<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.
In the first half, we struggled to get into the game and did not necessarily play well. I think the fact that many players had been away from official matches for a long time had some impact. Additionally, playing with members who have not fought in official matches with the new playing style also made the game difficult.
In that sense, we struggled to create good coordination when pressing in the first half. Furthermore, the pace of play and the way we moved the ball were not as fast as we had hoped.
In the last 10 minutes of the first half, we were able to improve a bit, 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 didn't work well, we were caught out from behind, which led to Henrique being sent off.
I believe it is commendable that we played carefully with the ball after going down to ten men. In the match against Cerezo Osaka, we also found ourselves a man down, but we ended up retreating and focusing solely on defense. We learned from that mistake and were able to maintain our usual style of play even with one less player.
Furthermore, the performances of young players, such as Renta HIGASHI and Rei HIRAKAWA, are great news for the team. Renta is still 17 years old. He has the potential to grow into an outstanding player who will carry the future of the club. Additionally, goalkeeper Go HATANO saved the team by stopping several of the opponent's scoring opportunities.
And, Yojiro Takahagi also expressed his high quality on the pitch. I am very satisfied with the players' performance in the second half today. Giving their all on the pitch must be a characteristic of FC Tokyo. The players demonstrated that through their play.
I do not wish to have any players sent off. However, I am proud that the team was able to show such performance even with one less player, and I can return 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 since the preseason started. During this time, understanding the characteristics of all players in detail is not an easy task for a new coach. Including the young players, I cannot say that I have grasped the details of all the players.
I believe that it is difficult to evaluate players in the end without giving them opportunities in official matches and seeing how much they can do. I want to make good use of this Levain Cup to provide many chances, understand what potential they have, and further evaluate them in the future.
Of course, I am very satisfied with Rei's performance in the second half today. Also, many players like 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 much they could do, so I am also very satisfied with their performance.
Additionally, I am satisfied with Yuta's bold play as a high school student. And Renta HIGASHI, he also played wonderfully as a high school student. I am pleased with their performance.
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, there was indeed a lack of awareness 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.
Even though the opponent had one more player, they were defending, and there was a large space right in front of their defensive line, so we took advantage of that.
Q: Did you feel that there was space and that it was easy to move?
Rather than being easy to move, someone has to use that space, so even when the ball is on the opposite side, I was taking that position while watching Yamashita's movements. We were aiming to win, so I think that feeling was reflected in our 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 the team shared that common understanding. In the end, I think it's understandable that it resulted in a draw, but I believe 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, I felt that they should check the opponent's position and that our full-backs and wingers should consider their positioning based on that.
Q: Having experienced positions such as full-back and forward, what do you think is necessary to advance the ball forward?
The more players there are who can judge who they are facing when each individual has possession, how to create numerical superiority, and for example, what happens to the space when they carry the ball, the more adaptable the play can be, and I believe 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, I don't know the reason now, but the players need to discuss and address those aspects. I think it is important for the players to judge how the opponent is playing as well.
<Go HATANO>
Q: There were several good saves, but what were you conscious of?
When pressed, defender Henrique communicated well with Okazaki and I believe that was a key factor in keeping a clean sheet.
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, and as a goalkeeper, I am consciously working on connecting passes to nearby players. I believe the results have shown because there are many practices where I receive shots during training. Next, I want to continue to work hard in practice so that I can stand on the pitch for the league matches.
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?
I conveyed the importance of playing boldly. We have been playing together since camp, and I think we have established good coordination. Although they seemed a bit nervous, they fought well, making them a reliable presence.
Q: I felt a strong passion for today's play despite the decrease in playing opportunities.
A, the matches I want to participate in are on the J1 League stage, so I would like to aim higher with today's performance, which was kept scoreless, as the standard.
<Yuta ARAI>
Q: How did you feel when you found out you would be starting today?
I was happy, but I was nervous.
Q: Did you have an image of the position you would be assigned after the meeting?
I was prepared to play on either side. This time I played on the left side, but the coach told me, "When you have the ball, let's take the initiative and go for it."
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, in order to broaden my play options, I want to increase my choices such as cutting in and breaking through vertically, whether I play on either side.
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 where our defense was slow, so the coach told us to increase our intensity and press from the front. In the second half, the team was able to raise that awareness and play better, which improved our tempo.
Q: Were you able to play in coordination with the team?
I was able to play while being aware of the connection.
Q: I think there was a feeling that we could win towards the end of the match, what do you think?
Even though we were one player down, we talked about pressing from the front, so we were able to play in a good atmosphere. In the end, it ended in a draw, but I feel we had 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.
As someone who has been participating since U-18, it is incredibly valuable to feel the atmosphere of Ajinomoto and to experience the bench's vibe up close, especially knowing that there are players who are not able to be part of the team. I had a sense of excitement about really feeling that and the possibility of being able to play in the match.
Q: What did you feel after actually experiencing it?
During my first and second years in U-18, I had the experience of being a ball person at Ajinomoto and feeling the atmosphere. It was really enjoyable to actually be there and experience the professional vibe.
Q: What was your mindset going into this match?
For a professional, this match is a game that can determine their life. Therefore, if I approach it with a half-hearted attitude, it would cause trouble for the team, so I faced this match with a strong mindset.
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 prepared, 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?
I thought that if I went too aggressively, a free opponent would emerge, so I aimed to play while covering by keeping an eye on two players. Although we were one player down, I believe we managed to create several good scenes in attack as well as defense, and we were able to get to corner kicks, so I think it was good that we fought well.
Q: Did you feel that playing was an opportunity to appeal?
A, the corner kick part is my strong point, so I was aiming for the goal. I couldn't score, but Takahagi made an excellent pass, so I was frustrated that I couldn't finish.
Q: How do you want to apply this experience next?
A, I will return to the U-18 after this, so I would like to share this experience with the U-18. If I have the opportunity to receive such a chance again, I would like to show the fans and supporters an improved version of myself compared to this match.
