<Match Review>
After a break of about three weeks, this match was against Nagoya Grampus, led by Kenta HASEGAWA, who managed FC Tokyo until last season. Kicking off with the momentum from their 4-0 victory at home against Cerezo Osaka on the 12th, they aimed for consecutive wins.
1st HALF - Although we held the ball, we couldn't seize control
At the start, we were pushed back by Nagoya's sharp start, as this match was their final home game. In the 3rd minute, a sudden crisis arrived. A free kick from the right side was headed back by Haruya FUJII to Kensuke NAGAI, who was waiting free after having fought together in the blue and red uniform until this summer. However, a powerful shot that was on target was brilliantly saved by GK Jakub SLOWIK, preventing a clear chance.
In the 10th minute, a free kick was given deep on the left side. Ryota NAGAKI's ball, delivered with his right foot, was deflected at the near post, and Noriyoshi SAKAI pushed it in front of the goal, resulting in an early deficit.
Finally, Tokyo's attack started to gain rhythm around the 20-minute mark. The time spent moving the ball in the opponent's territory increased, leading to more scenes ending with shots. In the 24th minute, Leandro struck with his right foot after intercepting a pass in midfield, and in the 28th minute, Ryoma WATANABE and Keigo HIGASHI took consecutive shots on a counterattack. They closed in on the Nagoya goal.
Still, the goal was far away, and they allowed the lead before the halftime break.
2nd HALF - Equalized but caught off guard for defeat
Both teams started the second half without substitutions. Tokyo was able to advance smoothly 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, Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Kuryu MATSUKI combined on the left side for a cross. It was cleared once, but Yasuki KIMOTO picked up the second ball and, with skillful control, struck with his right foot, powerfully piercing the upper right corner of the goal.
Tokyo launched an overwhelming attack following the equalizing goal. The players maintained good spacing, connecting short passes effectively, and even when they lost possession, they quickly transitioned to regain the ball and shifted to secondary and tertiary attacks.
However, in the atmosphere where a comeback goal was building, a momentary lapse occurred. In the 24th minute of the second half, a free kick was awarded on the left side, allowing for a quick restart. Ryoya MORISHITA's low and fast cross was deflected by GK Jakub SLOWIK, but Kensuke NAGAI, who was following up, pushed it in, regaining the lead once again.
Tokyo, wanting to equalize and then take the lead, sends out Adailton and Shuto ABE. However, Nagoya's defensive block, which is solid in the center, makes it difficult to create chances. The time of patience is becoming longer.
In the end, they were unable to score a second equalizer before the time was up. They could not achieve consecutive wins, and in the next match, they will face Kawasaki Frontale, who still have a chance for a third consecutive league title, in the Tamagawa Classico at home in the final match of the season.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yuto NAGATOMO (substituted at 42 minutes: Hodaka NAKAMURA)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Koki TSUKAGAWA (substituted at 30 minutes: Shuto ABE)/Keigo HIGASHI/Kuou MATSUKI (substituted at 42 minutes: Hirotaka MITA)
FW Ryoma WATANABE (substituted at 30 minutes: Adailton)/Luiz PHELLYPE/Leandro (substituted at 17 minutes: 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 SAOMA/Ryoya MORISHITA (26th minute: Kazuya MIYAHARA)/Sho INAGAKI/Ryota NAGAKI (44th minute: Keiya SENTO)
FW Noriyoshi SAKAI (11th minute: Takuya SHIGEHIRO)/Kensuke NAGAI (26th minute: Leonardo)/Mateus CASTRO (44th minute: Leo SILVA)
SUBS
GK Yohei TAKEDA
DF Thiago
GOAL
10th minute of the first half Noriyoshi SAKAI
24th minute of the second half Kensuke NAGAI
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review the game.
I conveyed to the players as well, and I am proud of their performance today. I believe you saw them playing for 90 minutes aiming for victory with good play. Naturally, I am not satisfied with the match result, and there is room for improvement in the two goals conceded from set pieces. However, I think we clearly surpassed the opponent in terms of the quality of soccer. I believe the team and the club have clearly expressed the direction and style they are aiming for. As time goes by and with each match, the players are becoming more capable of pushing the opponent back and playing calmly. That is my understanding and interpretation. I ask the players for smart play, give them difficult challenges, and through overcoming these, the players grow. That is my interpretation.
Of course, I understand that the match results are the most important thing. However, as the coach of this team, after 8 months, I feel truly proud that the players have reached a point where they can express such a high level in a wonderful stadium.
Match results can be determined by elements beyond our control. However, as a coach, I must calmly analyze and judge whether the team is moving in the right direction. From that perspective, I believe this match proved that the team is heading in a positive direction. FC Tokyo, due to the name it carries, is a club that is expected to play more attacking football and deliver more exciting matches, and we are currently aiming for that. Whether at home or away, I believe we will position ourselves to express that kind of play. This approach is how I interpret football and also how I interpret life.
Q: Finally, what do you feel is necessary to break down the attacking third?
A, today, the opposing team had 9 players in the penalty area defending. We need to understand that we had to attack against that team. I believe we created many chances while the opponent was solidifying their defense. The opposing team only created a few chances. There were many moments when we were executing good attacks. I think the feeling of having created chances is important. I finished this match with the sense that the team was executing good attacks.
I think there were still many areas for improvement in the first 10 to 15 minutes of play. However, looking back on the season, I believe the team has changed significantly from the opening match to today. Has there been a change? I want you to remember the home game against Nagoya. In that match, we couldn't dominate the game, but today, I think we clearly outperformed our opponent away from home. We lost the match. However, if we say that we are not progressing in a good direction, that is not the case; rather, today's match made it clear that we are moving in a positive direction. Looking at the standings, we are in a position that is by no means bad. Next week, we have a match against Kawasaki Frontale. I want to express the same kind of play as today and achieve victory there. I want to aim for victory while expressing our style.
[Player Interview]]
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, it was a frustrating defeat.
Before we conceded the first goal, we had already created a scoring opportunity, and if we concede from a set piece in the first half, it will become a difficult match.
Q, among them, we scored the equalizing goal.
I thought that if we scored one point, we could turn the game around, so I was glad that the shot I took boldly went in.
Q, the player I least wanted to score, ended up scoring, and it was Nagai.
I don't think we let it happen during the flow of the game, but we stopped our feet during set plays and lost our concentration. In situations like that, conceding a goal leads to losing in the J1 League.
Q: How was the match at Toyota Stadium?
It was great to see many people in attendance, creating a good atmosphere and an easy environment to play in. However, the strong desire not to lose and the situation where we can aim for a higher rank makes it frustrating that we can't win in crucial moments this season. I feel acutely aware of our lack of strength. I believe that if we can't win in situations like this, we won't be able to move up, and I want to use this experience for next season.
Q: We fell behind early, and the opponent has now pulled back. How should we break down a team that is sitting back?
I think it's a wall that the team holding the ball will face. In a losing situation, it becomes difficult as they set up blocks. I believe there were many safe passes in the first half. We talked about being bold in our plays so that we can finish with crosses and shots properly.
Q: In that sense, I think plays like the one where Kimoto scored are also important.
I think there were several players entering the box during the scoring moments, and I believe that goals are scored when that kind of aggressiveness is shown. I want to increase those kinds of scenes.
Q: The possibility of finishing in 3rd place has been eliminated due to today's results.
A, looking at today's (other venues') results, there was a possibility, but since there were factors beyond our control, I was only thinking about winning today without overthinking it. There have been many matches this season where I thought, 'If we win here...' so I don't think this is just about this one loss. I believe that to be in the top ranks next season, we need the ability to win crucial matches.
Q: The next match is the home Tamagawa Classico in the final round.
We want to maintain our approach, not just for the upcoming season but also to wrap up this year well with the final match at home. I believe our opponent is highly motivated as they are competing for the championship, so if we can win against Kawasaki, who are at the top, it will boost our confidence. I want to continue what we achieved today and fight in the last match.
Q: Please say a word to the fans and supporters who came to cheer in Nagoya.
Your support has given us strength, and the encouragement we received during the post-match greetings also motivated us. We want to play well at home and celebrate together with a victory.
<Luiz PHELLYPE>
Q: I think it has been a while since you played for a long time. Can you share your thoughts?
I see it positively since it has been a while since I was able to play for a long time. I want to work hard in practice so that I can play for a long time in the next match as well.
Q: I believe you had a wide range of tasks, not only finishing but also being the starting point for creating chances. How do you feel about that?
A, I was always able to play with confidence, and I see it positively that I was able to maintain that play over a long period of time, but I feel that I need to make that confidence visible in the results.
Q: I think we were able to create many chances in collaboration with Leandro, but what do you feel was lacking that prevented us from scoring?
I think I should have made better decisions in the final moments. Today, I wasn't able to score because I couldn't make good decisions among the play options that arose in the moment, so I want to be calmer and make better decisions in the next match.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming final match against Kawasaki.
A, although we were unable to win a title as a team, I have a high motivation for what I can achieve as an individual. I want to play with a focus on being on the field for a long time, scoring goals, and leading the team to victory.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q. It was a disappointing result despite controlling the ball.
Of course, the result is disappointing, but since becoming the coach, Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, we have clearly had more matches where we can dominate the game, and we can feel our growth. However, we lost (today), and there are still aspects like competitiveness and challenges that we need to work on, 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 aspects and areas for improvement, but there are no problems at all.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, please review the game.
It was a match that reaffirmed that playing good football does not always guarantee a win. Although the result was not in our favor, I feel that what we have been building is not wrong, and I was able to enjoy the match honestly. It is a fact that we need to turn this into results, and in today's match, I believe the reason for our defeat was that we could not capitalize when it was 1-1.
Q: I think we created many scenes where we pushed into the opponent's territory even after falling behind by one goal. This led to Kimoto's equalizing goal.
I believe that when we defend as a team from the front, situations like that can arise, and if we defend deeper, I don't think player Kimoto would come in that far. Today, we were able to score in that area, and if we continue to improve in that regard, I think we can score even more goals. At the same time, I want everyone to raise their awareness to reduce the number of goals conceded.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the final home match against Kawasaki.
A, the opponent is in a match that is crucial for the championship, and I am really looking forward to stopping that.
<Kazuya KONNO>
Q: How did it feel to be in a situation during the match where a penalty kick seemed likely?
A, I was pushed and fell down, but in the end, I couldn't get a foul. I felt that I need to be able to endure more in that situation and I need to develop a bit more strength to avoid falling.
Q: I think I was able to contribute to the team in the final breakthrough part after making several attempts.
When the opponent took the lead, we set up a defensive block, and since we had time with the ball, I was playing with the hope of adding some accent when receiving the ball on the side. In that sense, I don't think it was bad, but ultimately we couldn't take any shots, and we didn't score the equalizing goal, so that's something to reflect on.
Q: I think the team is able to maintain possession of the ball, but is breaking through the final defense a challenge?
A, we have been able to progress smoothly up to the last third, so I think it comes down to the quality of the final shot and cross, as well as individual aspects. Each person needs to be more aware of this, and I myself need to improve my quality as well; otherwise, it won't lead to an increase in the number of goals.
Q: Does each individual need to raise one at a time?
A, I believe that this will ultimately lead to an improvement in the team's level, so I felt once again today that I need to work on improving myself first.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: I think there were times when the defense against Nagoya's frontline was not going well. What do you think about that?
I think that part will be a challenge, and it will be a wall for teams that progress the game while maintaining possession of the ball. I believe we still lack the ability to break down opponents who set up a block for defense. However, I think there were good moments in the second half, so the challenge is to be able to do that from the first half.
Q: Is it a wall we face precisely because we have been making progress, even though it remains a challenge?
A, that's right. I think it was a different picture than the Shonan match, so in that sense, I believe there is room for improvement among the players in both offense and defense, depending on the opponent's situation.
Q, for example, what kind of places are there?
A, I can't say much since I haven't seen the footage of the match yet, but to be specific, not conceding the first goal, not being caught out on set pieces, and if we can progress at 0-0, I think it would create a different picture, so I feel that includes a psychological aspect as well.
Q: How was it to play on the pitch against player Nagai again?
A, it was fun, wasn't it? I really think we were able to go all out. I believe the goal scene was due to his instinct, and it's something he possesses as a forward, so I want to commend the opposing team for that. Once again, I felt he is a good player. I'm glad we were able to compete like this.
Q: Finally, was the uniform exchanged?
A, that's right. We exchanged at the end. I couldn't play in the home game during the first half of the season with Kenta (Coach HASEGAWA), but this time I was able to play in front of him. I hope to show my energetic self again next season.
Q: I felt it was a strange sight when Nagai and Morishige were competing at the start, and I rushed over to see if everything was okay.
I think it's not just me, but also part of Nagai's character, and knowing his personality, I'm really happy to see him doing well in Nagoya.
Q: The final match is at home against Kawasaki.
As for the ranking, there is nothing at stake, but I believe this is an opportunity to express what we have built for ourselves. If we can play well in the final match, I think it will lead to next season, and that will build our confidence and lead to a good start, so I want to make it a match like that.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q, it was a disappointing result. Please review the game.
We had our chances, but we couldn't convert them, and the second goal we conceded was a waste, so I think we need to correct that part.
Q: It seemed like you were going in hard on your opponent to the point of receiving a yellow card.
I regret that I spoke about the yellow card situation without considering the accumulation. I feel that I could have been more aggressive from the start of the match.
Q: Were there any issues identified in today's match?
A, I feel that there is still much to improve regarding defensive positioning, and in the first half, there were a couple of instances where we were caught out, and we were helped by player Morishige. In the second half, the accuracy of the crosses also dropped, which is another area for improvement.
Q: Did you find it difficult because the opponent had many players focused on defense?
A, I think we will have more matches like that from now on as our style of football is being watched closely, so even if we are countered, we need to score to win, and that is something we want to continue doing.
Q, after returning from a major injury, wasn't this a year of growth in your defensive skills as well?
I think I have grown compared to the beginning, but there are still many areas, such as my initial positioning, where I feel I have a long way to go, so I want to delve deeper to achieve results.
