<Match Review>
The Levain Cup Sec. 1, which had been postponed due to the impact of the novel coronavirus, was held as the first night game at home this season. Albert Tokyo, who has been on a winning streak in the league, actively utilized young players as the coach had previously stated. They approached this match with a lineup that combined veteran players.
Among the starting lineup, Go HATANO, Junya SUZUKI, Makoto OKAZAKI, and Takuya UCHIDA made their first appearances of the season, while the specially designated Yuta ARAI had his first professional start. Additionally, Renta HIGASHI, who is registered as a second-category player and belongs to the U-18 team, was included on the bench.
From the beginning, Tokyo struggled to settle the ball, leading to many moments of enduring pressure in front of their goal. There were scenes where the ball was advanced to a high position thanks to Arai's dribbling, but they could not supply effective balls in front of the goal. There were also times when they built up play solidly from the back and entered the opponent's territory, but they could not carry the ball into areas that led to chances in front of the goal. Just before the end of the first half, there was a scene where they shot in front of the goal, but this was also blocked by the opposing defender.
Tokyo, wanting to change the flow as the second half began, created a chance just one minute into the half. A through pass found a gap in the opponent's defense in front of the goal, and Keita YAMASHITA broke through and took a shot, but he couldn't shake the net. Changing from the first half, in the second half they started to use long passes to both sides to unsettle the opponent, allowing them to take high positions on the flanks. In the 15th minute of the second half, wanting to gradually push the opponent back, they were caught out from behind, and Henrique TREVISAN was sent off for bringing down an opponent just outside the penalty area. Similar to the match against C Osaka in the league, they found themselves fighting the remaining 30 minutes with a numerical disadvantage.
In the match against C Osaka, the team focused on solidifying their defense while holding a one-goal lead, but today, Albert Tokyo maintained an attacking stance, continuously making substitutions. In the 28th minute of the second half, a cross from the right side was met in front of the goal, but the crossbar saved them. Although they were able to pounce on the loose ball, Go Hatano blocked the shot twice, saving the team from a crisis. In the 44th minute of the second half, Ryoma WATANABE picked up a cleared corner kick near the penalty area and took a shot after a feint, but it narrowly missed the goal due to a great save by the opposing goalkeeper. In the 45+2 minute of the second half, a powerful long-range shot was taken, but Go Hatano reacted sharply and deflected the ball that was heading for the corner of the goal.
In the first half, we struggled to build our play as we wanted, but at the start of the second half, and even after a player was sent off, we maintained our attacking stance without backing down, showing our determination for victory in the final moments of the match. The result was a scoreless draw, but it was a match where young players responded to their opportunities and showcased their strengths, allowing us to gain some positive feedback.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]]
Q, please review today's game.
A, in the first half, we struggled to get into the game and were not necessarily playing well. It might have been partly due to many players being away from official matches for a long time. Additionally, playing an official match with members who have never competed with the new playing style was also a factor that made the game difficult.
In that sense, during the first half, we were unable to effectively coordinate when applying pressure. Furthermore, neither the pace of play nor the way we moved the ball was as fast as expected.
The last 10 minutes of the first half showed some improvement, and I think the pace of play at the start of the second half was faster compared to the first half. However, when the press did not work well, Henrique was caught behind and ended up being sent off.
I think it is commendable that after having one player sent off, they played carefully with the ball. This is because in the match against Cerezo Osaka, they were also down to one player less, but they retreated and focused on defense. They improved from that mistake and were able to play as usual even with one player less.
Furthermore, the success of young players, such as Renta HIGASHI and Rei HIRAKAWA, is great news for the team. Renta is only 17 years old. He has plenty of potential to grow into a wonderful player who will carry the future of the club. Additionally, goalkeeper Go HATANO saved the team by stopping several clear scoring chances from the opponents.
And Yojiro Takahagi also demonstrated his high quality on the pitch. I am very satisfied with the players' performance in the second half today. Continuously giving their all on the pitch is a characteristic that FC Tokyo must have. The players showed that through their play.
We do not wish for any players to be sent off. However, I am proud that the team showed such a performance even with one player less, and I can head home feeling proud that the team is growing.
Although it was held on a weekday, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone who came to the stadium.
Q, please tell us your evaluation of Rei HIRAKAWA.
A, it has only been two months including the pre-season. In that time, it is by no means easy for a new coach to fully understand the characteristics of every player in detail. When it comes to knowing every detail of all players, including the younger ones, I would say I do not yet have that complete understanding.
I believe it is difficult to ultimately evaluate players without giving them opportunities in official matches and seeing how well they perform. We want to make good use of this Levain Cup, provide many chances, understand what potential they have, and continue to evaluate them going forward.
Of course, I am very satisfied with Rei's play in the second half today. Also, many players such as Uchida, Suzuki, and Okazaki, who had not been given opportunities to play in official matches until now, had the chance to play today and proved how capable they are, so I am very satisfied with their performance as well.
In addition, we are satisfied with Yuta's bold play as a high school student. And Renta HIGASHI, also a high school student, delivered an excellent performance. We are pleased with their play.
Q: You mentioned that you couldn't get into the game well, but what do you think is necessary to compete more effectively going forward?
A, it is true that there was a lack of awareness to move towards the goal, and I also think there was a lack of aggressiveness in defense.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryoma WATANABE＞
Q, it was a time when we were one player down, but I felt the intention to challenge for the goal.
A, even though the opponent had one more player, they were pulling back, and since I saw a large space right in front of the opponent's defensive line, I used that space.
Q: Did you feel that there was space and that it was easy to move?
Rather than being easy to move, someone had to use that space, so even when the ball was on the opposite side, I took such a position while watching Yamashita's movements. We were aiming to win, so I think that feeling was reflected in the play.
Q, Even though we were one player down, I think the desire to win was evident. What was the atmosphere like on the pitch?
A, it was a match we had to win, and that was the shared understanding within the team. In the end, I think a draw was unavoidable, but it was a match we could have won.
Q: In the first half, the ball didn't progress forward much. What do you think was the cause?
When the center back has the ball, they should check the opponent's position and, based on that positioning, our side backs and wing players should consider their positioning and play accordingly.
Q: Having experienced positions such as full-back and forward, what do you think is necessary to advance the ball forward?
A. The more players there are who can judge who they are facing when in possession, how to create a numerical advantage, and for example, how the space will change if they carry the ball, the more flexible the play can be, and such players will become important.
Q: I think there have been some discrepancies in the system with both Hiroshima the other day and today’s match against Jubilo Iwata, which both used a 3-4-2-1 formation. What do you think is the cause?
A, the cause is not clear at the moment, but the players need to discuss and address such issues themselves. It is also important for the players to judge how the opponent is playing and respond accordingly.
<Go HATANO>
Q: There were several good saves, but what were you conscious of?
When pressed, Henrique, the defender, tried to stay compact, and I believe the reason we kept a clean sheet was because he communicated well with Okazaki.
Q: You felt good about your condition since the preseason, but are there any improvements compared to last year?
A, since last year the style of soccer has changed somewhat, and as a goalkeeper, I have been consciously working on firmly connecting passes to nearby players. Also, because there is a lot of practice receiving shots during training, I believe the results have shown. Next, I want to continue practicing diligently so that I can stand on the league match pitch.
Q: Go HATANO, you have experience playing as a goalkeeper after a red card in your teens. What kind of words did you share with Renta HIGASHI, who had a similar experience?
A, I told them to play boldly. We have been playing together since the camp, and I think our coordination was solid. Although they seemed a bit nervous, they fought well and were a reliable presence.
Q: I felt a strong passion for today's play despite the decrease in playing opportunities.
A, the match I want to participate in is on the J1 League stage, so I want to take today's performance of keeping a clean sheet as the standard and aim even higher.
<Yuta ARAI>
Q: How did you feel when you found out you would be starting today?
A, I was happy but also nervous.
Q: Did you have an image of the position you would be assigned after the meeting?
A, I was prepared to play on either side. This time, I played on the left side, and the coach told me, "When you have the ball, go for it boldly."
Q: In the previous match against Fukuoka, there were many instances of you dribbling and cutting in from the right side. This time, were you focusing on breaking through vertically from the left side?
A, I want to increase my options by cutting inside or breaking through vertically, no matter which side I play on, to expand the range of my play.
Q: The first half was a difficult period, but it felt like the tempo changed in the second half. Was there a change in the team?
In the first half, there were periods when our defense was slow to react, so the coach told us to increase our intensity and press from the front line. From the second half, the team raised that awareness and played accordingly, which improved the tempo.
Q: Were you able to play in coordination with the team?
A, I was able to play while being conscious of (coordination).
Q: I think there was a feeling that we could win towards the end of the match, what do you think?
A, even with one less player, we talked about pressing from the front line, so we were able to play in a good atmosphere. It ended in a draw in the end, but I feel we were able to have a good match because everyone worked hard.
<Renta HIGASHI>
Q: This is your first time being selected as a member. Please tell us how you felt when you found out you were selected.
A, I have been involved since the U-18 level, and while there are players who have not been able to make the team, being able to feel the atmosphere of Ajinomoto and experience the bench atmosphere up close is very valuable. I was excited to fully take that in myself, and I also felt a thrilling anticipation that I might get to play in the match.
Q: What did you feel after actually experiencing it?
When I was in 1st and 2nd year of U-18, I had experiences as a ball person at Ajinomoto and felt the atmosphere there. Being able to actually be in that place and experience the professional atmosphere was really enjoyable.
Q: What was your mindset going into this match?
For professionals, this one match is a game where their life is on the line. Therefore, if you approach it with a half-hearted attitude, it will cause trouble for the team, so I faced this match with a strong determination.
Q: You were called up as an emergency substitute; please share your thoughts on stepping onto the pitch.
A, I was always prepared to play at any time. Although it was an emergency appearance, I was mentally ready, so I wasn't very nervous.
Q, You played in a situation where you were one player short. Was there anything you kept in mind?
A, I thought that if I went in too aggressively, a free opponent would appear, so I tried to play with the awareness of covering while watching two players. Although we were one player short, not only in defense but also in attack, we created several good scenes and managed to get to the corner kick, so I think it was good that we were able to fight well.
Q: Did you feel that playing was an opportunity to appeal?
A, the corner kick is my strength, so I was aiming for a goal. Although I couldn't score, Takahagi delivered an excellent ball, so I was frustrated that I couldn't finish it.
Q: How do you want to apply this experience next?
A, I will return to the U-18 team after this, so I want to share this experience with the U-18 team. And if I get another chance like this next time, I want to show the fans and supporters an improved version of myself compared to this match.
