Match Review
In this match, played three days after the last, we face Cerezo Osaka in the postponed Sec. 25 due to the typhoon. Tokyo came into this match against Shonan Bellmare with a good momentum from two consecutive wins, but despite having chances early in the game, they failed to convert and ended up conceding a goal in the latter part of the match, resulting in a loss.
This season, there are only 3 matches left. Tokyo is in 7th place, 4 points behind 4th place C Osaka. The competition for the top spots is tight, and the results of a single match could significantly change the final rankings. Tokyo aims to climb at least one position and, to show fans and supporters the progress made this season through their efforts for transformation, this match requires not only results but also quality performance.
1st HALF - Created chances but blocked twice by the post
In the early stages, both teams created scenes to bring the ball into the penalty area. The first team to create a clear chance was C Osaka. As Tokyo's defense fell back to respond, a penetrating pass was played between the defenders, utilizing the space behind on the left side. As the defenders closed in on the player who broke free, a cross was sent to the far side, but Tamada's shot missed the target and went over the goal.
Tokyo's counterattack came in the 18th minute of the first half, when Kashif BANGNAGANDE reacted to a looping pass from mid-range and carried the ball deep down the left side. Near the goal line, he delivered a floating cross ball towards the back post, but Diego OLIVEIRA aimed for a bicycle kick and missed the connection.
Gradually, Tokyo increased their possession of the ball, creating opportunities to break down the opponent during the flow of the game. In the 27th minute of the first half, a diagonal pass from Kuryu MATSUKI, who had moved to the left side, entered the central area. Although it did not reach Diego TABA, Ryoma WATANABE, who had made a run from behind, took a one-touch shot from just outside the penalty area, hitting the left post. As the loose ball spilled in front of the goal, Adailton, who was in the trajectory, also made a powerful one-touch attempt, but his ground shot was once again deflected off the left post.
In the 34th minute of the first half, Matsuki received a pass facing the goal just outside the penalty area. Taking advantage of the defender's delayed approach, he aimed for a powerful long-range shot, but the ball, gaining speed, went just over the goal.
Tokyo's offensive continues. In response to the opponent's counterattack, the defense sharpens its press to recover the ball high up the pitch, quickly extinguishing any chance of a counter. Even in a pressed state, they utilize space to advance the ball, closing in on the opponent's goal. In the 40th minute of the first half, Yoshifumi sent in a low, sharp cross from the left side, and Adailton made a diving header at the near side. It was a shot aimed at the far side of the goal, but it narrowly missed to the right of the frame.
2nd HALF - Watanabe's Hat-trick & Luiz PHELLYPE's First Home Goal
Tokyo created many scoring opportunities in the first half but couldn't convert them, but suddenly changed the game at the start of the second half.
In the 3rd minute of the second half, Adailton created space and sent Kafumi running into the space on the left side. When Kafumi delivered a cross in front of the goal, Watanabe skillfully trapped the ball from a one-touch motion as it flowed to the far side, and while the defender was slow to close in, he took a shot with his left foot. The ball was drawn into the upper left corner of the goal, and Tokyo succeeded in taking the lead.
After taking the lead, Tokyo maintained possession of the ball. The players kept an exquisite distance, moving the ball while making the opposing players run. If the opponents advanced, they utilized the space behind them; if they did not, they connected short passes and gradually pushed forward.
As the match entered its final stages, Tokyo secured the game. In the 31st minute of the second half, Hotaka NAKAMURA broke free on the right side and delivered a cross, which was met by Watanabe with a right-footed volley to add another goal. Tokyo was unstoppable. Just a minute later, in the 32nd minute of the second half, Koki TSUKAGAWA sent a cross from the right corner of the penalty area into the goal area, where Watanabe headed it in, completing a hat-trick with his left foot, right foot, and head.
With the lead widening, Tokyo's momentum shows no signs of stopping. In the 38th minute of the second half, Kazuya KONNO makes a through pass on the right side. Shuto ABE, who dives into the space on the right side of the penalty area, sends in a cross near the goal line, and Luiz PHELLYPE changes the trajectory with a one-touch finish, scoring the fourth goal, which is his first goal at home.
With the belief that offense is the best defense, Tokyo allowed C Osaka almost no real attacks, raising their rank to 5th place. In the next match, they will face Nagoya Grampus away, and in the final match, they will battle Kawasaki Frontale in the Tamagawa Classico at Ajinomoto Stadium.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Kashifu BANGUNAGANDE
MF Koki TSUKAGAWA (substituted in 36th minute: Shuto ABE)/Keigo HIGASHI (substituted in 40th minute: Seiji KIMURA)/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Ryoma WATANABE (substituted in 36th minute: Leandro)/Diego Oliveira (substituted in 30th minute: Luis Felipe)/Adailton (substituted in 30th minute: Kazuya KONNO)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Yuto NAGATOMO
GOAL
3 minutes into the second half: Watanabe/31 minutes into the second half: Watanabe/32 minutes into the second half: Watanabe/38 minutes into the second half: Luiz PHELLYPE
<Cerezo Osaka>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kim Jin-hyeon
DF Matsuda Riku (31st minute: Bruno Mendes)/Ryosuke Yamanaka (24th minute: Ryosuke Shindo)/Matej Jonić/Ryuya Nishio
MF Hiroshi Kiyotake/Seiya Maikuma/Tokuma Suzuki (0th minute: Nelson ISHIWATARI)/Hirotaka Tameda (11th minute: Jean Patric)
FW Satoki Uejo/Adam Taggart (11th minute: Sota Kitano)
SUBS
GK Keisuke SHIMIZU
MF Hikaru NAKAHARA
GOAL
―
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review the game.
One of the objectives we asked the players for was to take an aggressive approach, and I think that was the key. They have become more confident in maintaining possession of the ball. We were able to effectively connect that to our attacks. As expressed in the first half of the match against Kashima, I believe we have entered a phase where we are increasing opportunities to play towards the goal while maintaining possession of the ball.
The team fought hard from the very beginning of the match, aiming for victory. They maintained a high intensity and pace throughout. What I am satisfied with today is that we were able to keep a high level of intensity throughout the match. I believe we were able to express our ability to control the game by retaining possession of the ball, which we have been working on, and to fight more aggressively towards the goal as I asked the players to do today. Of course, the first half against Kashima was good, and I think it was a wonderful performance this season. However, what I am satisfied with in this match is that we continued to express a high level in all aspects, including both offense and defense.
The growth stage this season is as expected. Of course, it is natural that we need to grow even more. In terms of results, we have first eliminated the risk of relegation. Additionally, we have surpassed the average points earned per match compared to last season. This club was in a declining position, but we managed to recover and take steps upward. The team composition has not changed significantly from last season. Within that, we have dramatically changed our style over the year. The goals moving forward are clear, and I believe the next two matches will be fantastic. Of course, they will be difficult matches. It's a home game for Nagoya, and Kawasaki may be playing for the championship. I think facing such teams is a wonderful challenge.
(Watanabe) I want to say 'Congratulations on the hat trick' to Ryoma. I am also satisfied that we did not let the best fullback in Japan, Nagatomo, play (in the match).
Q: Today, we maintained calm play by circulating the ball in our own half to draw the opponent in, and by making vertical passes through the center. What allowed us to have this mental composure?
A, of course, depending on the game, there are times when we can play with ease like in the match against Kashima, and conversely, there are times when we become a bit nervous like in the match against Shonan. It is true that there are still irregularities that occur in each match. However, it takes time to turn those irregularities into regularities and to consistently perform at the same level.
Now, we have been playing as a team for 7 months. I think it's a good thing that young players like Kuryu MATSUKI, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, and Ryoma WATANABE are becoming the stars of the matches.
[Player Interview]]
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, please review today's game.
A, there were scenes where we could have scored from the first half, but we couldn't finish. However, I felt that we could score today. There were more mistakes than usual in the match, but since we were able to score, I think I will take that positively.
Q, please review the game starting from the first goal, all of which were wonderful.
I collided with Tsukakawa, but I was able to communicate well, so I thought I would enter the drop zone and take a shot. Since Tsukakawa's body was right in front of me, I controlled it well with my first touch and placed it nicely, so I calmly slotted it into the far side.
Q: You were calm for both the second and third points.
I think the reason it went well and in a good direction is that I was ready when Nakamura was about to make the cross.
For the third goal, I thought it would come with a one-touch, so I was careful about the offside and entered at the right moment when a good ball came, so I’m glad I was able to score.
Q: The content was very compact and it was a good game, wasn't it?
I believe that matches where we can press from the front tend to be good games. In the match against Shonan, we struggled to get into the game and we reflected on the fact that we were too passive. We have been working towards today with that in mind. If we can keep pressing from the front, I think we can establish our own style, so I want to keep that in mind for the next two matches as well.
Q: How will you approach the last two matches of this season?
We aim for participation in the ACL, but first, we want to focus on each match ahead of us. Both Nagoya and Kawasaki are not easy opponents, so we want to approach each game one at a time.
Q: When was the last time you scored a hat trick?
It's been since elementary school (laughs).
Q: Did you receive the ball?
A, I received it.
<Luiz PHELLYPE>
Q: Please share your thoughts on scoring your first home goal.
Yes, while it was my first home goal, I am happy to have achieved results despite not scoring lately.
Q: Given the limited playing time, I think it is difficult to achieve results. What are you conscious of in this situation?
A, I am always given about 15 to 20 minutes, so I try my best to do what I can within that time on the field. I felt that the only thing missing was a goal, so I am happy to have been able to leave a visible result in the form of a goal.
Q, do you think this goal could be a good opportunity?
A, I am always aiming for goals, so I hope to score in the next match as well. However, soccer is difficult, so there are times when I can score and times when I cannot. I will prepare to be able to score.
Q: I think the process leading to the goal was good, what do you think?
A, believing that the ball would come in, I moved into the goal area, and as a result, the ball arrived perfectly, so all that was left was to finish it.
Q: I think there were significant parts where we were able to collaborate well, what do you think?
A, today, it was the scene where I scored a goal, but recently, there have been many difficult situations where we couldn't get the ball to the center forward, and I often entered the match when we were losing. In that context, the ball came to me well, and I was able to achieve results, so I think it was good.
Q: How do you feel about the last two matches of this season?
In the last two matches, I want to go all out for victory. Regardless of whether we have a chance to win a title or not, I believe that fighting in the matches ahead is the most important thing. Therefore, for the remaining two matches, I will prepare thoroughly with the goal of finishing with wins.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q, please review the scene of the assist.
A, I was able to kick the ball as I imagined. It was good that Watanabe skillfully turned and scored.
Q: There were many improvements seen since the Shonan match. What were you conscious of?
Compared to the Shonan match, there was a higher level of aggression in attacking behind the front line, and we were able to dominate the opponent throughout the match. I believe it was because of this aggression that we were able to play a good game today.
Q, Nakamura and Yoshifumi's performance as full-backs stood out in the match.
Before the match, it was discussed in scouting that the opponent's full-back was the starting point of their attacks. We entered the match after talking with Nakamura about how winning the duel between the full-backs would allow us to control the pace. I’m glad we were able to outplay the opponent's full-back and maintain control throughout the match.
Q: I have the impression that early crosses have become more common in matches.
A, I have been told that it is okay to actively raise the players who come in from practice, and I gradually feel a sense of synergy with the players inside. I'm glad I was able to bring that out in the match.
Q: Do you feel that the variety of plays is increasing?
A, every time I play in a match, my signature moves are becoming more closely watched, but I feel that actively attacking with my left has led to good plays.
Q: How does it feel to have a big victory while having vocal support during home games?
A, I am very happy because it was the first time we won a match with vocal support at home by a large margin.
Q: Did you have any communication regarding positioning?
In the first half, Adailton created space by opening up wide. I believe there was a common understanding within the team about who would open up and who would make runs behind, as Morishige had discussed the combination with Adailton before the match.
Q: Unlike the previous match, we maintained possession of the ball for most of the time. As a full-back, what plays were you conscious of since the last match that influenced that change?
I thought that even if we kept the ball for a long time, it would end up like the match against Shonan, so as a correction in that regard, I believed it was necessary for the full-backs to actively make runs behind the defense. In the match against Shonan, we lacked aggression going forward, which led to that kind of game. To learn from that reflection, the fact that we had more plays where we pushed forward resulted in an increase in our ball possession rate, and I believe we were able to play our style of football.
<Hotaka NAKAMURA>
Q, please review the game.
A, since we lost a match that we needed to win in the previous round, we talked about fighting together from the beginning today, regardless of the content of the game. We couldn't score in the first half, but I think we were able to show our spirit in the match.
Q: I think it was a very passionate match, but what were your thoughts going into it?
A: It's the same for every match, but I wanted to firmly defend the aspects of my game that I excel at, as well as the build-up play and attacking participation that the coach expects from me.
Q: It was a goal from a cross by Nakamura, but were you watching Watanabe?
A: I definitely need to work more on the number and quality of crosses I deliver. In that scoring moment, I wasn't not watching Watanabe, but I was hoping someone would connect with my cross based on instinct. The goal was more thanks to Watanabe finishing it rather than the quality of my cross, which I don't think was that high. However, it was good that it led to a goal. From here, I want to improve both the quality and the number of crosses.
Q: I think the defense was quite good, and I believe we were able to build our attacks properly. What areas have improved?
A, indeed, there are various formations and defensive strategies that differ from team to team, and in the last match against Shonan, we had to respond within their excellent defense. This time, we thoroughly analyzed the opponent's footage, confirmed our positions within the team, and managed to circulate the ball effectively, so I believe we improved from the last match against Shonan. As a team, we need to figure out how to navigate through intense pressure without panicking, especially in matches like the one against Shonan, where we must be able to carry the ball calmly.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: The game was completely different from the recent match against Shonan. What kind of preparations did you make in the last three days?
Regarding the match against Shonan, we discussed that there were areas where we had not been able to press effectively, so we aimed to improve on that. In today's match against Cerezo, we understood through analysis that if we didn't go after the opponent's anchor, they would be able to develop their play from there, so we made sure to address that.
Q: You seemed to keep it compact for 90 minutes and reacted quickly to the movement of the ball. How did you feel on the pitch?
It was a very tough match, but everyone was moving fluidly both before and after the first goal. I think the overall team became more cohesive because when I was pressing from the front, player Higashi covered well.
Q: Wasn't this the best game of the season?
A, since it was a victory with a certain point difference in the end, I want to take that positively.
Q: I think the meaning of the remaining matches will change with today's victory.
A, since there will be a short break, I want to make solid preparations during this period for the next match against Nagoya, and I will do my best to climb higher in the standings in the remaining two matches.
Q: I think the coordination on the left side was smooth today.
When Adailton came on, I think he was able to use the space, and since Yoshifumi is a player whose characteristics stand out more when he is positioned forward rather than backward, I believe he was able to manage the ball well while maintaining a good balance. Today, we were able to play very smoothly, and I think there were many opportunities to break through from that, so I believe this is a way of playing that will be beneficial in future matches.
Q: Do you feel that the team becomes more active when the inside half has a lot of movement, like today?
Yes, I think that while creating the game from the back, if we don't forget to jump in front of the goal, we could become an even better team.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: What were you careful about during the match?
A, we had a disappointing match last time that was focused on the competition, and we can only make up for it in the game. I believe that today, everyone worked on corrections and organized themselves well to approach the match, which contributed to this result.
Q: I think you were able to move the ball around quite well without fearing the opponent's press. What allowed you to do that in today's match?
There are various elements, but first we organized our defense. In the last match against Shonan, we weren't able to fit well and ended up falling back. Therefore, this time we were able to push forward positively, which improved the rhythm of our attack, and when Tokyo plays like that, it's really good, and I think we were able to bring that out well.
Q: Did the team discuss anything in preparation for today's match?
Throughout the season, I think each player was able to play while thinking during today's match. Above all, it was good that we were able to improve on the points we reflected on from the Shonan match today. Even though we are winning, there are still many areas for improvement, so I think it would be good for the team to discuss further and get even better.
Q: What are the areas for improvement?
Although we pressed forward in the first half, we struggled to penetrate into the goal area, so we discussed aiming for that more. While simply crossing from the sides is good, I hope we can increase our attacking variations, such as penetrating into more dangerous areas.
Q: I think that player Higashi's defense was effective, but how do you feel about it intuitively?
A, reading the course, reading the opponent's intentions, the inside half is good at coaching, and there are many players who can run a lot, so while using that, I was able to handle the situations that came my way. I think I did well in that aspect today.
Q: I think we were able to work more smoothly compared to the Shonan match, including our collaboration with the front line.
A, of course, it depends on the opponent, so there are matches like today where things don't go well. The match against Shonan was not good in terms of both content and results, but I think there are a few matches like that throughout the year. Even in such situations, I believe it is important to somehow earn points, and that will be crucial during the season. I think that aspect is still a challenge. When things are going well, we can play good matches and score, but in matches that don't go well, figuring out how to build the game and aiming higher is still a challenge.
