<Match Review>
In the previous match, Tokyo achieved a 3-0 victory over Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo at home, marking their first win in 4 league games. However, in the last match, they were unable to continue their winning streak as they lost 0-3 to Urawa Reds in an away game. There were scenes such as Kuryu MATSUKI's powerful free kick hitting the post, but they were unable to break through and score.
This match, we return home and want to accumulate 3 points with the support of our fans and supporters, while balancing our performance and results. Our opponent will be Júbilo Iwata, whom we will face for the 4th time this season, including the Levain Cup. In the previous 3 matches, Tokyo has only managed 1 draw and 2 losses against Iwata, struggling against their solid defense and strong counterattacks that fill the spaces in our own half. We must not rush, but instead move the ball and exploit the gaps in their defensive organization to score goals. We also need to speed up our transition from attack to defense and apply counter-pressing to shut down their counterattacks, while launching thick attacks to take control of the game.
1st HALF - Tokyo takes the lead by scoring 2 goals early on
The game started off with a bang. In the 4th minute of the first half, Tokyo's Kashif BANGNAGANDE had a chance for a free kick on the right side of the penalty area. He quickly put the ball in, and it flew high in front of the goal after the opposing defender failed to clear it. Yasuki KIMOTO, who anticipated the ball's trajectory, won a battle against the opposing goalkeeper and headed it in, giving Tokyo the lead.
Even after taking the lead, Tokyo continues to hold onto the ball and create attacks in the opponent's half. Leandro is often at the center, facing the goal in the vital area, while players like Shuto ABE and Matsuki make runs behind the defense, but the final pass is just missing.
As they push up to the penalty area, they are unable to create chances, but unexpectedly the path opens up. In the 14th minute of the first half, Leandro puts pressure on the opponent's goal keeper with a back pass. Although he couldn't steal the ball, the goal keeper's pass goes to Ryoma WATANABE's feet. WATANABE takes the ball out into the penalty area and shoots a ground shot, which goes through the opponent's goal keeper's legs and into the goal. Tokyo scores an additional point from a strong press from the front line.
In the 19th minute of the first half, Kazuya KONNO carries the ball to a deep position in the penalty area, but his pass to the front of the goal is slightly off target and cleared by the opponent. After that, there were times when they couldn't get into a rhythm, giving the opponent attacking opportunities due to their own mistakes, but towards the end of the first half, they were able to push the opponent back with a controlled attack while maintaining possession of the ball.
In the 42nd minute of the first half, there was a counter chance. Watanabe passed the ball to Matsuki in the penalty area, but Matsuki's one-touch shot was deflected by the crossbar.
2nd HALF - Unable to score additional points, but victory with a clean sheet
Even in the second half, Tokyo continued to possess the ball and advance the game. Even when losing the ball in a high position, the backline pushed up and maintained a compact formation, quickly regaining possession and launching second and third attacks to threaten the opponent's goal. From the start, they repeatedly attacked the opponent's penalty area and created numerous shooting opportunities, including direct free kicks, but were unable to find the back of the net.
If you hold onto the ball but cannot break through the goal, Iwata will be threatened with a goal from the counter. In the end, they will aggressively aim for shots and defend the goal with their bodies against the opponent.
Tokyo, who wants to change the flow of the game while unable to break through, made a series of substitutions after the middle of the second half. In the final stages of the match, players such as Diego Oliveira and Keita Yamashita held onto the ball, created opportunities from the back, and encouraged Abe to make runs into space and deliver crosses into the box. Both teams opened up their formations in the final stages, but the defenders of Iwata calmly dealt with their counterattacks. They secured a 2-0 victory with a clean sheet.
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
4 minutes into the first half: Kimoto/14 minutes into the first half: Watanabe
<Júbilo Iwata>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Ryuki MIURA
DF Norimichi YAMAMOTO (46th minute: Ryo GERMAIN)/Kotaro OMORI (84th minute: Riku MORIOKA)/Daiki OGAWA/Ricardo GLASSA
MF Rikiya UEHARA/Kosuke YAMAMOTO/Yasuhito ENDO (65th minute: Masaya MATSUMOTO)
FW Kotaro OMORI (65th minute: Mahiro YOSHINAGA)/Yuki OTSU (65th minute: Shota KANEKO)/Yuto SUZUKI
SUBS
GK Yuji KAJIKAWA
MF Atsushi KUROKAWA
GOAL
―
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, please review the game.
A, I think those who are in the world of professional soccer must always maintain their composure. There will be wins and losses, but if you let your heart fluctuate with them, you will end up reacting like a fan or supporter.
We are conveying the value of the ball, but it is by no means easy. Simply telling the players "Let's play the ball carefully from today" will not immediately make it possible. Without a solid understanding of the concept, it cannot be expressed. We must continue to train and I must continue to convince the players as a coach. I am telling the players again that the best way to defend is to possess the ball.
During the first half today, as always, the game situation changed significantly with the goal being scored. Fortunately, we were able to score the opening goal in the early stages of the first half. Even without that opening goal, we were able to control the opponent's attacks by taking the ball from them and keeping possession for the entire 45 minutes of the first half. Iwata has a team of high-quality players. Therefore, if we give them the ball, they are a very dangerous attacking team. I want to convey to the players the importance of possessing the ball throughout the year, rather than being swayed by the results of each game, and I hope they will learn and master it.
There may be times when we can do it and times when we can't, and some may wonder why. I think that during this process of growth, the content of our play has changed from three months ago to now. Some players have transferred out. We also have many injured players. Veteran players get fatigued when the schedule is tight. That's why we can't always grow smoothly. We hope to be able to grow like that, but there are various factors such as the new coronavirus infection at the beginning of the season, and the process of growth is not always upward. There will be good games and not-so-good games this season and in the future. For example, today, we need to improve on how easily we lost the ball. We want to continue to convey to the players through daily training how to keep possession of the ball not just for 45 minutes, but for the entire 90 minutes. I have been conveying this since the beginning of this season. And I still want to continue to convey it, and I want to repeat it again at the end of the season.
Q, Second half, the opponent came attacking with the ball with great momentum, but was it ideal for the team to kick and attack without getting flustered?
A, I didn't tell the players to aim for a counterattack. I asked for the same play as the first half in the second half. Of course, it would be great if we could create chances from counterattacks, and pressing high and attacking after winning the ball is also one of our weapons, so we want to continue doing it. However, what we were aiming for in the second half was to keep possession of the ball and play like we did in the first half.
I think there may be some doubts here. Did the players not listen to the coach? That is not the case at all. To continue playing for a long time, more time is needed, and the players cannot continue to express themselves for 90 minutes if they are not convinced from the bottom of their hearts.
Yesterday afternoon, I was watching Albirex Niigata's play and they were playing amazingly. In my first season in Niigata, I don't think many people knew what level of play I was capable of. This is because in my first season, there were few players who truly understood how important it is to possess the ball. The fact that our coach this season is doing a great job is also a contributing factor, but I believe it is because the players have spent three seasons playing in the same style and have gained the confidence to consistently play well.
I have said it many times, but 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 important concepts. And giving opportunities to young players is also one of my tasks.
Q, I feel that the way the team is fighting has changed compared to the early part of the season.
A, I think I was able to play as expected from the second half of the away game against Shimizu S-Pulse. I think we were able to play the way we expected for those 45 minutes. However, several players who played in that game are no longer with us. And several other players are currently injured. If there were no transfers and injuries and we were able to play, I think the situation would be different now.
After scoring points in the Kashima Antlers game at home, there was also a difficult period. We were able to continue playing well in the Emperor's Cup game against Nagasaki, but unfortunately we were not able to win.
And today, I think we were able to play well in the first half. I also think we were able to play well in the first half of the away game against Sagan Tosu. If we can continue to grow with the same players, it would have been a different situation, but we have not been able to follow the expected growth line because we cannot do that.
At the start of this season, we utilized direct play to accumulate points. In this mid-season period, if we were fighting at the bottom, everything would change in the world of football. Of course, fans and supporters are seeking the team's victory. That's why we must aim for victory. Of course, the club also expects the team to win. And the players also expect to win. After all, whether it is a good playing style or a valuable playing style is judged by whether we win the game, which is the common sense in this world.
However, this season, the team started with a different state, not just composed of players who are used to this playing style. 18-year-old (Kuryu) Matsuki joined the team and has been playing well. And Kubo and Kimoto also joined. I am not a magician. What I can do is to continuously encourage growth over time.
And foreign players are sweating for the team. Leandro is also running for the team and contributing to the press. Diego and Ada (Iuton) are also contributing to the defense.
I think the process of growth must be viewed over a long span. At the same time, I think it is important to view things positively. The first season with a new team is very tiring. In the first season, I put a lot of energy into convincing 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 I was able to hit the ball towards the goal and it went in, even though I collided with the goalkeeper. It was a good goal.
Q, Did you feel like you could score today?
A, I didn't have that feeling at all, but I was aiming for it and working hard in every game, but I couldn't score goals, so today! I approached it with a strong feeling and I'm glad I scored a goal. Scoring points with set plays can also help the flow of the game, and I think the timing was good too.
Q, my first goal came from a set piece after transferring.
As a center back, I thought that if I wanted to score, it would have to be from set plays. I tried to aim for it every time, but the ball didn't come or even if it did, I couldn't make the shot, so I really wanted to score as soon as possible.
Q, how was it in terms of attacking perspective, such as aiming for vertical passes, today?
A, especially in the first half, we were able to move the ball well and use our time while holding onto the ball. In the previous match against Urawa, we lost the ball a bit too much and got tired physically, so we made adjustments from that point and were able to create our own time without rushing and while valuing the ball in the first half. If we can continue playing that way in the second half, I think we can have an even better game.
Q, In the second half, there were also situations where we were pushed back as the opponent changed their members.
When the score becomes 2-0, it is common for us to be pushed back. In the second half, I think we were able to defend well while wanting to take control of the game ourselves.
Q, I was teased by my teammates after scoring a goal.
A, because my character is like that, I was happy to be teased by everyone.
Q, In the second half, we also gave the opponent the impression that we handed over the rhythm and initiative to them.
A, In the second half, there were some easy mistakes due to fatigue, and there were scenes where we gave the ball to the opponent, so that's something we need to work on. As for the first half, we were able to move the ball and score, so I think it would be good if we could make that kind of soccer our base.
Ryoma WATANABE
Q, I think the team moved well from the start of the game.
A, Leandro and I were talking before the game about changing positions while working together, so that worked well. Konno and Yoshifu were able to take positions in high positions on the wide side, so I think the attack from there went well.
Q: Were you able to coordinate during this week's practice?
A, we also practiced and played in the game while being conscious of moving while looking at each other's positioning, and we played in the game while calling out to make sure someone was always at the top.
Q, Did you think the game was decided when you scored two points?
I was definitely aiming for the third goal, but I regret that I slowed down a bit after scoring the second goal. I think if we had scored the third and fourth goals, we could have finished the game more easily.
Q, I think the opponent was in a situation where they were pushing harder due to the gap in points, but how did the team respond to that?
A, before the match, we were expecting this kind of development, and coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA also said that if the opponent was losing, they would kick long balls and push us in the end. Everyone was aware of raising the defensive line and played accordingly. It's inevitable to be pushed in while being pressed, and it's important to pick up the second ball. There were some dangerous scenes, but I think we didn't concede because we were able to take time after winning the ball in the midfield.
Q, please review the goal scene.
A, I slowed down my speed because I thought I missed my first touch when the ball came and the opponent touched the ball. I was able to see the goalkeeper because I was defending the space without the ball coming, and I was able to score a goal. It wasn't exactly what I aimed for, but I'm glad it went in.
Q, did you aim for the crotch?
A, since there was no other choice, I gave it my all there.
Q, I think the press was going well. As a result, it was a goal from the opponent's mistake.
A, Our intended defense is to go from the front line, and this is what we have been working on since the beginning of this season. I think the challenge from now on is to make this defense possible against any team. Even if it wasn't my goal, I think it's important to be able to take the ball at that position since we were able to score one point from there.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, this was my first return in four games.
A, It was great that I could play with a fresh feeling and that the team won.
Q, Was there anything you thought about in the first game after the transfer of players Nagai and Takahagi?
A, I have learned a lot from players Nagai and Takahagi, so it's really sad, but I understand their decision as players, so I respect that. We have to fill the holes left by the two of them so that we won't be told that we can't win without them, so in that sense, I think it was good that we won.
Q, In the early stages, we were able to take a 2-point lead, but around the 30-minute mark of the first half, I felt that the momentum changed. How did you feel on the pitch?
A, while the first half started off really well, there were some moments where our physicality dropped due to the heat. However, it was good that we were able to prevent any goals, so in the future, we want to work on improving and correcting the time period when our physicality drops.
Q, What are your thoughts on Coach Albert's belief that holding onto the ball is the best form of defense?
A, I think that's what 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, In your comeback match, you received a lot of fouls. How is your physical condition?
A, It was physically tough due to it being a comeback match, but I was able to refresh myself during the rehabilitation period, so I think my sharpness was good.
Q: Have you noticed anything while watching the team from the outside during your rehabilitation period?
A, I lost the ball many times, and there were scenes where I was isolated when the ball went to Diego or Leandro, so today I was conscious of supporting that area and entered the game.
Q, How are you playing in what kind of relationship while the player from the East is increasing the opportunity to participate as an anchor?
A, Player Higashi has a very high level of footwork skills and is a player who can also see the surroundings. It's very easy to play with him because he also gives me support. I hope to take a position where I can support Player Higashi and add a good accent to the attack, and carry the ball forward while facing forward.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, it was a big victory. Please review the game.
A, I thought we were able to play the soccer we had in mind from the first half. We were able to score 2 goals at a good time and I think we were able to advance the game in our favor.
Q, there was a scene where I matched up with Iwata's Yasuhito ENDO player, but was there anything you were conscious of?
Before the match, I heard from Endo that the attack would start, so I imagined that Shuto ABE and I would go more strictly there.
Q, it seems that in the defensive situation, Endo's passing route was blocked.
A, I thought that if we didn't let them pass from there, the attack wouldn't go in the direction the opponent imagined. We couldn't have a perfect defense, but we were able to hold them back to some extent, so that was good.
Q, the attack was able to create shooting opportunities with Leandro as the starting point.
A, a goal is something that we are always seeking, and I think there is a big difference in whether we can decide there or not. So, I want to make an effort to be able to decide there.
Q, After taking two points and gaining an advantage, the game became a back-and-forth exchange of the ball. How do you feel about that issue?
A, I think if we could have pulled together and pushed up the ball side, we could have had a great game until the last 15 minutes of the second half, when our defense line got tired and we ended up pulling back.
Q, It's a shame that we couldn't finish our chances, but wasn't it because Matsuki and Watanabe were able to use the middle well?
A, I usually take my position by looking at the situation of the wing players, but this time I was able to share a good image while watching the opponent.
Q, I think it was a fluid position where the center forward was not fixed. Did the team manage to adjust to that?
A, especially when Leandro is able to move freely, we also change our positions so that when Leandro drops back, the defenders will come after him and leave space behind, which I think we were able to do in training.
