<Match Review>
The conclusion of the three consecutive matches, including the Levain Cup match against Júbilo Iwata, was an away game against SANGA S after three days. It was Tokyo's first match at Sanga Stadium by KYOCERA. They entered Kyoto aiming for their third consecutive league victory.
The starting lineup has seen some changes since the last J1 League match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Yuto NAGATOMO, who was selected for the Japan national team, made his first start of the season as the right back, while Takuya AOKI, who was suspended for the Hiroshima match, has returned to the anchor position. Additionally, Rei HIRAKAWA and Yojiro TAKAHAGI, who came on as substitutes in the match against Jubilo Iwata, have made their first appearances in the J1 League squad.
From the start, Kyoto applied pressure going forward, and Tokyo struggled to break their press, resulting in a period of being pinned back. Even when in possession, many forward passes were misplaced, causing it to take time to find their rhythm. Around the 20th minute of the first half, Tokyo began to break Kyoto's press with quick passing and side switches from Masato MORISHIGE, creating opportunities to approach Kyoto's goal with fast attacks. In the 24th minute of the first half, Kazuya KONNO controlled a wide pass with one touch, then received the ball again in a one-two with Shuto ABE, sending Nagatomo running into space on the right side to deliver a cross. From this period, Tokyo maintained possession by breaking the opponent's press and gradually pushed Kyoto back into their own half. The biggest chance of the first half came at 45+1 minutes, when KONNO carried the ball forward and Diego OLIVEIRA picked it up, entering the penalty area while shielding the defender. He sent a grounded final pass in front of goal, but it just missed reaching Kuryu MATSUKI who had rushed in.
At the start of the second half, we were pushed back by a sharp opponent. In the 5th minute of the second half, after being penetrated deep into the right side, a pass was aimed at Peter UTAKA. It was a shot that hit the upper right of the goal, but Jakub SLOWIK made a super save to deflect it. Tokyo, looking for a chance to counterattack, created an opportunity from a set piece. In the 20th minute of the second half, Adailton jumped in for a header from a corner kick from the right, but it went straight to the opposing goalkeeper.
Even though they couldn't increase their time with the ball, Tokyo didn't miss a moment of opportunity. In the 68th minute of the second half, Yasuki KIMOTO, holding the ball in his own half, sent a long pass behind the opponent's defensive line. Konno broke free, controlled the ball near the goal line, and delivered a precise last pass aimed at the goal. Diego, who had made a run into a position directly in front of the goal, connected with a one-touch finish, and the ball deflected off an opponent's defender and rolled into the net, marking Diego's memorable 50th goal in Tokyo and giving them the lead.
Immediately after, Kensuke NAGAI was brought in to replace Konno. The team aimed to take control of the match by utilizing fresh players. The pressure from the front line paid off, and towards the end of the match, they pushed the opponent back and continued to advance. Just before the end, they faced a major crisis when Peter UTAKA broke free and charged into the goal area unmarked, but the opponent's shot went wide of the target, allowing them to escape and achieve their third consecutive league victory.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review the game.
A, for the first 20 minutes or so from the start of the match, as expected, we faced intense pressure from Kyoto and struggled with building up play from the back. The team is still in a growth phase. In that sense, struggling with build-up against teams that apply high press is unavoidable at this stage and within our expectations.
After that, there was a period where we were able to control the game. We moved the ball with clear intent, created opportunities to break down the opponent's defensive block, and had time to control the match.
We were able to create chances from many crosses and corner kicks. However, at halftime, we improved the fact that we relied too much on crosses and had few central breakthroughs. As we also told the players at halftime, it was expected that Kyoto would apply intense pressing again in the second half, and in fact, we struggled with their press for about the first 10 minutes.
After withstanding the opponent's attacks, we were able to regain control of the match and create more decisive chances. Also, with Kyoto's defensive line pushed high up, we successfully broke through the space behind it with long balls and managed to score the opening goal.
There was a period in today's match that clearly demonstrated the team's further growth. It was from about 10 to 15 minutes before the end of the game. Finishing the match by controlling the ball — I describe it as defending with the ball — and the fact that they properly expressed that on the pitch was proof of growth. Although there was a mistake that led to a counterattack at the very end, in the final 10 to 15 minutes of the match, the team showed growth by defending through controlling the game while simultaneously creating multiple decisive chances to aim for additional goals.
Growing with victory and reflecting on the match to connect to the next one is a gratifying experience. Neither I nor the players are satisfied just because we won today. We believe we can play even better, and while celebrating this victory is wonderful, we want to turn our focus inward and continue to grow. This season, we aim to focus on the team's daily growth and keep moving forward.
We are grateful to Ryoma and Yojiro, who were brought on in the final stages of the match, for providing the team with high quality and contributing to ending the game by controlling it.
Q: Please tell us the intention behind starting Yuto NAGATOMO.
A, he is undoubtedly an excellent and experienced player. He fought alongside Kyoto's left side back player Ogiwara during their time in Niigata, and since we recognized his attacks as dangerous, we deployed Nagatomo to contain him.
And having Nagatomo is a joy and a source of pride for the team. He will soon join the Japan national team. We pray for the victory of the Japan national team and his success.
Q: What was good about the time spent enduring in defense?
A, I understand that there are two ways of defending. One is to narrow the space and strengthen the defense. The other is to defend while maintaining possession of the ball.
In today's match, we defended well by narrowing the space and keeping compact. At the same time, we also showed good defense by maintaining possession of the ball towards the end of the game. In that sense, I am very satisfied with today's defense. There are very few players on this team who defend by maintaining possession and closing out the game. I am pleased that those players were able to demonstrate finishing the match solidly by keeping possession in a 1-0 situation today.
Q: I think the performance of the center-back players was good, but please tell me your evaluation.
A, we have three excellent center backs. Additionally, the young center backs are growing day by day. I am pleased that we have players who currently carry Tokyo on their shoulders and are responsible for the future of this club. First, Captain Morishige is very experienced, and at the same time, I am glad that he quickly adapted to the new playing style and is demonstrating his experience. Also, Kimoto and Henrique had not played much with this playing style before. In such circumstances, I am happy that the three, including Morishige, have started to show excellent performances, and I am also pleased that the young center backs behind them are growing day by day, trying to catch up and surpass them.
[Player Interview]]
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, please review the goal scene.
Player A passed the ball from Kimoto to Konno, who carried and controlled the ball before sending a pass to the goal, allowing me to connect in the center. It wasn't the kind of goal scene I had hoped for, but scoring a goal is important, so I'm glad I was able to finish it properly.
Q: It seemed like the shot was off target, but does that mean it went in because of your good daily practice?
A, I think sometimes luck is necessary, but it also depends on your daily behavior and consistently practicing. Even during the game, you need to give your all with what you have. I believe such efforts lead to luck.
Q: This season's first goal has become the 50th goal in league matches for FC Tokyo.
A, I am happy to have scored my first goal of the season. I always played with the thought of scoring goals, so I’m glad I was able to finish it properly. Also, reaching 50 goals in the league is very gratifying. I believe this record was made possible because my teammates trust me. Above all, since soccer is a team sport, I am pleased that my goal helped us win.
Q: The coach mentioned that the defense is improving. Do you feel that the defense is also getting better?
As a team, I feel that the defensive level is improving day by day no matter who plays. By maintaining compactness and properly positioning the defensive block, we have unified our awareness in these areas, making it easier for the forwards to defend and transition to attack. Last time, Henrique TREVISAN contributed when he played, and I believe anyone who plays can perform at the same level.
Q: What kind of presence does Konno have?
A, Konno is young, but everyone knows he is a wonderful player. He puts his full effort into daily practice, and when he scored his first goal, we celebrated and lifted him up. Today, he also provided an assist, so we lifted him up again to show our gratitude. We hope to continue strengthening our teamwork, increase good plays, and show everyone more scenes of us lifting him up.
<Yuto NAGATOMO Player>
Q: Please share your thoughts on winning in your first starting lineup of the season.
A, I am relieved to have won. The team was in good form with two consecutive wins and had a good momentum, so I thought it was my fault if I lost as a starter, and I worked hard desperately.
Q: I remember playing as a right back during a practice match with FC Tokyo when I was at Meiji University. Do you feel a sense of returning to your roots?
A, I was playing while recalling my days at Meiji University. However, whether on the left or right, the demands as a side back do not change, so I stayed calm and focused on expressing the tactics and play the coach wanted on the pitch.
Q: You will be participating in the final qualifiers for the World Cup as a member of the Japan national team, but you have not had much playing time in Tokyo. Additionally, the roles differ between club and national team. Are you not worried about that aspect?
A, I have absolutely no worries. I have been through various tough situations. The last representative match at the end of January was more concerning because after the off-season, we only had a 45-minute practice match against Ryutsu Keizai University before heading into the final qualifiers.
This time, he played in the national team match at the end of January, and since returning to Tokyo, he has played about 80 minutes in practice matches. He also played part of the league match, and today he played the full 90 minutes, so there is absolutely no problem.
Australia will also come to win desperately, and we want to win and secure our participation. I think it will be a very tough and interesting match, but we will definitely do our best to win and qualify for the World Cup.
<Takuya AOKI Player>
Q: There were times in the first half when we were pushed back, but how was the match overall?
A: I was a bit flustered in the first 20 minutes, but I think we both showed the football we wanted to play. After the opponent picked up the second ball during the match, we found ourselves in a pinch. I want to organize whether we go to pick it up as a team or set up a block in practice.
Q: There were scenes where players were being strict in one-on-one situations against the ball holder.
A, I thought I had to actively go for the ball. The coach also said this, so I focused on playing with higher intensity than the opponent.
Q: I think there were more passes with fewer touches in the second half, which also became the starting point for our attacks.
There were parts that were done well, but we want to improve further to become even better.
Q: It seems that the team has increased long balls and runs behind the defense from the midfield during the match.
A, it is important to shake the sides, which is also our aim, and I think we were able to attack while using the depth behind the opponent. I believe it will get even better if we increase the patterns of attacks after shaking the opponent.
Q: How is the current situation regarding the soccer style the team aims for?
A: I want to be more overwhelming. I believe there are aspects that cannot be felt through practice alone, and we need to grow throughout the matches. There are still many things we need to do, such as being able to adapt flexibly when the opponent's formation changes.
We want to pursue a commitment to winning along with the growth of the team.
<Yasuki KIMOTO Player>
Q, please review the game.
A, in the first half, we were on the defensive against the opponent's momentum and intense defense. However, from the second half, it was good that we were able to control the ball and manage the game. It was a fulfilling 90 minutes.
Q: It felt like the opponent was aiming for a counterattack. What measures did you take?
A, I knew that once we took the ball, it would go to Peter UTAKA, but he created several chances. Since the players at the back managed the risks well, I think if we continue to play solidly, we will become a team without weaknesses.
Q: What did you focus on while playing when switching to offense?
A, our strength lies in quick vertical attacks after taking the ball, and if that is not possible, we focus on building the attack by connecting passes at the back, effectively using both short and long passes.
Q: How was the communication on the pitch in terms of making improvements during the match?
A, there were times when the opponent had possession of the ball, but the style of football we want to play is to keep the ball ourselves. In the previous match against Hiroshima, we were overwhelmed by the opponent's pressure, but this time we communicated to adjust our positioning while valuing ball possession.
Q: The scoring scene started with Kimoto's long pass. Was it as you imagined?
A, there were moments in the match when I could have kicked a long ball, but I deliberately chose not to. During that time, player Konno asked me to send in a long ball once. The moment I kicked it, I felt it went far, but Konno skillfully controlled it, so it was good and went as planned.
Q: The team has won three consecutive matches in the league.
A, the season has just started and we are not too concerned about points yet, but I believe we have been able to achieve three consecutive wins because the team is growing and playing with belief in our direction. From now on, we want to play each match to seize victory.
