<Match Review>
The sixth match of the seven-game series in April's congested schedule is the postponed Sec. 2 of the J1 League. Tokyo welcomed Nagoya Grampus, led by former manager Kenta HASEGAWA, who was in charge until the end of last season, to their home Ajinomoto Stadium. Tokyo has drawn two consecutive league matches 0-0. While there is a tendency to focus on the inability to secure a win, they have gained a solid sense of progress in terms of the quality of their play, making this match an opportunity to secure three points at home and reinforce their growth.
Tokyo, maintaining possession of the ball from the start, moves the ball at a fast pace and invades the opponent's territory. In the 8th minute of the first half, Kensuke NAGAI received a pass from a left position outside the penalty area and took a shot aimed at the right corner of the goal with a curve, but could not shake the net in front of LANGERAK's fine save. After that, there were times when Nagoya held the ball, but after regaining possession, they advanced while moving the ball with few touches, aiming for the opponent's goal. In the 30th minute of the first half, during a set-piece opportunity, they pushed forward in front of the goal, and Shuto ABE took a powerful shot with one touch at the ball that spilled outside the penalty area, but the ball that flew towards the goal was again saved by LANGERAK. In the 40th minute of the first half, they took advantage of a momentary gap from Nagoya. Ryoya OGAWA passed vertically, targeting behind the side back who had moved forward. Responding, NAGAI used his momentary speed to turn and leave his marker behind, dribbling into a deep position. He sent a pass towards the minus direction near the goal line, but it just missed Kuryu MATSUKI, who had run in from the near side.
In the second half, we want to strengthen our attacking posture, but just four minutes in, Yoichiro KAKITANI takes advantage of the space behind. Jakub SLOWIK is evaded as he rushes out of the penalty area, but he manages to stretch his body and arms to clear the ball as he returns to the penalty area in response to KAKITANI's dribble, avoiding a crisis. After the danger, a chance arises. In the 8th minute of the second half, Matsuki's wide play allows Nagai to break into space on the right side towards the Nagoya goal. His powerful shot hits the right post, and Diego OLIVEIRA pushes in the rebounding ball, but this shot is also deflected off the crossbar and does not result in a goal. Although we created several scenes of entering near Nagoya's penalty area, we couldn't bring it to a finish and the match ended with time up.
After playing the 5th match of the group stage of the Levain Cup with a two-day interval, there will finally be about a week of break. The next league match is against Gamba Osaka at the Japan National Stadium on April 29. After three consecutive draws, I want to share the joy of victory with the fans and supporters at the Japan National Stadium, which will host its first J1 League match.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review today's game.
A, we understood Nagoya's potential before the match. I had imagined that Nagoya would continue to press intensely from a bit earlier, but when the game started, I think they defended with a slightly lower block.
In the first half, we aimed to exploit spaces and utilized players who excel in that area. In the second half, we intended to bring in players who are more skilled at playing with the ball at their feet. However, we faced a situation where we struggled to attack against an opponent who had lowered their block and solidified their defense.
The team is currently in a growth phase, but there has been improvement in controlling the game with the ball without making major mistakes. However, the part where our small mistakes triggered Nagoya's counterattack remains an area for improvement.
The J1 League has been filled with closely contested matches. Therefore, I believe that the results of the matches can swing in favor of either team based on the details. We had the chance to hit the post twice in the second half.
Today, I am satisfied that the players were able to dominate the match with the ball for a long time. It has only been about three months since the team started, but they have grown steadily to the point of dominating the match with the ball. The understanding among the players has also increased with each match. As a result, they are now able to make good plays automatically.
The players have showcased 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 experiencing severe pain in the final moments of the match, symbolizing the dedication to achieving victory. Furthermore, the players who came on as substitutes in the latter stages of the match delivered outstanding performances, even in challenging moments, which we highly appreciate.
Q: It seemed that the flow changed when Nagoya made three substitutions at the same time while they were in possession of the ball. Please tell us the roles you expected from the three players.
A clear point is that Tokyo always plays aiming for victory. Today, we have secured 1 point, which keeps us in contention for the top. Some may be satisfied with that. However, we always play aiming for victory, and it can be frustrating when we cannot achieve it.
When we used our three substitution cards, we were controlled by Nagoya in the match, but we made substitutions to win, and the team acted well. I believe it turned into a situation where we regained control of the match.
What I asked of them was, first, to play with high intensity in attack. And to play boldly for victory. The introduction of Hotaka NAKAMURA was due to Ryoya OGAWA being tired, and I sought contributions in defense. The introduction of Mita and Keita YAMASHITA was aimed at the attacking aspect, seeking plays directed towards the goal in pursuit of victory.
I believe that using a total of 5 substitution cards came with risks. Because of that risk, we found ourselves in a situation where we couldn't make a substitution even though Morishige was injured towards the end. However, I think that without taking risks, we cannot win anything. Neither Tokyo nor I are cowardly.
Q: There was a critical moment right after the start of the second half when we were caught off guard, but Jakub SLOWIK made a great save. Please provide your evaluation.
A, there was a critical pinch, but if my memory serves me right, it was a pinch that arose from our mistake. It was good that Kuba (SLOWIK) had a wonderful reaction there. I recognize that it was not a counterattack as they intended, but a situation that arose from our mistake.
[Player Interview]]
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: As a defensive player, you must feel a sense of accomplishment having achieved three consecutive clean sheets, but how do you perceive the current situation where the team is not scoring?
As a result, we have ended three matches without conceding a goal, but there are still moments of crisis, and currently, we are picking up one point thanks to the goalkeeper's big saves, so we want to focus on not allowing more chances to be created.
The issue of not scoring is not just a problem for the front line; the distribution from the back has not been effective in the last few matches. I believe 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 pressing, but now I think we are at a stage where we are building on that. How do you recognize the challenges at this stage?
There are parts where we were able to showcase the fast-paced style that existed until last season, so I believe that if we can't differentiate between the fast and slow attacks, we won't be able to create more opportunities.
Q: I think that slow attacks take time to build, but what do you think needs to be tried?
I want to challenge with more intensity. I think we need to make movements behind the defense and use bold direct passes, and be more creative. It's better to play without fear of making mistakes, and at the beginning of the season, there were more opportunities to challenge, including for myself, so I think that's necessary.
Q: It was a match against your former club, and I think there were players like Kakitani who were difficult to face. What are your thoughts on facing them again?
There are players with high individual skills, such as dribbling, and (Yoichiro) Kakitani and Matheus were reliable players who played together last season, so I have the impression that they troubled us today.
Q: There was a discussion about not allowing any chances, but does that mean there are still areas for improvement even with a clean sheet?
There were moments when we successfully coordinated our defense line, but there were also instances where we were able to win the ball due to the opponent's mistakes. In that sense, we ended without conceding any goals, but I feel the need to further elevate our defensive level.
<Kensuke NAGAI>
Q: It was a match against Coach Masaru HASEGAWA from Nagoya. What was your mindset going into it?
It was a strange feeling to be facing an opponent 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 shoot, but it was touched by LANGERAK and hit the post.
Q: It was three consecutive scoreless draws. How do you feel as an attacking player?
A: We have chances, but we haven't been able to convert them in the front line, so I feel responsible. Since the defense has been keeping clean sheets, I hope we can score a goal and create a good flow.
Q: I think the team is working on valuing and connecting the ball, but it seems to lack intensity compared to the beginning of the season.
I think that not being able to score is everything, and I believe that when we score, the tempo and flow will improve, so I want to focus on scoring goals.
Q: How did you see Coach Hasegawa's Nagoya today?
A, since we didn't play 3-5-2 in Tokyo, it's quite difficult (to put into words), but I thought we would adjust to the strong two forwards up front, and we approached that part with a unified intention as a team.
<Jakub SLOWIK>
Q: How did you feel after reflecting on the 90 minutes?
It was a match where we could have earned 3 points, so it's very disappointing that we didn't. It wasn't an easy opponent, and both Tokyo and Nagoya had their chances, so I think a draw is a fair result.
Q: You made several big saves to protect the goal. How did it feel?
A, my job is to protect the goal, and of course it's not just my own strength, but if in the end I can defend and the team can achieve a result without conceding any goals, then I will give my all for that. I think it was very good that the entire team finished today without conceding any goals.
Q: There were moments when we were pushed back, but I think we managed to defend with focus. What kind of encouragement did you give during the match?
There were difficult moments throughout the match, but I focused on building a solid defense for the defensive line and the team as a whole, and I communicated about what kind of defense we should implement.
It is unfortunate that fans and supporters cannot cheer out loud, but it is an environment where instructions can be heard clearly, so I believe we were able to maintain focus and organize well. However, it is disappointing that we ended in a draw today. As a team, we want to prepare well to overcome this situation and secure 3 points.
Q: We have been drawing matches, but please share your enthusiasm for the next game.
A, we hope all players will win, and regarding the next league match, we will be able to play our home game against the wonderful opponent Gamba Osaka at the Japan National Stadium, so we want to prepare well from practice as a united team and deliver 3 points to our fans and supporters.
<Shuto ABE>
Q: How did you feel after reflecting on the 90 minutes?
We didn't create many chances, but it's very frustrating that we couldn't capitalize on the limited opportunities we had. I think one positive takeaway is that we managed to keep a clean sheet defensively.
Q, I think there were moments when you broke through by moving into the space on the side.
I was told by the coach to be aware of the space opening up during practice, so I played with that in mind. However, there were moments when running could have created opportunities, so I think I could have increased my efforts even more.
Q: How was it playing against Sapporo and Nagoya with a three-back defense in the last match?
When the opponent plays with three at the back and the sides drop, they form five players, making it difficult to break through the midfield block. To score, we need to increase movements from the third player and find ways to break through effectively, so I think we have to work together in practice.
Q: I think we were able to keep our defense compact from the second half.
A, there weren't many scenes where we were broken down, but the way we lost the ball was poor, and there were a few instances where we were countered, so I think it will improve if we work on how we lose the ball.
Q: There were several good scenes in the attack after winning the ball.
A, if we don't secure a goal after winning the ball in a good position, it will lead to a tough situation, and since we are also putting in power, there is a physical toll as well. I believe that if we win the ball high up the pitch, we must have the ability to finish and score.
Q: The next league match is at the Japan National Stadium, what preparations would you like to make?
We haven't scored in three consecutive matches, so we want to clear that frustration. There is also the Levain Cup this weekend, but we need to prepare well together and aim to take all three points on the stage at National to present to our fans and supporters.
