<Match Review>
Tokyo, who played one league match and one Levain Cup match, faced Cerezo Osaka away in their second league match. They had a three-day preparation period after the limited squad match against Avispa Fukuoka on March 2nd, with many players returning from recovering from COVID-19. They approached this match with a lineup based on the squad from the opening match against Kawasaki Frontale.
From the start, Tokyo aggressively pressed for the ball and established a rhythm with short counters. In the 2nd minute of the first half, Yasuki Kimoto attempted a near post corner kick, but Masato Morishige narrowly missed the far post. In the 15th minute, Kazuya Konno's cross from the right side was not cleared by the opposing defender, and Adailton attempted a bicycle kick that narrowly missed the goal. In the 18th minute, Adailton received a feed from Kimoto and took a powerful shot, but it was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
Tokyo, who press high, hold the ball, and execute short counters effectively, are progressing the game at their own rhythm. In the 23rd minute of the first half, Matsuki Kuryu, who was positioned high on the left side, stole the ball from the opponent and Adailton picked it up and entered the penalty area. With a slightly negative ground pass, Konno, who had entered the goal center, trapped the ball and slid it into the bottom right corner, scoring the first goal for Alberto Tokyo.
Tokyo, who did not let up the pressure, launched a short counterattack from high interceptions in the 36th and 39th minutes of the first half. Adailton and Diego OLIVEIRA both took shots, but neither could shake the net.
The only chance in the first half was in the 40th minute. The ball was stolen near the penalty area and a cross was sent in from a deep position on the right side. A header was taken near the near post, but Jakub SLOWIK made a sharp reaction and cleared it from the goal. They controlled the game at their own pace and reached halftime.
As the second half began, the substitution cards were played early on. Kensuke NAGAI was brought in for Koya KONNO, who scored the opening goal, and Shuto ABE was substituted for Keigo HIGASHI. The team wanted to maintain their high press and control the pace by bringing in fresh players up front, but in the 17th minute of the second half, Takuya AOKI received his second yellow card and was sent off. The game changed with one less player on the field.
Tokyo, who changed their lineup and system, managed to withstand the opponent's attacks while maintaining a compact formation without retreating too much into their own half. However, as the game went on, they were increasingly pressured in front of their own goal. In the midst of being pushed back, Slowik's play shone. In the 33rd minute of the second half, he was directly targeted with a free kick in front of the goal, but he reacted quickly and cleared the low shot that flew towards the bottom left corner. In the 39th minute of the second half, Kiyotake attempted a volley from outside the penalty area, but Slowik made an incredible reaction to jump and deflect the shot that was heading towards the top left corner, sending it over the goal.
Thanks to the repeated performances of the guardian deity, Tokyo's Albert Pobor was able to withstand the difficult times in the second half and achieve his first victory in the milestone 700th J1 League match.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, please review today's game.
A, first of all, the players showed a strong intensity in the first half. They were able to take the ball in a good shape and create many decisive chances. I think there were many times when the press was well placed, with the consciousness of wanting to take the ball in the center rather than on the side. We wanted to score 2 or 3 more goals in the first half and go into halftime, but it didn't happen. I think we were able to dominate the game in the first half. Cerezo Osaka is a dangerous team that plays with the importance of the ball. I think it was good that we were able to dominate the game for the entire first half against such opponents.
Considering that our physical condition has not fully recovered, we expected to struggle in the second half. Perhaps due to this physical condition, we made mistakes in our pressing and Aoki ended up fouling and getting sent off, which was unfortunate. A good team knows that in order to win, they must be willing to struggle. And today, our players proved that they understand this and played with determination, even with one less player for about 30 minutes. Furthermore, we were only able to train with a full squad once in the past two weeks. In such a difficult situation, I am extremely proud of the efforts of the players who were determined to win and were able to secure the victory. And now, in our third game of the season, I believe the team is steadily growing. The fact that we were able to dominate and control the ball for a long time in the first half is a testament to the team's growth. I am proud of all the players, but I especially want to praise Kubo for stopping crucial chances and leading the team to victory today.
Q, It was a story about expecting to struggle in the second half, but considering physical condition, what kind of plan did you have to fight? What kind of adjustments did you make after the player was sent off?
First of all, in the second half where we expected to struggle, we approached it with a plan to dominate the ball and the game. However, it was very unfortunate that Aoki, who was supposed to be the key player in making that happen, was sent off. When the team grows even more, I believe we will be able to finish the game while dominating the ball and the game, even in a physically challenging condition. The players have only spent about six weeks together with a new playing style. The fact that the team has grown this much in those six weeks is a testament to the high quality of players we have. If the team continues to grow, I have no doubt that they will learn to dominate the ball and the game and finish the game, even with one less player.
(After Aoki was sent off) First of all, we wanted to avoid lowering our defensive block as much as possible, but it was a difficult situation. For example, in such a situation, one of our young players, (Kuryu) Matsuki, contributed to the team in a wonderful way. (Keigo) Higashi, along with his experience, led the team in the direction of controlling the game with great plays. However, if our physical condition was better, I don't think we would have struggled so much even with one less player. We want to continue to grow little by little.
Q, What emotions came out when you won?
First of all, at the moment when the final whistle blew, I didn't know if it was the final whistle or a foul. I was frustrated that we couldn't get results despite playing well in the first two games. So I was happy to be able to win and sweep that away. In addition, we have struggled for the past two weeks due to the influence of COVID-19. I am happy to have achieved 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 when we win, the coach feels proud. Cerezo Osaka is also a team that plays good soccer, but I can easily imagine how proud I am of the team that played such a wonderful soccer today, and the players who achieved the struggle for victory.
[Player Interview]
＜Jakub SLOWIK＞
Q, 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 every member of the team contributed to the victory, and as a result, we have become a stronger team.
Q, In the first half, we took the lead by scoring a goal, but what were you conscious of while playing with one less player in the second half?
A, we were able to create a lot of chances in the first half and control the game. As a result, we were able to score the first goal. In the second half, even with one less player, Cerezo Osaka pressed us high and we had a difficult time holding onto the ball. However, I believe that we were able to secure the victory because everyone, including myself, stayed focused and continued to play. I am proud that everyone contributed to this win.
Q, What kind of positive impact do you think this victory will have on the team?
A, I think this victory is a very important win. The fact that we were able to win even with one less player and show our strengths will definitely lead to the next step. We will 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 for this season, we believe it is important to focus on daily training and each game in front of us, rather than thinking too far ahead. We must fight each game with determination and build upon them one by one.
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q, In both the Kawasaki Frontale and Avispa Fukuoka matches, we were able to create many chances but couldn't score. What was the team's focus on the attacking side for today's match?
A, I think we were able to show a great attacking form as a team. The coach also said to keep believing that we will score eventually, so I had the desire to score my first goal if I got a chance, and I was able to produce a great result.
Q, please review the scoring scene.
When A, Adailton, cut the ball, I was free, so I had the image of trapping and shooting if the ball came. Adailton gave me a good ball, so all I had to do was trap it and put it into the side net.
Q, What kind of encouragement was given on the pitch during the difficult moments in the second half?
A, The situation continued where we were pushed back in the second half due to a player being sent off, but my teammates ran and sacrificed themselves, so I am grateful that they protected the lead from the goal I scored.
Q, it was the first goal and first victory of the season as a team, which will lead to confidence.
A, the Kawasaki and Fukuoka games were far from one point, but I think goals will be born in the next game from here. I think I can create a good attacking form and contribute to the team's victory by continuing to score, not just this one point.
Q, Please tell us about your thoughts for this season, despite having injuries last season.
A, I think it will be a very intense schedule and a total battle, but I want to contribute to the team firmly within the time given to me. I think one-on-one situations on the side will be very important, so I hope to polish and condition myself while creating chances.
Q, What do you think about the last goal of last season and the first goal of this season by player Konno?
A, I wasn't really aware of it. In terms of this season, I couldn't score in the Kawasaki and Fukuoka matches, so I approached the first goal with the feeling of wanting to score it myself, and I'm really happy that I was able to produce results.
Q, Did playing against Avispa Fukuoka contribute to this result?
In the match against Avispa Fukuoka, I think it was difficult to adjust our condition. It was also difficult to maintain our condition away from home against Avispa Fukuoka and Cerezo Osaka, as we were unable to practice. However, I believe that everyone's efforts to fight within the given time led to our victory.
Q, Is it important to trap the ball and not let it float in order to stop it firmly at the goal?
A, yes. 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 net and took the shot.
Q, how do you think the attack has been so far?
A, We are able to create a good attacking shape while controlling the ball. The players are also getting a good feeling, so I believe we can play even more interesting football if we improve our completion level.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, please review today's game.
A, I think it was really good that we were able to score early in the first half, and it was also good that we were able to defend as a team until the very end.
Q, in the first half, we were able to control the game in our favor. What kind of plays were you focusing on?
A, first of all, I was conscious of the overall balance. Also, I was constantly aware of aggressively pressing the opponent's double pivot once the ball entered their area. We were able to effectively press when both of our midfielders were in position, and we were able to prevent them from playing freely.
Q, What were you conscious of during the long and difficult time in the second half when you were one player short?
Since the anchor position was vacant, we were playing with (Keigo) Higashi-san going forward and collecting second balls, and the space in front of the center back was left open, so we were playing while talking with (Yuzo) Morishige-san and (Kento) Kimoto-san.
Q, What are your thoughts on playing a full 90 minutes in a professional match, considering the unique circumstances?
A, it was a very tough situation, but I think we can play our own soccer in the second half if there are no ejections, so we want to prepare our condition for the next home game. We were able to achieve our first professional victory, but I think the future is important, so it was good to take the first step.
Ryoma WATANABE
Q, please review the 90 minutes.
A, There was one dangerous scene for myself, but apart from that, I think we were able to move the ball as we wanted in the first half. The defense was also able to maintain a high intensity from the front, so I think we were able to score the first goal. As for the second half, the way we fought changed when we had a player sent off, but I think we were able to fight together as a team for the full 90 minutes.
Q, In the first half, the defense was coordinated with the press from the front line and the push-up from the back, and I think we were able to do short counters from there. How was it for you to play?
A, First of all, I was conscious of playing while looking at the opponent's position, such as taking the inside position when Konno opens up so that the players do not overlap. If I can become a player who can change the flow of the game for better or worse, I think the ball will naturally rotate and we can advance the game advantageously. So, while being aware of that in both offense and defense, I am working on studying even when there are no games.
Q, in the first half, there was a scene where player Watanabe was carrying the opponent on his back, but managed to turn and create a numerical advantage by moving the ball towards the opponent's goal.
A, I want to move forward as much as possible, and I think it would be good for the team if I could peel it off myself. If we can do that better, I think we can advance the game more advantageously as a team.
Q, it means a lot to the team that we were able to play the first half of the game and win.
If we can play that soccer for 90 minutes, I thought the results would come. It's not about whether we can do it or not, but I think there is meaning in continuing to do it, so I hope we can pick up results while doing it.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, please review the 90 minutes first.
A, in the first half we were able to pass the ball in a good shape, not only using our feet but also using the back to make the opponent uncomfortable. We had a few chances to score and managed to get one goal. There was one dangerous moment, but Kubo stopped it and we were able to have a good game in the first half. In the second half, we had a player sent off and it was a difficult time, but I think we were able to push through and fight for the win as a team.
Q, At the build-up, it seemed like Kimoto was able to control the game well by skillfully using both his feet and the back of his foot.
A, while using good long balls. There was also some criticism that there were not enough through balls in the Kawasaki game, so I think we were able to use short passes and long passes well.
Q, was the press from the front and the push from the back smooth, and did the team's strategy work out as planned?
As a team, we aim to quickly regain possession of the ball after it has been taken away, and then carefully maintain possession. In the first half, our forward players did a good job of defending, which made it easier for us to push up our defensive line and recover the ball.
Q, the second half was filled with difficult times.
A, I think there will be tough games where players will be sent off if we fight through the season, but I believe that winning is what is truly valued. In that sense, even though we were under pressure, it seemed like we were focused on getting the 3 points.
Q, Can we say that we have proven our growth by winning, considering that we were able to firmly demonstrate our style in the first half?
A, I think everyone watching could feel the soccer we wanted to play in the first half, and the players were able to play while valuing the ball and aiming for the goal, so I can feel their growth.
Q, looking forward to going back home.
A, Personally, I have a strong desire to play at home as soon as possible, and although we have been struggling in away games, we can return home after a win and finish the consecutive games, so I want to work hard and prepare well to win with good soccer.
