<Match Review>
The first match of the Levain Cup, which was postponed due to the impact of the new coronavirus infection, was held as the first night game of the season at home. Albert Tokyo, who has been on a winning streak in the league, actively used young players as the commander had stated before. They faced this match with a combination of veteran players and young players.
Go HATANO, Junya SUZUKI, Makoto OKAZAKI, and Takuya UCHIDA made their first appearances of the season in the starting lineup, while special designated player Yuta ARAI made his professional starting debut. Additionally, Renta HIGASHI, who is registered as a U-18 player, was on the bench as a 2nd division player.
Tokyo, who couldn't settle the ball from the beginning, had a lot of time to endure being pushed back by the opponent in front of the goal. There were scenes where Arai's dribble took the ball up to a high position, but they couldn't supply an effective ball in front of the goal. There were also times when they built up from the back line and entered the opponent's territory, but they couldn't take the ball to the area that leads to chances in front of the goal. There was also a scene where they shot in front of the goal just before the end of the first half, but it was also blocked by the opponent's defender.
Tokyo, who wants to change the flow in the second half, created a chance in the first minute after the restart. A through pass found its way through the gap in the opponent's defense, and Keita YAMASHITA made a run and took a shot, but couldn't find the back of the net. In contrast to the first half, they started using long passes to both sides, shaking up the opponent and gaining a higher position on the sides. In the 15th minute of the second half, they wanted to push the opponent back slowly, but Henrique TREVISAN was sent off for bringing down an opponent just outside the penalty area. Similar to the match against C Osaka, they now have to play the remaining 30 minutes with a numerical disadvantage.
In that C Osaka match, they were able to hold onto their 1-point lead with a strong defense, but today's Albert Tokyo continued to attack while making substitutions one after another. In the 28th minute of the second half, a cross ball from the right side was met in front of the goal, but it hit the crossbar. Even when the ball bounced back, Go Hatano blocked it twice, putting his body on the line. In the 44th minute of the second half, Ryoma WATANABE picked up a loose ball near the penalty area after a corner kick from the right was cleared, and took a shot after a feint, but the opposing goalkeeper made a great save, narrowly missing the goal. In the 45+2 minute of the second half, a powerful shot was taken, but Go Hatano reacted quickly and deflected the ball that was heading towards the corner of the goal.
In the first half, we struggled to build up as we wanted, but in the second half, we maintained our attacking stance without taking a step back, even after a player was sent off, and showed our determination to win towards the end of the game. The result was a scoreless draw, but it was a rewarding match as our young players responded to their selection and showed their strengths.
[Coach Albert Interview]
Q, please review today's game.
A, In the first half, we were unable to get into the game and we were not necessarily playing well. It may have been influenced by many players being away from official matches for a long time. In addition, playing with a new play style and with a team that has never played an official match together also made the game more difficult.
In that sense, in the first half, we were unable to bring about good coordination when pressing. Furthermore, the pace of play and ball movement were not as fast as expected.
The last 10 minutes of the first half were a little improved, and I think we were able to play at a faster pace in the second half compared to the first half. However, when our press didn't work well, we were caught off guard and Henrique was sent off.
I think it is worth evaluating that we played the ball carefully after having one player sent off. This is because even in the match against Cerezo Osaka, we were in a situation where we were one player short, but we ended up dropping back and defending. We were able to improve from that mistake and play our usual game even with one less player.
In addition, the success of young players such as Renta HIGASHI and Rei HIRAKAWA is great news for the team. HIGASHI is only 17 years old and has the potential to become a fantastic player who will lead the club in the future. Furthermore, goalkeeper Go HATANO has saved the team by stopping numerous scoring opportunities from the opponents.
And Yojiro Takahagi also showed his quality on the pitch. I am very satisfied with the players' performance in the second half today. Giving their all on the pitch is the characteristic of FC Tokyo. The players have shown that through their play.
We do not want to have any players sent off. However, even with one less player, I am proud that the team showed such a performance and I am proud that the team can return home while being proud of their growth.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all those who were able to come to the stadium on weekdays.
Q, Please tell us your evaluation of player Rei HIRAKAWA.
A, it has only been two months since the pre-season started. It is not an easy task for a new coach to fully understand the characteristics of all players in such a short time. Even with young players, I cannot say that I have fully grasped all the details of each player.
Giving opportunities in official matches and seeing how much they can do is crucial in evaluating players. I want to make good use of the Levain Cup, give many chances, understand what potential they have, and continue to evaluate them in the future.
Of course, I am very satisfied with Reo's play in the second half today. And many players who have not been given the opportunity to play in official matches so far, such as Uchida, Suzuki, and Okazaki, have been given the opportunity to play today, and they have proven how much they can do, so I am also very satisfied with their play.
In addition, I am satisfied with the bold play of Yuta, who is a high school student. And Renta HIGASHI, also a high school student, played wonderfully. I am satisfied with their play.
Q, What do you need to do to go further and win the game if you can't get into the game?
A, there was also a lack of awareness towards scoring goals, and I think there was also a lack of aggressiveness in defense.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryoma WATANABE＞
Q, It was a substitution during a time when we were one player short, but I felt the intention to attack the goal.
A, even in a situation where the opponent had one more player (the opponent) was pulling back, so there was a large space in front of the opponent's defense line, so I used that space.
Q, Did you also feel that there was enough space and it was easy to move around?
A, rather than being easy to move, I was taking that position while watching Yamashita's movements even when the ball was on the opposite side because someone had to use that space. I think our desire to win was reflected in our play.
Q, even though we were one player short, did you feel the desire to win? How was the atmosphere on the pitch?
A, it was a game that we had to win, and as a team, we had that common understanding. In the end, even if it was a draw, I think it was a game we could have won.
Q: In the first half, the ball didn't move forward much. What do you think was the cause?
When the center back had the ball, I felt that our side back and wing players should consider their positioning based on the opponent's location.
Q, What do you feel is necessary to carry the ball forward, having experienced positions such as side back and front line?
A, If each individual has possession, who they are facing against the opponent, how to create numerical advantage, for example, if I carry the ball, how will the space change, etc. If there are many players who can make such judgments, I think the play can be changed flexibly, and I think such players will become important.
Q, Both Hiroshima the other day and Iwata today seem to have a 3-4-2-1 system that is out of alignment. What do you think is the cause?
A, We don't know the reason yet, but we need to discuss and respond to those parts with the players. I think it's important for the players to determine how the opponent is playing and make decisions accordingly.
<Go HATANO>
Q, there were many great saves, but what were you conscious of?
When we were pushed back, we were able to stay compact thanks to the communication between defenders Henrique and Okazaki, which I believe was a key factor in keeping a clean sheet.
Q, Have you felt good condition since the pre-season, and are there any improvements compared to last year?
A, there are also places where the style of soccer has changed since last year, and I am conscious of connecting passes firmly to nearby players as a goalkeeper, and in training, I think the results have come out because there are many practices of receiving shots. Next, I want to continue to work hard from practice so that I can stand on the pitch in the league match.
Q, I think Go Hatano has experience playing as a goalkeeper when he was in his teens due to a goalkeeper's expulsion. What kind of advice did you give to Renta Higashi, who also played in a similar situation?
I told them to play boldly. We have been playing together since the training camp, and I think we were able to coordinate well. They seemed a little nervous, but they were a reliable presence as they fought firmly.
I felt a strong passion for today's play while my playing time has been decreasing.
A, I want to play in the J1 League, so I want to use today's clean sheet performance as a standard and aim even higher.
<Yuta ARAI>
Q, What were your feelings when you found out you would be starting today?
A, I was happy but nervous.
Q, did you have an image of the position you were going to be used in after the meeting?
A, I was prepared to play on either side. This time, I played on the left side, but the coach told me to "take the ball and go for it" when I had it.
Q, In the previous Fukuoka match, there were many scenes of cutting in while dribbling on the right side. Did you focus on breaking through vertically on the left side this time?
A, I want to increase my options such as cutting in and vertical breakthrough by playing on either side to widen the range of play.
Q, The first half was a difficult period, but it seems like the tempo changed from the second half. Was there a change in the team?
A, In the first half, there was a period where our defense was falling behind, so the coach told us to increase the intensity and press from the front. In the second half, the team was able to raise that awareness and play with a better tempo.
Q, were you able to play in sync with your team?
A, I was able to play while being conscious of (cooperation).
Q, How was it in the end of the game? I think there was a feeling that we could win, but how was it?
A, even though we were one player short, we were able to play with a good atmosphere because we talked about pressing from the front. Although it ended in a draw, I feel like we were able to have a good game because everyone worked hard.
<Renta HIGASHI>
Q, this is your first time being selected for the team. Can you tell us how you felt when you found out you made the team?
As a player who has been participating since U-18, it is a great pleasure to be able to experience the atmosphere of Ajinomoto Stadium and the atmosphere of the bench up close, especially when there are players who have not been able to make it into the team. I have a sense of excitement and joy in being able to feel it for myself and the possibility of playing in the game.
Q, What did you feel when you actually experienced it?
When I was in my first and second year of U-18, I had the opportunity to be a ball person at Ajinomoto Stadium and experience the atmosphere. Being on the field and feeling the professional atmosphere was a lot of fun.
Q, How did you approach this match?
For professionals, this one game is a matter of life and death. So, if you approach it with half-hearted feelings, you will end up causing trouble for the team. That's why I approached this game with a strong determination.
Q, please tell us your thoughts on stepping onto the pitch as an emergency substitute.
A, I was always prepared. Although it was an emergency appearance, I was mentally prepared, so I didn't feel too nervous.
Q, Did you have anything in mind when you played in a situation where you were one player short?
A, I was thinking that if I went too strong, the free opponent would come out, so I tried to play while covering with the consciousness of seeing two people. It was a situation with one less person, but not only in defense, but also in attack, we were able to create some good scenes and take it to a corner kick, so I think it was good that we were able to fight well.
Q, Did you feel like it was a chance to appeal while playing?
A, I was aiming for the goal because corner kicks are my specialty. I couldn't score, but Takahagi-san kicked a really good ball, so I was frustrated that I couldn't score.
Q, How do you want to use this experience next?
A, I will return to U-18 after this, so I want to convey this experience to U-18. And if I have the chance again, I want to show the fans and supporters an improved performance from this match.
