Match Review
In the previous match, Tokyo secured a 2-0 victory against Gamba Osaka in the first J1 League match held at the Japan National Stadium, placing them in 4th position. As they enter a series of matches during the Golden Week, this week they faced Avispa Fukuoka away just three days later.
About two months ago, in the second match of this season, we faced each other at the same venue in the Levain Cup group stage. At that time, despite Tokyo's lineup being mainly composed of young players due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, they controlled the game by maintaining possession and pushing the opponent back. Ryoya OGAWA created several decisive chances, including a free kick that hit the crossbar, but lost 0-1 after the opponent capitalized on one chance. In order to repay the debt from that match, even though it is an away game, we seek both content and results, aiming to bring home 3 points to Tokyo.
Masato MORISHIGE is out due to injury, and Henrique TREVISAN also suffered an injury in the final moments of the last match, missing this game. The center-backs are Yasuki KIMOTO and Ryoya OGAWA. Coincidentally, OGAWA also played as a center-back in the second match of the season against Fukuoka, seeking revenge in the same position. On the left side, Kashif BANGNAGANDE is starting for the first time this season in the league. Additionally, Leandro, who scored the winning goal as a substitute in the last match against Gamba Osaka, returns to the starting lineup. For the first time this season, three Brazilian players are lined up in the starting formation in the forward positions.
At the start, after being pushed back by Fukuoka due to a set play, Diego OLIVEIRA failed to clear the ball in front of the goal during a corner kick in the 3rd minute of the first half, allowing the opponent to score first. After that, Tokyo struggled to build up from the back as the opponent pressed hard and quickly from the front, making it difficult to advance the ball. In the 18th minute of the first half, they finally launched a counterattack, with Kuryu MATSUKI delivering a cross from the left side that Adailton headed towards the goal, but it was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper's excellent save. Tokyo had a hard time settling the ball against Fukuoka's relentless pressing, but they did not miss a moment of opportunity. In the 24th minute of the first half, during a midfield battle, Kuryu MATSUKI quickly reacted to a short back pass from an opponent defender to the goalkeeper, recovered the ball, dribbled past the goalkeeper, and slotted it into the goal, equalizing with Matsuki's first professional goal.
This equalizer changes the flow of the match. After the restart, Tokyo maintains possession of the ball, moving it at a faster tempo than the opponent can close in, gradually entering the Fukuoka territory. In particular, Yuto NAGATOMO engages in the attack deep in the opponent's area through combinations with Adailton and Leandro. He opens wide along the touchline or plays in central spaces, participating in the buildup of the attack from positions where he is not marked by the opponent, becoming a key player on the right side. It seemed they had taken control, but in the 39th minute of the first half, when the ball reached Yuya YAMAGISHI in the vital area, they were unable to stop the opponent's breakthrough, allowing a shot to be placed into the bottom right corner of the goal, resulting in a lead for the opponent.
Tokyo, wanting to launch an offensive at the start of the second half, was broken through on the right side by Tatsuya TANAKA in the 3rd minute, leading to a cross that was headed in by Lukian at the near post, extending the lead. In the 13th minute, during a corner kick opportunity, Leandro attempted a direct shot at goal, aiming over the opposing goalkeeper's head, but unfortunately it was deflected. As they connected passes in midfield while looking for gaps in the opponent's defense, a mistake in buildup in the 17th minute allowed Yamagishi to break free, and he scored in a one-on-one with Jakub Słowik. Wanting to change the flow, Tokyo brought on Keita YAMASHITA, Ryoma WATANABE, and Kazuya KONNO in the 20th minute. In the 25th minute, Kensuke NAGAI, who came on as a substitute, delivered a cross from the left side into the box, but Diego's contested ball spilled out and Kazuya KONNO's shot was mishit. Conversely, in the 27th minute, a long ball was played behind the defensive line, allowing Lukian to break free and extend the deficit to four goals. Tokyo continued to fight back until the final whistle, trying to close the gap by at least one goal, but they were unable to create any decisive chances and the match ended.
Faced with a tough result, Tokyo is halfway through the challenge of integrating a new style. Without turning away from reality, they will continue to address issues and prepare for the match against Sagan Tosu at home Ajinomoto Stadium in four days.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review the game.
In the match against Fukuoka, which has a strong defense, I anticipated that the first few minutes of the game would be very important. Nevertheless, we conceded a goal early on. That initial goal significantly affected the flow of the match.
After that, we were able to equalize, but I believe we were able to control the match well during the periods before and after that. I also think we responded well to Fukuoka's counterattacks, which are one of their strengths. However, it is true that the second goal we conceded had a significant impact. It was very disappointing, especially since it happened during the time we were dominating the match.
Then, in the first counterattack of Fukuoka at the start of the second half, we conceded the third goal, which forced us to become more aggressive and push forward. Each time, we struggled against Fukuoka's weapon, the counterattack. This led to multiple goals conceded.
This season, we are working on significant changes. In that sense, incidents like today can happen. I would like to commend our opponent today, Fukuoka. I understand that our playing style leads to accumulating points consistently. Of course, we have many areas for improvement. However, in order to always aim for the top, we believe our playing style is effective, so we want to continue down this path.
And today, despite the defeat, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the fans and supporters in Tokyo who applauded us after the match. It was clear from their applause that they are supporting the path we are taking.
Q: This season, for the first time, you lined up three Brazilian players in the forward position, with Leandro in the center and Diego OLIVEIRA on the side. What was the intention behind this?
I aimed for this formation to create a numerical advantage in the center of the midfield. I believe it was effective enough. I anticipated that Fukuoka's center-backs would be strong. Therefore, I aimed to fight in a different zone rather than directly there. Especially in the first half, I think we successfully created a numerical advantage in the center of the midfield and generated good chances from there.
However, soccer is a sport that competes for the number of goals, and it is clear that today Fukuoka scored more goals than us and achieved victory. In soccer, the match result is the most important. For us, today's match had a negative outcome. However, we have another match on Sunday, so I hope we can show our growth properly.
Q: While the offense has become stronger, was there any part where the defense became weaker?
A. The first goal conceded was from a corner kick. The second goal was not due to poor defending from the front; it was a mistake in the defensive line that led to the goal. In that sense, I do not think the defending from the front was poor. I believe the goal conceded in the second half was also due to our risk management during the attack not going well.
Fukuoka has a physically strong two-top forward line, and when given space, they can play very dangerously. A very difficult match scenario against Fukuoka is when they have a lead that allows them to play defensively. Since the match developed in that way, I believe it became a game where their strengths were more pronounced. That is why the second goal conceded is regrettable. I think this significantly determined the flow of the match.
Q: Please evaluate Matsuki's goal that tied the game.
A, I think he played well. He has been continuously growing this season. Although he had chances in recent matches but couldn't score, I am happy that he was able to score today. I am very satisfied with his play. However, there is still room for growth, and I believe he needs to develop further to become a great player. I think he can continue to grow by playing with our playing style.
[Player Interview]]
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: It was a disappointing result. On the other hand, you scored your first goal in the J-League.
A, it would have been great if I could have gained momentum from my goal, but since I couldn't do that, I didn't do anything other than the goal, and it was a match with remaining challenges.
Q, please review the goal scene.
At first, I thought about sliding it to the left while looking at the goalkeeper, but I felt that the distance to the goalkeeper made it difficult to shoot, so I dodged and calmly decided to slide it in.
Q: What do you think about scoring goals as a professional?
A, I am also seeking results. I couldn't lead the team to victory in the form of a goal, but I hope to gain momentum with this goal, and I will continue to play seeking results from the next match.
Q: It was your first professional goal in the 10th match since the opening. Did it feel late to you?
A: I was aiming for a goal since the opening match, and I think it was late.
Q: There are three Brazilian players in the forward line, which is different from before. What was the plan going into this?
A, Leandro is moving freely, Adailton is opening up, and Diego is thinking about being able to play in the middle. The plan was for myself and Abe to get involved, but we ended up adapting to the opponent's play. I think it would have been better if we had received the ball more in between and increased the number of penetrating passes to the front line.
Q, Do you feel any changes now that you have turned 19 years old the day before yesterday?
I feel that being 18 and 19 years old is significant for me. There are many players who are active in their teens overseas, so compared to them, I feel that both my technical skills and mental aspects still have a long way to go. I want to focus more on achieving results.
<Ryoya OGAWA>
Q, please review the game. How was it?
A, we allowed the opponent to play their game, and we couldn't play the way we wanted. I believe that is the result we see here.
Q: How was it playing as a center-back?
In both the first half and the second half, we conceded goals at the start of the match, and we were being pushed back by the opponent even before the goals. As a center-back, I believe I should have pushed up from the back and cleared the ball.
The second goal was ultimately conceded after being broken through by a dribble, but since it started from me losing the aerial duel, I believe it wouldn't have been a goal if I had properly cleared it. I knew it was a team that would send long balls, so I think I should have been able to clear it better.
Q: This time, the three forwards are Brazilian players, which has increased the emphasis on offense and, indirectly, I think it has also put a significant burden on defense. What are your thoughts on this?
There are parts that cannot be helped, but we wanted to push our line up a bit more. There were times when we couldn't pick up the second ball and the game stretched out, so I think we need to adjust the defensive line's push and the frontline's press.
Q: I think it was a match where you felt the difficulty of being a center-back.
A, especially in the match against Fukuoka, I think the center backs will be the busiest. It was a match with intense battles for the ball, so I believe that since I was entrusted with the role of center back, I had to give it my all.
Q: How do you feel about the future?
A, whether as a center-back or a side-back, once you are on the field, you must play with all your strength in the position entrusted to you for the team to win, and I hope to contribute to the team's victory.
Q, many fans and supporters came to cheer.
I feel sorry that you came all the way to Fukuoka to support us. I want to do my best so that you can be happy in the next match against Tosu.
