Match Review
In April, Tokyo is facing a packed schedule with 7 matches in 2 to 3 days. The first three matches against the club participating in the AFC Champions League resulted in 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss. On the 13th, after the Levain Cup match against Shonan Bellmare, this week's 5th consecutive match is an away game against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo in the J1 League.
Tokyo has been changing its lineup for every match during this series of games. In this match, Yasuki KIMOTO, who avoided the match against Urawa Reds, returns, and Ryoya OGAWA, who scored his first goal of the season in the match against Shonan on the 13th, is back in the starting lineup as left back. The composition of the three midfielders remains unchanged, with Kensuke NAGAI on the right wing and Ryoma WATANABE on the left wing.
From the start, Sapporo maintained possession of the ball, including the goalkeeper, while Tokyo applied pressure from the front. However, they continued to be pushed back and struggled to break through. Even when they regained possession, they often lost the ball quickly due to miscommunication and the opponent's strong physical presence, making it difficult to find their rhythm. Nevertheless, despite not being able to maintain possession, Tokyo managed to exploit the space behind the forward-pressing Sapporo and created opportunities to penetrate the opponent's penalty area with direct play. Although they couldn't control the match effectively, they maintained the intensity of their pressing without allowing the opponent to finish. The increase in ball possession began towards the end of the first half. They utilized a mix of short and long passes to spread the pitch wide and attempted to penetrate towards the opponent's goal from the sides. However, they couldn't find effective attacking options from the flanks, and as a next step, they aimed for the space behind the opponent, but this also did not yield any decisive scenes, and the match went into halftime without any clear chances.
Tokyo, wanting to find its rhythm, rearranged the left and right wings, placing Ryota NAGAKI on the left and Watanabe on the right. In the 5th minute of the second half, Ryota NAGAKI broke into the space on the left side and carried the ball deep into the opponent's territory. He supplied a last pass aimed at the opposite side, but it was caught by the opposing goalkeeper right in front of Watanabe, who had entered the goal area from the right side. As the second half progressed, Tokyo maintained possession of the ball, gradually entering the opponent's territory while fending off their press. Aiming to invigorate the attack, Adailton was brought in for Ryota NAGAKI in the 13th minute of the second half. Adailton became the switch for defense from the front line, disrupting the opponent's buildup and recovering the ball in midfield, leading to more opportunities for secondary and tertiary attacks in the second half. Although there was a period where they did not give the opponent a chance to counterattack, in the 27th minute of the second half, they were pinned near the goal line, and Ryota AOKI took a shot from a position close to the goal on the right, but it was deflected by Jakub SLOWIK. In the 31st minute of the second half, Kazuya KONNO was brought in for Watanabe to further invigorate the attack.
In the 34th minute of the second half, a set piece created a crisis. A corner kick from the left was headed towards the goal, but Jakub SLOWIK made a save. The loose ball was pushed again, but SLOWIK managed to regain his position and made a big save, stopping it just before the goal line. In the 40th minute of the second half, Konno became the starting point, and Shuto ABE broke through on the right side, delivering a fast cross into the goal area, but it narrowly missed connecting in front of the goal. In the 42nd minute of the second half, Adailton sent a cross to Diego OLIVEIRA, who had entered the goal area from the left side, but Diego's header went just slightly to the right of the goal. In the 44th minute of the second half, Adailton dribbled deep into the left side of the penalty area, drawing the goalkeeper out and sending a last pass in front of the goal, but Kuryu MATSUKI, who dove in, just barely missed it.
Tokyo took control in the second half, but failed to capitalize on the chances that came in the final moments, ending the match in a 0-0 draw for the second consecutive game. In the next match, they will return home to Ajinomoto Stadium and face Nagoya Grampus in three days.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review the game.
A, for those who watched the match today, I think it was a very engaging game where both teams played aggressively. Both teams applied an aggressive high press and fought offensively. There were times during the match when we were in control, and there were times when we were dominated. In the second half, both we and Sapporo had decisive chances. Since the outcome of football is determined by whether or not you can score a goal, some may feel that both teams played passively just by looking at the 0-0 result. However, I believe the only thing we lacked today was a goal.
I am very pleased with the players' fighting spirit. With each match, the team has been improving in controlling the game. This team has only been active for about three months. I believe that the growth they have shown in such a short period is commendable. The players are committed to competing in every match. I am very satisfied with and appreciate that attitude.
I would also like to commend the opposing team. I am proud to have faced Coach PETROVIC. It has not been long since I took on the role of a professional football team coach. Since I am still in the learning process, it is important to continue learning.
I would also like to express my gratitude to the FC Tokyo fans and supporters who came to cheer for us. The fans and supporters from Sapporo also gave us applause, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank them. Whether it's Sapporo or Niigata, I think there are many good people living in the northern part of Japan.
Q: Is a draw with no goals in two consecutive matches a negative result?
A, of course, the outcome of a football match depends on whether the ball shakes the net. Last season, while I was in charge at Niigata, there were many matches where we dominated the game but struggled to score goals.
In today's match, if either team had scored early on, it seemed that the match would have ended in a draw, for example, 3-3.
As a coach, I focus more on how many decisive chances we created rather than the number of goals. I also pay attention to how many decisive chances we allowed the opposing team to create. For example, today we allowed Sapporo to create 2 or 3 decisive chances, but that is not too many, so I feel reassured. I believe we also created 4 or 5 decisive chances. I view that aspect very positively.
I think it is difficult to secure a victory in the match here in Sapporo. I appreciate the attitude of fighting for victory throughout the 90 minutes. In that sense, I view today's match positively. FC Tokyo does not play in a way that shows fear against any team.
Q: Matsuki is from Muroran City, Hokkaido. Please tell us about his recent performance and today's evaluation.
A, he must have grown that much because he had good meals in Hokkaido (laughs). He is still 18 years old. He is a player who has just entered the professional world after playing at the high school level. I think the difference in levels is very significant.
What are his strengths? I believe it is something that many Japanese players lack. His strong mentality and his competitive spirit are his strengths.
I believe that Sapporo's young Nakajima has a wonderful strength of mentality. The air of Hokkaido surely creates a strong mentality.
I believe that is where the difference lies between European and Japanese players. It is not a difference in technical level. To compete at a high level in Europe, a winner's mentality, a commitment to victory, and a strong mentality are necessary. I think it is highly commendable that 18-year-old Kuu has already possessed these qualities.
However, there are still areas that need improvement. For example, having moments to play calmly during matches is still something to learn. Not losing the ball easily also requires improvement. Nevertheless, he continues to challenge himself even after making mistakes. That is his wonderful aspect. I believe that is a sign of having a strong mentality. Only with such a strong mentality can one play at a high level. For example, Yuto NAGATOMO is also a player with a strong mentality. I believe having a mentality like his is Kuu's weapon.
[Player Interview]]
<Jakub SLOWIK>
Q: There were some big saves, but how do you evaluate today's match?
I think it was a tough game against a difficult opponent, Sapporo. It was my first experience playing at Sapporo Dome, and it wasn't easy in a different atmosphere compared to our usual stadium. However, if we think positively, bringing home one point is very significant for the team. Ideally, I wanted to win, but I would like to take the one point positively and return to Tokyo.
Q: It was two consecutive scoreless draws, but on the other hand, we managed to keep a clean sheet for two matches in a row. What are your thoughts on that?
A, my role is to firmly protect the goal, so in that sense, I think it was good that we kept a clean sheet. However, the clean sheet was not achieved by me alone; I believe it was thanks to the cooperation of the defensive players. At the same time, I want to continue playing in a way that expresses our playing style as the starting point of our attack.
I think it is wonderful that we were able to keep a clean sheet. However, it would have been a very happy result for us if we could have won. I am pleased that we were able to bring home one point from Sapporo, a difficult place like Sapporo Dome.
Q: I think the defense was also active, but what did you feel was good about it?
A, our good point was that the entire team worked together to defend from the front. If even one person is missing, defense cannot be established, so I believe the result of everyone concentrating and starting from Diego at the front led to good defense. While keeping the good things from this time, I want to try within the team to improve on what we couldn't do and prepare to bring about better results.
Q: With no preparation time, you have a series of consecutive matches. What do you focus on in your preparations?
Although there isn't much time, it's important to switch gears properly and to rest the body for recovery. During meetings, it becomes crucial to deepen the mutual understanding of team tactics, and while paying attention to our condition, it's important to further instill these tactics within the team. Lastly, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the fans and supporters who came to cheer for us in Hokkaido, as it has been a great encouragement for both myself and the team.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, there were some close moments at the end. Please review today's game.
A, I haven't been able to score until now, and I was aiming for goals to contribute to the team, so the final scene was lacking in execution and didn't lead to a score, but I want to refine my skills so that I can start scoring more and more from here. I am always aiming for the goal, so in situations where I can shoot, I don't want to stop my growth by choosing not to shoot, so I want to be ambitious and aim for it while receiving help from the senior players around me.
Q: It seems that Matsuki is able to organize his role and play effectively.
A, I have been told by the seniors around me that I can play freely on the pitch. I am actively trying to utilize my strengths such as movement, hard work, and ball recovery. Since I am not a skilled player myself, I want to aim for goals in a gritty manner.
Q: Today's match was the first official game in Hokkaido.
A, I approached it just like any other match. However, since my parents came to watch today, I wanted to achieve a good result to repay them, but that will have to wait until next time.
Q: How was it to compete against player Nakajima from the same generation?
A, I think we will continue to have intense matches against each other, and I believe we had a good game today.
Q: Two months have passed since the opening. How do you feel about your own growth?
I participated in the Dubai Cup with the U-21 national team, and I felt that there are many expectations from those around me, so I am thinking about what I can do to contribute more to the team and working towards heading towards the goal.
Q: After the match, you exchanged jerseys with player Miyazawa.
A, you may not remember, but when I was in elementary school, player Miyazawa came to the local team, and I had the chance to take a photo with him. I admired the stage where player Miyazawa was fighting, so I was glad to be able to play soccer with that senior.
<Shuto ABE>
Q: How did you feel after reflecting on the 90 minutes?
A, we managed to secure 1 point with a draw, but there were moments we needed to convert. It was a match where I felt we needed to create a few more chances.
Q: I think the opponent was aiming for crosses from the sides, what do you think?
A, while Sapporo came at us with a unique attack, we were able to defend tactically under our coach, so even though they managed to send in crosses at the end, we had enough players in position, and I believe our defense was solid.
Q: The match continued with a balanced development, but what adjustments did you make for the second half?
A, the coach told us that the space behind the opponent's three-back would open up. While I was thinking about whether I or Kuryu MATSUKI would break through from the second line, there were a few moments in the second half where we managed to break free and create chances. However, I want to increase that number even more.
Q: I think we were able to create good opportunities in the attack after winning the ball from player Abe.
A, winning the ball and in one-on-one situations are also my characteristics, so I believe I must not lose there, and if I can win against my opponent, it will create a chance. I think it's also a matter of mentality, so I want to play firmly.
Q: How do you feel about the upcoming match against Nagoya?
It will be a back-to-back match with a 3-day interval, but I want to prepare well and play to deliver 3 points to our fans and supporters since the next match is at home.
<Takuya AOKI>
Q, it was an intense match. Please review the game.
I think it was a match where there were many moments where mistakes by both sides turned into chances.
Q, it seems that every match against Coach PETROVIC is intense.
A, that's right. I thought the key would be how patiently and without impatience we can play.
Q: I think the three midfielders were very active today. What was the relationship like among the three today?
I think all three of them were able to slide at the right timing. I believe they were also able to make changes during the match, so I want to continue without breaking this relationship.
Q: I believe you are always conscious of being the starting point for both offense and defense. How do you feel about your performance in that aspect today?
A, since the opponent came at me one-on-one, there weren't many opportunities to touch the ball, but I played with a greater awareness of risk management after making mistakes.
Q: The consecutive matches are still ongoing. Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming home game against Nagoya in three days.
A, it's a home game, and since we have been drawing lately, we are in a situation where we need a victory. We want to unify our intentions and approach the match with determination.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: Today's opponent played with a three-back formation. Did you find it difficult to play against them?
I played without particularly worrying about whether it was a 3-back or 4-back formation. It was more difficult to fight in an away location.
Q: We were applying intense defense from the front line.
A, the high-intensity defense from the front that the coach aimed for was also a theme, so I think we were able to follow the coach's instructions. After winning the ball, I wanted to score in the attacking phase. It's unfortunate that it didn't lead to a goal.
Q: I think you were creating chances by making runs behind the defense.
A, since the opponent had a three-back formation, there was space behind, so I was conscious of breaking through behind the opponent.
Q: How was the collaboration in the front line?
A, there were difficulties when the season started, but as time goes by, I have the perception that things are gradually getting better. I believe that it will continue to improve from here.
Q: What are your goals for the next match while maintaining possession of the ball?
We are able to maintain possession, but not scoring is something I think will be our theme. In soccer, you can win even without possession if you score, so I want to connect our style of play with solid scoring.
