After resuming team activities, the Levain Cup match against Avispa Fukuoka was a scramble situation with limited members, but the team was able to firmly demonstrate the style that Alberto Tokyo aims for, such as pushing the opponent while holding the ball, despite the use of Ryoya OGAWA as a center back. Although they conceded a goal due to a mistake and were unable to defend against the opponent, they suffered a 0-1 defeat just like in the opening match of this season. However, as Kazuya KONNO stated after the match, "I think we had a higher ball possession rate and were able to dominate the game for 90 minutes," the team should have gained a solid sense of accomplishment.
In the second game of the season, which will be played in 3 days, several players are expected to return from their recovery. While there are concerns about their physical condition, as the team's lineup gradually comes together, coach Albert Puig Ortoneda will have more options for selecting players and making decisions based on the game's development. The match against Cerezo Osaka will be even more focused on winning than the Fukuoka match.
Players who stood on the pitch for the first time in about two weeks in the Fukuoka match, or players who made their first appearance this season, were able to experience the intensity that can only be obtained in official matches. Based on that strength, attention is focused on how the returning players will be combined and how the commander, who expressed their own style on the pitch even in a scramble situation, will make their selection.
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, who is carefully promoting the penetration of style, is not obsessed with results. When approaching a game, he strongly emphasizes the players' commitment to winning. With that in mind, what is required for Tokyo in the next match against FC Osaka is a goal.
"We were able to create chances in today's Kawasaki match as well, but if we don't improve our finishing, the game will continue to be a good performance but unable to win. So we need to make sure to score when we have the chance."
As Ryoya OGAWA mentioned after the Fukuoka match, in the previous two games, we have surpassed our opponents in ball possession and have also created numerous decisive chances. After dominating the game by pushing our opponents back, it is crucial to convert the chances we create. We must continue to improve the quality of our positional play and also elevate our finishing skills in order to secure our first goal and first victory of the season.
<3/2 Levain Cup Fukuoka Match Highlights>
<3/2 Levain Cup Fukuoka Matchday Cam>
