This will be the first match in an official J.League competition since September 2011. The last encounter was at the Japan National Stadium on January 1, 2012, where Tokyo claimed the Emperor's Cup in the Final Round. The upcoming match against Kyoto SANGA F.C., which has returned to the J1 League, is expected to have a similar development to the match played against Sanfrecce Hiroshima on March 12.
Last season, Kyoto's characteristic in the J2 League was their steady accumulation of points through high pressing from the front and strength in duels. Even when the opponent's defense was organized, they could break through with individual skill, and in counterattacks, Peter UTAKA was a standout presence in the J2 League, leaving opponents behind with his speed. The team's momentum and the ace's presence have not diminished at all as they move to the J1 League.
In the match against Hiroshima, who aggressively closed in on the ball side, we struggled to maintain possession and were forced into a tough game. Even after the victory, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA emphasized, "Rather than being satisfied with today's match result, I think it's important to turn our focus inward. This season, it is most important to continue to work hard every day and grow," highlighting the need to focus on the content and use it as a source for growth.
In that case, the key point in the upcoming match against Kyoto will be whether we can clearly demonstrate our growth against an opponent that also comes forward aggressively. Can we take the correct positions, move the ball to shake off the opponent's pressure, and gradually push them back? Tokyo wants to dominate the ball and the match, reducing involvement with the ball to contain Peter UTAKA.
"If we don't move fluidly without being too rigid and assess the opponent's actions while playing, it will become difficult to maintain a style of keeping possession of the ball."
Shuto ABE, who experienced midfield pressing in the match against Hiroshima, points out a lack of flexibility as a point for reflection. Of course, while the style may be similar, the players and formations are different. The phenomena that occur on the pitch cannot be said to be exactly the same as in the match against Hiroshima. At that time, what Shuto ABE emphasizes, "playing while assessing the opponent's movements and thinking," becomes important.
Three days after the match against Hiroshima, in the Levain Cup match against Júbilo Iwata, although we were at a numerical disadvantage in the second half, unlike the J1 League match against Cerezo Osaka where we also fought with one less player, we strengthened our attacking stance and proved that offense is the best defense.
With each match, Albert Tokyo is steadily growing. The good aspects are further enhanced in quality, and challenges are resolved immediately. They will solve the issues from the Hiroshima match and overcome Kyoto. They want to leave a mark of growth in the ancient capital and bring home 3 points.
