<Match Review>
Tokyo, having lost to Avispa Fukuoka in the previous away game, returns home to Ajinomoto Stadium after four days. This match is an opportunity to express the frustration from the last game and to seek revenge on the score.
The recent match record against the opponent Sagan Tosu is not good at all. Until last season, the league record was five consecutive losses, making them a very difficult opponent for Tokyo. However, that was based on the playing style until last season. With the arrival of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, Tokyo is working on a new style of play, aiming to dominate the game by keeping possession of the ball and wanting to shake off that negative perception to secure three points. They approached this match, aiming for a victory in a home game where they have not lost this season, looking for a restart.
In the early stages, there were moments of panic against an opponent applying intense pressure from the front, but gradually, the team began to move the ball while positioning themselves between the opponent's lines and players, advancing into the opponent's territory. In the 17th minute of the first half, they were pushed back into their own goal area due to a counterattack, but after being stretched wide, a shot was taken just in front of the right side of the goal, which was blocked by Hotaka NAKAMURA, who put his body on the line. There were times when they were pressed and had to defend against the opponent's possession, as well as times when Tokyo broke through the pressure and pushed back towards the opponent's goal. In the 28th minute of the first half, they pushed the opponent back to the penalty area and, with Leandro at the center, moved the ball with few touches while searching for a finish. Kuryu MATSUKI, who received a pass aimed at a one-two, was fouled and earned a free kick. In the 30th minute of the first half, Leandro took a direct shot from that free kick opportunity, but the ball, which seemed to have found the corner of the goal, was deflected off the crossbar. In the 34th minute of the first half, Kensuke NAGAI utilized his individual skill near the touchline to keep the ball, triggering a counterattack towards the opponent's goal. Shuto ABE, who followed up, broke into space on the right side and delivered a cross ball towards the minus direction just before the touchline. Matsuki, who jumped in, made a one-touch attempt, but it was thwarted by a fine save from the opponent's goalkeeper. In the 43rd minute of the second half, after receiving a counterattack, a cross ball was sent in from the right side, and Naoto IINO was free in front of the goal, heading the ball, but Jakub Słowik somehow managed to keep his body in position and stretched out his arm, making a super save by deflecting the ball away from the goal with his fingertips.
Both teams utilized their positional advantages to push each other back, and depending on the situation, they mixed in counterattacks, resulting in a back-and-forth battle where the initiative changed rapidly as the match progressed.
A crisis arises at the start of the second half. Slowik, unable to handle a back pass from a teammate, handles the ball before it rolls into the goal, resulting in an indirect free kick from the goal area. A free kick from the opponent at close range is saved by Slowik, avoiding disaster. To change the somewhat stagnant flow, Tokyo brings on Diego OLIVEIRA, Adailton, and Kazuya KONNO in the 14th minute of the second half. In the 23rd minute, Matsuki sends an exquisite pass forward during a counterattack. Adailton breaks free and takes a well-aimed shot from a diagonal position to the left of the goal, but the ball hits the right post and goes wide. Both teams carry the ball towards the goal but lack the finishing touch, making set plays the turning point. In the 36th minute of the second half, a free kick is awarded near the penalty area from a corner kick situation, allowing Yuki HORIGOME to score into the bottom right corner, giving up the first goal. Tokyo also launched a counterattack and created a chance to finish, but they were unable to shake the net and the match ended.
In a match against a team that has only one loss this season, we did not back down at all during the game and even created opportunities that were thwarted by the post twice, making it a match where we felt the weight of the one goal lost from a set piece. Although this season is about pursuing the team's growth, we want to stop the losing streak. As we head into the next match against Júbilo Iwata, we want to further mature our style.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review today's game.
In terms of soccer, the team has further understood the importance of maintaining possession of the ball and expressed that on the pitch. Growth was observed there. They are gradually gaining confidence to play well while holding the ball. Additionally, they were able to create several decisive chances. However, there are still areas where they are nervous in the finishing zone, and there are points for improvement that require them to play more relaxed.
I think we did well defensively. Although we allowed Tosu to create a few chances, they were not particularly dangerous. Sometimes in soccer, elements other than soccer can significantly influence the outcome of a match. Of course, Tosu's goal came from a wonderful shot. However, regarding today, I believe the result was influenced by factors outside of soccer.
The professional world we are in places great importance on results, and I understand that as well. If we had achieved victory today, everyone would evaluate that the team has dramatically grown. On the other hand, when we lose a match, even if the match content is the same, the team is often evaluated as having stopped growing. We anticipated that there would be tough and difficult matches in our first season. I believe that we did not play in a way that deserved to lose today. In the sport of soccer, playing in a way that deserves victory does not guarantee a win, and playing in a way that deserves to lose does not guarantee a loss. Various factors influence the match results, and I fully understand that aspects outside of soccer can also affect the outcome. Reflecting on today's match, I would like to evaluate that the players played with more confidence than usual and took care of the ball, which indicates that the team has taken a step forward.
Q: Today, you used player Okazaki, but can you tell us the reason for not using him in the Fukuoka match? Also, please explain the reason for player Nagatomo's absence.
Regarding the match against Fukuoka, we selected players considering that Fukuoka is strong in aerial battles. I thought that Ryoya OGAWA would be better suited to handle the aerial challenges against Fukuoka's physically strong forwards, so I chose him.
Regarding today's match, I thought it was a game where we should value the ball more. Today, Okazaki played well, especially in the attacking aspect, meeting expectations. His areas for improvement include playing calmly and relying too much on long balls, but today he improved on that and contributed to the attack with a good balance.
Regarding Nagatomo, he felt discomfort during the Fukuoka match, so we excluded him from the lineup just to be safe. I don't think it's a serious injury. I hope he will be ready for the next match against Iwata.
Q: Tokyo has fixed the three midfield players, but what is the reason for not changing the members?
A, Kuryu MATSUKI and Abe are both young players. I want to encourage their growth with a long-term perspective rather than short-term goals. Kuryu is growing steadily in response to expectations. There are areas for improvement, such as not being calm at the right moments yet, but I believe he will continue to grow, including in that regard.
Kuu and Abe are playing with very high intensity. Their play is an important factor in the quick transition between offense and defense, which has become a significant weapon at the start of the season.
Regarding Aoki, he has been able to play with stability as a single defensive midfielder in the 4-3-3 system, so we continue to value and utilize him.
Q: Abe played mostly on the left side of midfield until last season, but what is the intention behind swapping him and Matsuki?
Regarding the two positions of inside half, we give them freedom. However, I believe it is more natural for a right-footed player to play as the right inside half and for a left-footed player to play as the left inside half, as it makes it easier to develop attacks to the left and right. On the other hand, when using a right-footed player on the left and a left-footed player on the right, it tends to allow for longer periods of pressing the opponent. If a left-footed player plays as the right inside half and frequently cuts in to shoot with their left foot, I think utilizing them on the opposite side of their dominant foot can be effective. In any case, if we divide the pitch into three parts, we communicate to the players that they can play more freely in the final third, the finishing zone.
If we are to talk about today's match results, I think there were many matches at the beginning of this season where we quickly moved straight towards the goal. While doing that, I believe the team is gradually adapting to changes in their playing style and growing.
I believe that it is natural to lose matches at this stage of growth as we aim for a high possession rate of play that we expect. In Niigata, there were many difficult matches in the first season. And now, in the season after I left, Niigata is performing well and competing for the top position.
In the world of football, match results are what draws attention. Continuing in Niigata to enhance the team's completeness was one option, but I am interested in challenging myself with something new and building something new. I want to invest my energy into building something new at this club.
I am very happy that the fans and supporters are patiently supporting the team. I believe Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool FC is a great manager. There is no doubt that he is one of the greatest managers in the world. Do you know how many seasons he has been leading the team? Of course, everyone expects to win matches, and I am someone who wants to win as well. However, I believe that the direction we are aiming for will lead to greater success by taking our time. Therefore, we want to continue on this path.
[Player Interview]
＜Makoto OKAZAKI＞
Q: What kind of preparations have you made between the Fukuoka match and this Tosu match?
A, I was watching the Fukuoka match on DAZN since I was not in the squad. While player Ogawa was playing as a center-back, I felt that I must not lose in the connecting part. Personally, I have faced more challenges this season, so I am grateful for the opportunity I received at this timing, and since a chance to prove myself has come, I definitely wanted to win today.
The practice period was not long, but since the surrounding players have not changed much in the lineup, I had been observing from the outside how to choose my plays to lead the team in a better direction, so it was easier to get into the matches. I focused on practicing while adhering to what Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has been saying, while also bringing out my own strengths.
Q: How much of what you envisioned for the match, including the build-up, were you able to express?
A, it wasn't as good as I thought, but I think the fact that we only conceded one goal from a free kick is a somewhat positive aspect.
I felt that I needed to make more passes, and I also need to improve the accuracy of my switches to the sides; otherwise, I don't think I can compete with players like Morishige and Henrique. That's why I really didn't want to lose today, and I'm frustrated because I was betting on today's match.
I believe that what the coach is asking for from our daily practice is connected to the matches, so I think it’s just a matter of whether we can improve the quality there. Today, I had the opportunity to play in the match, and I hope to approach practice with a sense of urgency and bring out my strengths.
Q: What kind of encouragement did you give to players like Kimoto and Aoki while playing?
A, we haven't talked about anything particularly special. Since I know Matsuki's characteristics from playing together, we discussed covering each other and maintaining the minimum lineup. Aoki was told to just play normally. He was in a good position, and since he moved so much as an anchor, it was easy to pass to him, and we communicated and confirmed adjustments in defense and attack while playing.
Q: Were there any instructions during the indirect free kick scene in the second half?
A, I hardly remember scenes like that in my football life, so in that moment, with everyone standing on the line and not knowing how the Tosu players would approach, I thought that if it was Kubo, he could stop it. We were just playing in a straight line to avoid being passed under. I did receive a yellow card, but I believe I was able to play with focus and agility, and although it was a difficult situation, I think we managed to defend well. That's why I felt that the opponent's direct free kick (that led to the goal) was a waste.
Q: What are your thoughts on the balance of balls played in front of player Okazaki and long balls that connect to the front line?
A, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has always mentioned this point, and I sometimes find myself aiming for the next pass if I manage to get one through the front line. I believe that if the pass goes through, it creates a chance. The coach has told me to make those judgments based on the situation throughout the 90 minutes. I hope to be able to make judgments while showcasing my own characteristics and considering the overall play.
<Hotaka NAKAMURA>
Q: You started as a right back. Although this position is occupied by player Nagatomo, how do you evaluate today's play, including your relationship with the winger?
A, if I can create time in my area based on the opponent's formation and pressing style, and if I can hold the ball in a good condition, I can draw out the opponent's wing-backs and left shadow players, slip through their pressure with vertical passes, and also overlap with speed. I thought that if Kensuke NAGAI and Keita YAMASHITA were in good condition, we could turn the game around against Tosu's defense and gain momentum in our attack. Therefore, while observing the positions of the shadows and wings, I hoped to take my position and become the lubricant for the team.
Q: I think you stood out more in moving the ball rather than in defense, but it seemed like after Konno entered in the second half, you were following the principles of positional play.
As for my feeling... This was my first time starting in a league match, and until now, I have often been used as a substitute. The roles I have when starting from the beginning and when coming on as a substitute are different. During the match, there are times when I challenge myself and things go well, but there are also many errors. I need to quickly organize each of those during the match, avoid making the next mistake, and think about why I was able to do it at that moment. I have to make it my own, and I am spending every day in practice with that in mind.
Until now, I have been watching from the bench, thinking about my own ideas and how I would play if I were in Yuto Nagatomo's position. There are many things I can learn from his play, so I need to gradually challenge myself with what I envision. There are still many issues to address, and since we are currently losing 0-1, I believe it is meaningless unless I become a player who can help us win. I need to reach a point where people can think, even without Yuto Nagatomo, that Hotaka NAKAMURA is here, so we will be fine.
Q: I sent a good pass to Leandro at the right moment. I think it was as intended, but how do you feel about it?
If I can take a good position, I thought there would be space to draw out the opponent's winger or to make a one-two and break through. This was where my image took shape. I think I've broadened my understanding of how to break the press. I want to improve my accuracy and be able to send balls that lead to more chances.
Q: As a team, we haven't been able to score as we would like in the league matches. Even today, while we created many chances, it felt like there were a lot of attacks from the sides. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has mentioned attacks from the center, but how do you see the players who start the build-up?
A, I think it is objectively true that there was a lack of central breakdown and we couldn't score in the end. Even among ourselves, the inability to score in the end is something that comes up in our discussions.
Of course, it's natural to value ball possession in positional play, but it's not positional play for the sake of positional play; it's positional play to score goals. If we don't take risks with vertical passes or aggressive plays, the opponent won't feel pressured, so it's become a topic of discussion among the players that we need to approach this without fear.
I think we are facing a wall, and although we are struggling and not getting the results, we need to delve deeper into positional play to score more goals during practice. Communication within the team is developing, so I want to continue that.
Q: I think players like Yamashita and the substituted Diego had very few opportunities to touch the ball. Could what we discussed earlier be a factor?
A, it's not that we are not in a positional attack, but unless we can take some risks and play vertical passes to the forwards, movements involving the third player won't emerge either. It's important for the passer to be able to see that, and it's not just about whether the forward players are dropping into the right positions; communication within the team needs to improve as well. Solving one issue doesn't mean everything is resolved, so we have to work through this by talking among the players. It may take time, but we are also in the process of trying various things, so I hope you can be patient with us.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, please review today's game.
In the last match, we didn't start well, so today we all focused on entering the game with that in mind, and I think that was good. There were times when we were pushed back a bit, but everyone was able to concentrate and endure, and there were parts in the second half where we executed our plan as intended, so it's unfortunate that the results didn't follow.
Q: Today, Hotaka NAKAMURA played as the right back. Is there anything you were conscious of while partnering with NAKAMURA?
During Nagatomo's time, there were parts where he moved me with his voice. There are parts where I also raise my voice, but I was being led, so today I focused on moving Nakamura.
I think we had a good overall relationship, and considering it was our first time playing together from the start, I believe we did well.
Q, considering today's defense line, I think Kimoto needs to play with leadership, but please review your own performance.
With neither Nagatomo nor Morishige present, I believe there were more things I could have done, and I felt once again the significance of having players who can lead the team.
I really felt in these two matches that it's not enough to just be pulled along, so I want to play with more self-awareness, grow, and play in a way that helps my team win.
Q: After recovering from the 5 goals conceded in the last match, it seems that the only thing left is victory. Please share your enthusiasm for the next match.
I believe we were able to prove today that we can make adjustments in terms of each individual's concentration and mindset. We need to continue this, and although we conceded a goal from a set piece, we must keep a clean sheet, and above all, we must focus on the results.
Our goal this season is to grow by focusing on results, so I want to bring a victory in the next match.
<Kensuke NAGAI>
Q: How did you feel after reflecting on the 90 minutes?
I think it was an important match where we had to capitalize on our chances and secure the first goal.
Q: I think we were able to launch a quick attack after stealing the opponent's ball.
A, I wanted to score within the style of football that the coach aims for, which emphasizes taking good care of the ball. I feel that it is important for the team to progress by building up step by step.
Q: There were scenes where we effectively used the sides to break through the center.
A, I want to increase that number. There are moments when we can break through and finish well, so I want to be able to do that more and build patterns of attack after pushing forward. There are many challenges that we need to tackle.
Q: The lineup has changed a bit since the last match, how was the teamwork?
I can reach the finish, so I want to focus on scoring goals and play accordingly.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the next match.
A, I want to prepare well in practice so that we can secure 3 points next time.
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