose from our mistake. There was also a chaotic period of about 10 minutes after that, but I think we had a long time to calmly continue to control the match from there. I believe we were able to control the match for many periods in the second half as well.
For many players, this was their first official match. Some players had to approach this game just a few days after their recovery period ended. In that sense, I hope everyone understands that it was a difficult match for everyone. However, I believe that the players who performed well even in such circumstances should be praised.
[Player Interview]
＜Keita YAMASHITA＞
Q: How did you approach the match with a limited number of members and concerns about the combination?
A, throughout the 90 minutes, there were few shots and few moments involving the ball, so it was a difficult situation, but I feel there were more things we could have done.
Q: Did you have any expectations for the match in your hometown of Fukuoka?
A, while it is true that it was in my hometown of Fukuoka, it was my debut match as a player for FC Tokyo, and I approached this match with a strong desire to win, so I am disappointed that we could not secure a victory.
Q: Regarding the fact that we have possession of the ball, including the match against Kawasaki in the league, but we are struggling to finalize our chances, how do you perceive this situation?
I believe that each player has no choice but to improve their quality in front of the goal. We are working on valuing the ball through positional play, but the goal is to score. I feel that we need to focus more on that aspect and work towards "scoring goals."
Q: I think you faced a difficult situation in the match. Have you communicated with each other as a team with this lineup?
Yes, as you said, it was a difficult situation for the match, but since each player stands on the pitch representing FC Tokyo, I believe we should not make excuses. Although there was little time to adjust, we discussed and approached the match with the intention of embodying what we built up during the camp.
Q: Did you feel any difficulties, especially regarding your condition?
Honestly, there were difficulties in terms of physical strength and condition, but since members will be returning from here, I want everyone to work together so that the team can head in a good direction again.
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q: Did you feel a sense of achievement in today's match?
I think we exceeded the ball possession rate, and I believe we were able to control the game throughout the 90 minutes.
I was able to create chances by dribbling past my opponent, but if I can't produce results like goals or assists, it doesn't mean anything.
If we can delve deeper into that, I believe the content will improve, and I have a good feeling that we will score more goals, so I want to make things even better from here.
Q: Were you aware of creating a starting point on the side and positioning yourself accordingly?
A, the instructions from the coach were to 'get into the side and take on the opponent when in a good position,' so my condition is good right now, and I was able to deliver crosses and take shots almost without losing in one-on-one situations.
However, it is meaningless if we do not improve the accuracy in the final part and score goals, so we need to practice more in that area.
Q: Was the side change pass that connected to Adailton in the first half a ball that went through because he had shown a shot from a cut-in?
I was able to play with many options, such as cut-ins, crosses, and shots, so I was able to play almost without losing the ball. Finishing is an issue, but I think that part was good.
Q: Today, you were able to create a starting point in a high position on the side, but do you have the impression that the accuracy of possession has improved?
A, the coach's idea is not to keep passing the ball back but to quickly move it forward for possession to attack, so I think we were able to create a starting point by coordinating with the players around us. After that, I want to effectively differentiate between receiving the ball at my feet and making runs behind the defense.
Q: There have been no results from the first two matches since the opening, but is it just a matter of improving the precision of each aspect?
A, the coach has also said, "If we continue to build on this, results will surely follow. So let's all believe and keep going together."
I think we feel the same way, and it's frustrating for the forwards to have scored 0 goals in the last two matches, but we will go into the next game with the determination to definitely score.
Q: Please tell us your enthusiasm for the upcoming match against Cerezo Osaka in three days.
Of course, how the opponent defends is important, but I believe our own play and positioning are truly crucial. The preparation time until the next match is short, but I want everyone to prepare thoroughly and improve the quality compared to today's match.
<Ryoya OGAWA>
Q: With a limited number of players available, it was your first time playing as a center-back in a while. What did you focus on while playing?
A, it was almost my first time playing as a center-back in an official match. I didn't have much time to prepare, and I had never played a match with this team before. Therefore, during the game, we communicated with each other, and since our condition wasn't great, I also focused on improving our condition while playing.
Q: I think you were able to move even when your condition wasn't optimal, and there were parts where you were able to play the soccer you intended. What are your thoughts on that?
A, today many young players participated. There were areas where we struggled and areas where we succeeded, but there were many successes as well. I believe we were able to prove that we can perform in a way that allows us to contribute even when everyone returns for the league matches.
Q: What are your thoughts on the issue of not scoring a goal following the league match?
A, we were able to create chances in today's match against Kawasaki as well, but if we don't improve our finishing ability, it will continue to be a match where we played well but couldn't secure the win. I believe we need to make sure we finish our opportunities.
Q: I think there were some close scenes created from free kicks and other situations, what do you think?
I think the kicks overall were good, but the reality is that they haven't resulted in goals. We need to improve the accuracy of our kicks.
Q: With many young players and those making their debut, did you say anything to help bring the team together?
A, there were many players in their teens participating, and there were several players younger than me, so I was actively encouraging them. If possible, I wanted to let the younger players who came on as substitutes play in a winning situation, so that's a bit disappointing.
Q: What specific kind of encouragement did you give?
When Yuta ARAI came in during the second half, I told him to keep expressing his play, and since he is a player skilled in dribbling, I mentioned that he can play without worrying about those around him.
Q: I think the challenge is how to break down an opponent that solidifies their defense like Avispa Fukuoka, but what about the finishing aspect?
If we stick to our style, I think there will be teams that will solidify their defense. To break down such opponents, we need to improve our accuracy in the attacking third; otherwise, our passes will go astray, and we will lose the ball more often. I believe we need to enhance the accuracy of our final passes.
Q: In the final stages of the match, I believe the substitute players were able to enter the attacking third. What are your thoughts on that?
I think there were many good aspects, and from there, I believe it's about aligning our ideas and collaboration, so if that goes well, it might lead to scoring.
