<Match Review>
This round was a battle against Nagoya Grampus, led by former FC Tokyo coach Kenta HASEGAWA, after a three-week break. They aimed for a consecutive victory with the momentum from their 4-0 win against Cerezo Osaka at home on the 12th, as they kicked off.
1st HALF - Unable to take control despite holding the ball
At the start, Nagoya, who are playing their final home game of the season, are pushed back by a sharp start. In the 3rd minute, they are immediately put under pressure. A free kick from the right side is crossed by Haruya FUJII, and waiting for it in an open space is Kensuke NAGAI, who until this summer, wore the blue and red uniform and fought together. However, GK Jakub SLOWIK makes a fantastic save on the powerful shot that was on target, preventing a clear chance.
In the 10th minute, they gave away a free kick on the left side. Ryota Nagaki's ball, which was put in with his right foot, was cleared near the goal and Noriyoshi Sakai was pushed in, resulting in a disadvantage in the game.
Finally, Tokyo's attack started to pick up pace after 20 minutes. They were able to move the ball around in the opponent's half for longer periods of time, resulting in more shooting opportunities. In the 24th minute, Leandro took a shot with his right foot after intercepting a pass in the midfield. Then, in the 28th minute, Ryoma WATANABE and Keigo HIGASHI took consecutive shots on a counter attack. They were getting closer to scoring a goal against Nagoya.
Still, they were far behind by one point and welcomed the halftime with a lead.
2nd HALF-Equalized but lost due to a momentary gap
Both teams started the second half without any player substitutions. Tokyo was able to smoothly advance with the ball, creating rhythm and tempo in their attack. In that flow, they suddenly shook the goal net. In the 4th minute of the second half, Bangnagande Kashif and Matsuki Kuryu combined on the left side to cross. Although it was initially cleared, Kimoto Yasuki, who picked up the second ball, skillfully controlled it and struck it powerfully with his right foot, piercing the top right corner of the goal.
After scoring the equalizing goal, Tokyo began to dominate the game with relentless attacks. The players maintained a good distance between each other and connected short passes, quickly regaining possession even after losing the ball and transitioning into second and third attacks.
However, in the midst of the growing atmosphere of a comeback goal, they showed a momentary gap. In the 24th minute of the second half, they gave a free kick on the left side and allowed a quick restart. Ryoya MORISHITA's low and fast cross was blocked by GK Jakub SLOWIK, but Kensuke NAGAI, who was closing in, pushed it in and they were once again overtaken.
Tokyo, who wants to equalize and turn the game around, sends out Adailton and Shuto ABE. However, Nagoya's defense block, which is tightening the center, is strong and they cannot create chances. The time of patience is getting longer.
In the end, we were unable to produce a second equalizing goal and the time was up. We couldn't secure a consecutive win, and in the next match we will face Kawasaki Frontale, who still have a chance to win their third consecutive league title, in the final match at home in the Tama River Clasico.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yuto NAGATOMO (42nd minute of the second half: Hantaka NAKAMURA)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Koki TSUKAGAWA (30th minute of the second half: Shuto ABE)/Keigo HIGASHI/Kusei MATSUKI (42nd minute of the second half: Hirotaka MITA)
FW Ryoma WATANABE (30th minute of the second half: Adailton)/Luiz PHELLYPE/Leandro (17th minute of the second half: Kazuya KONNO)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF /Seiji KIMURA
GOAL
4 minutes into the second half, Yasuki KIMOTO
Nagoya Grampus
STARTING XI
GK LANGERAK
DF Yuichi MARUYAMA/Haruya FUJII/Shinnosuke NAKATANI
MF Yuki SOUMA/Ryoya MORISHITA (26th minute of the second half: Kazuya MIYAHARA)/Sho INAGAKI/Ryota NAGAKI (44th minute of the second half: Keiya SENTO)
FW Noriyoshi SAKAI (11th minute of the second half: Takuya SHIGEHIRO)/Kensuke NAGAI (26th minute of the second half: Leonardo)/Mateus CASTRO (44th minute of the second half: Leosilva)
SUBS
GK Yohei TAKEDA
DF Thiago
GOAL
First half 10 minutes Noriyoshi SAKAI
Second half 24 minutes Kensuke NAGAI
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, please review the game.
A, I have also conveyed to the players, but I am proud of their play today. I think you saw them playing for 90 minutes aiming for victory with good play. Of course, I am not satisfied with the game result, and there is room for improvement in the part where we conceded 2 goals from set pieces. However, I think we were clearly superior to the opponent in terms of soccer quality. I think the players clearly expressed the direction and style that the team and the club are aiming for. As time goes by and the games pile up, the players are pushing the opponent and becoming able to play calmly. That is my understanding and interpretation. By asking the players to make smart plays, giving them difficult tasks, and breaking through them, the players will grow. That is my interpretation.
Of course, I understand that the game result is the most important thing. However, as the coach of this team, after 8 months, I am truly proud that the players have reached a level where they can express themselves in such a wonderful stadium.
The match result is also determined by elements that we cannot control. However, as a coach, we must calmly analyze and judge whether the team is moving in the right direction. From that perspective, I think it was a game that proved the team is moving in the right direction. I think FC Tokyo is a club that is required to play more attractive football due to its name, and we are currently aiming for that. Whether at home or away, I think we will go to the position of expressing that kind of play. That is how I interpret football and life.
Q, Finally, what do you feel is necessary to break down the attacking third?
A, today, the opposing team had 9 players defending in the penalty area. We must understand that it was a situation where we had to attack against that team. I think we were able to create many chances despite the opposing team's strong defense. They were only able to create a few chances. We had many periods of good attacking play. I think it's important to have a sense of creating chances. I finished this game with a sense that our team had a good attacking performance.
In the first 10 minutes, there were many plays that still needed improvement. However, looking back on the season, I think it's clear that the team has undergone significant changes from the opening game until today. Have there been any changes? I want you to remember the Nagoya game at home. In that game, we were not able to dominate, but today we were clearly able to dominate the opponent away. We lost the game. But if you ask if we are moving in a good direction, it's not the case. On the contrary, I think today's game made it clear that we are moving in a good direction. If you look at the standings, we are not in a bad position at all. Next week, we still have the Kawasaki Frontale game. I want to express our style and aim for victory like we did today.
[Player Interview]
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, it was a disappointing defeat.
A, before being scored first, we have already created scoring opportunities, and if we concede a goal from a set piece in the first half, it will become a difficult match.
Q, we also scored a tie goal in that match.
I was thinking that if I could score one point, I could turn the game around, so I took a bold shot and I'm glad it went in.
Q, the player who didn't want to be chosen, ended up being chosen by player Nagai.
A, I don't think we let it happen in the flow, but we stopped our feet in the set play and lost our concentration. In the J1 League, if we concede a goal in such a situation, we will lose.
Q, How was the game at Toyota Stadium?
A, there were many people in attendance and it was a good atmosphere, and it was an easy environment to play in. However, the strong desire to not lose and the situation of aiming for a higher rank, this season we have been frustrated by not being able to win in situations where we thought "if we win here". We are keenly aware of our own weakness. I think that if we can't win in these situations, we can't move up. We want to use this experience for next season.
Q, We were pulled back by the opponent after being scored first. How should we break down the opponent who pulled back?
A, I think it's a wall that we collide with as a team that holds the ball. If we are in a losing situation, we will be blocked and it will become a difficult situation. In the first half, I think there were a lot of safe passes. We talked about playing boldly, like crossing or shooting, to finish strong.
Q, In that sense, I think it's important for Kimoto to score points as well.
A, I think there were many people in the cross even in the scoring scene, and I think that when such aggressiveness comes out, goals are born. I want to increase such scenes.
Q, the possibility of being in third place has been lost with today's result.
A, Although there was a possibility if we looked at the results of other venues today, we were originally focused on winning today without thinking too much because we also had the help of others. There were many games this season where we said "if we win here", so I don't think it's just about this one loss. I think we need the strength to win important games in order to be in the top next season.
Q, the next match will be the final match at home, the Tama River Clasico.
We want to finish the season on a good note by not changing what we do and preparing for next season. We have the final match at home, so we want to make it a good end to the year. I think the opponent will be motivated as they are competing for the championship, so if we can beat Kawasaki who are in the top position, it will give us confidence. We want to continue what we did today and fight in the last match.
Q, please say a word to the fans and supporters who came to support us until Nagoya.
A, the support has been a great help and we were able to receive encouragement during the post-game greetings, so we want to have a good game at home and win to share the joy with everyone.
<Luiz PHELLYPE>
Q, it's been a while since you played for a long time, can you tell us your thoughts?
A, it's been a while since I've been able to play for a long time, so I'm taking it positively. I want to work hard in practice so that I can play for a long time in the next game as well.
Q, I think there were a wide range of tasks such as being the starting point for chance creation, not just finishing. How do you feel about that?
A, I have always been able to play with confidence, and I see it as a positive that I was able to do so during long playing times. However, I feel that I need to make that confidence visible in the results.
Q, I think we were able to create a lot of chances with Leandro, but what do you feel was missing that didn't result in a goal?
A, I think I should have made a better decision in the end. Today, I couldn't score because I couldn't make a good decision among the plays that were born on the spot. So, in the next game, I want to be more calm and make better decisions.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the final match against Kawasaki in the next round.
Although we were unable to win the title as a team, I am highly motivated to do what I can as an individual. I want to play with the goal of playing for a long time, scoring goals, and being passionate about leading the team to victory.
Yuto NAGATOMO player
Q, unfortunately we were unable to dominate the ball and achieve a good result.
A, of course the result is disappointing, but since becoming coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, there have been more games where we can clearly dominate and feel our own growth. However, (today's) result is a loss and there are still areas where we need to improve our strength and address our challenges, but I feel that the path we are on is definitely the right one.
Q: How was your condition throughout the match?
A, there are good parts and areas for improvement, but there are no problems at all.
Ryoma WATANABE
Q, please review the game.
It was a game where I realized that even if we play good soccer, we may not win. Although we didn't get the result we wanted, I feel that we have been building something good and I was able to enjoy the game honestly. It is a fact that we need to turn this into results, so I think the reason for our loss in today's game was that we couldn't finish (the game) when it was tied 1-1.
Q, In the situation where we were down by one point, I think we were able to create many scenes where we pushed into the opponent's territory. This led to Kimoto's equalizing goal.
A, I think that if we continue to defend as a team, we will see situations like that and if we defend deep, I don't think Kimoto will come in that far. We were able to score points in that area today, and if we continue to do so, I think we can score even more points in a good direction. At the same time, I want everyone to raise their awareness and reduce the number of goals conceded.
Q, please give us your enthusiasm for the final home game against Kawasaki.
A, it's a game where the opponent is fighting for the championship, so it's really exciting to try and stop them.
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q, How was it when you played in the game and there was a scene that seemed like it would be a PK?
A, I fell down under pressure, but I didn't get a foul in the end. I felt like I need to be able to withstand that and I need to learn how to not fall down so easily.
Q, I think I was able to contribute to the team in the final breakthrough part by trying many times.
A, after the opponent took the lead, we pulled back our defensive block and when we had the ball, we tried to add an accent when receiving the ball on the side. In that sense, I don't think it was bad, but in the end we couldn't take any shots and we couldn't score an equalizer, so that's something we need to reflect on.
Q, do you think the team is able to possess the ball, but the final breaking point is the issue?
A, We have been able to smoothly go up to the last third, so I think it will come down to the quality of the final shot and cross, as well as individual aspects. Each person needs to be more aware, and I also need to improve the quality more. I don't think it will lead to an increase in goals.
Q, Do each individual have to raise one by one?
A, I think it will ultimately lead to the team's level up, so I felt again today that I have to do my best to level up myself first.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, how was it when there was a time when the defense from Nagoya's front line wasn't working well?
A, I think that part will be a challenge and a wall for teams that progress the game while holding the ball. I still think there is room for improvement in breaking through opponents who create blocks and defend. However, I think the second half had some good moments, so the challenge is to be able to do that from the first half.
Q, is it because we have been making progress despite the challenges that we are facing these walls?
A, yes. I think it was not a picture of the Shonan game, so in that sense, I think there is room for improvement in both offense and defense depending on the opponent's situation among the players.
Q, for example, where would it be?
A, I can't say anything because I haven't seen the footage yet, but if I had to point out the details, it would be not conceding the first goal, not being scored on from a set piece, and if we can keep it 0-0, I think the picture will change again, so I also feel it from a psychological standpoint.
Q, How was it to play against player Nagai on the pitch again?
A, it was fun. I really think we were able to play hard. I think the goal scene is his instinct, and as a forward, I want to praise him for that. I felt that he was a good player. It was good to be able to fight like this.
Q, Was the uniform exchanged at the end?
A, yes. We finished and exchanged at the end. I couldn't play in the first half of the game at home with Manager Kenta (Masaru HASEGAWA), but this time I was able to play in front of him. I hope to see him in good spirits again next season.
Q, Nagai and Morishige competed at the start, and I felt it was a strange sight when I ran over to see if they were okay.
A, not only me, but I also think it's part of Nagai's character, and I'm really happy that he's doing well in Nagoya because I know his personality.
Q, the final match is against Kawasaki at home.
A, in terms of ranking, there is nothing at stake, but I think it is a place where we can express what we have built up for ourselves. If we can play well in the final match, I think it will lead to the next season and give us confidence for a good start, so I want to make it that kind of game.
Kashif BANGNAGANDE
Q, it was a disappointing result. Please review the game.
A, I think we need to fix the part where we couldn't make a decision in our own time and the second goal was a wasted goal.
Q, I had the impression that I was aggressively going into the opponent enough to get a yellow card.
A, I regret that I went without thinking about the accumulation of yellow cards. I feel like I was able to go aggressively from the beginning of the game.
Q: Were there any challenges that you faced during today's match?
A, Regarding defensive positioning, I still feel like there is room for improvement. In the first half, there were also a couple of instances where I was helped by Morishige's play when the opponent got behind us. In the second half, there were also areas where our crossing accuracy dropped, so that is something we need to work on.
Q: Did the opponent's strong defense make it difficult for you to play?
A, I think there will be more games where our soccer will be watched out for, so even if countermeasures are taken, we cannot win without scoring points, so I want to continue in that aspect.
Q, Wasn't it a year of growth in defense as well, with a return from a major injury?
A, I think I have grown compared to the beginning, but there are still many areas where I feel I am lacking, such as my initial positioning. So, I want to continue to push myself to achieve results.
