<Match Review>
In the previous round, Tokyo won 2-0 against Gamba Osaka in the first J1 league match held at the new Japan National Stadium, placing them in 4th position. They now enter a series of consecutive matches during Golden Week, and this round they faced Avispa Fukuoka away with only 3 days of rest.
Two months ago, in the second match of this season, we faced each other at the same venue in the second round of the Levain Cup. At that time, Tokyo dominated the game by controlling the ball, despite having a team mainly composed of young players due to the impact of the new coronavirus infection. They created several decisive chances, including Ryoya OGAWA's free kick that hit the crossbar, but unfortunately, they were defeated 0-1 by conceding one chance to the opponent. In order to repay the debt from that match, we will seek both performance and results in this away game and aim to bring back 3 points to Tokyo.
Masato MORISHIGE was injured and Enrique Trevizan was also injured in the last game, avoiding this game. Center back Yasuki KIMOTO and Ryoya OGAWA teamed up. Interestingly, OGAWA played as a center back in the second game of the season against Fukuoka and will seek revenge in the same position. Kashif BANGNAGANDE was also given his first start of the season at left back. Additionally, Leandro, who scored the winning goal as a substitute in the last game against Gamba Osaka, returned to the starting lineup. For the first time this season, three Brazilian players lined up in the front line as starters.
In the opening minutes, Tokyo was pushed back by Fukuoka, who were given a set piece. In the midst of a series of corner kicks, in the 3rd minute of the first half, Diego Oliveira entered the goal cover and failed to clear the ball from the front of the goal, allowing the opponent to take the lead. Even after that, Tokyo struggled to bring the ball up to the front line due to the opponent's aggressive and fast pressing. Finally, in the 18th minute, they launched a counterattack, with Yoshifu sending a cross ball from the left side, but Adailton's header was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper. Despite Fukuoka's relentless pressing, Tokyo couldn't seem to settle the ball, but they didn't miss a moment of opportunity. In the 24th minute of the first half, in the midst of a midfield battle, Matsuki Kuryu quickly reacted to a short back pass from the opponent's defender to the goalkeeper, and dribbled past the goalkeeper to score his first professional goal and equalize the score.
The flow of the game changes with this equalizing goal. After the restart, Tokyo keeps possession of the ball and moves it at a faster tempo than the opponent, gradually entering the Fukuoka territory. In particular, Yuto NAGATOMO, in combination with Adailton and Leandro, is involved in the attack from deep positions in the opponent's territory. He opens up wide to the touchline, plays in the central space, and becomes the starting point on the right side, participating in the construction of the attack from a position where he cannot be marked by the opponent. It seemed like they had taken control, but in the 39th minute of the first half, when the ball entered the vital area, Yuya YAMAGISHI was unable to stop the opponent's breakthrough and the shot was placed into the right corner of the goal, resulting in a lead for the opponent.
In the second half, Tokyo wants to take the initiative, but in the 3rd minute of the second half, Tatsuya TANAKA breaks through the right side and crosses the ball, which is headed in by Lukian near the goal, widening the lead. In the 13th minute of the second half, Leandro takes a direct shot at the goal from a corner kick, aiming to go over the opponent's goalkeeper, but unfortunately it is deflected. In the middle of the game, while connecting passes, Tokyo looks for opportunities in the opponent's defense. In the 17th minute of the second half, a mistake in the build-up is taken advantage of by Yamagishi, who breaks through and scores against Yakubu Sowbick. Tokyo, wanting to change the momentum, brings in Keita YAMASHITA, Ryoma WATANABE, and Kazuya KONNO in the 20th minute of the second half. In the 25th minute of the second half, substitute Kensuke NAGAI crosses the ball from the left side, but Diego and Konno are unable to make contact with the ball. On the other hand, in the 27th minute of the second half, a long ball is played behind the defense line, and Lukian breaks through and scores, widening the deficit to 4 points. Tokyo continues to fight back until the end, trying to close the gap, but is unable to create any clear chances and the game ends.
Despite facing a tough result, Tokyo is halfway through the challenge of implementing a new style. Without turning away from reality, we will continue to make adjustments and preparations for the upcoming match against Sagan Tosu at home in Ajinomoto Stadium, just 4 days away.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, please review the game.
A, I expected the first few minutes of the game against the fierce Fukuoka defense to be very important. However, we conceded a goal early on. That first goal had a big impact on the flow of the game.
Afterwards, we were able to catch up to a tie, but during that time period before and after, I believe we were able to control the game well and also handle Fukuoka's weapon, the counter, effectively. However, it is a fact that the second goal had a big impact. It was very disappointing, especially since it was a goal we conceded during a time period where we were dominating the game.
And then, in the first counterattack of Fukuoka in the second half, we conceded our third goal, which forced us to be more aggressive and constantly struggle against Fukuoka's weapon, the counterattack. This led to us conceding multiple goals.
This season, we are working on big changes. In that sense, accidents like today can happen. I would like to praise our opponent today, Fukuoka. We understand that our playing style leads to accumulating points continuously. Of course, there are many areas for improvement. However, in order to always aim for the top, we believe that our playing style is effective, so we want to continue on this path.
And today, despite our defeat, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Tokyo fans and supporters who gave us a round of applause after the game. It was clear from their applause that they are supporting us on our journey.
Q, for the first time this season, we lined up three Brazilian players in the front line, with Leandro in the center and Diego OLIVEIRA on the side. Can you tell us the intention behind this?
A, we aimed to create a numerical advantage in the center of the midfield with this formation. And I believe it was effective enough. We expected Fukuoka's center backs to be strong. Therefore, we aimed to fight in a different zone rather than directly against them. Especially in the first half, we were able to create a numerical advantage in the center of the midfield and create chances from there.
However, soccer is a sport that competes for the number of goals, and it is clear that Fukuoka scored more goals than us and won today. In soccer, the game result is the most important. And for us, today's game was a negative result. However, we have another game on Sunday, so I hope we can show our growth.
Q, were there any areas where the defense was weakened as the attack became stronger?
A, The first goal was from a corner kick. The second goal was not due to poor defense from the front, but rather a mistake in the defense line. In that sense, I do not think our defense from the front was bad. And even the goal in the second half, I believe it was due to a failure in risk management during our attack.
Fukuoka has a strong physical duo in the front line, and when given space, they can make very dangerous plays. And the difficult game situation for Fukuoka is when they have a lead and can focus on defending. This type of game situation allows their strengths to shine. That's why the second goal is regrettable. I think it greatly determined the flow of the game.
Q, Please evaluate Matsuki, who scored the equalizing goal.
A, I think he played well. He has been continuously growing this season. Although he had chances in recent games, he couldn't score, so I am happy that he scored today. I am very satisfied with his play. However, he still has room to grow and I think he needs to grow more to become a great player. By continuing to play with our play style, I believe he can continue to grow even more.
[Player Interview]
＜Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q, it was a disappointing result. On the other hand, there was also your first J-League goal.
A, It would have been good if I could have been motivated by my own goal, but since I couldn't do that, I didn't do anything other than scoring and it was a game where there are still challenges remaining.
Q, please review the goal scene.
A, I looked at the goalkeeper and at first I thought I would shoot to the left, but I felt it was difficult to shoot due to the distance from the goalkeeper, so I changed my mind and calmly shot it in.
Q, what do you think about scoring a goal as a professional?
A, I am also seeking results. Although I was not able to lead the team to victory in the form of a goal, I hope to gain momentum with this goal and continue to play for results from the next game.
Q, It was my first professional goal in the 10th game since the opening. Did you feel it was late?
A, I was aiming for a goal from the opening game, so I think it was a bit late.
Q, there are now three Brazilian players in the front line, which is different from before. What was your plan for this?
A, Leandro was moving freely, Adailton was opening up, and Diego was able to play in the middle. We were thinking of a plan where I would interact with Abe and play, but we ended up adjusting to the opponent's play. I think it would have been better if we received the ball more in the middle and increased the number of through passes to the front line.
Q, Have your feelings changed since your 19th birthday two days ago?
I feel that 18 and 19 years old are big for me. There are many players who are active in their teens even overseas, so compared to them, I feel that I still have a lot to improve in terms of both technical and mental aspects. I want to focus more on results.
<Ryoya OGAWA>
Q, how was the game when you looked back on it?
A, we let the opponent play the way they wanted and couldn't execute our own plays. I think that's why the result turned out like this.
Q, how was it playing as a center back?
A, not only in the first half, but also in the second half, we conceded a goal at the beginning of the game and were pushed back by the opponent from before the goal was scored. As a center back, I think I should have pushed up from the back and bounced the ball back.
The second goal was also eventually broken through by dribbling, but it was because I lost in the competition, so I think if I had bounced back properly, it would not have been a goal. I think it would have been better if I had been able to bounce back more against a team that I knew would come in with long balls.
Q, How was it with the three players in the front line being Brazilian and having a big impact on the attack, indirectly putting a lot of burden on the defense?
A, There were some unavoidable parts, but we wanted to raise our line a little more. There were also times when we couldn't pick up the second ball and the game was stretched out, so we need to fix our defensive line and pressing on the front line.
Q, I think it was a game where I felt the difficulty of playing center back.
A, I think the center back will be the busiest in the game against Fukuoka. It was a fierce game with intense ball battles, so as the center back, I had to do my best and fulfill my duties.
Q, how about the future?
Whether playing as a center back or a side back, I have been entrusted with the position to help the team win, and I must give my all and contribute to the team's victory.
Q, many fans and supporters came to cheer.
A, I apologize for having you come all the way to Fukuoka to support us. I will do my best to make you happy at the next Tosu match.
