<Match Review>
The 6th match of the 7 consecutive matches played in the crowded schedule of April was the postponed 2nd round of the J1 League. Nagoya Grampus, led by former Tokyo coach Kenta HASEGAWA, who had been in charge until the end of last season, visited the home Ajinomoto Stadium. Tokyo, who had drawn 0-0 in the last 2 league matches, has been criticized for not being able to win, but they have a solid sense of accomplishment in terms of the content of their soccer, so this was a match where they wanted to gain 3 points at home and gain confidence in their growth.
Tokyo, who has held the ball since the start, moves the ball at a fast pace and enters the opponent's territory. In the 8th minute of the first half, Kensuke NAGAI, who received a pass from the left side outside the penalty area, aimed for the right corner of the goal and took a curved shot, but could not shake the net in front of LANGERAK's fine save. After that, there were times when Nagoya had possession of the ball, but after regaining it, they moved the ball with few touches and aimed for the opponent's goal. In the 30th minute of the first half, they pushed forward in a set piece opportunity and Shuto ABE took a powerful one-touch shot from outside the penalty area, but the ball that flew towards the goal was once again saved by LANGERAK. In the 40th minute of the first half, they took advantage of a momentary gap in Nagoya's defense. Ryoya OGAWA aimed for the space behind the advancing side back and passed a vertical pass. Kensuke NAGAI reacted and used his speed to dribble past his marker and send a minus direction pass near the goal line, but it was just out of reach for Kuryu MATSUKI who was running in from the near side.
The second half, where we want to strengthen our attacking posture, but in the 4th minute of the second half, Yoichiro KAKITANI was taken behind by the space. Jakub SLOWIK was beaten as he jumped out of the penalty area, but he stretched his body and arms while following KAKITANI's dribble, and managed to clear the ball and avoid danger. After the danger, a chance came. In the 8th minute of the second half, Matsuki's wide development allowed Nagai to break through the space on the right side and head towards the Nagoya goal. The powerful shot hit the right post and the rebound was pushed in by Diego OLIVEIRA, but this shot was also bounced off the crossbar and did not result in a goal. After that, there were many scenes where they entered the Nagoya penalty area, but they were unable to bring it to a finish and the game ended.
After playing the 5th match of the Levain Cup in just 2 days, there will finally be a break of about 1 week. The next league match will be against Gamba Osaka on April 29th at the Japan National Stadium. Even though we have had 3 consecutive draws, we want to share the joy of victory with our fans and supporters at the first J1 league match held at the National Stadium.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, please review today's game.
A, We knew Nagoya's potential from before the game. We imagined that Nagoya would continue to press fiercely from a little earlier, but when we opened the lid, we thought it was a development where we lowered the block a little.
In the first half, we aimed to make runs into space and utilized players who were good at that. Then, in the second half, we played with the intention of bringing on players who were better at playing with their feet. However, we struggled to attack against the opponent who dropped back and defended tightly.
The team is currently in a growth stage, and we have seen improvements in our ability to dominate the game with the ball without making major mistakes. However, there are still areas for improvement, as we have been caught on the counter by Nagoya due to small mistakes.
In the J1 League, there have been closely contested matches. Therefore, the results of the matches can be determined by small details and can go either way for either team. In the second half, we had two chances in a row to hit the post.
I am satisfied that today, the players were able to dominate the game for a long time with the ball. It has only been about three months since the team started, but the team has grown and is now able to dominate the game with the ball. The understanding between the players has also increased with each game. As a result, they are now able to make good plays automatically.
And the players are showing their commitment to the game at a high level. Everyone is giving their all for the team. For example, Morishige continued to play for the team despite suffering from a strong pain towards the end of the game, symbolizing the team's determination to give their all for victory. Furthermore, the players who came on as substitutes towards the end of the game are highly praised for their outstanding performance, despite the difficult circumstances.
Q, Nagoya made three substitutions at the same time while they were holding the ball for a long time, and it seemed to change the flow of the game. Please tell us about the roles you asked of the three players.
A, What is clear is that Tokyo is always playing to win. Today, we are still catching up to the top with one point. Some may be satisfied with that, but we are always playing to win and it can be frustrating when we can't.
When we made three substitution cards, Nagoya was controlling the game, but we made substitutions to win and the team took good actions. Then, I think it became a development where we dominated the game again.
What we asked of them was to first play with a strong attacking intensity. And to make bold plays for victory. The substitution of (Nakamura) Hotaka was to ask for defensive contributions, as (Ogawa) Ryoya was tired. The substitutions of Mita and (Yamashita) Keita were for the attacking part, to aim for victory and make plays towards the goal.
I think that using all five substitution cards was a risky move. As a result of taking that risk, we were in a situation where Morishige couldn't be substituted despite being injured towards the end. However, I believe that we can't win anything without taking risks. Neither Tokyo nor I are cowards.
Q, There was a pinch in the back immediately after the start of the second half, but there was a good defense by player Jakub SLOWIK. Please evaluate.
A, there was a decisive pinch, but if my memory is correct, it was a pinch that was born from our mistake. It was good that Kubo (SLOWIK) had a great reaction there. It was not a counter as they intended, but I recognize that it was a scene born from our mistake.
[Player Interview]
＜Yasuki KIMOTO＞
Q, As a defensive player, you have had three consecutive shutouts. How does the team view the current situation of not being able to score?
A, Although we ended up with three games without conceding a goal, there were still some close calls. We were able to earn one point thanks to the goalkeeper's big save, but we need to work on not allowing chances in the first place.
I think the problem of not scoring points is not just about the front line, but also about the distribution from the back, which has not been done well in the last few games. We need to improve the distance and quality of the ball between the back and the front.
Q, at the beginning of the season, there was a clear style of high press, but now I think we are in a stage where we are building on that. How do you recognize the challenges at this stage?
A, there are also parts where we were able to show our fast-paced style until last season, so I think if we can't use both the fast-paced and slow-paced parts, our chances won't increase.
Q, I think that "late attack" means taking time to build, but what do you think we need to try?
A, I want to challenge with more power. I think we need more ingenuity, such as moving to the back or using bold direct passes. It's better to do it without fear of mistakes, and at the beginning of the season, there were more places where I wanted to challenge, so I think that's necessary.
Q, It was a match against my former team, but I think there were players like Kashiwagi who were difficult to play against. What were your thoughts after playing against them again?
There are players with high individual skills such as dribbling, and (Yoichiro) Kakitani and Matheus, who played together last season, were reliable players, so I have the impression that we were struggling today.
Q, there was talk of not allowing chances to be created, but is it still possible to improve even without conceding any points?
A, There were scenes where we were able to defend well by coordinating with the defense line, but there were also moments where we were able to take the ball because of the opponent's mistake. In that sense, we were able to finish without conceding any goals, but I feel the need to further improve our defensive level.
<Kensuke NAGAI>
Q, it was a match against Nagoya's coach Hasegawa. How did you approach it?
It was a strange feeling to be facing our opponents this year after fighting together for four years.
Q, please review the play that hit the post in the 8th minute of the second half.
A, Matsuki made a good pass and I was able to trap it well, so I was able to take a shot, but Langerak touched it and it hit the post.
Q, It was a scoreless draw for the third consecutive game. How do you, as an attacking player, feel about it?
A, I feel responsible because we haven't been able to score in the chances we've had up front, but I also appreciate the fact that our defense has been keeping clean sheets. I hope we can score a goal and create a good flow going forward.
Q, I think the team is working on connecting the ball carefully, but there is an impression that the power has been lacking since the beginning of the season.
A, I think not being able to score is everything, and I think that when we score, the tempo and flow will improve, so I want to focus on scoring.
Q, How did Nagoya under coach Masaru HASEGAWA look today?
A, when I was in Tokyo, we didn't play 3-5-2, so it's quite difficult to put into words, but we have a strong front line with two top players, so I thought we would adapt to that and the team as a whole came together to face it.
<Jakub SLOWIK>
Q, How was the 90-minute reflection?
It's a game where we were able to get 3 points, so it's really disappointing that we couldn't get them. Both Tokyo and Nagoya had chances against a tough opponent, so I think a draw is a fair result.
Q, how was it to protect the dangerous scenes with big saves multiple times?
A, My job is to protect the goal, and of course it's not just my own strength, but if the team can get a result without conceding a goal in the end, I will do my best to protect it. I think it was very good that the team was able to finish the game without conceding a goal today.
Q, There were scenes where we were pushed in, but I think we were able to defend with concentration. What kind of encouragement were you giving during the game?
A, There were also difficult scenes throughout the game, but we focused on building a solid defense for the defensive line and the team as a whole, and we made sure to communicate how to defend effectively.
It is unfortunate that fans and supporters are unable to cheer with their voices, but it is an environment where instructions are easy to hear, so I think we were able to maintain concentration and organize well. However, it is disappointing that we ended up with a draw today. As a team, we want to make solid preparations to overcome this situation and earn 3 points.
Q, we have been drawing continuously, please give us your enthusiasm for the next game.
We hope that all players will win, and for the next league match, we will have a great opponent, Gamba Osaka, and we will be able to play our home game at the Japan National Stadium. We will work together as a team and prepare well from practice to deliver 3 points to our fans and supporters.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, How was the 90-minute reflection?
A, I couldn't create many chances, but I'm very frustrated that I couldn't convert the limited chances I had. On the defensive side, I think it was a good achievement to keep a clean sheet.
Q, I think there were also moments where we were able to break through by jumping out into the side space.
A, I was conscious of playing while being told by the coach that there should be space from practice. However, there were also scenes where chances were created if I ran, so I think it would have been better to increase the number of times.
Q: How was it playing against Sapporo and Nagoya with a 3-back formation in the previous match?
A, the opponent had 3 backs and if the sides dropped, it became 5 pieces, making it difficult to open the block without the midfield being empty. So, we need to increase the movement of the third person and work together in practice to break through and score.
Q, I think we were able to compact our defense from the second half.
A, There weren't many scenes where we were broken down, but our ball possession was poor and we were countered a few times, so I think we can improve by working on how we lose the ball.
Q, there were several good scenes in the attack after taking the ball.
A, if you don't score a goal with a certain attack after taking the ball in a good position, the situation will become difficult and you will also lose physical strength because you are putting power into it. I think you need to have the ability to score a goal after taking the ball in a high position.
Q, What preparations do you want to make for the next league match at the Japan National Stadium?
Since we have not scored in three consecutive games, we have the Levain Cup this weekend to release our frustration. We want to make sure to prepare well together and earn 3 points on the national stage to give as a gift to our fans and supporters.
