In the Levain Cup match against Avispa Fukuoka, which marked the resumption of team activities, despite a limited roster and the scramble situation including the use of Ryoya OGAWA as a center-back, Albert TOKYO was able to showcase the style they aim for by maintaining possession and pushing the opponent back. However, they conceded a goal due to a mistake and were unable to break through the opponent's defense, resulting in a 0-1 defeat, just like in the opening match of the season. Nevertheless, as Kazuya KONNO mentioned after the match, "I think we had a higher ball possession rate and were able to control the game throughout the 90 minutes," the team must have gained a solid sense of achievement.
In the second league match of the season, which will be held three days later, several players are expected to return from rehabilitation. While there are still concerns about their condition, as the team's lineup gradually comes together, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA will have more options for member selection and tactical decisions based on the flow of the match. More than the match against Fukuoka, the game against Cerezo Osaka will likely be one focused on achieving victory.
The players who stood on the pitch for the first time in about two weeks in the match against Fukuoka, or those who made their first appearance this season, were able to experience the intensity that can only be gained in official matches. Based on that strength, attention is focused on how the returning players will be combined, as the coach's choices to express their style on the pitch in a scramble formation are highlighted.
Although Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is steadily promoting the team's style, he is certainly not indifferent to the results. As they prepare for the match, he strongly emphasizes the importance of winning to the players. 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 match against Kawasaki as well, but if we don't improve our finishing, 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 properly."
As Ryoya OGAWA mentioned after the match against Fukuoka, in the last two games, we have outperformed the opponent in ball possession and created a fair number of decisive chances. After dominating the match by pushing the opponent back, we need to ensure that we convert the chances we create. While enhancing the completeness of our positional play, we also need to improve the quality of our finishing to secure our first goal and first victory of the season.
<3/2 Levain Cup Fukuoka Match Highlights>
<3/2 Levain Cup Fukuoka Match MATCHDAY CAM>
