<Match Review>
The feeling that Tokyo has gained in the last two matches was a sense of acceleration in the team's growth. In the previous match, they scored 6 goals against Kashiwa Reysol and won by a large margin. In the last match, they allowed 2 goals to Yokohama F.Marinos, who had conceded 8 goals last season, but they were able to equalize with the pursuit and equalizing goal of Koki TSUKAGAWA, who joined the team this summer. The team's performance was also able to compete evenly against Yokohama, who boasts one of the best attacking powers in the league, without taking a step back.
In order to make the feeling more certain, this round's match against Gamba Osaka. At this timing, Luiz PHELLYPE, who has been a substitute since coming to Japan, was named as a starter in the center of the 3 top. "Because he has become accustomed to the team, I want to increase his use from here on in the consecutive games," said coach Albert before the game, explaining the reason for his starting lineup.
1st HALF - Despite numerous shooting opportunities, the score remains 0-0.The game started with Tokyo threatening Gamba's goal.
In the 4th minute of the first half, defender Masato MORISHIGE made a vertical pass from the back line, and left back Yuto NAGATOMO, who was positioned in the middle, started to move forward. He then passed the ball to the center in front of the goal, and Adailton, who received the ball, took a shot. However, it went straight to the goalkeeper.
In the 14th minute of the first half, Ryoma WATANABE's vertical pass creates a chance. Ryoma WATANABE, who flexibly moves his position from the right wing, breaks through the left side and receives Mori Shige's pass. He then enters the penalty area and takes a strong left-footed shot, but unfortunately the ball goes outside the goal frame.
After a chance, a big pinch. In the 15th minute of the first half, Gamba's Leandro Pereira fiercely pressed Morishige, who was trying to handle Adailton's back pass. Morishige lost the ball, and then goalkeeper Jakub Slowik came out and was targeted by a shot at the empty goal, but it went wide. It was a close call.
As the game continues with both teams exchanging attacks and defenses, Tokyo increases their focus on shooting.
In the 38th minute of the first half, player Felipe passed the ball backwards from a scramble in front of the Gamba goal, and player Tsukagawa ran in and took a middle shot. In the 40th minute of the first half, player Adailton controlled a chest trap and took a shot with his right foot, but neither were able to shake the goal net. In the 44th minute of the first half, player Felipe headed the ball, and in the 45th minute, player Adailton took another shot with his right foot, but the goal remained elusive and the first half ended scoreless.
2nd HALF - A hard-fought draw after attacking and defending In the second half, Gamba's aggressive play continued from the start, while Tokyo continued to defend in their own half. In the first half, Tokyo had countered Gamba's powerful attacks from PATRIC and PEREIRA with the physicality of players such as Morishige and Yasuki KIMOTO, but they also had to increase their defensive focus against Gamba's intensified attacks.
In the midst of being pushed back, in the 6th minute of the second half, they took advantage of a momentary gap. Adailton, who had run into a deep position on the left side, crossed the ball in front of the goal, and Felipe, who was there, attempted a heel kick shot. Unfortunately, it missed the target, but the two who had created chances since the first half were threatening the Gamba goal.
In the 8th minute of the second half, Keigo HIGASHI, who carried the ball in the midfield, passed it to Adailton on the left wing. After making a run towards the center, he sent a pass and Tsukagawa, who was supporting, took a shot. It went over the crossbar.
10 minutes into the second half, Gamba's PEREIRA managed to break through the final line, but KIMOTO made a last-minute sliding tackle to prevent the shot. It was a crucial defensive play that could change the course of the game.
Tokyo substituted Leandro for Felipe and he went straight into the center of the 3-top.
Both teams continued to have a fast-paced exchange of offense and defense, but the early second half "slugfest" settled down and both sides were unable to create chances due to mistakes in the game.
In the 30th minute of the second half, the biggest pinch of the game came for Tokyo. Gamba's Dawhan player took a perfectly timed header shot, but it was saved by Tokyo's blue and red guardian, Jakub SLOWIK. He showed his determination to not allow a goal, making an impressive save.
In the 32nd minute of the second half, Tokyo had another chance. Watanabe sent a big cross from the right side to the opposite side of the goal, where Shuto ABE was waiting. However, his left-footed volley missed the goal by a wide margin.
In the 36th minute of the second half, Gamba took the ball from a missed connection in the enemy's territory and invaded their own territory. However, PATRIC was stopped by Morishige's brave defense. Following the fine plays of Kimoto and SLOWIK, the captain's solid defense did not falter here.
In the final stage, Tokyo made a substitution from Adailton to Keita YAMASHITA. YAMASHITA was placed at the top of the front line, with Leandro on the left and Sandro, who had already entered the pitch as a substitute, on the right. This formation change was made for the final offensive push.
Entering additional time, 90 minutes + 3 minutes. A pass from Leandro to the right side to Konno, who runs in the midfield. Konno enters the center with a dribble and swings his left foot. The shot hits the opponent's defense and the ball goes up in the air. Watanabe, who was at the drop point, took a direct volley, but it was caught by Gamba GK Higashiguchi's chest.
In the end, despite repeatedly approaching the goal, Tokyo was unable to break through the Gamba goal until the very end. In contrast to the flashy game development, it ended in a scoreless draw.
In the final stages, as the ball flowed into the vast space of their own half, Keigo HIGASHI, who reacted to the ball one step faster than the opponent with a fierce dash, avoided the pinch. At that moment, the blue and red number 10, the former captain, made a guts pose with both hands and roared. Although they did not win, it was a scene that showed their determination for victory and points as the league approached its final stages. The defense that defended selflessly until the end, and the attacking team that relentlessly attacked but could not score a goal. Now, they focus on the upcoming match. It was a match that conveyed the overflowing passion of the team.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Yakubu Swoboda
DF Hotaka Nakamura/Yasuki Kimoto/Masato Morishige/Yuto Nagatomo
MF Shuto Abe/Keigo Higashi/Koki Tsukagawa (28th minute of the second half: Kazuya Konno)
FW Ryoma Watanabe/Luis Felipe (18th minute of the second half: Leandro)/Adailton (39th minute of the second half: Keita Yamashita)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Junya SUZUKI/Seiji KIMURA
MF Yuki KAJIURA
GOAL
-
＜Gamba Osaka＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Masaaki HIGASHIGUCHI
DF Ryu TAKAO/Genta MIURA (40th minute of the second half: Shota FUKUOKA)/Gen SHOJI/Keisuke KUROKAWA
MF Juan ALANO (24th minute of the second half: Yuya FUKUDA)/Mitsuki SAITO (24th minute of the second half: Da Wan)/Yuuki YAMAMOTO/Ryotaro MESHINO
FW Leandro PEREIRA (40th minute of the second half: Takeshi SUZUKI)/PATRIC
SUBS
GK Jun ICHIMORI
MF Shu KURATA/Wellington Silva
GOAL
－
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, please give us an overview of the match.
A, we were not able to start the game in a good shape. In the first 30 minutes, we lost the ball a lot and couldn't control the game. It would be great if we had some magic that could give us confidence right away, but that's not how it works. It is natural for the team to lose confidence in the process of growth, for example when the opponent presses from the front line or when the play doesn't go well.
However, we were able to regain control of the game afterwards. We continue to communicate this to our players, but when we are able to dominate the ball, we can create chances. That was also the case today. It was a great match against a formidable opponent, but we were able to create decisive moments when we had possession of the ball. However, there are still challenges in our defense. We want to make sure to address them and approach the next game with confidence.
Today, I am very satisfied with the mentality of the players who continued to aim for victory until the very end of the game, and continued to aim for the opponent's goal. FC Tokyo has struggled against lower-ranked teams in the past. However, in that aspect, the players continued to have the attitude of overcoming their weaknesses until the very end, and I am proud that they continued to express their desire to win instead of settling for a draw.
We must not lose as many balls as we did before. We want to continue to make efforts in that regard. And I would like to take this opportunity to praise (Keigo) HIGASHI, who played a great game today as a defensive midfielder, even though he has not played in that position before.
We would like to prepare for Wednesday's Vissel Kobe match. We will walk the path we must take and address our challenges as we face the Kobe match.
Q, Was Gamba's performance in the first 30 minutes different from what was expected? Or were there issues with confidence or technique?
A, it was a challenging 30 minutes for us if I may comment without considering the opponent team's play. We continue to comment multiple times that we need time to grow. It takes time for players to understand and express various concepts.
We were unable to hold onto the ball in the first five minutes. So if we couldn't hold onto the ball, I think the players could have controlled the game by expressing the concept of valuing the ball on the pitch. However, we were unable to do that today. I think it's not a tactical mistake, but rather a matter of understanding the concept. And it takes time to understand it.
Many players are not used to this playing style. For example, Keigo Higashi, who is currently playing as a defensive midfielder, was not used to playing in this position before. I think many people had doubts about converting him to a defensive midfielder a few months ago. It is a time for players to make various efforts and understandings in order to play in an unfamiliar style and position.
It's not about struggling with how the opponent presses, but rather being able to respond to various pressing styles and dominating the game in many matches by building up. In that sense, I think we made a lot of mistakes today due to the challenges we were facing. Of course, tactics are important. But the most important thing is individual tactics. I think it's about each person's tactics.
[Player Interview]
<Jakub SLOWIK>
Q, please review the game where there was a big save scene.
A, of course, I aim to keep a clean sheet in every game. We couldn't keep a clean sheet in the last few games, but I think today's clean sheet is not just my own hard work, but the result of everyone's hard work. However, I don't just want to end with a clean sheet, but I aim for the team to win and get 3 points, so in that sense, while firmly accepting that we couldn't get 3 points today, if we continue to keep the goal clean, there is a possibility of winning in the next game, so I want to aim for another clean sheet.
Q, how was it to have a clean sheet for the first time in 5 games?
A, the defense players were able to work together well, and by going to press the opponent with everyone and constantly communicating, I think everyone was able to have a high awareness of defense, which led to no goals being conceded. I am very happy to have been able to contribute even a little to that result.
Q, What preparations do you want to make for the next game based on today's match?
A, of course, I think we were able to get this result from our better communication, and I think the biggest factor is that everyone sincerely hoped for a good result. However, we ended up with only 1 point instead of 3, so first of all, we need to recover and adjust our condition, and we have a game against Kobe on Wednesday, so we want to make good preparations for the next game while looking back on the good and bad parts.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, the final part was defended with the players from Tokyo risking their bodies.
It's quite difficult to dominate the game for the full 90 minutes, so there are times when it's hard to stay calm due to the away situation or the opponent's ranking. However, today we were able to keep a clean sheet by focusing on the players at the back, so I feel like we need to continue to have the strength to patiently take one goal at a time. In terms of defense, we were able to make big saves with Kuba and defend as a team, so I want to continue that.
Q, a veteran player in his 30s, risked his body to defend until the end.
A, (laugh) I am inspired by watching players like Morishige and Nagatomo play up close, and I am motivated to continue growing through my daily training. I want to lead the team and bring home a win in games like today, so that I can continue playing for a long time.
Q, Wasn't it a big burden during the first half when you couldn't hold the ball for a long time?
A, The coach also told me that he wanted me to calm down the ball in my position in a chaotic situation. I played while watching the opponent's situation and taking a position behind. I have only been playing as an anchor for about three months, so I am still trying things out, but I am having fun playing while thinking about how to move in a game.
Q, It seems that the defensive awareness is getting higher with each game.
A, I am also learning the timing and method of defense, so I am approaching it with a fresh mindset.
Q, Did you intentionally play in the final line today?
A, There were also times when we were under pressure from the opponent, so we dropped back a little and played while watching their movements. There was also an intention to calm the game down.
We still have a long way to go in terms of quality when it comes to playing in the opponent's territory, so we want to work on how to break through when the opponent pulls back their blocks.
Today, we were able to keep the score at zero and I think it was a good point that we were able to defend against the opponent's counterattack by putting our bodies on the line.
Q, Is the flexibility of play coming out in both the team and individual performances?
A, there are some advantages for us when the opponent comes out. We want to improve our patterns of breaking through and ideas from communication between players, as we think there is still room for improvement when the opponent creates a solid block.
Masato MORISHIGE
Q, we were able to finish the game without conceding a goal for the first time in a while.
A, we knew the opponent would come for a counter, so we thought if we could contain Leandro Pereira and Patric, there would be no problem. Today, it was a situation where we wanted to score.
Q, in the end, veteran players such as Morishige, Nagatomo, and Higashi put their bodies on the line to defend until the end.
A, I feel like that was today's job, and I think it was a part that I was able to do.
Q, how was your defense against crosses?
A, we talked about focusing on the part where we either win or lose in a 1-on-1 situation in the final goal area, as well as the goals conceded from crosses, and approached the game with that in mind.
Q, there is another away game against Kobe in 3 days.
A, there were parts that were done well and parts that were not done well in today's game. By making adjustments to those parts and repeating training, I believe we can improve our accuracy even more.
Yuto NAGATOMO player
Q, I think that defending until the end with all our might led to keeping a clean sheet.
A, In a difficult situation, the opponent also had momentum, but I feel the team's growth in being able to protect dangerous situations by putting their bodies on the line. Regarding ball possession, there were some mistakes, but we are improving while challenging, and although we have conceded a lot of goals in the past few games, I think it was good as a defender that we were able to keep a clean sheet today.
Q, I think players like Nagatomo and Morishige were particularly putting their bodies on the line.
First of all, we have to show our fighting spirit, and I am aware of that myself. I think it is an important part. When the team's morale is low, I want to be a player who can show it on the field and with my back.
Q, although he was a left back, I could see his determination to further improve.
Under coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, a new modern style of playing as a side back is required, and I am learning a lot in that position. Playing on the side has been my role for the past 15 years as a professional, but I am able to show a new side of myself and I feel that I am growing, although there are still challenges. I want to aim for plays where I can smoothly contribute to the team's possession and reach the attacking zone with higher accuracy.
Q, Do you want to focus on keeping a clean sheet as a defense because the team's style has deepened and they are able to score?
A, of course. The coach tells us to play an attacking style of soccer every day, but as defenders, we need to focus on defending and not conceding any goals. If we can keep a clean sheet, we won't lose. We are strongly aware of this and want to keep possession and build our base. I am confident that we are steadily improving and I am personally striving to evolve my own play, so I want to do my best.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, I think Gamba pressed more than expected. How did you feel about that, especially in the first half?
Rather than coming out from the front, it's more like we were targeted because of our own mistakes. I think we suffered because of our own mistakes.
Q, What do you think was the cause of the chaos there?
A, (immediately after the game) I still don't know the cause, but today everyone seemed to be feeling heavy. We were not used to the unique heat of Osaka, and we made many mistakes in the first half due to a poor start.
Q, But is it growth that we didn't collapse throughout the first half, including the end?
A, if we can grasp our own rhythm from the beginning of the first half, it will become a smoother development and we can increase our chances of scoring by moving the ball smoothly, as it improved after the first 30 minutes of the first half.
Q, how do you feel about not conceding any goals?
A, Kubo made a big save today, and the two center backs also defended with their bodies, and I think that finishing without conceding will lead to the next game.
Q, What do you need to be careful about for the Kobe match based on today's game?
A, since the start of the game was not good today, I would like to prepare for the next match to be able to proceed at Tokyo's pace from the beginning of the first half.
Q, What is your impression of Kobe?
A, Although there is an impression that things are not going well this year, all players are present, so we want to prepare to win regardless of our ranking.
Q: Did you feel the determination to remain in J1 from today's opponent, Gamba?
A, of course Gamba is also desperate, and Kobe is also fighting for survival, so it will be difficult to play against such opponents, but in order to catch up with the top, we have to win, so we want to take all 3 points next time.
Ryoma WATANABE
Q. Please review the game, even though it was a disappointing match.
A. The start of the first half was a problem with positioning, but I don't think it went well. As a factor, it can be considered that the overall play was a bit stretched out. No matter what the situation, even if the opponent comes from the front, we have to be conscious of our positioning and I feel that the start was a waste, including myself.
Q. How do you feel about your performance as your presence grows with each game?
A. I am not satisfied at all with today's game. I actually think it's below average and I need to be more involved in creating chances. It's becoming difficult to score, but I also need to produce results, so even though I may have a strong presence by touching the ball frequently, I am not getting the desired outcome.
I feel that in order to become a player at a higher level, I need to focus on numbers.
Q. Is it because the receiving position has improved that you need to do more decisive work?
A. Today, I gave Leandro a through pass, but I think I need to do that kind of scene not just once, but many times. I also received advice from the coach to eliminate scenes where I receive the ball in the middle and lose it, and I think that is my own challenge even without being told by the coach. If I can receive the ball in the middle and take it to the shot and score, I think I can evolve more, so I want to pursue it more.
Q. The next game will be in three days. Please share your enthusiasm for the away game against Kobe.
A. Today, I am disappointed, but I did not lose, so I want to move forward without looking down. I want to use the first 30 minutes that didn't go well and win the next two games no matter what.
