<Match Review>
Tokyo, having played one match each in the league and the Levain Cup, faced Cerezo Osaka away in their second league match. After a three-day preparation period following the limited squad for the match against Avispa Fukuoka on March 2, many members returned from recovery due to COVID-19. They approached this match with a lineup based on the members from the opening match against Kawasaki Frontale.
From the start, Tokyo seized the ball with sharp pressure at the ball's point and launched a short counter to gain rhythm. In the 2nd minute of the first half, Kazuya KONNO deflected a corner kick from the right at the near post, but Masato MORISHIGE was just unable to connect at the far side. In the 15th minute of the first half, a cross ball from the right side by Kazuya KONNO was not fully cleared by the opposing defender, and Adailton attempted a bicycle kick on the loose ball, but it went just wide of the goal. In the 18th minute of the first half, Adailton received a feed from Yasuki KIMOTO and made a strong shot, but it was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
Tokyo effectively utilized high pressing, ball possession, and quick counterattacks to control the match at their own rhythm. In the 23rd minute of the first half, Kuryu MATSUKI stole the ball from the opponent in a high position on the left side, and Adailton picked it up and moved into the penalty area. He delivered a low pass towards the goal, and Konno, who entered from the front of the goal, trapped it and slotted it into the bottom right corner, scoring the first goal for Albert Tokyo.
Tokyo, not easing the pressure, launched short counters from high interceptions in the 36th and 39th minutes. Adailton and Diego OLIVEIRA managed to take shots, but neither could find the back of the net.
In the 40th minute of the first half, there was the only clear chance conceded. After losing the ball near the penalty area, a cross was sent in from a deep position on the right side, and a header shot was taken right in front of the near side of the goal, but Jakub SLOWIK made a sharp reaction to clear it away from the goal. They controlled the game at their own pace and went into halftime.
As the second half began, substitutions were made early. Kensuke NAGAI was brought in to replace the goal scorer Konno, and Keigo HIGASHI was substituted for Shuto ABE. By introducing fresh players to the front line, the aim was to maintain high pressure and keep control of the pace, but in the 17th minute of the second half, Takuya AOKI was sent off with a second yellow card. With one player less, the situation of the match began to change.
Tokyo, which changed its player arrangement and system, maintained a compact formation while enduring the opponent's attacks without retreating too much into their own territory, but the scenes of being pressured in front of the goal increased compared to the first half. Amid being pushed back into their own half, SLOWIK's play shone. In the 33rd minute of the second half, a direct free kick was taken from a position in front of the goal, but he reacted and deflected the ground shot that flew to the left corner of the goal. In the 39th minute of the second half, a clearance ball outside the penalty area was volleyed by KIYOTAKE, but SLOWIK made an incredible reaction to dive and deflect the shot that flew to the upper left corner of the goal over the bar.
Thanks to the repeated efforts of the guardian deity, they endured the tough moments in the second half and achieved their first victory in the milestone match of the 700th game in the J1 League.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review today's game.
First, the players expressed a high intensity of play in the first half. They won the ball in good shape and created many decisive chances. I think there were many instances where the press worked well with the intention of wanting to win the ball in the center rather than on the sides. I wanted to go into halftime with an additional 2 or 3 goals, but that didn't happen. Regarding the first half, I believe we were able to control the game well. Cerezo Osaka is a dangerous team that plays with care for the ball. I think it was good that we were able to dominate the game for the full 45 minutes against such an opponent.
Considering that we have not returned to a good physical condition, I expected to struggle in the second half. Perhaps due to that physical condition, mistakes occurred under pressure from the front, leading to Aoki having to commit a foul and ultimately being sent off, which was unfortunate. A good team knows that to win, they must endure hardship. Today, our players proved through their performance that they understand what it means to struggle for victory, even when we were one player short for about 30 minutes. Moreover, we only had one opportunity to train properly with a full squad in the past two weeks. In such a difficult situation, it is easy to imagine how proud I feel of the players who fought hard to secure the win. This is already the third match of the season, and I believe the team is growing steadily. The fact that we were able to control the ball and dominate the game for a long time in the first half is a testament to the team's growth. I am proud of all the players, but especially today, I want to commend Kuba for stopping a decisive chance that led the team to victory.
Q: You mentioned that you anticipated struggling in the second half. Considering aspects like physical stamina, what kind of plan were you trying to implement? What adjustments did you make after the red card was issued?
A, first of all, it was disappointing that Aoki, who was supposed to be the key player to control the ball and the game in the second half, was sent off, especially since we anticipated struggling in the second half and had a plan to dominate the ball and the match. I believe that when the team grows further, they will be able to finish the game while controlling the ball and the match, even in poor physical condition. The players have only spent about six weeks together with the new play style. The fact that the team has grown this much in those six weeks is a testament to the high quality of the players. If the team continues to grow, I have no doubt that they will learn to control the ball and the match and finish the game, even when one player is missing.
(After Aoki was sent off) I wanted to make sure we didn't drop our defensive block too much, but it was quite a difficult situation. For example, in such circumstances, one of the young players, Kuryu MATSUKI, contributed to the team in a wonderful way. Keigo HIGASHI also guided the team towards controlling the match with his experience and excellent play. However, I believe that if our physical condition had been better, we wouldn't have struggled so much even with one less player. I hope to grow little by little.
Q: What emotions did you feel at the moment of victory?
A, first of all, at the moment the final whistle blew, I couldn't tell whether it was the final whistle or a foul whistle. I was frustrated that, despite playing well in the two matches so far, we hadn't achieved results. Therefore, I was happy that we were able to win in a way that cleared that away. Additionally, due to the impact of COVID-19, we have struggled over the past two weeks. I was pleased that we fought hard to secure this victory after that struggle. Personally, the first thing that comes to mind after this victory is the faces of my family. And when my team players give their all for victory, like they did today, and we win, the coach feels a sense of pride. Cerezo Osaka is also a team that plays good football, and I can easily imagine how proud I am of the players who accomplished the struggle for victory against such a wonderful team that played football like today.
[Player Interview]
＜Jakub SLOWIK＞
Q, there were many wonderful plays, but please review the game.
A, first of all, I am happy that we were able to win today's game. At the same time, I feel that everyone on the team contributed to the victory, and as a result, we have become a stronger team.
Q: You took the lead by scoring in the first half, but what did you focus on while playing with one less player in the second half?
In the first half, we were able to create many chances and control the game. As a result, we were able to score the opening goal. In the second half, after going down to ten men, Cerezo Osaka applied high pressure and increased their time holding the ball in a higher position, which made it a challenging period. However, I believe that the result of everyone, including myself, continuing to play without losing focus led to our victory. I am proud that everyone contributed to winning this match.
Q: What positive impact do you think this victory will have on the team?
I believe this victory is a very significant win. The fact that we were able to win even with one player less and that we were able to showcase our strengths will definitely lead to future success. I want to continue this attitude from our daily training, keep achieving good results, and strive to become champions.
On the other hand, while we have big goals this season, we believe it is important not to think too far ahead, but to focus on our daily training and to fight hard in the matches in front of us, building up one step at a time.
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q: Although we created many chances in both the Kawasaki Frontale and Avispa Fukuoka matches, we couldn't score. What did the team focus on in terms of offense for today's match?
I think we were able to show a great attacking shape as a team. The coach also said that we should believe that a goal will come someday and keep going, so I had the desire to score my first goal if the opportunity came my way, and I’m really glad I was able to deliver results.
Q, please review the scoring scene.
When Adailton cut the ball, I was free, so I had the image of trapping the ball and shooting if it came to me. Adailton delivered a good ball, so I just had to trap it and send it into the side netting.
Q: I think there were difficult developments in the second half, but what kind of communication was happening on the pitch?
A, we continued to be pushed back in the second half after a player was sent off, but I am grateful that my teammates fought hard and ran for us, helping to protect the lead from the goal I scored.
Q: It was the team's first goal and first victory of the season, which leads to confidence, doesn't it?
In the matches against Kawasaki and Fukuoka, we were far from scoring, but I believe goals will come in the next matches. I think we can create good attacking plays, so I want to continue scoring, not just this one goal, and contribute to the team's victory.
Q: Last season had injuries and other issues, but please tell us your thoughts for this season.
I think it will be a very tight schedule and a total battle, but I want to contribute to the team as much as I can within the time given to me. I believe that one-on-one situations on the side will be very important, so I hope to refine that and create chances while maintaining my condition.
Q: The last goal of last season and the first goal of this season were scored by Konno. What are your thoughts on that?
I wasn't really conscious of it. Regarding this season, I played in the matches against Kawasaki and Fukuoka without scoring, so I approached the game with the determination to score my first goal myself, and I'm really happy that I was able to achieve that result.
Q: Does the fact that you played against Avispa Fukuoka contribute to this result?
I think it was difficult to adjust our condition in the match against Avispa Fukuoka. It was challenging to maintain our condition away against Avispa Fukuoka and Cerezo Osaka without being able to practice, but I believe that everyone trying to fight within the time given led to our victory.
Q: Was it significant that the trap was important for the goal and that you were able to stop the ball firmly without lifting it?
A, that's right. I wanted to shoot with my left foot, so I focused on trapping the ball perfectly because I thought the opponent would come and cut it off. I aimed for the side netting and struck it cleanly.
Q: I think we have been able to execute good attacks so far, what do you think?
A, we are able to create good attacking shapes while controlling the ball. The players on the field are also gaining a good feel for the game, so I believe that if we improve our completeness, we can play even more exciting football.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, please review today's game.
I think it was really good that we were able to score early in the first half, and it was also good that we managed to defend as a team until the very end.
Q: In the first half, you were able to control the game in your own flow, but what kind of plays were you focusing on?
First, I was aware of the overall balance. Also, I was constantly mindful during the match to aggressively close in after the ball reached the opponent's double pivot. When we were able to effectively apply pressure on the two central midfielders, we were able to prevent them from playing freely.
Q: It was a difficult time in the second half with one less player. What were you focusing on during that period?
A, since the anchor position was vacant, I was playing with Mr. Keigo HIGASHI to move forward, recover second balls, and communicate with Mr. Morishige and Mr. Kimoto about the space opening in front of the center backs.
Q: It was a special situation, but please tell us your thoughts on playing 90 minutes in a professional match for the first time.
It was a very tough situation, but I believe we could have played our style of football in the second half if there hadn't been a red card, so I want to prepare our condition for the next home game. We achieved our first professional victory, but I think the important part starts now, so I'm glad we were able to take that first step.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, please review the 90 minutes.
A, there was one dangerous moment for myself, but aside from that, I think we were able to move the ball as we wanted in the first half. Our defense was also strong from the front, which I believe allowed us to score the opening goal. As for the second half, when a player was sent off, our approach changed, but I think we all fought together and persevered for the full 90 minutes.
Q: In the first half, I think the defense was linked with pressing from the front and pushing up from the back, which allowed for short counterattacks. What was your experience playing in that situation?
First, I was conscious of playing by observing the opponent's position, such as taking an inside position when Konno opened up, to avoid overlapping with other players. I believe that if I can become a player who can change the flow of the game for better or worse, the ball will naturally circulate, and we can advance the game to our advantage. Therefore, I am working on this aspect while studying even when there are no matches, both in offense and defense.
Q: In the first half, there was a moment when Watanabe, while being marked by an opponent, managed to turn and carry the ball towards the opponent's goal, creating a numerical advantage.
I want to move forward as much as possible, and if I can break through on my own, I think that would be good for the team as well. If we can improve in that area, I believe the team will be able to advance in the match with more advantage.
Q: Being able to play soccer like in the first half and secure the win is significant for the team, isn't it?
If we can play that soccer for 90 minutes, I believe the results will follow. It's not about whether we can or cannot, but I think there is meaning in continuing to do it, so I hope we can pick up results while doing that.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, please review the 90 minutes first.
In the first half, we were able to move the ball well and not only play at our feet but also use the space behind to make it uncomfortable for the opponent. We had several chances to score, and we managed to get one goal. There was one dangerous moment, but Kuba saved us, and overall, we played a good game in the first half. In the second half, we faced a tough period with a player sent off, but I think the whole team worked together to stay focused and fought hard for the victory.
Q: It seemed that Kimoto was able to differentiate between targeting the feet and the space behind, effectively controlling the game.
A, while using good long balls. There was a comment that there were fewer balls behind in the match against Kawasaki, so I think we were able to use short passes and long passes effectively.
Q: The pressing from the front and the support from the back were smooth; was this the team's intended strategy?
As for the team's style of play, we focus on regaining possession immediately after losing the ball by pressing from the front and taking good care of the ball. In the first half, our forwards did a great job defensively, which made it easier for the back line to push up, and we felt we were able to recover the ball effectively.
Q: The second half had many difficult moments, didn't it?
A, as we fight through the season, I think there will be tough matches where players are sent off, but I believe that only by winning will we be evaluated. In that sense, although we had possession of the ball, I have the impression that we focused on securing the 3 points.
Q: Considering that we were able to firmly showcase our style in the first half, can we say that we proved our growth with this victory?
A, I believe that everyone watching was able to feel the soccer we want to play in the first half, and the players on the field were also able to focus on the ball while aiming for the goal, so we can feel our growth.
Q: Looking forward to returning home.
A, I personally have a strong desire to play at home soon, and although we have been struggling with away games, we can return home after securing a victory, and with the consecutive matches coming to an end, I want to prepare well and strive to win with good football.
