<Match Review>
In the previous round, the match against Cerezo Osaka was postponed due to the typhoon, and Tokyo faced an official match for the first time in three weeks. One week before, they had a practice match against FC Machida Zelvia to adjust their tactics and confirm their performance in a game-like situation. They have been preparing for the restart of the J1 League from this round.
This round's opponent in the away game is 5th place Kashiwa Reysol. They are only 1 point behind 3rd place Kashima Antlers and are in a position to aim for the AFC Champions League qualification.
In the previous match, Tokyo was unable to create a build-up play due to the tight man-to-man defense and intense pressure on the ball side. After three months since that match, this will be a crucial game to see the team's growth.
The midfield lineup has been fixed for a while, but in this match, new addition Koki TSUKAGAWA was selected as a starter for the first time as an inside half. Additionally, Hotaka NAKAMURA, who has recovered from injury, made it into the lineup.
1st HALF - Matsuki's 2nd professional goal & Kashiho's first professional goal
Tokyo took the lead from the start. They calmly connected passes and moved the ball not only horizontally and backwards, but also utilized vertical passes to maintain possession, taking advantage of Diego OLIVEIRA's post work against Kashiwa's press from the front line.
Kashiwa compactly blocks both people and space with their defense, while observing the situation while connecting in the back, they switch with a vertical pass and move the ball with few touches, breaking through the opponent's defense and entering the opponent's penalty area.
In the 17th minute of the first half, Yasuki KIMOTO aimed for the back of the opponent's defense with a sharp feed from his own team, pretending to connect finely from the back. Tsukagawa player jumped out from the second row at the perfect timing and looped a shot in a one-on-one with the opponent's goalkeeper, but unfortunately it was ruled offside and the goal was disallowed.
Quickly switching between offense and defense, they firmly fill the space in their own half even when the opponent has the ball, preventing them from reaching the finish. In the 23rd minute of the first half, they were able to create a numerical advantage on the left side and were shot in the penalty area, but Shiibashi's shot went over the goal.
Each player stands in a delicate position between the opposing players and between each position, allowing Tokyo to not only move the ball, but also to connect passes in unison towards the goal. The results of maintaining rhythm from the beginning of the game are realized in the 40th minute of the first half.
As Kazuya KONNO, who received the ball on the right, opens up and passes it to the space, Diego receives the ball and becomes the starting point at the right corner of the penalty area. Without entering inside, Diego dribbles vertically and the ball is passed into the goal area, where Kuryu MATSUKI jumps in and pushes it in, giving Tokyo the first goal, their second professional goal.
Tokyo, who is increasing their offensive, in the first half of 45 minutes, Tsukagawa player becomes a decoy in their own zone and avoids the opponent player's press, and sends a through pass to Konno player who has run behind. Konno player carries the ball to the penalty area with speed and connects with Watanabe Ryoma player in the center. There were also teammates in front of the goal, but Watanabe player chose to pass to the left side. From the farthest side where the opponent's defense couldn't catch up, Bangnagande Kashif player jumps in and shoots the ball into the left corner of the goal with momentum, scoring his first professional goal.
2nd HALF - Deciding the seesaw game with 4 goals scored
In the early stages of the second half, which is the restart, we were pushed back by Kashiwa, who came out aggressively aiming for the goal, but once we took the ball, we countered and threatened the Kashiwa goal. Even if we couldn't finish the first attack, we pushed up the entire team's formation from the back, recovered the second ball, and launched a thick attack.
Despite showing a counterattack stance without backing down against the opponent's offensive, in the 9th minute of the second half, they were pushed into the goal area by a side attack and were unable to clear the ball, which then bounced just outside the penalty area and was spectacularly volleyed by player Dodge into the bottom right corner of the goal.
Immediately after, Adailton and Shuto ABE were brought in, and these two players quickly got to work. In the 12th minute of the second half, Yuto NAGATOMO broke through on the right side and sent a cross ball into the goal area. Adailton, who had come flying in with momentum on the far side, took a powerful header shot, but the ball unfortunately hit the crossbar. However, Shuto ABE was there to follow up and headed the ball into the net, giving Tokyo a quick 2-0 lead.
The game seemed to settle down, but in the 17th minute of the second half, they were once again scored from a side attack. A cross ball from the right side went into the goal, and Douglas, who had jumped into the gap between defenders, couldn't be caught and was pushed in with a diving header.
Tokyo has expanded their lead from a counterattack, as the game has taken on a seesaw-like appearance. In the 23rd minute of the second half, while enduring Kashiwa's attack in their own penalty area, Matsuki aggressively cut off the ball as Kashiwa attempted to pass it to striker Mutoh just outside the penalty area. They then launched a counterattack, carrying the ball to the halfway line and passing it to Luiz Phellype. Seeing the opponent's defender being drawn to them, Phellype passed to Adailton, who had run into the space on the left side. Adailton continued his run with speed towards the goal, skillfully evading the defender and placing a precise shot into the bottom right corner, once again extending their lead to two points.
The score still won't settle down. In the 29th minute of the second half, another cross ball was put in from the right side, and the ball that flowed to the far side without being cleared was powerfully kicked in by player Dainan, bringing the score to within one point again.
As the home team gains momentum and increases the pressure towards the goal, Tokyo is struggling to maintain possession. In the 39th minute of the second half, a lack of coordination in the back leads to a loss of possession and another sharp cross into the box. After clearing the ball near the goal, a counterattack opportunity arises. Adailton receives the clearance and turns forward, sending a looping pass behind the Kashiwa defenders. Luiz Phellype responds by making a run into space, despite being pressed by two defenders, and smashes a powerful shot into the bottom right corner for his first J-League goal.
Tokyo's momentum is unstoppable. In the second half of the 45th minute, Adailton received the ball in the penalty area with a one-two return with Matsuki, skillfully blocking the defender and calmly aiming a shot into the bottom right corner of the goal, securing the team's 6th goal of the match.
Despite showing some defensive concerns with 3 goals conceded, it was a game that proved the width of our attacking capabilities, being able to score even while holding onto the ball and also being able to score on the counter. We continued our momentum from the previous game where we didn't back down against Kashiwa, who are competing for the top spot. Next match, on September 3rd (Sat), we will return to our home ground, Ajinomoto Stadium, and face the top-ranked Yokohama F.Marinos.
MATCH DETAILS
＜F.C.Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yuto NAGATOMO/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (33rd minute: Hantaka NAKAMURA)
MF Kuryu MATSUKI/Keigo HIGASHI/Koki TSUKAGAWA (10th minute: Shuto ABE)
FW Ryo WATANABE (33rd minute: Seiji KIMURA)/Diego OLIVEIRA (13th minute: Luiz PHELLYPE)/Kazuya KONNO (10th minute: Adailton)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
FW/Keita YAMASHITA
GOAL
First half 40 minutes: Matsuki/First half 45 minutes: Yoshifu/Second half 12 minutes: Abe/Second half 23 minutes: Adailton/Second half 39 minutes: Luiz PHELLYPE/Second half 45 minutes: Adailton
＜Kashiwa Reysol＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Masato SASAKI
DF Takuma OMINAMI / Yuji TAKAHASHI (32nd minute of the second half: Takumi KAMIJIMA) / Hayato TANAKA / Taiyo KOGA
MF Sachiro TOSHIMA (0th minute of the second half: Naoki KAWAGUCHI) / Dodge / Keiya SHIIHASHI / Mateus Savio (24th minute of the second half: Angelotti)
FW Tomoya KOYAMATSU (0th minute of the second half: Yuki MUTO) / Mao HOSOYA (0th minute of the second half: DOUGLAS)
SUBS
GK Tatsuya MORITA
MF Takuto KATO
GOAL
9th minute of the first half: Dodge/17th minute of the second half: DOUGLAS/29th minute of the second half: Dainan
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, please review the game.
A, the first half was the kind of development we expected. The second half was not the kind of development we expected. We are very satisfied with the content of the first half. This is because there were many intentional plays where we controlled the game and the ball, and aimed for the goal. We conveyed to the players that when we are able to hold onto the ball like we did today, we are able to play clearly better than our opponents, and that's exactly what happened in the first half.
In the second half, there were several mistakes from the start, which led to losing control of the game. The first 10 minutes of the second half were a challenge. Due to not being able to make good plays, it did not turn out as we had hoped.
Afterwards, I am pleased that each individual's quality clearly led to a goal. There were times in the second half where we were able to control the game, but at the same time, there were alternating periods where we couldn't control it. In soccer, if we lose the ball easily, it creates decisive chances for the opponent. I want the players to understand that clearly.
To grow as a team and be able to understand and play it, I think it takes time, one or two years. However, today's game left evidence of the team's growth as expected in the first half, so I want to focus on that and leave the stadium with a good feeling.
"FC Tokyo wants to hold onto the ball firmly right now," I think we were able to express that intention well in the first half. And today, I want to praise Luiz (Phellype) for scoring his first goal in the J-League. And not just today, but I also want to praise all the players who have been making great efforts since the beginning of this season.
Fortunately, I am relieved that we won the game today. Last week, I was absent, so if we had lost, I think I would have received a lot of criticism for being absent. To be honest, I am relieved that we won (laughs).
Q, Please tell us about the current growth of Matsuki, who has been continuously used as a starter.
A, the reason why he continues to be used is because he has a bright future and the potential to become a player who will lead Japanese football in the future. I would like to say this humbly, but I believe that players with characteristics like him will contribute to further improving the level of Japanese football in the future.
On the other hand, I think Nagatomo is a great and great player who represents Japanese soccer. His mentality is really great. Kuse also has a strong mentality that can be used in Europe. That's why I want to tell him more things when he is young. Today, he lost the ball three or four times in situations where he should not have lost it, so I want to encourage him to grow in that area.
With the addition of Koki TSUKAGAWA this summer, the team has been able to rotate the inside half position effectively, which has been a big plus for the team.
Q, when we were scored one goal in the second half, we put in Adailton and Abe players. Can you tell us the reason why we chose to put in strong players against a strong opponent?
A, what I instructed was to defend with the ball. I want to convey this concept to everyone in Japan. The ultimate defense is to possess the ball. Soccer is a sport played with just one ball. That's why I believe that controlling that ball is also the best defense. That's what I asked for with that substitution.
[Player Interview]
Kashif BANGNAGANDE
Q, congratulations on your first goal in the J-League. Please review today's goal, including your play up until now.
A, After returning from injury, it was good to finally get results, including the numbers, which had not been achieved until today. It was a really happy goal.
Q, there was a period of more than two weeks from the previous game to this game, what part of the team's cooperation were you working on improving?
I think that participating in the attack is my strong point, but I haven't been able to show it so far, so I've been challenging that part more and more. I was able to score in last week's practice match, so I was able to approach today's game with a good state and feeling.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, Matsuki's opening goal set the tone for the game. He stretched his legs well, didn't he?
In the match against Sapporo, I went to meet the cross with the determination to touch it no matter what, as I had missed a similar opportunity with Adailton in the past. I had a feeling that a cross would come, so I was able to escape to the far post and avoid my opponent's marking.
Q, how did you feel playing until you scored your second goal after a long period since your first professional goal?
A, like any game, I have a strong desire to contribute to the team by scoring or assisting, and that led to today's goal. I think it was good because the team was able to win.
Q, It seemed like he was savoring the joy after the goal, perhaps because it was his first goal in a while.
A, I was also able to score a goal for the first time in a while, and I was able to do Okada Kazuchika's (New Japan Pro Wrestling) Rainmaker pose.
Q, What will the result of winning with 6 goals bring to the team?
A, I think today's game went well as a team, but if we don't continue this, I don't think we can aim for the top in the remaining 9 games. So, I want us to continue this result and keep growing as a team.
Q, What did you work on during the period without official games?
A, we have been talking about establishing our own soccer and not just possession, but also practicing to move the ball while moving the opponent, and studying the tactical aspects against the opponent, I think we were able to exploit their weaknesses on both offense and defense.
Q, How do the players perceive the evaluation that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's tactics changed in the second half?
A, we conceded 3 goals in the second half, so we need to improve on that. Not just today, but we have also been conceding goals from crosses, so we need to work on that in practice. It was difficult to stay calm until the opposing team's player was sent off, but once they were down to 10 men, we were able to play our style of passing football.
Q, what do you think is necessary for the top battle?
First of all, it's important to have the motivation to never lose to the opponent in terms of feelings, rather than tactics.
Q, How do you feel about your play at this point, compared to what you envisioned before the start of the season?
A, I need to do more because I am playing in the game, and not just by working hard on defense, but also by seeking goals and assists, I think the team will work better.
Q, the next match is against Yokohama F.Marinos. What is your impression?
A, I think it will be a tough match against an opponent who plays very tactically established soccer, but we have built a base by winning against Kashiwa, so we want to ride this momentum and win.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm again.
A, we will face a strong opponent again, so we want to win and push ourselves into the top ranks of the league.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q, how was it playing as an inside half?
A, Everyone had a good sense of distance, so the opponent didn't come to press much, so I think we were able to create time to hold the ball. However, in the second half, the distance between players became wider as the opponent was losing and coming from the front. If we had continued to play like in the first half, I think we could have reduced the number of goals conceded.
Q, What kind of discussions did you have within the team during the break, and how did that affect today's performance?
A, I think we are getting closer to the soccer we aim for, thanks to the solid foundation we have built up so far. I'm not sure if the break period had anything to do with it, but the team as a whole is coming together and I believe we can continue to improve. I hope you saw today that this team's strength lies in individual breakthroughs and we can utilize that to become an even stronger team.
Q, What did you focus on in terms of collaboration between the two on the right side?
A, we were able to play fluidly by changing positions with the players around us while looking at each other. It was good that we were able to do well in the game because we had talked about it before the match.
Q, What did you focus on and what was required of you in your first starting lineup?
A, What I was conscious of was working hard, and what was required was to firmly connect the ball and calm the team.
Q, How do you feel about being able to pull out the ball well?
A, as expected, I received the ball when I started moving because everyone was watching, and the surrounding players covered for me, so it was very easy to play. It wasn't so much me, but the players around me brought out the best in me.
Q, please review the play where you set up Konno for the second goal with a vertical pass, which was the starting point for the two goals in the first half.
There were also some parts where I played intuitively, but since they led to a goal, I want to increase those plays and focus more on being able to make vertical passes as an inside half, as I think we can't be a threat without them.
<Luiz PHELLYPE>
Q, What was the key to today's victory?
It is very difficult to win in an away game, but we were able to turn the first half around with a 2-0 lead. In the second half, we conceded a goal due to our own mistakes and put ourselves in a difficult situation, but I think being able to score additional points from there led to today's victory.
Q, it was my first goal after joining. Please look back on that scene.
A, I am a forward player, so my job is to score goals. I am happy to have scored today. I am taking it positively that I was able to score in such a short time since joining.
Q, I was able to turn my first chance into a goal.
A, I worked hard to be able to score in official matches from practice. I feel that being able to concentrate in today's match led to scoring points.
Q, I entered the game in the middle, what was your intention?
We entered the game with a 2-1 lead, so we didn't want to give the opponent any points and let them gain momentum. Our main focus was to not concede any goals and to score more points to lead us to victory. Today, we were able to score points and win by a large margin.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the next game.
A, I believe it is important for us to continue working on what we need to do. I believe it will lead to results like today.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, I think it was the first time I came on as a substitute, what was your intention?
A, I was on the bench this time, but I prepared for the game as usual. I was able to express my usual play when I entered the game in the middle, so I think that's why I was able to produce results.
Q, do you feel like the team was able to play the soccer they were aiming for?
A, I think the first half was really good as I watched from the outside. In the second half, there were moments where we became passive due to the opponent coming out to the front line. I was told to calm the team down more in those situations. Although it became a back-and-forth match, we were able to keep possession of the ball and score, so I think it was good.
Q, I think I was able to work hard.
A, that's my strength, and if I don't do that, there's no point in me being here. I don't want to lose to anyone there, so I want to continue doing it not just today, but in the future as well.
Q, how do you feel about the next game?
A, Whether I am a starter or on the bench, I want to prepare myself firmly without changing and play a game against a very good opponent on the weekend, so I want to contribute to the team if I get to play.
Yuto NAGATOMO player
Q, the next match is against the top-ranked Yokohama F.Marinos. What should we be aware of when facing an opponent with a strong side attack?
First of all, it is important not to lose in a one-on-one situation, but we want to defend as a team and stay compact.
Q, the team has moved up to 7th place. As we aim for a higher position, this will be a crucial match that we cannot afford to lose.
A, Although we played a good game in the first half, we ended up losing. However, in our recent games, we have been able to establish a solid foundation for our attacks and I believe we can definitely have an exciting match. Next, we want to win at home.
