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 including their goalkeeper, while Tokyo applied pressure from the front line. However, Tokyo was repeatedly peeled off and pushed back. Even when they gained possession, Tokyo often lost the ball quickly due to miscommunication and the opponent's strong challenges, struggling to find their rhythm. Still, despite not being able to keep possession, Tokyo exploited the space behind Sapporo's advanced line, creating scenes where they entered the opponent's penalty area with direct plays without many touches. Although they couldn't control the game by holding the ball well, Tokyo maintained strong pressing intensity in duels, calmly responding without allowing the opponent to reach the finish. The moments of increased ball possession came toward the end of the first half. Using a mix of short and long passes to spread the pitch wide, Tokyo attempted to penetrate in front of the opponent's goal starting from the sides. Unable to find effective attacks from the flanks, they then targeted the space behind the opponent as the next option, but this also failed to produce decisive chances, and the match went into halftime without any clear opportunities.
Tokyo, wanting to find their rhythm, rearranged their left and right wings, placing Nagai on the left and Watanabe on the right. At the 5th minute of the second half, Nagai broke through into space on the left side and carried the ball deep into the opponent's territory. He supplied a final pass aiming for the opposite side, but it was caught by the opposing goalkeeper in front of Watanabe, who had entered the goal area from the right side. After the start of the second half, Tokyo began to maintain possession for extended periods, gradually advancing into the opponent's half while evading their press. Aiming to invigorate the attack, at the 13th minute of the second half, Nagai was substituted for Adailton. Adailton became the switch for defense from the front line, disrupting the opponent's build-up and recovering the ball in midfield, increasing opportunities for secondary and tertiary attacks in the second half. Although Tokyo continued to deny the opponent any chance to counterattack, at the 27th minute of the second half, after being pressured near the goal line, Ryota AOKI took a shot from a position near the right side in front of the goal, but Jakub SLOWIK deflected it. At the 31st minute of the second half, Watanabe was substituted for Kazuya KONNO to further energize 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, I think for those who watched the match today, it was a very exciting game where both teams played offensively. Both teams applied aggressive high pressing and fought offensively. There were periods during the match when we dominated, and there were also times when we were dominated. In the second half, both we and Sapporo had decisive chances. Since the outcome of soccer is decided by whether you can score goals or not, looking only at the 0-0 result, some might think both sides played passively. However, I believe the only thing missing today was the goals.
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.
And I would like to express my gratitude to all the FC Tokyo fans and supporters who came to cheer us on. The fans and supporters from Sapporo also applauded us, so I would like to take this opportunity to convey my thanks. Whether in Sapporo or Niigata, I felt that many people living in the northern part of Japan are kind-hearted.
Q: Is a draw with no goals in two consecutive matches a negative result?
A, of course, the outcome of soccer depends on whether the ball shakes the net. Last season, while managing in Niigata, there were many matches where we controlled 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 a match here in Sapporo. I appreciate the attitude of fighting to win throughout the 90 minutes. In that sense, I view today's match positively. FC Tokyo never plays timidly against any team.
Q: Matsuki is from Muroran City, Hokkaido. Please tell us about his recent performance and today's evaluation.
He probably grew so much because he had good meals in Hokkaido (laughs). He is still 18 years old. He played in the high school age group before entering the professional world, and it hasn't been long since then. I think the difference in level is very big.
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, learning to have moments of calmness during matches is something he still needs to work on. He also needs to improve on not losing the ball easily. Nevertheless, he continues to challenge himself even after making mistakes. That is his remarkable quality. I believe that is proof of a strong mentality. It is only with such a strong mentality that one can play at a high level. For instance, Yuto NAGATOMO is also a player with a strong mentality. Having a mentality like his is Ikuo's strength.
[Player Interview]]
<Jakub SLOWIK>
Q: There were some big saves, but how do you evaluate today's match?
A, I think it was a tough game against a difficult opponent like Sapporo. It was my first experience playing at Sapporo Dome, and I believe it was not easy because it was a different environment from our usual stadium. However, looking on the bright side, bringing back 1 point is very significant for the team. Ideally, we wanted to win, but we want to return to Tokyo positively taking the 1 point.
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 to keep a clean sheet. However, the shutout was not achieved by me alone; it was thanks to the cooperation of the defensive players. At the same time, as the starting point of the attack, I want to continue playing in a way that expresses our playing style.
I think it is wonderful to have kept a clean sheet. However, winning would have been a very happy result for us. We are glad to have been able to take home 1 point against Sapporo, a tough opponent, at the difficult venue of Sapporo Dome.
Q: I think the defense was also active, but what did you feel was good about it?
A, what we did well was that the whole team worked together to defend from the front line. If even one person is missing, the defense cannot be built, so I believe that the good defense was a result of everyone concentrating and starting from Diego at the front line. While keeping what went well this time, we want to try within the team to improve what we couldn't do and prepare to achieve better results.
Q: With no preparation time, you have a series of consecutive matches. What do you focus on in your preparations?
A, although there is not much time, it is important to properly switch gears and rest the body to recover. In meetings, deepening mutual understanding of team tactics becomes crucial, and it is important to promote the penetration of team tactics while paying attention to condition. Lastly, I want to sincerely express my gratitude because many fans and supporters came all the way to Hokkaido to cheer us on, which was encouraging for both myself and the team.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, there were some close moments at the end. Please review today's game.
<div>A has not been able to score so far and has been aiming for goals to contribute to the team. Although the final scene was a bit sloppy and did not lead to a goal, I want to keep pushing myself to score more and more from here on. I am always aiming for the goal, and in situations where I can take a shot, I don’t want to stop my growth by choosing not to shoot. With the help of senior players around me, I want to aggressively keep aiming for goals.
Q: It seems that Matsuki is able to organize his role and play effectively.
A, I have been told by the senior players around me that I am free to play as I like on the pitch. I try to be proactive with my strengths such as stamina, hard work, and ball recovery. Since I am not a particularly skillful player myself, I want to aim for goals in a gritty and determined way.
Q: Today's match was the first official game in Hokkaido.
A, I approached it just like any other regular 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 fiercely compete against each other from now on, and I believe we had a good match today.
Q: Two months have passed since the opening. How do you feel about your own growth?
I also 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 think I have been able to focus on moving towards the goal and thinking about what more I can do to contribute to the team.
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 Miyazawa was competing, so I was glad to be able to play soccer together with that senior.
<Shuto ABE>
Q: How did you feel after reflecting on the 90 minutes?
A, we ended up with a draw and earned 1 point, but there were moments when we had to score. It was a match where I felt we needed to create more chances.
Q: I think the opponent was aiming for crosses from the sides, what do you think?
A, while Sapporo employed a unique style of attack, we were able to defend tactically under our coach's guidance. Although they managed to send in crosses towards the end, we had enough players in position, so 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 and Kuryu MATSUKI were thinking about making runs from the second line, there were several occasions in the second half when we broke through and created chances. However, I want to increase the number of those opportunities 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 competing for possession are also my strengths, so I believe I must not lose in those areas. If I can win against the opponent there, it will create opportunities. I think it also comes down to mindset, so I want to play with determination.
Q: How do you feel about the upcoming match against Nagoya?
Although it will be consecutive matches with only three days in between, we will prepare well and, since the next game is at home, we want to play so that we can deliver 3 points to our fans and supporters.
<Takuya AOKI>
Q, it was an intense match. Please review the game.
A, I think it was a match where there were many moments when mistakes turned into opportunities for both sides.
Q, it seems that every match against Coach PETROVIC is intense.
A, well. I thought the key would be how patiently and calmly we could play without getting frustrated.
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 good timing. I also believe they were able to make necessary adjustments 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?
Since the opponent came with man-to-man marking, there were not 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, since it's a home game and we've been having consecutive draws, we are in a situation where we need a victory. We want to firmly 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?
Whether it was a 3-back or 4-back formation, I played without particularly worrying about it. Playing away was more challenging.
Q: We were applying intense defense from the front line.
A, the theme was the high-intensity defense from the front line that the coach aimed for, so I think we were able to follow the coach's instructions. After winning the ball, I wanted to score in the attack, but unfortunately, it did not lead to a goal.
Q: I think you were creating chances by making runs behind the defense.
A, since the opponent was playing with a three-back formation, there was space behind them, so I was conscious of making runs behind the defense.
Q: How was the collaboration in the front line?
At the start of the season, there were difficulties, but as time passed, I recognize that things have gradually improved. I believe it will continue to get better from here.
Q: What are your goals for the next match while maintaining possession of the ball?
A, we are able to maintain possession, but not scoring goals is something we need to focus on. In soccer, you can win even without possession if you score goals, so we want to continue playing our style of soccer while making sure to score goals effectively.
