<Match Review>
In the last two matches, Tokyo has gained a sense of momentum that accelerates the team's growth. In the match before last, they scored 6 goals against Kashiwa Reysol, achieving a big victory. In the last match, although they initially allowed 2 goals against Yokohama F.Marinos, who had scored 8 goals against them last season, Koki TSUKAGAWA's pursuit and equalizer, who joined this summer, led to a draw. The team's performance was on par with Yokohama, which boasts one of the league's top attacking powers, without backing down.
This match against Gamba Osaka is to solidify our confidence. At this timing, Luiz PHELLYPE, who had been coming on as a substitute since arriving in Japan, made his first start in the center of the front three. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA explained before the match, "As he has become accustomed to the team, I want to increase his usage in the upcoming consecutive matches."
1st HALF――Despite numerous shooting chances, the score remains 0-0 From the very beginning of the match, Tokyo threatens the Gamba goal.
In the 4th minute of the first half, Masato MORISHIGE, positioned at the final line, played a vertical pass to Yuto NAGATOMO, the left side back, who was positioned more centrally and faced forward to make a move. He sent a pass to the center in front of the goal, and Adailton, who received the ball, took a shot. This went straight to the goalkeeper.
In the 14th minute of the first half, a vertical pass from Morishige creates a chance. Ryoma WATANABE, who flexibly moves his position from the right wing, breaks through the left side and receives Morishige's pass. He then enters the penalty area and strikes with his left foot, but unfortunately, the ball goes outside the goal frame.
After a chance, a big crisis arose. In the 15th minute of the first half, Gamba's Leandro PEREIRA applied intense pressure on Morishige, who was trying to handle a back pass from Adailton. Morishige lost the ball, and the goalkeeper Jakub SLOWIK rushed out, leaving the goal unguarded, but the shot was off target. It was a tense moment.
As the game continues to see both teams exchanging offense and defense, Tokyo is increasing their shooting awareness.
In the 38th minute of the first half, after a scramble in front of the Gamba goal, FELIPE dropped a pass backward, and Tsukakawa made a middle shot. Furthermore, in the 40th minute of the first half, Adailton controlled the ball with his chest and took a shot with his right foot, but neither found the back of the net. In the 44th minute of the first half, there was a header from FELIPE, and in the 45th minute, Adailton again took a shot with his right foot, but the goal remained elusive, and the first half ended scoreless.
2nd HALF――Despite aggressive play and strong defense, the result is a draw In the second half, right from the start, Tokyo found themselves on the defensive against Gamba's aggressive play. In the first half, Tokyo's defense, led by player Morishige and Yasuki KIMOTO, had been holding up against Gamba's powerful attacks from PATRIC and PEREIRA, but as Gamba intensified their offensive, Tokyo's defense also increased their concentration.
In a situation where they were being pushed back, in the 6th minute of the second half, they seized a moment of opportunity. Adailton, who ran into a deep position on the left side, crossed the ball in front of the goal, where Luiz PHELLYPE, who was waiting, attempted a shot with a heel kick. Unfortunately, it missed the target, but the two who created chances since the first half threatened the Gamba goal.
In the 8th minute of the second half, Keigo HIGASHI carried the ball from midfield to Adailton on the left wing. After making a move towards the center, he passed the ball to Tsukagawa, who was supporting, and Tsukagawa took a mid-range shot. This went over the crossbar.
In the 10th minute of the second half, PEREIRA of Gamba broke through the final line, but Kimoto made a last-ditch sliding tackle just before the shot to prevent it. It was a defensive play that influenced the course of the match.
Tokyo brought in Leandro for FELIPE. He moved directly into the center of the three forwards.
Both teams continued to exchange attacks and defenses rapidly, but the early stages of the second half saw a calming of the 'brawl' atmosphere, and time passed without either side being able to create chances due to mistakes in key moments.
In the 30th minute of the second half, Tokyo faced the biggest crisis of the match. Dawhan from Gamba made a perfect header shot, but it was saved by the blue-red guardian, Jakub SLOWIK, with a big save. It was a save that conveyed a determination not to allow the opening goal.
Then, in the 32nd minute of the second half, Tokyo had a good opportunity. Watanabe sent a big cross from the right side to the far side of the goal, where Shuto ABE was waiting. However, his left-footed volley went well wide of the goal.
In the 36th minute of the second half, due to a coordination error in the opponent's territory, the ball was taken by Gamba and they invaded our territory. PATRIC's breakthrough was bravely stopped by Morishige. Following the fine plays of Kimoto and Jakub SLOWIK, the captain's solid defense was not broken here.
In the final stages, Tokyo substituted Adailton for Keita YAMASHITA. They changed the formation with YAMASHITA at the top of the attack, Leandro on the left, and Kono, who had already entered the pitch as a substitute, on the right, launching a final offensive.
Entering additional time, 90 minutes + 3 minutes. A pass from Leandro to Konno, who runs down the right side. Konno dribbles into the center and strikes with his left foot. The shot hits the opposing defenders and the ball goes into the air. Watanabe, who was at the drop point, took a direct volley, but it was caught by Gamba GK Higashiguchi in his chest.
In the end, despite approaching the goal multiple times, Tokyo was unable to break through the Gamba goal until the very end. Contrary to the flashy developments of the match, it ended in a scoreless draw.
In the final moments, as the ball flowed into the vast space of their own territory, it was Keigo HIGASHI who reacted to the ball a step faster than the opponent with a fierce dash, avoiding the crisis. At that moment, the blue-red number 10, the former captain, made a fist pump with both hands and roared. Although they couldn't win, it was a scene that conveyed the determination for victory and points as the league approached its final stages. The defense held steadfastly, and although they couldn't score, the offense attacked relentlessly until the end. Right now, they are pouring their energy into the battle ahead. It was a match that conveyed the team's overflowing passion.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Shuto ABE/Keigo HIGASHI/Koki TSUKAGAWA (28th minute: Kazuya KONNO)
FW Ryoma WATANABE/Luis Felipe (18th minute: Leandro)/Adailton (39th minute: Keita YAMASHITA)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Junya SUZUKI/Seiji KIMURA
MF Yuki KAJIURA
GOAL
-
<Gamba Osaka>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Masaaki HIGASHIGUCHI
DF Takao Ru/Genta MIURA (40th minute: Shota FUKUOKA)/Gen Shoji/Keisuke KUROKAWA
MF Juan ALANO (24th minute: Yuya FUKUDA)/Mitsuki SAITO (24th minute: Dawon)/Yuki YAMAMOTO/Ryotaro MESHINO
FW Leandro Pereira (40th minute: Musashi SUZUKI)/PATRIC
SUBS
GK Jun ICHIMORI
MF Shu KURATA/Wellington
GOAL
－
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Please summarize the match.
A, we were unable to start the match in a good way. In the first 30 minutes, we lost the ball too often and could not control the game. It would be nice if there were some magic to quickly regain confidence, but that is never the case. It is natural for the team to lose confidence during the growth process, for example, when the opponent applies pressure from the front or when the play does not go well.
However, after that, we were able to regain control of the game. I continue to communicate this to the players, but when we can firmly control the ball, we are able to create chances. Today was no different. It was a match against a great opponent, but when we held the ball, we created decisive moments. Additionally, there are issues in defense. We want to address those properly and approach the next match with that in mind.
Today, I am very satisfied with the mentality of the players who continued to aim for victory until the very end of the match and kept pushing towards the opponent's goal. FC Tokyo has often struggled in matches against teams in the lower ranks until now. However, I am proud that the players maintained their attitude to overcome that challenge until the very end, expressing their desire to aim for victory rather than settling for a draw.
We must not lose the ball that many times. I would like to continue to work on that. I would also like to take this opportunity to praise Keigo HIGASHI, who played wonderfully today despite not having played as a defensive midfielder until now.
We would like to prepare for the Vissel Kobe match on Wednesday. We will walk the path we should take and address our challenges as we approach the match against Kobe.
Q: Did Gamba's approach in the first 30 minutes differ from what you expected? Or were there issues with confidence or technique?
If I may comment without considering the opponent's play, it was a 30 minutes filled with many challenges for us. I have repeatedly mentioned that we need time to grow. It takes time for players to understand and express various concepts.
In the first five minutes, we were unable to maintain possession of the ball. Therefore, if we cannot keep the ball, I believe the players should express the concept of valuing the ball more clearly on the pitch in order to control the game. However, we were not able to do that today. I think this is not a tactical mistake, but rather a matter of whether we fully understand the concept. And it takes time to understand that.
Many players are not accustomed to this playing style. For example, Keigo HIGASHI, who is currently playing as a defensive midfielder, has not played in that position before. I believe many people had doubts about converting him to a defensive midfielder a few months ago. It is a time for players to make various understandings and efforts to play in an unfamiliar style and position.
It wasn't that we struggled with how the opponent applied pressure, but rather that we were able to respond well to various pressing styles, allowing us to dominate many matches and build up play. In that sense, I think we made many mistakes today stemming from the challenges we faced. Of course, tactics are important. However, the most crucial aspect is individual tactics. I believe it comes down to each person's tactics.
[Player Interview]]
Jakub SLOWIK
Q, please review the game, including the scene of the big save.
Of course, I aim to keep a clean sheet in every match. In the last few matches, we weren't able to maintain a clean sheet, but today achieving that was not just my effort but the result of everyone's hard work. However, I don't just want to finish without conceding; my goal is for the team to win and secure three points. In that sense, while I acknowledge that we didn't get the three points today, if we continue to keep the goals out, it could lead to victories, so I want to aim for another clean sheet next time.
Q: How do you feel about not conceding a goal for the first time in five matches?
A, the defenders were really able to work together well, and by pressing the opponent as a team and maintaining constant communication, everyone was able to keep a high defensive awareness, which I believe led to not conceding any goals. I am very happy to have contributed even a little to that result.
Q: Based on today's match, what preparations do you want to make for the next match?
A, of course, I believe we achieved this result through better communication among ourselves, and the biggest factor was that everyone sincerely hoped for a good outcome. However, since we ended up with only one point instead of three, we need to recover properly and get our condition right. We have a match against Kobe on Wednesday, so I want to reflect on both the good and the bad aspects and prepare well for the next game.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: In the end, including player Higashi, we defended with our bodies on the line.
It is quite difficult to dominate the game for the full 90 minutes, especially with the away situation or the opponent's ranking, which can lead to some tense moments. However, today, for the first time in a while, we managed to keep a clean sheet with the players in the back, so I feel that we want to develop the strength to endure and snatch a goal. In defense, we had a big save from Kuba and the entire team managed to hold strong, so I want to continue that.
Q: The veteran player in their 30s held on and defended until the end.
A, (laughs) Watching players like Morishige and Nagatomo play up close inspires me to continue growing from my daily practice. I want to lead the team so that we can achieve victories in games like today, allowing us to play for a long time.
Q: During the first half, wasn't it quite burdensome not to have the ball for a long time?
The coach also told me that in a chaotic situation, I should calm the ball down at my position. I played while observing the opponent's situation and positioning myself at the back. Since I have only been playing as an anchor for about three months, I am still experimenting, but I find it enjoyable to think about how to move during the game.
Q: It seems that your defensive awareness has been increasing with each match.
A, I am learning a lot about timing and methods in defense, so I am approaching it with a fresh mindset.
Q: Was it intentional for you to drop back and play in the final line today?
There were times when we were under pressure from the opponent, so I dropped back a bit and played while observing their movements. I also intended to calm the game down with that approach.
The quality of playing in the opponent's territory is still lacking, so I would like to improve how we break through when the opponent sets up a block.
Today, we were able to keep the score to zero and I think it was a good point that we were able to defend against the opponent's counterattacks with determination.
Q: Is there flexibility in play, both as a team and individually?
If the opponent comes out to play, it makes it easier for us to fight. When they create a solid block, I think our patterns for breaking through and the ideas from communication among the players are still lacking, so I want to improve on that.
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: We were able to finish the game without conceding a goal for the first time in a while.
A, I knew the opponent would be aiming for a counterattack, so I thought there would be no problem if we could contain Leandro PEREIRA and PATRIC. Today, it was a situation where I wanted to score.
Q: In the end, veteran players like Morishige, Nagatomo, and Higashi put their bodies on the line to defend.
A, I feel that was the work for today, and I think that is the part I was able to accomplish.
Q: How was the defense from the crosses?
A, the goals conceded from crosses and the moments right in front of the goal are where the match is decided between winning or losing in a one-on-one situation, so we discussed and prepared to focus on organizing that part.
Q, there is another away match against Kobe in three days.
A, there are parts that we were able to do and parts that we were not able to do in today's match. By making fine adjustments in those areas and practicing repeatedly, I believe we can achieve even higher accuracy.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: I believe that defending with full effort until the end led to not conceding any goals.
A, although the opponent had momentum in a difficult situation, I feel the team's growth in being able to defend by putting our bodies on the line in dangerous moments. There were a few mistakes in maintaining possession of the ball, but we improved while taking on challenges. In the previous few matches, we conceded many goals, but today we were able to keep a clean sheet in the end, which I think is good for us as defenders.
Q: I think key players like Nagatomo and Morishige were particularly putting their bodies on the line.
First of all, we need to show a fighting spirit, and I am aware of that myself; I think it's an important aspect. When the team's morale is low, I want to be a player who can demonstrate it through my actions and play.
Q, you were a left back, but your attitude of wanting to grow further was evident.
Under Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, a new modern style of play for full-backs is required, and I am learning a lot in that regard. Playing wide has been my role for the past 15 years as a professional, but I am showing a new side of myself. Although there are still challenges, I feel that I am growing, and I want to improve my precision while being involved in the team's possession to smoothly transition into the attacking zone.
Q: As the team's style has deepened and we have become able to score points, do you want to focus on not conceding any goals as a defense?
A, of course. The coach says every day that we should play attacking football, but since we are defenders, we need to focus on solid defense. If we keep the score to 0, we won't lose, so we are strongly aware of that. We want to maintain possession of the ball and build our own foundation. I am confident that we are steadily improving, and I am also striving to evolve my own play, so I want to do my best.
<Shuto ABE>
Q: It seems that Gamba applied pressure from the front more than expected. How did you feel about that aspect in the first half?
Rather than being attacked from the front, I have the impression that we made many mistakes, and they targeted those. 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 match) I still don't know the reason, but it seemed like everyone was heavy today. We weren't accustomed to the unique heat of Osaka, and we started the first half poorly, leading to many mistakes.
Q, was it growth that we didn't break down throughout the match, even at the end of the first half?
A, it started to get better after the first 30 minutes of the first half, so if we could have grasped our rhythm from the beginning of the first half, it would have led to an easier game, allowing us to move the ball smoothly and increase our scoring chances.
Q: What do you think about not conceding any goals?
A, Kuba made a big save today, and with the two center-backs putting their bodies on the line, I believe finishing without conceding a goal will lead to our next success.
Q: What should we be careful about heading into the match against Kobe based on today's game?
A, today we didn't start the match well, so I want to prepare for the next game to be able to play at Tokyo's pace from the very beginning of the first half.
Q: What is your impression of Kobe?
A, this year gives the impression that things are not going well, but since the players are all here, I want to stay grounded and prepare to win, regardless of our ranking.
Q: Did you feel the determination from Gamba, your opponent today, to stay in J1?
Of course, Gamba is also desperate, and the next match against Kobe is difficult as they are fighting to avoid relegation. However, to stay close to the top, we have no choice but to win, so I want to make sure we take all three points next time.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, it was a frustrating match, but please review the game.
In the early stages of the first half, I think it was an issue of positioning, and I believe it did not go well. One factor could be that the overall spacing was a bit stretched. Regardless of the situation, even if the opponent was pressing from the front, we need to be aware of our positioning, and I feel that the start was a missed opportunity, including for myself.
Q. It seems that your presence has been increasing with each match. How do you feel about your own performance?
A. I am not satisfied at all with today's match. Rather, I think we are below average, and I believe we need to get more involved in creating chances. We have been struggling to score, and while I might feel that I am making my presence felt by touching the ball often, I know that I need to produce results that show up in the numbers.
I feel that in order to become a player at a higher level, I must be particular about the numbers.
Q. Since the position to receive the ball has improved, does that mean you need to do more decisive work?
A. Today, I made a through pass to Leandro, but I believe we need to create scenes like that not just once, but multiple times. There were moments when I received the ball in the center and lost it, so the coach has mentioned that we need to eliminate that, and I think it's a challenge for me even without the coach saying it. If I can receive the ball in the center and take it to a shot and score, I believe I can evolve even more, so I want to delve deeper into that.
Q. The next match will be in three days. Please share your enthusiasm for the away game against Kobe.
A. Today is frustrating, but since we didn't lose, I want to keep my head up. I want to learn from the parts that didn't go well in the first 30 minutes and do everything I can to win the next two matches.
