<Match Review>
In April, Tokyo is facing a tight schedule of 7 matches in 2 and 3 days. In the first three consecutive matches against clubs participating in the AFC Champions League, they have a record of 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss. On the 13th, they will face Shonan Bellmare in the Levain Cup, and then play their 5th consecutive match in the J1 League away game against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo.
Tokyo, who has been changing their starting lineup in every game during this consecutive match schedule, will have Yasuki KIMOTO, who avoided the Urawa Reds game, returning for this match, and Ryoya OGAWA, who scored his first goal of the season in the game against Shonan on the 13th, starting as the left back. The composition of the three midfielders remains unchanged, with Kensuke NAGAI starting as the right wing and Ryoma WATANABE starting as the left wing.
Against Sapporo, who have been holding the ball since the start of the game, Tokyo has been pressing from the front, but they have been pushed back and unable to maintain possession. Even when they do get the ball, they often lose it quickly due to miscommunication and the opponent's strong physicality, making it difficult to find a rhythm. However, even without being able to hold onto the ball, Tokyo has been able to exploit the space behind Sapporo's aggressive defense and create opportunities to enter the opponent's penalty area with direct plays. While they were unable to control the game due to their inability to maintain possession, they did not lose their intensity in pressing and were able to handle the game without allowing the opponent to reach the finish line. As the first half progressed, Tokyo began to hold onto the ball more. They used both long and short passes to widen the pitch and attempted to enter the opponent's goal area from the sides. However, they were unable to find an effective attacking option from the sides, and their attempts to exploit the space behind the opponent also did not result in any decisive opportunities as the first half ended.
Tokyo, who wants to grasp the rhythm, rearranges the left and right wings, placing Nagai on the left and Watanabe on the right. In the 5th minute of the second half, Nagai breaks through to the space on the left side and carries the ball deep into the opponent's territory. He aimed for the opposite side and supplied the last pass, but Watanabe, who came into the goal area from the right side, was caught by the opponent's goalkeeper. In the second half, Tokyo continued to possess the ball and slowly entered the opponent's territory while avoiding their press. In an attempt to activate the attack, Adailton was substituted for Nagai in the 13th minute of the second half. Adailton became the switch for defensive duties from the front line, disrupting the opponent's build-up and recovering the ball in the midfield, resulting in more opportunities for secondary and tertiary attacks. The opponent was unable to launch a counterattack for a long time, but in the 27th minute of the second half, they were held up near the goal line and Aoki Ryota took a shot from a position slightly to the right of the goal, but it was blocked by Jakub Slowik. In the 31st minute of the second half, Konno Kazuya was substituted for Watanabe in an attempt to further activate the attack.
In the 34th minute of the second half, there was a dangerous situation from a set piece. A corner kick from the left was headed towards the goal, but player Slowik made a saving play and then pushed the ball away. However, Slowik quickly recovered and made a big save right on the goal line. In the 40th minute of the second half, player Konno started the play and player Shuto ABE made a run down the right side. A fast cross was sent into the box, but just missed connecting with anyone. In the 42nd minute of the second half, player Adailton on the left side sent a cross to player Diego OLIVEIRA in front of the goal, but his header just missed to the right of the goal. In the 44th minute of the second half, player Adailton dribbled into the left side of the penalty area and sent a final pass to the front of the goal, but player Kuryu MATSUKI's sliding attempt just missed reaching the ball.
Tokyo took the lead in the second half, but couldn't capitalize on their chances in the end and the game ended in a 0-0 draw for the second consecutive match. Next match, they will return to their home stadium, Ajinomoto Stadium, and face Nagoya Grampus in just 3 days.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, please review the game.
A, for those who watched the game today, it was a very exciting match where both teams played aggressively. Both teams applied aggressive high pressure and fought offensively. There were times during the game where we dominated and times where we were dominated. In the second half, both us and Sapporo had decisive chances. In soccer, the result is determined by whether or not you can score a goal, so some people may think that both teams played defensively just by looking at the 0-0 result. However, I believe the only thing that was missing today was a goal.
I am very happy with the players' fighting attitude. As we continue to play games, the team has improved in dominating the game. It has only been about three months since this team started. I think it is worth recognizing how much they have grown in such a short period of time. The players are dedicated to winning every game and I am very satisfied and impressed with their attitude.
Also, I would like to praise the opposing team. I am proud to have been able to compete against Coach PETROVIC. It has only been a short time since I became a professional football team coach. I am still learning, so it is important to continue learning.
And I would like to express my gratitude to all the FC Tokyo fans and supporters who came to support us. The Sapporo fans and supporters also gave us a round of applause, so I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude. Whether it's Sapporo or Niigata, I thought that there are many good people living in the northern part of Japan.
Q: Is a draw with two consecutive scoreless games a negative result?
A, of course, the outcome of soccer depends on whether the ball shakes the net or not. Last season, when I was in charge in Niigata, there were many games where we dominated but couldn't score.
In today's match, if one of the teams scored a goal in the early stages of the game, it was a match where it was expected to end in a tie, such as 3-3, in the end.
As a coach, I pay attention to the number of decisive chances created rather than the number of goals scored, or how many decisive chances were given to the opposing team. For example, today we allowed Sapporo to create 2 or 3 decisive chances, but that is not a large number so I am relieved. I believe we were able to create 4 or 5 decisive chances ourselves. I view this aspect very positively.
It is difficult to win here in Sapporo. I appreciate the attitude of fighting for victory throughout the 90 minutes. In that sense, I am taking today's match positively. FC Tokyo will never play in a way that is afraid of any team.
Q, Matsuki is from Muroran City, Hokkaido. Please tell us about his recent performance and today's evaluation.
A, I think he has grown so much because he had good meals in Hokkaido (laughs). He is only 18 years old. He is a player who has just entered the professional world after playing in high school. I think the level difference is very big.
What are his strengths? I think it's the part that many Japanese players lack. His strong mentality, his competitive mentality, that's his strength.
I think Sapporo's young Nakajima also has a great mental strength. Could it be that the air in Hokkaido creates a strong mentality?
I think the difference between European and Japanese players lies there. It's not a difference in technical level. To compete at a high level in Europe, you need a winner's mentality, a mentality that is focused on winning, and a strong mentality. I think it is highly commendable that 18-year-old Kuse already possesses these qualities.
However, there are still areas that need improvement. For example, he still needs to learn how to stay calm and play during crucial moments in a match. He also needs to work on not losing the ball easily. But even after making a mistake, he continues to challenge himself. That is his amazing quality. I believe that having such a strong mentality is the key to playing at a high level. For instance, Yuto NAGATOMO is also a player with a strong mentality. I think having a mentality like his is Kuse's weapon.
[Player Interview]]
<Jakub SLOWIK>
Q, There was also a big save, but how do you evaluate today's game?
It was a tough game against a difficult opponent, Sapporo. It was my first time playing at Sapporo Dome, and it was not an easy experience in a different environment from our usual stadium. However, looking at it positively, it is a huge achievement for the team to bring back one point. Of course, we wanted to win, but we will take the one point and return to Tokyo with a positive mindset.
Q, it was a scoreless draw for two consecutive games, but in other words, we were able to keep a clean sheet for two games in a row. What do you think about that?
A, My role is to firmly defend the goal, so in that sense, I think it was good that we were able to keep it at zero. However, keeping a clean sheet was not something I achieved alone, but I think it was thanks to the cooperation of the defense players. At the same time, I want to continue playing in a way that allows us to express our playing style as the start of our attack.
I think it's great that we were able to hold a clean sheet. However, it was a really happy result for us to win. I'm glad that we were able to bring back one point from Sapporo Dome, a difficult place to play against Sapporo.
Q, I think the defense was also active, where do you feel was good?
A, Our good point was that the whole team defended together from the front line. If even one person is missing, the defense cannot be built, so I think that the result of everyone concentrating from Diego on the front line led to a good defense. While keeping the good things from this time, I want to prepare to try within the team while improving the things that we couldn't do and bring better results.
Q, How do you prepare while having back-to-back games without any preparation period?
A, although there is not much time, it is important to switch gears and rest your body to recover. In the meeting, it is important to deepen mutual understanding of team tactics, and to deepen the penetration of team tactics while paying attention to the condition. Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the many fans and supporters who came to support us all the way to Hokkaido, which was a great encouragement for both myself and the team.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, there were also some close scenes at the end. Please review today's game.
A, I haven't been able to score so far, so I've been aiming for goals to contribute to the team. However, the last scene was not well executed and did not result in a goal. From here on, I want to focus on scoring more and more. I always aim for the goal, so when I have the chance to shoot, I don't want to stop my growth by choosing not to shoot. I also want to be greedy and aim for the goal with the help of my senior teammates.
Q, Matsuki seems to be playing with a clear understanding of his role.
A, I have been told by my senior players that I can play freely on the pitch. I try to be proactive in using my strengths such as my physicality, hard work, and ball recovery. I am not a skilled player myself, so I also want to aim for goals in a gritty manner.
Q, today's match was the first official game in Hokkaido.
A, I approached the game as usual. However, my parents were here to watch today, so I wanted to leave a good result and repay them, but that will have to wait until next time.
Q: How was it to compete against Nakajima, who is from the same generation as you?
A, I think we will continue to have fierce battles against each other in the future, and I think we had a good game today.
Q, it has been 2 months since the opening. How do you feel about your own growth?
I participated in the Dubai Cup for the U-21 national team and felt that there were many things that were being asked of me from those around me. I feel like I am able to think about what I can do to contribute to the team and work towards scoring goals.
Q, after the match, player Miyazawa was exchanging jerseys.
A, I may not remember, but when I was in elementary school, Miyazawa player came to my local team and took a picture with me. I was able to play soccer with my senior who I admired on the stage, so it was great.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, How was the 90-minute reflection?
A, we were able to get 1 point with a draw in the end, but there were also scenes where we had to make a decision. It was a game where I felt we needed to create more chances.
Q, How was it when the opponent was aiming for a cross from the side?
A, Sapporo has a unique attack, but we were able to defend tactically under the guidance of our coach, so even though we were able to give up crosses in the end, we had enough players and our defense was not a problem.
Q: What adjustments did you make going into the second half, as the game continued to be evenly matched?
A, the coach told us that the space behind the opponent's 3-back is open. While considering myself or Kuryu MATSUKI jumping out from the second row, there were also scenes where we were able to break through and create chances in the second half. However, I want to increase that number even more.
Q, I think we were able to create a good attack after taking the ball from Abe's player.
A, I think that ball possession and winning the ball are my strengths, so I can't afford to lose there. I also think that if I can win there, it will become an opportunity for the opponent. I think it's also a matter of mindset, so I want to play firmly.
Q, how are you preparing for the next Nagoya match?
We will have back-to-back games in just 3 days, but we will prepare well and aim to deliver 3 points to our fans and supporters at home.
<Takuya AOKI>
Q, it was an intense game. Please review the game.
A, I think it was a game where mistakes turned into opportunities for both teams.
Q, the match against PETROVIC always seems to be a fierce game.
A, yes. I thought the key was how far I could play patiently without getting impatient.
Q, I think the three midfielders had a lot of movement today as well. How was their relationship today?
I think all three of us were able to slide at a good timing. I think we were able to do things that needed to be changed during the game, so I want to continue doing this without breaking this relationship.
Q, I think you are always conscious of being the starting point of both offense and defense. How was your play in that aspect today?
A, since it was a one-on-one opponent, there weren't many opportunities to touch the ball, but I was more conscious of risk management after making a mistake and played accordingly.
Q, the consecutive games are still continuing. Please give us your enthusiasm for the home game against Nagoya, which we will face in 3 days.
A, as we are playing at home and have been drawing recently, it is necessary for us to win. We want to approach the game with a strong sense of unity and determination.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, Did you have any difficulty playing against today's opponent's 3-back formation?
We played without any particular concern, whether it was in a 3-back or 4-back formation. It was more difficult to play away from home.
Q, they were playing strong defense from the front line.
A, I think we were able to follow the coach's instructions to have a strong defense from the front line, which was also the theme. After taking the ball, we wanted to score on the attacking side. It's a shame that it didn't lead to a goal.
Q, I think I was creating chances by breaking through behind the defense.
A, I was aware of the space behind the opponent's back because they were playing with a 3-back formation, so I was focused on making runs behind them.
Q, how was the coordination of the front line?
At the start of the season, there were difficulties, but as time passed, I gradually began to have a better understanding and appreciation. I still believe that it will continue to improve from here on out.
Q, What are your goals for the next match as you continue to hold onto the ball?
A, our theme is to be able to possess the ball but not score. Even if we can't possess the ball, we can win if we score. So we want to continue to score while playing our own soccer.
