2/18 Urawa Match Review & Interview

INTERVIEW2023.2.18

2/18 Urawa Match Review & Interview

<Match Review>
Second season under the Albert PUIG ORTONEDA regime. This season marks the evolution of the team as they continue to implement the "play with the ball" style (of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA). During the pre-season, the team focused on creating a systematic approach to breaking through the opponent's defense after possessing the ball and pushing them back. Through daily training and practice matches, the team has been able to identify and address challenges, leading to the maturity of the organization in a short period of time.

After a fulfilling preparation period, Urawa Reds faced off against their opponent in the opening match, showcasing their evolution in their second year. With 100% capacity and full voice support now allowed in the stadium, the long-awaited "voice" has returned. It may be difficult to predict the performance of the opposing team with their new coach, but our preparations are in place to take control of the game ourselves. The blue and red attack will return to Ajinomoto Stadium in full force.

1st HALF - Tokyo takes the initiative after 30 minutes
From the start, the intensity is high and there is fierce competition. In particular, Urawa is putting pressure on from the front, but Tokyo is fluidly changing positions while maintaining possession of the ball. They are able to move the ball up to a high position while avoiding opponents.

In the midst of a back-and-forth game, in the 16th minute of the first half, a powerful shot from player Sakai was saved by a fine save from Jakub SLOWIK. While they were able to hold onto the ball for a period of time, a series of mistakes prevented them from finishing. Despite struggling to take control, after the 30th minute, Tokyo's coordinated press from the front line began to work, allowing them to win the ball in high positions and transition to attack.

In the 38th minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA initiated a combination with Teruhito NAKAGAWA in a deep position in the opponent's territory, but failed to create a scoring opportunity. In the additional time of the first half, in the 45+1 minute, Hotaka NAKAMURA broke through the right side and supplied a cross ball, but Kuryu MATSUKI narrowly missed it as he jumped into the goal area, and the game ended 0-0.

2nd HALF - Secure the decisive chance and win the opening game
Coach Albert Puig Ortoneda made a move at halftime, as Keigo Higashi, who plays an important role in both offense and defense, received a yellow card and struggled to find his rhythm. Shuto Abe was substituted in for Higashi, changing the midfield formation to turn the tide of the game.

In the 3rd minute of the second half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who had the ball on the deep left side, made a horizontal pass into the penalty area. NAKAGAWA, who had jumped in, controlled the ball and took a powerful shot from the left side of the goal, but the ball bounced off the crossbar. Despite missing a great opportunity, Tokyo continued to dominate the game and push Urawa back.

Gradually, as the team's connections come together, they supply effective balls to the opponent's goal from the side. Then, in the 21st minute of the second half, they break the balance from the left side. Player Yoshifumi Kase receives the ball in a wide position and puts it into space, player Abe breaks away and shakes off the opponent player with a sharp switch near the goal line, then checks the situation in front of the goal and puts in a cross ball in the negative direction. Tokyo players also jump in, but the ball hits the opponent player and changes direction, rolling into the corner of the goal without the opponent goalkeeper being able to react.


Substituting a player immediately after this could be the key to deciding the game.

In the 29th minute of the second half, Adailton, who received a throw-in from the right side, made a vertical pass, and Diego received the ball and put pressure on the opponent's defender from behind. Without losing the ball, he sent it to the left side, and in the 24th minute of the second half, Ryoma WATANABE, who was subbed in, took a shot while in a free position. The ball hit an opponent's player who was blocking and flowed into the goal.


After expanding their lead, Tokyo was able to maintain possession of the ball and prevent the opposing team from creating any decisive opportunities, thanks to their strong defensive awareness. As the game entered its final stages, they were able to maintain a good balance and close out the game without forcing any unnecessary attacks.

It took us some time to demonstrate our strengths in the first half due to the tension unique to official matches, but we were able to bring effective balls into the opponent's penalty area and make the most of our chances with a strong attack in the second half. Tokyo's attack is still in its early stages. Let's not relax after this victory and keep a tight grip as we head to the away game against Kashiwa Reysol in the next match.


MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Yakubu Swobick
DF Hotaka Nakamura/Yasuki Kimoto/Henrique Trevizan/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (24th minute of the second half: Yuto Nagatomo)
MF Kei Koizumi/Keigo Higashi (0th minute of the second half: Shuto ABE)/Kuryu Matsuki
FW Teruhito Nakagawa (24th minute of the second half: Ryoma WATANABE)/Diego Oliveira (43rd minute of the second half: Perotti)/Adailton (35th minute of the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA)

SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA

GOAL
21' 2nd Half: Own Goal/30' 2nd Half: Ryoma WATANABE

Urawa Reds
STARTING XI
GK Shusaku NISHIKAWA
DF Hiroki SAKAI (36th minute: Ayumu OHATA)/Alexander SCHOLZ/Marius HOIBRATEN/Takahiro AKIMOTO
MF Atsuki ITO/Ken IWAO/David MOEBERG (11th minute: Kyo MATSUZAKI)/Yoshio KOIZUMI (24th minute: Takahiro SEKINE)/Tomoaki OKUBO
FW Brian LINSEN (24th minute: Shinzo KOROKI)

SUBS
GK Zion SUZUKI
DF Tomoya INUKAI
MF Kai SHIBATO

GOAL


[Interview with Coach Albert]


Q, please review the first half.
A, In the first half, we can look back on two phases. In the first 30 minutes, we didn't play terribly, and Urawa didn't play wonderfully either. We made simple mistakes and struggled to find the rhythm of the game for 30 minutes. We especially struggled with Urawa attacking our anchor. In addition, Urawa was able to counter our high press with long balls and through balls from the goalkeeper, making it difficult for us. In response, we tried to attack with wingers on both sides, but we couldn't create a good distance between the wingers and midfielders, so we couldn't make effective attacks from the wings. Also, the early yellow card for Keigo HIGASHI affected our plan. After that, we dominated the game for the remaining 15 minutes of the first half. From there, we were able to have wingers take up central positions and create numerical advantages, allowing us to attack well. With Keigo HIGASHI receiving a yellow card and our anchor being targeted, we made a substitution and changed to a double pivot in the second half, which improved our performance. The 4-2-3-1 is one of the systems we have been training with during this preseason. Of course, we respect Urawa, but I think we were the ones dominating in the second half. We controlled the ball and were able to create good opportunities from transitions between attack and defense.

Today, Captain Masato MORISHIGE was absent. He suffered an injury during the final pre-season training and is currently out of action. However, I believe it was a big achievement to win even without him. Seiji KIMURA also got injured during training and was unable to be called up. With injuries in the defense, we were able to have more attacking options on the bench.

Finally, I would like to show the utmost respect to Urawa Reds' coach. I believe he is a great coach who has achieved a lot of experience and success. I think he will do a great job in Japan.

Q, changing the composition of the midfield, it was impressive to completely change the game in the second half. Is there any other reason why the content improved in the second half?
In addition to the second half, the remaining 15 minutes of the first half were also dominated by our team. As we approached today's opening game, there were some concerns. Despite having built up from last season and having prepared well in the preseason, we were conceding goals from small mistakes and our players were losing confidence. However, in reality, our concerns were unfounded and our players played with the confidence they had shown in the preseason. With this victory, our team and players have gained confidence and I believe they will continue to play even better in the future. It's unfortunate that we couldn't debut Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who we called up for this game, but I think everyone knows how much I love young players. Sooner or later, the moment will come for him to make his debut. Also, we were able to give new signing PEROTTI some playing time in the last few minutes of the game. Even if it's just a few minutes, I believe it will help him adapt to the J-League and I also wanted to give him a chance to close out the game. Next week, Kuryu MATSUKI will be absent due to national team duties. I am happy to see our young players growing. I will continue to encourage the growth of other young players as well.

Q, congratulations. You mentioned that it is important to pursue your own style of soccer, did you feel that in this game?
A, exactly, yes. Today, I am proud that the players played with a focus on their own style. The style that Tokyo is aiming for is by no means a copy of any other club. From my experience, some may imagine the style of FC Barcelona, but that is a mistake. I myself want to apply it to the J-League, understand the characteristics of the players, and establish Tokyo's original style.


[Player Interview]
<Ryoma WATANABE player>


Q, How do you look back on the scoring scene?
A, Diego TABA passed the ball to the space in a good shape, so I was wondering whether to shoot it as it is or to trap it, but since the player I was facing was player Sakai, I tried to shoot it directly to the far side and it hit the opponent player and went in nicely.

Q, What were your feelings when you came on as a substitute and had an immediate impact?
A, I was able to think carefully about what to do based on the situation of the game and it was good to be able to play in the game. I had a strong desire to win with my own goal.

Q, What instructions did you receive from the coach?
A, there were no specific instructions. Until now, I have had many opportunities to play on the right side, but today the player on the left side was under pressure in defense for a long time, so I thought I had to contribute on the defensive side as well. In that situation, I was determined to go forward whenever possible.

Q, We have been working on pocket strategies and have seen a lot of intentional attacks since the camp as a team. How do you feel about the results?
A, Personally, I think I need to do more. As for today, I think it was good that I was able to score in a small number of attempts, but I think I can do more, so I want to increase it.

Q, overall it is 1 in 34, but how about taking the first step?
A, I have been working on new things at the camp, and I have both achieved and reflected on them, so I think I have a clear idea of what I should do in the future. I think it's a good thing to learn something new while winning a game and be able to connect it to the next one. I want to aim for even higher while taking a positive approach.

Q, How do you feel about scoring in the opening game, given that you have expressed a desire to focus on individual results?
A, I want to continue because it would be meaningless if it ended here.

Q: How was it to perform "Shah" in front of many fans and supporters?
A, I was happier with what we were able to do in the opening game than what we were able to do in front of many fans and supporters. I think it was the first step towards improving the team, so I was happy to be able to achieve "Shah" and get results there.

Q, he said he was struggling at the camp, but today he seemed to have a sharpness and his body looked light.
A, I have thought a lot, both good and bad, so I am aware of playing without thinking too much when I have no thoughts left. I am conscious of playing without thinking too much.

Q, did your body move naturally today?
A, I think it was good that I was able to play without thinking too much about the details while recognizing my role. I also realized that it is important to play boldly, as I may have trapped if I had more time to think about the scoring scene.


<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>

Q, please review today's play.
A, I was not able to produce results such as assists or goals. The most important evaluation is the result, so this season I personally want to strive for better results.

Q: Did you have any specific strategies when facing Hiroki SAKAI, the opposing side's fullback?
I think he is the best side back in the J-League, and it is no exaggeration to say so. Before the game, I watched videos of Sakai and Moberg's plays many times and prepared for the game, but in the first half, we were put in danger several times.

Q: You played in the starting lineup in the opening game, what kind of season do you want to have this season?
A, I want to focus more on scoring and assists than ever before. And I want to fight each and every game in front of me firmly.

Q: Are you aware that there is also Nagatomo on the same position?
A, Not only Nagatomo but also Tokumoto has something that I don't have, so I am receiving good stimulation. I am studying every day by asking about positioning during practice, and I think we are able to improve each other.

Q: Do you receive any advice from player Nagatomo?
A, I receive advice every day. It is said that in order to compete in the world, you must become a player who can defend on your own. I am learning from players who are at a higher level than me.

Q: Are there any areas where you have personally felt growth in the past year?
A, I want to increase the variety of crosses. Some of them were connected, but there were many that were not connected, so I want to improve the quality.

Q: How do you communicate with players entering the goal area?
A, Communication has become more important than ever. I have a sense that crosses are coming together even during practice.

Q: Have you become more confident in speaking up compared to before?
A, I think I can say it now (lol).



<Kei KOIZUMI player>


Q, how was the game review?
A, I also wanted to dominate the ball, but I was thinking of fighting for second balls and in the areas around the ball. We knew it was going to be that kind of game and we talked about it before the match. It wasn't a good start, but it wasn't bad either. It left an impression of being the opening game.

Q, In the first half, there was a scene where players Koizumi and Higashi held onto the ball in front of their bodies. Is this determination towards victory reflected in their attitude?
A, especially this team, is centered around older players (U-6), and from the start of practice, we focus on not losing in ball control, strength, and picking up second balls. Before today's game, the older players like Nagatomo and Higashi reminded the younger players of this. When experienced players like them emphasize this, it shows how important it is. There are many tactics, but they teach us that "if we don't win there, we can't win the game." I also believe that it's a position where we can't afford to lose, and if we don't lose in terms of strength, this team can definitely win. However, it's only one game, so we need to switch our focus to the next game and continue to play with strength in mind.

Q, the shape of the midfield changed after Abe entered in the second half.
A, we did that in practice with a double pivot. We knew the opponent wanted to use the central space, so we were conscious of not leaving it open. I wanted to play Matsuki forward as much as possible and play defensively myself.

Q, Are players Abe, Koizumi, and Matsuki coordinating their positioning? Is it based on intuition?
Both player A, Abe, and player Matsuki are players who can hold the ball and play with high intensity, so I made sure to let them play freely. Personally, instead of going forward aggressively, I wanted to let Abe and Matsuki go forward and get involved near the goal, so I made sure to cover any dangerous situations and tried to go forward when it seemed tough.

Q, I am impressed by Matsuki's ability to bring out his potential.
A, he has amazing things that he originally has. He also has various attention and expectations, but regardless of that, I want to let him play confidently and freely. I think that can be done by players in the same position, such as myself, Toki and Abe. I hope we can be conscious of that.

Q, have we been able to do what we came here to do in the second half?
A, I always believed that we would score at some point and that our chance would come, so I focused on not getting impatient and increasing the intensity in areas where we should continue. We were able to score and create a comfortable lead, and I think it was also good that we didn't let our defense slip.

Q, Tokyo pushed hard in the second half. Scenes like the ones we saw during camp where they continued to dominate in front of goal appeared, but was the system change related to the type of soccer we saw in the second half?
A, with the yellow card received by Higashi, we wanted to avoid being one player down, so Matsuki and I became a double pivot. Defensively, we were able to consciously close the spaces with the two of us, and with Abe playing as a number 10, we were able to press the opponent's anchor. Abe is also able to hold onto the ball, and from there, I think our counterattacks, including Diego, Adailton, Nakagawa, and the substitute players, are very strong. So, I hope we can continue to be flexible with our system and positions depending on the situation, and keep thinking about it in the future..

Q, have you not touched the score?
A, I haven't touched it (lol).

Q, we were able to win.
A, the opening game and also my first game since joining Tokyo, so I really wanted to get a good result and it was a situation where I had to produce results. Rather than the performance, I really wanted to get a good result, so the most important thing is that we won. I want to continue to do my best from here on out.

Q: How was the atmosphere at the stadium?
A, it was good. I have played as an away player before, but it was my first time playing as a home player and scoring a goal. The atmosphere when I scored and the cheers when I made a good tackle or slide tackle were genuinely exciting and gave me a boost of energy. It felt great to play and it was reassuring.

Q, I think that you showed us various Koizumi players who ran to participate in the attack until the end, and skillfully handled many positions in the opening game. Do you think you can show us even more potential in the future?
A, whether I am good or bad, as long as Tokyo wins, I honestly don't care. I came here to win. I think the team that wins the championship is a team that continues to win, and we have only won one game so far, so after the game, the coach and players were saying that we need to tighten up and keep going without being satisfied. I'm sure everyone has confidence without a doubt.



<Shuto ABE player>


Q, Did you see any scenes where the opponent was pushed in the practice match at the camp? Is this season more offensive soccer?
Regarding the first scene, I think it's difficult for any team to deal with the ball escaping and receiving. By having the second row players jump out, I think it will be difficult to mark and I hope we can increase the number of goals by continuing to put them out this season.

Q, how was the game review?
A, I didn't start today, so I can't stand on the pitch unless I get results. Instead of an assist, it became an own goal, but I want to leave more numbers.

Q: How do you feel about the fact that you were a little late to the camp and had some anxiety, but it resulted in a solid outcome?
A, I started the season with an injury, so there was also frustration, but every day towards the opening, I have been doing what I can seriously. I think that the accumulation of that led to today's game. I want to continue to work diligently every day without neglecting it.

Q, it was my first game in the number 8 uniform.
A, Tokyo's number 8 is Shuto ABE, and I want to work hard to make more people know about it.

Q: I think Tokyo fans feel fresh that number 8 is wearing the captain's armband.
A, today I happened to be near Diego TABA, who is also the 3rd captain, so he called me over and gave me the captain's armband. It was my first time wearing the captain's armband since becoming a professional, and I felt the responsibility and weight of it while playing.

Q, in a game where we were leading by 2 points, we were able to secure the win by consciously continuing to play with the mindset of being able to drop back a little towards the end and firmly taking possession of the ball.
A, If we retreat, we will be pushed back and put in a situation where we have to endure. Therefore, we should go and take the ball ourselves and play with the intention of scoring another goal, which I think the opponent will not like. We talked about playing aggressively from the front line for the full 90 minutes, as I think the opponent will have no choice but to kick the ball long. I think we had some good plays as a result.

Q, I think it was great that we were able to win the first game while focusing on winning this season.
A, I learned in today's game that winning the ball and running more than the opponent are the basics of soccer and without them, we cannot win. I want to continue to do what I did in today's game and further grow as a player.

Q, What possibilities do you feel this season?
There is an impression that we have improved from last season, including practice games. First of all, the player base has become thicker, and there is a good competition born from appealing in daily practice, and it feels like we are upgrading. I myself am also participating in the competition, so I thought I had to play without losing.

Q, During warm-ups on the bench, it was impressive to see Nagatomo shouting towards the pitch.
A, I think that in order to win, we must fight not only with the players on the pitch, but also with the players and staff on the bench. Nagatomo is a truly exemplary senior player, and even when he is not on the pitch, he speaks and behaves as if he were, so I felt that I also need to do the same.

Q, Do you think that as competition intensifies, the team will be further motivated by players who come on as substitutes and score, creating a positive cycle?
Player Watanabe also scored a goal from a substitute appearance, and I think that by bringing momentum and producing results from substitute players, the team will become even better. So, I want us to compete and improve together as we approach the game.

Q: Is the team focusing on surpassing the opponent in terms of ball control and running distance?
A, the coach also says that, and on the pitch, he always says that we can't win unless we do the basics first, with Nagatomo as the center. I thought that was the case today, as it resulted in a win. I want to be more aggressive than any other team.

Q: Has there been a clear upgrade from last season?
A, I see. Last season, there were parts where the players were struggling to adapt to the new style. This season, being the second year, I feel like the coach's desired style of football has permeated through the team. In addition, I think it's important to focus on the basics of football, such as winning the ball.



<Yuto NAGATOMO player>


Q, What were you conscious of in your negotiations with Hiroki SAKAI?
Player Sakai is such a wonderful player and a key player for the Japan national team, so I am always aware of him. I played today with a strong desire to win and a feeling of respect.

Q, you perfectly held it down.
A, because it was synchronized as a team. I call it "Tamagigiwa", but I think everyone showed the "soul" part of the duel.

Q, Was the first official match after the World Cup over able to show what you wanted to show to the fans and supporters?
A, something that resonates with the hearts of everyone who came today. I cannot make brilliant plays, so I wanted to show a passionate spirit of charging in and delivering excitement. In terms of technique, I still feel there is room for improvement and challenges, such as in scoring scenes, but I think we were able to show that greedy attitude of going in there. I also think it was a very good performance as a team.

Q, Was it a game where the team was able to show their determination?
A, as you can see, we were fighting with our souls. It's fundamental, isn't it? Before tactics, I think you can't win a game if you can't fight with your soul first.