TOKYOism

<Match Review>
This season's Levain Cup has already been eliminated in the group stage, and today's match was the final match. The home team, Ajinomoto Stadium, will face Avispa Fukuoka, who needs 3 points to advance to the playoffs. They have faced each other twice this season, and Tokyo has lost both times. For Tokyo, this will be a match where they want to repay their debt at home.

As coach Alber has stated, in this match, young players and players with limited playing time in the league were lined up in the starting lineup. Kojiro Yasuda made his first professional start. Renta Higashi and Naoki Kumata, who are registered as U-18 players, also started, and Kanta Doi made his first appearance on the bench. Yuta Arai, who is set to join the team next season, also made the squad for the first time since the match against Jubilo Iwata on March 15.

As the game progressed with both teams sharing possession of the ball, Tokyo gradually pushed their opponents back after the 25th minute of the first half. Towards the end of the first half, they were able to maintain possession in the vital area and create a thick attack by recovering second balls. However, they were unable to finish their chances and the game remained 0-0 at halftime.

Tokyo continues to dominate possession in the second half. They are struggling to break through the opponent's defensive block as they push forward. In the 26th minute of the second half, they create a chance from a set piece. Renta HIGASHI heads in a corner kick from the left side, but the shot is saved by the opponent's goalkeeper. Tokyo continues to push forward without giving the opponent a chance to counterattack, constantly searching for a way to score. In the final minutes, Hirotaka MITA breaks through into the penalty area, but is unable to find the back of the net. The game ends in a 0-0 draw.

Although we were unable to secure a victory, the young players expressed the team's playing style firmly, while the veteran players supported them. As we continue to strengthen our unity as a team, our constant pressure towards the goal will serve as a positive factor for the league match. This was a match where we gained confidence as we prepare for the upcoming match against Kashiwa Reysol in just two days.

[Interview with Coach Albert]

Q, please review the game.
A, Today, I would like to reflect on the growth of our young players in particular. In the first 10-15 minutes, the young players were unable to adapt to the pace of the game and it was a chaotic time. Although the opponent did not create any chances, I don't think we were able to play as we expected. If we continue to lose the ball easily in unnecessary situations, we cannot play as we expect. Of course, in the zone close to the opponent's goal, the attacking zone, we need to take bold risks. However, until we get closer to that zone, we need to play more accurately and carefully.
Mori Shige standing on the pitch after a long time, and with a 17-year-old player playing next to him, it's natural that it was difficult to get into the rhythm of the game. And there was also the intention to try (Keigo) Higashi as a defensive midfielder.

Due to various reasons, we were unable to build up from the back in a good shape for the first 10-15 minutes. However, I think the game progressed in a different way after that. We were able to create two clear chances in the first half alone. And I think we showed good play at various points at the tempo we expected. Mori Shige, who returned from injury, was planned to play only 45 minutes to regain his match fitness, so he was substituted at halftime. I think it was a good performance for 45 minutes, and it led to the next appearance.

There were several dangerous players on the bench for Fukuoka. In order to support 17-year-old Renta HIGASHI when these dangerous players were brought on in the second half, the center back was changed to three. It is still difficult for a 17-year-old center back to face Lukian. Therefore, the system was changed to three center backs in order to cover any mistakes that may occur. However, I understand that the system is not particularly important. The most important thing is the playing style, and I think we were able to express ourselves well even with a change in position. I think the young players were able to adapt well to the changing situation. We were able to create some chances in the second half and even had some opportunities for a penalty kick. Of course, this is not meant to criticize the referee.

In the second half, there was a long period of time where three 17-year-old players were on the pitch at the same time. I think Fukuoka had many key players in the team. It is worth noting that the young players, despite facing a tough opponent, boldly displayed their individuality. In that sense, I am proud of the young players who were on the pitch. Also, veterans Keigo Higashi, Mita, and Kodama deserve credit for supporting the young players' bold play.
It was a match where we could highly evaluate that our academy is able to develop players well. When I was the academy director at FC Barcelona, I had a similar situation. If there are talented players among the young players, we must give them a chance. As long as I am with FC Tokyo, I want to give more and more opportunities to young players with talent.

Q, Please evaluate Keigo HIGASHI as an anchor player.
A, he was playing well. Of course, I think he is a player with strengths in attack, and I think he can contribute on the defensive side as well. When watching his play during training, I evaluated not only his technical skills, but also his ability to distribute the ball well. He can also contribute on defense in aerial battles. He also has the strength of being able to position himself well. For these various reasons, I wanted to try him out as a defensive midfielder, and I think the tryout went well. We can now say that we have one more option for a defensive midfielder.
I told him directly, but our holding midfielder's role is not to run himself, but to make Shuto ABE and Kuryu MATSUKI in front of him run and maintain balance. The holding midfielder behind the inside half is a player who can give the team composure. In that sense, players like Aoki or Keigo HIGASHI have those strengths. I think Keigo HIGASHI as a holding midfielder today can give a good performance.

Q, What kind of attitude do you want to see from young players in the future, now that the Levain Cup, which has given them a chance, has ended?
A, I would like to continue looking for opportunities to give young players a chance. It will be difficult to give many chances to young players in the league. However, training with the top team and participating in training matches set by the top team can also be a great opportunity for growth. I would like to continue giving young players a chance and promoting their growth in this way.

The Levain Cup does not guarantee 10 games at first. It is a format where teams play 6 games in the group stage and then advance to the playoffs. When advancing, many coaches may choose to use more experienced players rather than young players in order to aim for a higher position. In that sense, it cannot be said that young players will definitely have more opportunities if they advance.

Since it was a good question, I came up with a good idea. For example, as an improvement plan for the Levain Cup, how about having the group stage played by more teams? And, what about adding a rule that at least 5 U-23 players must be used as starters? There is no reserve league in Japan. In that sense, I think it is necessary to promote the growth of young players.

[Player Interview] 
＜Keigo HIGASHI＞

Q, What were you expected to do by the coach when you entered the game as a defensive midfielder?
A, First of all, there was a discussion about wanting the young players to lead the team because there were many of them. Rather than specific instructions, we were asked to be conscious of not disrupting the position balance as much as possible.

Q, I think you played a central role by paying attention to both the front and back for 90 minutes while the members and formation changed in the league match.
A, I will be starting as a defensive midfielder for the first time today and there are challenges, but I want to play to my strengths and fight for the team to win no matter what position I am in.

Q, where do you want to further improve as an individual from here?
A, I think I can make decisive passes even as a defensive midfielder, and I think that is one of my strengths. In terms of defense, I am not originally a defensive player, so I think I need to increase my intensity and crisis awareness. I am 32 years old this year, but I still want to grow and become better, and I am learning a lot from the new coach, so I want to absorb more and contribute to victory when the next opportunity comes.

Q, how was the feeling of playing as a defensive midfielder?
A, a position with a large role in risk management and ball retrieval, and I think I've been able to do it a few times. After that, I want to improve while playing by adjusting my position and practicing my reading skills.
In terms of distribution, I think it is a position that creates circulation for the team by improving the accuracy of kicks and vertical passes, so there were parts that I could do and parts that I could not do, but I think it was good that I was able to play for 90 minutes as a defensive midfielder. The condition is good, and I have been able to play well since practice, so I want to continue to meet the expectations of the coach.

Q, I think it was a good hint for other players to make a vertical pass if they have the ball in a positive state while the ball is moving well.
A, I think it is necessary for the midfielder to make vertical passes even when the opponent is creating a block and defending, in order to break the block and make use of the players around. And not just limited to the position, I want to increase the scenes where we can break through with more combinations as a team.

Q, U-18 player Kumada made his first professional starting appearance, and with many young players playing, are there any areas for improvement?
A, I haven't been able to practice with the U-18 players in particular, but I think they are players who can show their goodness if they can distribute the ball, so it's important for those around them to support and bring out their potential.

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<Manato SHINADA>

Q, What requests did Coach Albert make to player Shinaida during today's game, as he has stated that the Levain Cup is a place for developing young players?
At the pre-match meeting, there were two instructions given to Watanabe and myself as inside halves: "Run as many kilometers as you can" and "Be bold and play your game" as well as two instructions for the younger players: "Be bold and play your game" and "Be bold and play your game".

Q, I always have the image of calmly distributing the ball, but today there were a lot of dynamic plays. How did it feel?
A, there was also a scene where I could say it was my best chance of the day, from carrying it myself to shooting in the first half, and I'm disappointed that I couldn't score there, and I think I won't be chosen in the J1 league games if I don't get results. However, I think it was good that I was able to put it into shape because I had been playing with that kind of play in the practice games so far.

Q: Did you get a feel for playing inside half during today's match?
A, Coach Albert's way of doing things also had promises, and while thinking, we played, but before the game, as we were told, we entered the game with the idea of playing freely, keeping in mind that young players should play with all their might. I think we were able to show our strengths in connecting and attacking.

Did you have the awareness of trying to lead the team, despite there being many players from the Q and U-18 teams and academy?
A, I also thought it was my last chance today, so I didn't have the luxury of leading the team, but it was easy to do.

Q, We saw a spirited play from the start of the game. Can you tell us about your mindset going into today's match?
A, I hadn't been involved in the game so far, so I approached this game with the feeling that if I couldn't do it this time, there would be no next time. I wanted to create a strong mindset and leave some numbers, but I think I was able to express my play a little bit.

Q, I didn't lose my motivation until the end.
A, wearing the FC Tokyo emblem is the bare minimum, and since last season I have been wearing the number 18, I wanted to achieve results both as an individual and as a team, taking into account those aspects.

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<Renta HIGASHI>

Q: How was it playing for 90 minutes in a professional match?
A, Today, I was able to play alongside my admired player, Morishige, and it was the biggest experience for me so far. Morishige is a player who has fought in the world, so I wanted to learn everything from him, even the smallest details. I am learning by watching his play closely from practice, but today, I was able to experience top-class play up close, such as drawing the opponent and expanding to the opposite side, and it was really great.
I was really bad in the first half. I made a lot of passes, but players like Higashi, Mita, and Morishige gave me a lot of encouragement, so I was able to switch and play in the second half and finish the game. I think we could have won if I had scored from Mita's good ball from the corner kick in the second half. It was also a challenge for me to finish it today.

Q, How was it to play in front of many fans and supporters at Ajinomoto Stadium?
A, Today my mother came to watch the game. She always has a lot of energy, but today she had a special feeling because it was the first time she saw me playing at Ajinomoto Stadium. She is my biggest supporter, so I wanted to play my best and live up to her expectations.

Q: How do you feel about your performance and challenges so far this season?
A, gradually, the number of challenges has increased, and I have been able to fill in those parts, but I am still not at the level of a professional, and there are also areas where I cannot compete even in U-18. I am grateful for the valuable experience I have been given, so I think I need to clarify my challenges and raise my awareness in training even more.

Q, The Levain Cup is over, and now the league games will continue. What are your thoughts and enthusiasm for the future?
We need to gain enough strength to be able to compete with players like A. Morishige and K. Kimoto, as well as Henrique, who will be returning. Although I am not yet at their level, I want to absorb and steal plays from players like Morishige in today's game, increase the number of times I do so, and eventually surpass them. My goal is not to just admire them, but to become their rival, so I will continue to work hard.

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Naoki KUMATA

Q, this was your first start with the top team. Please review the game.
A, I knew it was going to be a difficult game, but personally I was looking for a result. Of course, it's frustrating that we couldn't win, but not being able to score is the most frustrating and leaves a regret.

Q, Please tell us your thoughts on playing at Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time.
A, Many fans and supporters came and it really gave us strength, and it was an easy environment to play in.

Q, Has playing for the top team for a long time today made your future goals more realistic?
A, I will continue to train and play with 100% effort without thinking about such things, and I hope to reach this stage again.

Q, Did you find any challenges for the future after experiencing today's match?
A, the intensity of the game at U-18 level was completely different. So, not only getting used to this intensity, but also using this experience to lead the team at U-18 level is something I want to do.