This will be the first match between these two teams in the J-League since September 2011. Their previous match was on January 1, 2012 at the Japan National Stadium, where Tokyo won the Emperor's Cup final. The upcoming match between Kyoto Sanga F.C., who have returned to the J1 League, and Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who they faced on March 12, is expected to have a similar outcome.
Last season, Kyoto, which steadily accumulated points in the J2 League, was characterized by its high press from the front line and strength in ball battles. Even if the opponent's defense was organized, they could break through with individual skills, and Peter UTAKA, who could leave opponents behind with his speed on the counter, was a standout player in the J2 League. The team's momentum and the presence of their ace have not diminished at all since moving to the J1 League.
In the match against Hiroshima, who came in with sharp starts and kept pushing the ball to the side, we struggled to maintain possession and were forced to play a tough game. Even after winning, coach Albert Puig Ortoneda emphasized the importance of focusing on ourselves rather than being satisfied with the result of today's match. He said, "It is important for us to focus on our own growth by putting in daily efforts this season."
If that's the case, the key point of this Kyoto match will be whether we can prove our growth against an aggressive opponent who will also come forward. Can we take the right position, move the ball to relieve the opponent's pressure, and gradually push them back? We want Tokyo to dominate the ball and reduce Utaka's involvement in the game.
"We need to be more fluid and observe the opponent's movements while playing, without getting too caught up in our own style. Otherwise, it will become difficult to maintain possession of the ball."
After experiencing the midfield press in the Hiroshima match, player Shuto ABE pointed out a lack of flexibility as a point of reflection. Of course, even with a similar style, the players and formations are different. The phenomena that occur on the pitch cannot be said to be exactly the same as in the Hiroshima match. At that time, it becomes important for player ABE to emphasize the importance of "playing while considering the opponent's movements".
In the Júbilo Iwata match of the Levain Cup, which took place three days after the Hiroshima match, they were at a numerical disadvantage in the second half. However, unlike the match against Cerezo Osaka in the J1 League, where they also played with one less player, they showed that attacking aggressively is the best form of defense.
As the matches go by, Albert Tokyo is steadily growing. He improves even more on his good points and solves problems immediately. He will solve the problems of the Hiroshima match and defeat Kyoto. He wants to leave his growth footprint in the ancient capital and bring back 3 points.
