<Match Review>
In the previous match, Tokyo lost to Avispa Fukuoka in an away game. This week, with only 4 days of rest, they return to their home Ajinomoto Stadium and hope to bounce back from the disappointment of the previous match.
The recent match record against Sagan Tosu, our opponent, is not good at all. In the league until last season, we had a record of 5 consecutive losses, making them a very difficult opponent for Tokyo. However, that was with our soccer style until last season. With the arrival of coach Albert Puig Ortoneda and our new style, Tokyo aims to dominate the game by possessing the ball and wants to overcome this difficulty and grab 3 points. In this season's undefeated home game, we are determined to aim for a victory in this restart match.
In the early stages, there were some moments of confusion as the opponent pressed hard from the front, but gradually we moved the ball between their lines and players, and entered their territory. In the 17th minute of the first half, we were pushed back by a counter attack, but Hotaka NAKAMURA bravely blocked a shot from the right side of the goal after being shaken by a wide play. There were times when the opponent held onto the ball and pushed us back, but also times when Tokyo broke their press and threatened their goal. In the 28th minute of the first half, we pushed the opponent into their penalty area and Leandro, with few touches, moved the ball around to find a finish. Kuryu MATSUKI received a pass for a one-two, but was brought down and won a free kick. In the 30th minute of the first half, Leandro took a direct shot from the free kick, but the ball that seemed to be heading for the corner of the goal was deflected by the crossbar. In the 34th minute of the first half, Kensuke NAGAI showed off his individual skills on the touchline and passed the ball to the opponent's goal, triggering a counter attack. Shuto ABE ran into space on the right side and crossed the ball in a negative direction near the touchline. Kuryu MATSUKI made a one-touch finish, but the opponent's goalkeeper made a fine save. In the 43rd minute of the second half, we were under attack and a cross from the right side found Naoto IINO in front of the goal, but Jakub SWIERCZYNSKI somehow managed to stretch his arm and change the trajectory of the ball with his fingertips, making a super save to keep it out of the goal.
Both teams took advantage of their positions and pushed each other, while also incorporating counterattacks depending on the situation. The lead changed rapidly as the game reached its halfway point.
A pinch comes in the second half. Slowik, who couldn't handle the back pass from his teammate, handles the ball with his hand before it flows into the goal, giving away an indirect free kick from the goal area. Slowik saves the opponent's free kick from a close distance and avoids danger. In order to change the flow that has become somewhat stagnant, Tokyo substitutes Diego Oliveira, Adailton, and Kazuya Konno in the 14th minute of the second half. In the 23rd minute, Matsuki sends a perfect pass to the front line in a counterattack opportunity. Adailton breaks through and takes a precise shot from the left diagonal position of the goal, but the ball hits the right post and goes off target. Set pieces become the turning point as both teams struggle to find a breakthrough in front of the goal. In the 36th minute of the second half, a free kick is given near the penalty area from a corner kick, and Yuki Horigome scores in the right corner to give the opponent the lead. Tokyo also tries to counterattack and create chances until the end, but they are unable to score and the game ends.
In this season, against a team that has only one loss so far, we didn't back down at all in the game and even created chances that were denied by the post twice. However, we keenly felt the weight of the one goal we lost from a set piece. Although it is a season where we are pursuing the growth of the team, we want to stop our losing streak. We want to mature our style even more for the next match against Júbilo Iwata.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, please review today's game.
A, In terms of soccer, the team has further understood the concept of holding the ball and has expressed it on the pitch. We can see growth there. We can see that they are gradually gaining confidence in playing with the ball, and they were able to create multiple decisive chances. There are still some nerves in the finishing zone, and there are areas for improvement in terms of playing more relaxed.
On the defensive side, I think we did well. We gave a few chances to Tosu, but they were not very dangerous. Football is sometimes affected by elements other than football itself. Of course, Tosu's goal came from a great shot. But for today, I think the result was influenced by non-football elements.
In the professional world we are in, results are highly valued, and I understand that as well. If we were to win today, everyone would appreciate that the team has grown dramatically. On the other hand, if we were to lose the game, even if the same game was played, the team would be evaluated as having stopped growing. We expected to have difficult and challenging games in our first season. Today, I don't think we played poorly enough to deserve a loss. In the sport of soccer, playing well does not always guarantee a win, and playing poorly does not always guarantee a loss. I understand that there are various factors that can affect the outcome of a game, and that non-soccer elements can also have an impact on the result. Looking back on today's game, I would like to evaluate that the players played with more confidence and took care of the ball more than usual, and that the team has taken a step forward.
Q, Today we used Okazaki as a starter, but please tell us the reason why he was not used in the Fukuoka match. Also, please tell us the reason for Nagatomo's absence.
A, Regarding the Fukuoka match, we selected players based on the fact that Fukuoka is strong in aerial battles. We chose (Ryoya) OGAWA because we believe he can better handle Fukuoka's strong physical forwards in aerial battles.
And regarding today's match, I thought it was a game where we should value the ball more. Today, Okazaki responded to expectations and played particularly well on the attacking side. As for areas for improvement, he tended to play with a calmness and use long balls too often, but today he improved on that and contributed to the attack with a good balance.
Regarding Nagatomo, I took him out of the lineup as a precaution because he felt uncomfortable during the Fukuoka game. I don't think it's a serious injury. I hope he will be ready for the next game against Iwata.
Q, Why do you not change the members even though Tokyo has fixed three players in the midfield?
A, (Matsuki) Kuryu and Abe are both young players. For young players, we want to encourage growth with a long-term perspective rather than short-term goals. Kuryu has been steadily growing in response to our expectations. There are still areas for improvement, such as not being settled at the right timing, but I believe he will continue to grow, including in those areas.
Kusei and Abe are both playing with a high intensity. Their play has become a key factor in the quick transition between offense and defense, which has been a major weapon for the start of the season.
In terms of Aoki, he has been able to play with stability as a one-lunch in the 4-3-3 system, so we continue to value his use.
Q, Why did you choose to use Matsuki as a player who played mostly on the left side of the midfield until last season, and switch him to the right side?
A, regarding the two positions of inside half, we give them freedom. However, it is more natural for right-handed players to play as right inside half and left-handed players to play as left inside half, as it makes it easier to expand the attack to both sides. On the other hand, when using a right-handed player on the left and a left-handed player on the right, it gives us more time to push the opponent and in cases where the left-handed player plays as right inside half and cuts in to shoot with their left foot, it is more effective to use them on the opposite side of their dominant foot. In any case, if we divide the pitch into three sections, we tell the players to play more freely in the final third of the pitch.
If we talk about today's match results, I think there were many games in the first 10 games of this season where we went straight to the goal at a fast pace. While doing that, I think the team is gradually adapting to changes in playing style and growing.
As we aim for a high possession rate in the way we expect, it is natural to lose in the growth stage. There were many difficult matches in the first season in Niigata. And now, in the season after I left, Niigata is playing well and competing for the top spot.
In the world of soccer, the focus is on match results. One option was to continue in Niigata and improve the team's completion level, but I am interested in challenging myself with something new and building something new. I want to put my energy into building something new at this club.
I am very happy that our fans and supporters are patiently supporting the team. I think Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool FC) is a great coach. There is no doubt that he is one of the greatest coaches in the world. Do you know how many seasons he has been leading the team? Of course, everyone expects to win the game and I am also a person who wants to win. However, I believe that the direction we are aiming for will lead us to even greater success if we take our time. So, we want to continue on this path.
[Player Interview]
<Makoto OKAZAKI>
Q, What preparations have you made between the Fukuoka match and this Tosu match?
A, I watched the Fukuoka game on DAZN because I was not on the team. While Ogawa was playing as a center back, I felt that I couldn't lose in the connecting part and personally, there were many things that didn't go well this season, so I am grateful for the opportunity I received at this timing and I wanted to win today because it was a chance to look back.
The training period was not long, but since the players around me did not change much, I was able to easily enter the game because I had been watching from the outside how I could choose to play to make the team roll in a better direction. I have been focusing on practicing while keeping in mind what Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA says and also showing my strengths.
Q, How much were you able to express what you envisioned in the game, including build-up?
A, Although it wasn't as good as I thought, I think it's a bit of a positive element that we only conceded one goal from a free kick in the end.
I felt that I needed to pass more and improve the accuracy of my side changes in order to compete with players like Morishige and Henrique. That's why I didn't want to lose today and I'm disappointed because I was betting on today's match.
What the coach is looking for from daily practice, and I think that practice leads to the game, is just whether we can improve the quality there. Today, there was a chance to play in the game, but I hope we can approach it with a sense of crisis and show our goodness from practice.
Q, What kind of communication did you have with Matsuki and Aoki during the game?
A, I didn't talk about anything special. I played with Matsuki and knew his characteristics, so we talked about covering each other and the minimum lineup. Aoki was told to play normally. He was in a good position and moved so much as an anchor, so it was easy to pass and we played by communicating and confirming adjustments in defense and attack.
Q, Was there any instruction for the indirect free kick scene in the second half?
A, I don't remember many scenes like that in my soccer career, so in that situation, with all the players on the line and not knowing how the Tosu players would come, I thought that Kubo could stop them and we just played to make sure we weren't passed through in a straight line. I did get a yellow card, but I think we were able to concentrate and play agilely, and it was a difficult situation but I think we were able to defend it. That's why I felt it was a waste to concede a direct free kick from the opponent.
Q, How do you balance the ball that is placed in front of Okazaki's characteristics and the long ball that connects to the front line?
From coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, I am always told about that point, and I also tend to aim for the next one if I can pass through the front line. I believe it will be a chance if the pass is successful. The coach tells me to make decisions while observing the situation during the 90 minutes. I hope to be able to make decisions while showing my own characteristics and observing the whole.
<Hotaka NAKAMURA>
Q, started as a right back. This is the position that Nagatomo is being used in, how do you evaluate today's play including the relationship with the wing players?
A, If I can create time for myself as the opponent's formation and pressing, and if I can hold the ball in a good condition, I can lure out the opponent's wing back and left shadow player, and make a vertical pass to quickly bypass their pressure and also overlap with my speed. If Kensuke NAGAI or Keita YAMASHITA are in a good condition, I thought we could quickly turn the tables on Sagan Tosu's defense and gain momentum in our attack. So, while looking at the positions of the shadow and wing, I wanted to take my position and be a lubricant for the team.
Q, I think you stood out more in the part of moving and carrying the ball rather than defense, but it seemed like you were following the principles of positional play after Konno entered in the second half.
A, as a feeling... In the league game, it was my first time starting in the starting lineup, and I have been used as a substitute in many games before. The role given to me when starting from the beginning and when coming in as a substitute is different. Sometimes I can challenge and succeed in the game, but there are also many errors. I immediately organize each one in the game and try not to make the same mistake next time. I also have to think about why I was able to do it right away and make it my own. I spend every day practicing in this environment.
Until now, while watching from the bench, I have been thinking about my own ideas and watching Nagatomo's play, thinking about what I would do and learning a lot from Nagatomo's play. So, I am gradually challenging myself with what I have in mind, and there are still many things I need to work on. We are currently losing 0-1, so I think it is meaningless if I cannot become a player who can win. I need to become a player who can make people think, "It's okay even without Nagatomo, because (Hotaka) NAKAMURA is here."
Q, Sent a good pass to Leandro. I think it was as planned, but how do you feel?
A, I also thought that if I could take a good position, I could pull out the opponent's wing, and there would be space for me to break through with a one-two. It was the part where the image became a reality. I think I've widened my range in terms of how to peel off the press. I want to be able to send balls with more accuracy and create more chances.
Q, as a team, we haven't been able to score as much as we would like in the league. Even though we have created many chances today, the impression is that most of our attacks came from the sides. Coach Albert Puig Ortoneda has mentioned about attacking from the center, what do you think about the players who start the build-up?
A, I think it's objectively true that we lacked disruption in the center and couldn't score the final point. Even within our team, not being able to score at the end is something that comes up when we discuss it among ourselves.
Of course, it is natural to hold the ball carefully in positional play, but it is not positional play for the sake of positional play, but positional play to score points. Players are also talking about not being afraid to take risks with vertical passes or attacking plays, as the opponent is not afraid to do so.
I think it's the wall we're hitting and we're struggling, so the results aren't coming, but we need to push ourselves to play more positional plays in practice to score more goals. Communication is happening within the team, so I want to continue.
Q, I think that players like Yamashita and the substituted Diego player didn't have many chances to touch the ball, is that because of what you just talked about earlier?
A, in terms of attacking positioning, if we don't take risks and make vertical passes to the forwards, we won't see any movement from the third player. It's important for the passer to see that and also for the forward player to be in the right position. It's not just a problem with the passer, so we need better communication within the team. Just because we solve one problem doesn't mean everything is solved, so we have to talk among the players and work on it. It may take time, but we are also in the middle of trying various things, so please be patient with us.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, please review today's game.
A, In the previous match, our start was not good, so today we made an effort to enter the game with everyone's awareness and I think it was good. There were some times when we were pushed back, but we were able to withstand it by concentrating and there were also parts where we were able to do what we aimed for in the second half, so it's a shame that the result didn't come with us.
Q, Today, Hotaka NAKAMURA joined as the right back. Did you have any specific strategies when playing with NAKAMURA?
A, There was a part where Nagatomo-san would move me with his voice. I also have parts where I use my voice, but since he was pulling me, today I was conscious of moving Nakamura-san.
I think we were able to build a good relationship overall, and I think we did well playing together from the start, which was our first time.
Q, I think KIMOTO needs to play with leadership when considering today's defense line, so please review your own play.
Without players like Nagatomo and Morishige, I think there were things I could have done better, and I felt the importance of having players who can lead the team again.
I realized in these two games that it's not enough to just be pulled along, so I want to play with more self-awareness, grow, and make plays that will help the team win.
Q, after recovering from the 5 goals we conceded in the previous match, we are now in a situation where we only need to focus on winning. Can you share your enthusiasm for the next game?
A, I think we were able to prove today that we can make adjustments in terms of individual concentration and emotions. We need to continue this and also make sure we don't concede any goals from set pieces. Most importantly, we need to focus on getting results.
We aim to focus on results and continue to grow, so in the next game, we want to achieve a victory as a result.
<Kensuke NAGAI>
Q, How was the 90-minute reflection?
It was an important game where we had to make sure to score when we had the chance and take the lead firmly.
Q, I think we were able to launch quick attacks after taking the opponent's ball.
There is a soccer that the coach is aiming for, which is to value the ball and score within it. I feel that it is important to build up one by one in order to advance as a team.
There were also scenes where the center was broken while effectively using the sides.
A, I want to increase the number of times. I want to be able to break through and finish well, so I want to build up the attacking pattern after pushing in. There are many tasks that I need to do more.
Q, how was the cooperation with the members changed a little from the previous match?
A, I want to focus on finishing and scoring goals because we are doing well in that aspect.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the next game.
A, we want to make sure we can get 3 points next time by preparing well from practice.
