<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, Tokyo was pressured by Kyoto, unable to break the press and facing a prolonged period of being pushed back. Even when they regained possession, there were many cases of passing errors when trying to advance, making it difficult to find their rhythm. Around the 20th minute of the first half, with quick passing and a switch from Masato MORISHIGE, they managed to break the opponent's press and created opportunities to attack Kyoto's goal. In the 24th minute of the first half, Kazuya KONNO processed a wide pass with one touch, received the ball again through a one-two with Shuto ABE, and set up Yuto NAGATOMO to run into space on the right side for a cross. During this period, they broke the opponent's press and maintained possession, gradually pushing Kyoto back into their own half. The big chance of the first half came in the 45+1 minute, when Kazuya KONNO carried the ball and Diego OLIVEIRA picked it up, entering the penalty area while holding off an opponent defender. He sent a ground pass in front of the goal, but it just missed reaching Kuryu MATSUKI, who had dived 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 from the start of the match, as expected, we were put under intense pressure by Kyoto and struggled with the build-up from the back. The team is still in a growth phase. In that sense, it is inevitable at this point to struggle with build-up against teams that apply high pressure, and it falls within the realm of calculation.
After that, there was a period where we could control the game. We moved the ball with clear intention, created situations to break down the opponent's defensive block, and had time to control the match.
We were able to create many chances from crosses and corner kicks. However, we ended up relying too much on crosses, and we improved on the lack of central breakthroughs at halftime. As I communicated to the players at halftime, it was expected that Kyoto would apply intense pressure again in the second half, and indeed, we struggled with their press for the first 10 minutes or so.
After withstanding the opponent's attack, we were able to control the match again and create more decisive chances. Additionally, with Kyoto's defensive line pushed high, we successfully broke through the space behind them with a long ball and took the lead.
There was a clear period in today's match that proved the team has grown further. It was in the last 10 to 15 minutes before the end of the match. We finished the game by controlling the ball; I express it as defending with the ball, and I believe that the way they expressed this on the pitch was a sign of growth. Although there was a mistake that led to a counterattack at the very end, in the last 10 to 15 minutes of the match, the team was able to create multiple decisive chances to aim for additional goals while defending by controlling the game. I think this shows the team's growth.
It is a joy to grow with victory and reflect on the match to connect it to the next one. Just because we achieved victory today, neither I nor the players are satisfied with this. I believe we can play even better, and while it is wonderful to celebrate this victory, we want to turn our focus inward and continue to grow. This season, I want to focus on the team growing day by day and continue moving forward.
I appreciate the two players, Ryoma and Yojiro, who were brought in during the final stages of the match. They provided high quality to the team and contributed to controlling the game to finish it successfully.
Q: Please tell us the intention behind starting Yuto NAGATOMO.
A, he has an incredible experience that is beyond debate. I fought alongside Ogihara from Kyoto at Niigata, and I was aware that his attacks were dangerous, so I used Nagatomo to contain him.
And having Nagatomo is a joy and 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 to defend. One is to tighten the space and solidify the defense. The other is to maintain possession of the ball while defending.
In today's match, we had good defense by compactly defending and closing down space. At the same time, we also demonstrated good defense in the latter stages of the match by maintaining possession of the ball. In that sense, I am very satisfied with today's defense. There are hardly any players on this team who have defended while maintaining possession of the ball and finishing the match. I am pleased that those players were able to effectively finish the match while maintaining possession in a situation of 1-0 today.
Q: I think the performance of the center-back players was good, but please tell me your evaluation.
A, we have three wonderful center-backs. Additionally, the young center-backs are growing day by day. I am pleased that we have players who will carry the future of this club, representing Tokyo right now. First, Captain Morishige is experienced, and I am glad that he has quickly adapted to the new playing style and is expressing his experience. Also, Kimoto and Henrique have not played much in this playing style. In such a context, I am happy that the three, including Morishige, have started to express wonderful play, and I am also pleased that the young center-backs are growing day by day, trying to catch up and surpass them.
[Player Interview]]
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, please review the goal scene.
A, the ball was passed from Kimoto to Konno, who carried the ball, controlled it, and sent a pass to the goal, allowing me to connect in the center. It wasn't the goal scene I had hoped for, but scoring 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?
I believe that sometimes luck is necessary, but it's also important to do well in daily activities and practice regularly. During matches, you should give your all. I think these things lead to good fortune.
Q: This season's first goal has become the 50th goal in league matches for FC Tokyo.
I am very happy to have scored my first goal of the season. I have always played with the mindset of scoring, so it was great to convert that into a goal. Additionally, I am very pleased to have reached a total of 50 goals in the league. I believe this record was made possible because my teammates trust me. Above all, soccer is a team sport, so I am glad that we won with my goal.
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 level of defense is improving day by day, regardless of who is on the field. By maintaining compactness and having a clear understanding of positioning for solid blocks, the players in the front line find it easier to defend and transition to attack. Last time, Henrique TREVISAN contributed well, and I believe that anyone who plays can perform at the same level.
Q: What kind of presence does Konno have?
A, although Konno is young, everyone knows that he is a wonderful player. He puts in his best effort in daily practice, and when he scored his first goal, we celebrated and carried him. Today, he provided an assist, so I expressed my gratitude by carrying him. I hope to deepen our collaboration in the future, increase good plays, and show everyone the scenes of carrying him.
<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 victories, so I felt that if we lost while I was in the starting lineup, it would be my fault, and I worked hard to do my best.
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 time at Meiji University. However, whether on the left or right, my role as a full-back remains the same, so I tried to express the tactics and play that the coach demands on the pitch and played calmly.
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 no worries at all. I have been through various tough situations. The representative match at the end of January was more concerning because I only had a 45-minute practice match with Ryutsu Keizai University after the break before facing the final qualifiers (I had some worries then).
I have played in the national team match at the end of January, and since returning to Tokyo, I have participated in practice matches for about 80 minutes, and I played from the middle in the league match, so today I played a full 90 minutes without any issues.
Australia will also come at us with everything they've got, and we want to win and secure our participation. I think it will be a very tough and interesting match, but we will do our best to ensure we win and secure our place in 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.
I thought we had to actively go for the ball. The coach also mentioned it, but I played with the awareness of increasing our intensity compared to 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 I want to improve further to make it even better.
Q: It seems that the team has increased long balls and runs behind the defense from the midfield during the match.
It is important to shake up the sides, which is also our aim, and I believe we were able to attack while utilizing the depth behind the opponent. I think it will improve even more if we increase the patterns of attacks after shaking up 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.
I want to pursue a commitment to competition as the team grows.
<Yasuki KIMOTO Player>
Q, please review the game.
In the first half, we became passive against the opponent's momentum and strong defense. However, in the second half, we were able to control the ball and manage the game, which was good. 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 won the ball it would go to Peter UTAKA, but we created several chances. Since the players in the back were able to manage risks, I believe that if we play solidly, we will become a team without weaknesses.
Q: What did you focus on while playing when switching to offense?
A, the quick vertical attack after winning the ball is our strength, and if that is not possible, we were conscious of effectively using short and long passes while connecting from the back to continue the attack.
Q: How was the communication on the pitch in terms of making improvements during the match?
There were times when the opponent had possession of the ball, but the soccer we want to play is to maintain possession ourselves. In the previous match against Hiroshima, we were pressured by the opponent, but this time we communicated to adjust our positioning while valuing the ball.
Q: The scoring scene started with Kimoto's long pass. Was it as you imagined?
There were moments in the match when I could have kicked a long ball, but I intentionally chose not to. During that time, Konno asked me to send in a long ball once. The moment I kicked it, I felt it was too long, but it was good that Konno managed to control it well, and it went as planned.
Q: The team has won three consecutive matches in the league.
A, the season has just started and I am not too concerned about the points, but I believe we have been able to achieve three consecutive wins because the team is growing and playing with faith in our direction. From now on, I want to play to seize victory in each match.
