Match Review
In the previous match, Tokyo achieved a 3-0 victory at home against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, marking their first win in four league matches. However, in the last match, they lost 0-3 in an away game against Urawa Reds, ending their winning streak. There was a moment when Kuryu MATSUKI's powerful free kick hit the post, but they were unable to break through for a goal.
This match returns home, and with the support of fans and supporters, we want to achieve both quality and results to earn 3 points. Our opponent is Júbilo Iwata, with whom we will face off for the fourth time this season, including the Levain Cup. Tokyo has not yet secured a victory against Iwata in the previous three matches, with 1 draw and 2 losses, struggling against their solid defense that fills spaces and their dynamic counterattacks. We aim to move the ball patiently, exploit gaps in the opponent's defensive organization to score goals, and speed up the transition from attack to defense to apply counter-pressing, while preemptively neutralizing counterattacks and launching a robust offensive to seize control.
1st HALF - Taking the lead with two quick goals
The match started with a bang. In the 4th minute of the first half, a free kick opportunity was gained near the right side of the penalty area, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE delivered a fast ball. The ball, which the opposing defender failed to clear at the near post, rose high in front of the goal. Yasuki KIMOTO, predicting the drop point, won the contest against the opposing goalkeeper and headed the ball into the net, giving Tokyo the lead.
After taking the lead, Tokyo continued to maintain possession of the ball, building attacks in the opponent's half. With Leandro at the center, there were many opportunities to play facing the goal in the vital area, while inside midfielders Shuto ABE and Matsuki made runs behind the defense, but the final pass was just a step off.
While pushing into the penalty area but unable to create a chance, an unexpected opportunity arises. In the 14th minute of the first half, Leandro applies pressure on the opponent's goalkeeper's back pass. Although he couldn't take the ball away, the goalkeeper's pass goes to Ryoma WATANABE's feet. Watanabe brings the ball into the penalty area and takes a ground shot, which goes under the opponent's goalkeeper and into the goal. Tokyo scores an additional goal starting from a strong press from the front line.
In the 19th minute of the first half, Kazuya KONNO carried the ball deep into the penalty area, but the pass sent to the front of the goal was just slightly off target and cleared. After that, there were times when they couldn't find their rhythm, giving the opponent opportunities to attack due to their own mistakes, but towards the end of the first half, they maintained possession of the ball and pressed the opponent with a varied tempo attack.
In the 42nd minute of the first half, there was a counter opportunity. Watanabe passed the ball to Matsuki inside the penalty area, but Matsuki's one-touch shot was deflected off the crossbar.
2nd HALF - Although no additional goals were scored, victory was achieved with a clean sheet
Even in the second half, Tokyo maintained possession of the ball and continued to advance the game. Even when losing the ball in a high position, the defense pushed up to maintain a compact formation, quickly regaining possession to launch secondary and tertiary attacks towards the opponent's goal. From the start, they repeatedly pressed into the opponent's penalty area, creating numerous shooting opportunities, including direct free kicks, but struggled to convert them into goals.
While maintaining possession of the ball but unable to score, they are threatened by a counterattack from Iwata. In the final stages, they defend the goal by putting their bodies on the line against an opponent that is actively trying to shoot.
Tokyo, wanting to change the flow of the game while struggling to break through, made a series of substitutions in the latter half of the second half. In the final moments of the match, Diego OLIVEIRA and Keita YAMASHITA held the ball to create space, encouraging attacks from the back, leading to a scene where Abe broke into space and delivered a cross in front of the goal. Although both teams' formations became stretched and the game opened up in the closing stages, the defenders calmly responded to Iwata's counterattacks. They secured a clean sheet with a 2-0 victory.
MATCH DETAILS
＜F.C.Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yuto NAGATOMO/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (43rd minute: Junya SUZUKI)
MF Kuryu MATSUKI/Keigo HIGASHI (36th minute: Yuki KAJIURA)/Shuto ABE
FW Kazuya KONNO (26th minute: Keiki MITA)/Ryoma WATANABE (26th minute: Diego OLIVEIRA)/Leandro (43rd minute: Keita YAMASHITA)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Renta HIGASHI
GOAL
4th minute of the first half: Kimoto/14th minute of the first half: Watanabe
<Júbilo Iwata>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Ryuki MIURA
DF Norimichi YAMAMOTO (substituted at 0 minutes: Ryo GERMAIN)/Kentarou OOI (substituted at 39 minutes: Riku MORIOKA)/Daiki OGAWA/Ricardo GRASSA
MF Rikiya UEHARA/Kosuke YAMAMOTO/Yasuhito ENDO (substituted at 20 minutes: Masaya MATSUMOTO)
FW Kotaro OMORI (substituted at 20 minutes: Mahiro YOSHINAGA)/Yuki OTSU (substituted at 20 minutes: Shota KANEKO)/Yuto SUZUKI
SUBS
GK Yuji KAJIKAWA
MF Atsushi KUROKAWA
GOAL
―
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review the game.
I believe that those in the world of professional soccer must always maintain their composure. There are wins and losses, but if one's emotions fluctuate because of that, it leads to reactions similar to those of fans and supporters.
We convey the value of the ball, but it is never easy. Just telling the players, "From today, let's play with respect for the ball," does not mean they will be able to do it immediately. They must fully understand the concept in order to express it. They need to continue to build their training, and as a coach, I must keep persuading the players. I remind them that the most wonderful way to defend is to maintain possession of the ball.
In the first half today, as I always say, the match dynamics changed significantly when the goal was scored. Fortunately, we were able to take the lead early in the first half. Although we had that opening goal, even aside from that, during the full 45 minutes of the first half, by taking the ball from the opponent and maintaining possession, we were able to suppress their attacks. Iwata has a team full of high-quality players. Therefore, if we give them the ball, they pose a very dangerous threat. I want to convey to the players the importance of maintaining possession over the course of the year, rather than being swayed by the outcome of each individual match, and I hope they will master this.
Some may wonder why sometimes we succeed and sometimes we don’t. I believe that during this growth process, our style of play has changed compared to three months ago. Some players have transferred out. We have many injured players. Veteran players accumulate fatigue due to the congested schedule. That’s why we haven’t been able to grow steadily in an upward trajectory. We hope to grow in that way, but at the start of the season, due to various factors such as COVID-19 infections, the growth process does not always follow a steady upward trend. This season, there will be good matches and matches that are not so good. For example, today, the fact that we lost possession too easily many times is an area for improvement. Not just for 45 minutes, but throughout the full 90 minutes, we want to continue conveying to the players through daily training the importance of maintaining possession. I have been communicating this since the beginning of the season. I want to continue to do so now, and I intend to repeat it again at the end of the season.
Q: In the second half, the opponent aggressively attacked with the ball, but was it ideal for the team not to rush and keep attacking?
A, I did not tell the players to aim for counterattacks. I was asking for the same play in the second half as in the first half. Of course, it would be great if we could create chances from counterattacks, and winning the ball through high pressing and attacking from there is also one of our strengths, so it is something we want to continue doing. However, what we aimed for in the second half was to play while maintaining possession of the ball, just like in the first half.
I think questions arise here. Did the players not listen to what the coach said? That is certainly not the case. To continue for a long time, more time is needed, and if the players do not truly understand it, they cannot express it for 90 minutes.
Yesterday afternoon, I was watching Albirex Niigata's play, and they were performing wonderfully. I believe many people do not know what level of play I experienced in my first season in Niigata. This is because, in the first season, there were few players who truly understood how important it is to maintain possession of the ball. While the coach who is leading this season is doing a fantastic job, I think the players have been able to play confidently and continuously perform well because they have spent three seasons with the same playing style.
As I have said many times, one of the most important tasks for me this season is to build a foundation for the team. It is to guide the players to understand the important concepts. Also, giving opportunities to young players is one of my responsibilities.
Q: I feel that the team's way of fighting has changed compared to the beginning of the season.
A, the play I can expect has started to improve since the second half of the away match against Shimizu S-Pulse. I believe we were able to play as expected during those 45 minutes. However, several players who played in that match are no longer here. Additionally, several other players are currently injured. If there had been no transfers and no injuries, I think we would be in a different situation now.
In the home match against Kashima Antlers, there were difficult moments after we scored. We were able to continue playing well in the Emperor's Cup match against Nagasaki, but unfortunately, we could not win.
And today, I think we played well in the first half. I believe we also played well in the first half of the away match against Sagan Tosu. If we can continue to grow with the same players, it would have been a different situation, but because we cannot do that, we are not able to follow the expected growth trajectory.
At the start of this season, we utilized direct play to accumulate points. If we were competing at the bottom during this mid-season period, everything would change in the world of football. Naturally, fans and supporters are seeking the team's victory. That is why we must aim for victory. Of course, the club also expects the team's success. And the players also expect to win. Ultimately, whether a play style is good or valuable is judged by whether we are winning matches, which is a common understanding in this world.
However, this season, the team did not start with players who were all accustomed to this playing style. 18-year-old Kuryu MATSUKI joined the team, and he has been continuing to perform well within the team. Additionally, Kuba has joined, and Kimoto has also come on board. I am not a magician. All I can do is take the time to encourage continuous growth.
And the foreign players are working hard for the team. Leandro continues to run for the team and contributes to the press. Diego and Ada (Iuton) are also contributing to the defense.
I believe that the process of growth must be viewed over a long span. At the same time, I think we must perceive things positively. The first season with a new team can be very exhausting. In the first season, I invest a lot of energy in persuading many people. The first season is tiring, but enduring it is also part of my job.
[Player Interview]
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, please review the goal scene.
It was a scene where the opponent touched the ball from a set play and it was floating in the air, but it was good that I was able to send the ball towards the goal even after slightly colliding with the goalkeeper.
Q: Did you feel like you could score today?
I didn't have that feeling at all, but I approached each match with a clear aim, and since I hadn't been able to score for a while, I came into today with a strong determination to do so! I'm glad I was able to score. Being able to score from set pieces helps with the flow of the game, and I think the timing was good as well.
Q: After transferring, my first goal came from a set piece.
As a center-back, I basically thought that if I were to score, it would be from set pieces. I aimed for it every time, but the ball often didn't come, or even when it did, I couldn't connect with it, so I wanted to score quickly.
Q: How was the attack perspective today, such as aiming for vertical passes?
In particular, during the first half, we were able to move the ball well and manage our time while holding onto it. In the previous match against Urawa, we lost the ball a bit too easily and got physically exhausted, so we made corrections in that regard. We took our time without rushing, valuing the ball and creating our own time, which we were able to do in the first half. If we can continue that style of play in the second half, I think we can have an even better game.
Q: In the second half, there were times when we were pushed back as the opponent changed their lineup.
When the situation becomes 2-0, I think it's common to be pushed back. I have the impression that in the second half, we strongly focused on defending while wanting to take more control ourselves.
Q: After the goal, I was teased by my teammates.
A, since my character is like that, I was happy to be teased by everyone.
Q: In the second half, it felt like we gave the rhythm and control to the opponent.
In the second half, there were some easy mistakes due to fatigue, and there were moments when we gave the ball to the opponent, so I think that is a challenge for us. In the first half, we were able to move the ball and score, so I hope we can base our play on the kind of football we showed in the first half.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: I think the team moved well from the start of the match.
A, we had been discussing before the match about changing positions while coordinating with Leandro, and that worked well. With Konno and Yoshifumi taking up high positions wide, I think our attacks from there also went well.
Q: Were you able to align on the teamwork aspect during this week's practice?
We practiced and played in the match while being aware of each other's positioning, making sure that someone is always at the top by calling out to each other.
Q: Did you think the match was decided when you scored the second goal?
Of course, I was aiming for the third goal, but I regret that we slowed down a bit after scoring the second goal. I believe if we had scored three or four goals, we could have finished the match more comfortably.
Q: I think the opponent pushed harder because the score difference widened. How did the team respond to this situation?
A, I had anticipated this development since before the match, and Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA mentioned that if the opponent were to lose, they would resort to long balls at the end to push forward. Everyone was aware of the need to push up the defensive line and played accordingly. Given that, it was inevitable to be pushed back at times, and if the ball is kicked, we would be pushed back, so it was crucial to see how well we could pick up the second balls. There were a few dangerous moments, but I believe we didn't concede because we were able to take control of the ball in midfield and manage the time effectively.
Q, please review the goal scene.
When the ball came, I missed my first touch and thought the opponent would poke the ball away, so I slowed down. Since they were defending by eliminating space instead of coming to the ball, I was able to see the goalkeeper and score a goal. It wasn't exactly as planned, but I'm glad it went in.
Q: Did you aim for the crotch?
A, there was nowhere else, so I swung with all my might there.
Q: I think the pressing was effective. As a result, it was a goal from the opponent's mistake.
A, our intended defense is to press from the front, and this is something we have been working on since the beginning of this season. I believe the challenge ahead is to ensure that this defense can be applied against any team. Since we were able to score a goal from that, I think it is important to win the ball in that position, even if it wasn't my goal.
<Shuto ABE>
Q: This is your return after four matches.
I was able to play with a fresh feeling, and the best part was that the team won.
Q: It was the first match since the transfers of players Nagai and Takahagi. Did you have any thoughts about it?
I have learned a lot from players Nagai and Takahagi, so I feel very sad, but I understand their decision as players, and I respect that. We must ensure that we are not said to lose just because those two are gone, so we need to fill the gap left by them. In that sense, I think it was good that we were able to win.
Q: You took a two-goal lead early on, but it felt like the momentum changed around the 30-minute mark of the first half. How did you feel on the pitch during that time?
A, I think the start of the first half was really good, but there were parts where our energy levels dropped due to the heat. However, it was good that we managed to avoid conceding a goal, so moving forward, I want to improve and address the times when our energy levels drop.
Q: I think Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA sees ball possession as the best form of defense. What are your thoughts on that?
A, I think that is true as Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA says. If we have the ball, we don't need to defend, so I hope we can increase that time more.
Q: You received a lot of fouls in your comeback match, but how is your physical condition?
A, it was really tough physically since it was a comeback match, but I was able to refresh during the rehabilitation period, so I think I was in good form.
Q: Did you have any feelings about the team from the outside during the rehabilitation period?
We lost the ball many times, and there were moments when Diego and Leandro were isolated when the ball came to them, so I was conscious of providing support in that area as I entered the match today.
Q: In light of the increasing opportunities for player Higashi to participate as an anchor, what kind of relationship do you have while playing?
A, Higashi is a player with excellent foot skills who can also see his surroundings, and he encourages me with supportive words, making it very easy to play alongside him. I hope to take a position that supports Higashi while also adding a good accent to our attacks, so I can carry the ball forward.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, it was a great victory. Please review the game.
I think we were able to play the football we envisioned from the first half. We were able to score two goals at a good time, and I believe we were able to advance the match in our favor.
Q: There was a moment when you matched up against Yasuhito ENDO from Iwata. Was there anything you were particularly aware of during that time?
Before the match, I had heard from Endo that the attack would start, so I imagined that Shuto ABE and I would be more strict in that area.
Q: It seemed that you were blocking Endo's passing lanes during defensive situations.
If we don't let them pass from there, I thought the attack wouldn't progress in the direction the opponent imagines. We couldn't achieve perfect defense, but it was good that we were able to contain them to some extent.
Q: The attack was able to create shooting opportunities starting from Leandro.
A goal is something we have always been seeking, and I believe the difference lies in whether we can finish it there. I want to work hard to be able to finish it there.
Q: After gaining an advantage by scoring two points, the game developed into a back-and-forth exchange of the ball. How do you feel about the issues that arose from that?
In the last 15 minutes of the second half, there were moments when the defense line showed signs of fatigue and fell back, so if we could have closed in on the ball side, I believe we could have had a wonderful match until the end.
Q: It was unfortunate that we couldn't capitalize on the chances, but wasn't it effective to utilize the middle well with Matsuki and Watanabe?
A, I usually take my position by observing the situation of the wing players, but this time I was able to share a good image while looking at the opponent.
Q: I think it was a fluid position that didn't fixate on a center forward. Was there coordination on that within the team?
A, especially to allow Leandro to move freely, we also changed our positions, and when Leandro dropped back and the defenders followed, I think the space behind opened up, which I believe we were able to practice during training.
