<Match Review>
Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's second season. This season poses a challenge for the team to deepen the style of "playing with the ball" (Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA) that has been developed since last season, and to evolve as a team. What we have been working on in the preseason is to systematically create a pathway to score goals after maintaining possession of the ball and pushing the opponent back to break through their defensive line. Through daily training, including practice matches, we have been enhancing the maturity of the organization by repeatedly identifying and resolving issues in a short period of time.
After a fulfilling preparation period, the stage for the opening match that shows the evolution in the second year is against Urawa Reds. The stadium is now at 100 percent capacity, and cheering with voices from all seats has been lifted, bringing back the unrestricted 'voice' to the stadium after a long time. The approach of the opponent, who has welcomed a new coach, is difficult to predict, but we are fully prepared to lead the match ourselves rather than focusing on the opponent. The blue and red, focused on attack, return to Ajinomoto Stadium.
1st HALF - Taking the initiative at the 30-minute mark
The intensity has been high from the start, with fierce contests continuing. In particular, Urawa is applying strong pressure from the front, but Tokyo maintains possession while fluidly changing positions. They advance the ball to a high position while neutralizing the opponent.
In a back-and-forth development where both teams exchanged control, in the 16th minute of the first half, a powerful shot was taken by Sakai, but the ball on target was saved by Jakub SLOWIK with a fine save. Although there were moments of ball possession during the flow of the game, a series of mistakes led to a prolonged period where they could not bring the play to a finish. There was a continued struggle to gain control, but after the 30th minute of the first half, the coordinated press from Tokyo's frontline began to take effect, allowing them to win the ball in high positions and transition to attack.
In the 38th minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA became the starting point and attempted to break through the opponent's defense in a deep position with a connection to Teruhito NAKAGAWA, but they were unable to create a decisive chance. In the additional time of the first half, at 45+1 minutes, Hotaka NAKAMURA broke through the right side and delivered a cross, but it just missed Kuryu MATSUKI, who had rushed in front of the goal, and the match went into halftime at 0-0.
2nd HALF - Securing the scoring opportunities to achieve victory in the opening match
Struggling to find rhythm, Keigo HIGASHI, who plays an important role in defense, received a yellow card, prompting Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA to make a move at halftime. Shuto ABE was brought in to replace Higashi. The midfield arrangement was changed to break the deadlock.
In the 3rd minute of the second half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who had the ball deep on the left side, made a horizontal pass into the penalty area, and Nakagawa, who dove in, controlled the ball and took a powerful shot just in front of the left side of the goal, but the ball was deflected off the crossbar. Although they missed a great opportunity, Tokyo, maintaining possession, pushed Urawa back and continued to dominate the match.
Starting from the side, the team gradually synchronizes their movements while supplying effective balls in front of the opponent's goal. Then, in the 21st minute of the second half, they break the deadlock starting from the left side. Player Yoshifumi receives the ball in a wide position and plays it into space, allowing player Abe to break free. With a sharp turn near the goal line, he shakes off the opponent and, after checking the situation in front of the goal, delivers a cross ball in a backward direction. A Tokyo player also rushed in, but the ball hit an opponent and changed trajectory, rolling into the corner of the goal before the surprised opposing goalkeeper could react.
Substituting immediately will be the turning point that decides the match.
In the 29th minute of the second half, Adailton received a throw-in on the right side and made a vertical pass. Diego controlled the ball and evaded pressure from the opposing defender. Without losing the ball, he sent it to the left side, where Ryoma WATANABE, who was substituted in the 24th minute of the second half, took a shot in a free position. The ball, which hit the opposing player who tried to block it, flowed into the goal.
Tokyo, having extended their lead, experienced moments where the opponent held the ball and pressed them, but the team's overall defensive awareness was high, preventing any decisive chances. As the match approached its final stages, they maintained possession of the ball without forcing attacks, skillfully closing out the game while keeping their balance.
In the first half, it took time to showcase our strengths due to the unique tension of an official match, but in the second half, we effectively brought the ball into the opponent's penalty area and capitalized on the chances we created. Tokyo's attack is still in a developing stage. We will not relax after this victory, but will tighten our grip as we head into the away game against Kashiwa Reysol in the next round.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA/Yasuki KIMOTO/Henrique Trevisan/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (substituted in 24th minute: Yuto NAGATOMO)
MF Keisuke Koizumi/Kegao Higashikawa (substituted in 0th minute: Shuto ABE)/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA (substituted in 24th minute: Ryoma WATANABE)/Diego Oliveira (substituted in 43rd minute: Perotti)/Adailton (substituted in 35th minute: Koki TSUKAGAWA)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA
GOAL
21 minutes into the second half: Own goal/30 minutes into the second 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/Davide Moberg (11th minute: Kai MATSUZAKI)/Yoshio KOIZUMI (24th minute: Takahiro SEKINE)/Tomoaki OKUBO
FW Brian LINDSEN (24th minute: Shinzo KOROKI)
SUBS
GK Zion SUZUKI
DF Tomoya INUKAI
MF Kai SHIBATO
GOAL
―
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review the first half.
A, the first half can be reviewed in two phases. In the first 30 minutes of the first half, we were not playing poorly, nor was Urawa playing exceptionally well. We made simple mistakes and struggled to find the rhythm of the match for those 30 minutes. We particularly suffered from Urawa exploiting the gaps beside our anchor. Additionally, Urawa effectively bypassed our high press with long and medium balls from the goalkeeper, which led to a difficult situation for us. In response, we attempted to set up wingers on both sides to launch attacks, but we struggled to create a good distance between the wingers and midfield players, resulting in poor attacking opportunities from the wings. Furthermore, the early yellow card given to Keigo HIGASHI also affected our plans. In the last 15 minutes of the first half, we dominated the match. From there, the wingers were able to take central positions, allowing us to create numerical superiority and attack effectively. Given that Keigo HIGASHI had received a yellow card and we were being exploited beside the anchor, we made substitutions at the start of the second half and switched to a double pivot, which improved our situation. 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 believe we dominated the second half. In the second half, we controlled the ball and were able to create good developments from the transitions between offense and defense.
Today, captain Masato MORISHIGE was absent. He is sidelined due to an injury sustained during the last preseason practice, but I believe it is significant that we were able to achieve victory even in his absence. Seiji KIMURA also suffered an injury during training, so he could not be called up. With injuries in the defense, we had bench members who could make more offensive substitutions.
Finally, I would like to express my utmost respect for the coach of Urawa Reds. I believe he is a great coach who has achieved a lot of experience and success. I think he will do a wonderful job in Japan.
Q, it was impressive to change the midfield structure and turn the second half into a completely different match. Is there any other reason for the improvement in performance in the second half?
In the second half, as well as in the last 15 minutes of the first half, I think we were able to dominate the match from there. As we approached today's opening match, I had some concerns. Despite having built up from last season and being well-prepared in the preseason, there was a worry that small mistakes could lead to conceding goals and the players losing confidence. However, in reality, those worries turned out to be unfounded, and the players played with the confidence they had shown in the preseason during this opening match. I believe the team and players have gained confidence from this victory and will perform even better in the future. It is unfortunate that we could not debut Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who was called up this time, but I think everyone knows how much I love young players. Sooner or later, the moment for his debut will come. Additionally, today I had PEROTTI play for the last few minutes. Even for just a few minutes, I believe that participating will help him adapt to the J-League, and I brought him on to close out the match. Starting next week, Kuryu MATSUKI will be absent due to national team duties. I am happy to see young players developing. I want to 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 football, but did you feel that in this match?
Yes, indeed. Today, I am proud that the players focused on playing in their own style. The style that Tokyo aims for is never a copy of other clubs. Some may imagine the style of FC Barcelona from my background, but that is incorrect. I 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 feel about the scoring scene?
A, Diego TABA created a good opportunity by flowing the ball into space, so I was debating whether to shoot right away or trap it, but since the player I was facing was Sakai, I tried to shoot directly to the far side, and it hit the opposing player and went in well.
Q: What were your feelings when you entered the game and it was immediately after that scene?
I was glad that I could think carefully about what to do based on the situation of the match and participate in the game. I had a strong desire to win with my own goal.
Q: What instructions did you receive from the coach?
There were no specific instructions. Until now, I had many opportunities to play on the right side, but today, since the player on the left side was under defensive pressure for a long time, I substituted for that player, so I thought I had to contribute defensively as well. In that context, I made sure to go forward whenever I could.
Q: There were many instances of the team implementing strategies for pocket attacks and intentional offensive plays that we had been working on since camp. How do you feel about the results?
A, personally, I think I need to do more. Regarding today, I think it was good that I was able to score despite the few opportunities, but I believe I can do more, so I want to increase that.
Q: It may be one out of thirty-four overall, but how do you feel about it as a first step?
I have been working on new things at camp, and I have both achievements and reflections, so I believe what needs to be done moving forward has become clear. I think it's a good thing to learn something new while winning matches and to be able to connect that to the next steps. I want to take that positively and aim for even greater heights.
Q: How do you feel about scoring in the opening match, considering you mentioned wanting to focus on results personally?
A, it would be meaningless if it ended here, so I want to continue.
Q, how was it to perform the 'Sha' in front of many fans and supporters?
I was happier with what we achieved in the opening match than in front of many fans and supporters. I believe this is the first step for the team to improve, so I was glad to leave a result there and be able to shout “Sha!”
Q: You mentioned that you were struggling during the camp, but today you seemed sharp and looked light on your feet.
I have thought a lot, for better or worse, so I have analyzed that I can demonstrate my abilities when I no longer have those thoughts. Therefore, I am conscious of playing without overthinking.
Q: Did your body move naturally today?
I think it was good that I was able to play without overthinking the details while recognizing my role. If I had more time to think about the scoring scene, I might have trapped the ball, so I realized that playing boldly is also important.
Kashif BANGNAGANDE
Q, please review today's play.
I was unable to achieve results such as assists or goals. The most important evaluation is the results, so personally, I want to pursue better results this season.
Q: The opposing side back was Hiroki SAKAI. Did you have any awareness of that?
I believe he is one of the highest-level full-backs in the J-League. Before the match, I watched videos of Sakai and David MOBERG's plays multiple times to prepare, but in the first half, we created several dangerous situations.
Q: You started in the opening match, but what kind of season do you want this to be?
I want to focus more than ever on scoring and assisting. I also want to fight hard in each and every match ahead of me.
Q: There is also player Nagatomo in the same position, are you aware of that?
Both player Nagatomo and player Tokumoto have qualities that I lack, so I am receiving good stimulation from them. I ask about positioning during each practice and am learning every day, and I believe we are both improving each other.
Q: Do you receive any advice from player Nagatomo?
I receive advice every day. It is said that to compete in the world, I must become a player who can defend on my own. I am learning from players who are at a higher level than I am.
Q, have you felt any personal growth over the past year?
A, I want to increase the variety of crosses. While some connected, there were many crosses that did not connect, so I want to improve the quality.
Q: How is the communication with players entering the goal area?
A, communication has become more frequent than ever. I feel that we have started to connect better during practice.
Q: I think you were hesitant until now, but have you become able to express yourself clearly?
I think I can say it now (laughs).
<Kei KOIZUMI Player>
Q, how do you feel about reviewing the game?
I have the desire to control the ball, but I was also thinking about fighting for second balls and in one-on-one situations. I knew it would be that kind of match, and we talked about it before the game. I don't think our start was particularly good, but it wasn't bad either. It gives the impression of a typical opening match.
Q: In the first half, there was a scene where players Koizumi and Higashi placed the ball in front of their bodies and held on. Is there a determination for victory reflected in their posture?
A, especially this team focuses on older players, practicing not to lose in ball contests, not to lose in intensity, and not to lose in the battle for second balls. They conveyed this to the younger players before today's match as well. When experienced players like Nagatomo and Higashi emphasize this strongly, it shows how important it is. There are various tactics, but they teach us that "if you don't win there first, you can't win the match." I also believe that I must not lose in that position, and if we ensure we don't lose in terms of intensity, this team will undoubtedly be able to win the championship. However, since it's just one match, I want to switch gears and focus on maintaining intensity moving forward.
Q: The midfield shape changed after player Abe came in during the second half.
A, that was a double pivot, and we practice it as well. I understood that the opponent wanted to use the central space, so I was conscious not to leave it open. I hoped to let Matsuki play further up the field while I could play defensively.
Q: Are Abe, Koizumi, and Matsuki coordinating their positioning? Is it based on intuition?
A, both Abe and Matsuki are players who can hold the ball and play with high intensity, so I was trying to let them play freely. Personally, rather than pushing forward aggressively, I wanted to allow Abe and Matsuki to move forward and get involved near the goal, so I focused on clearing dangerous areas and moving forward when it seemed tough.
Q, I get the impression that Matsuki's abilities are being brought out.
A, what he originally has is amazing. He has various attention and expectations, but regardless of that, I want him to play confidently and freely. I think what can help him do that are the players around him, like Higashi and Abe, who play in the same position. I hope he can be aware of that and perform well.
Q: Were you able to do what you set out to do in the second half?
I believed that a goal would definitely come at some point, so I focused on not getting impatient and increasing the intensity in one-on-one situations and where we needed to continue. I think it was good that we scored and, with that comfort, we didn't fall back into defense.
Q: In the second half, Tokyo pushed forward quite a bit. We saw scenes where they continued to dominate in front of the goal, similar to what we saw in camp. Is the system change related to the style of play we saw in the second half?
A, I wanted to avoid the situation where Higashi received a yellow card and we were down to ten players, so Matsuki and I became the double pivot. In defense, we were consciously able to eliminate spaces together, and with Abe moving into the attacking midfield position, we were able to press the opponent's anchor. Also, Abe can hold the ball, and from there, I think the counterattacks led by Diego TABA, Adailton, Nakagawa, and the players who came on as substitutes will be intense. I hope we can continue to adapt our system and positions flexibly according to the situation.
Q, haven't you touched the score?
A, I haven't touched it (laughs).
Q, we were able to win.
A, it was the opening match, and personally, it was my first game since transferring and becoming part of Tokyo, so I really wanted a result and was in a situation where I had to deliver results. Rather than focusing on the content, I truly wanted a result, so the fact that we won is the most important thing. I want to build on this even more from here.
Q: How was the atmosphere of the stadium?
A, that was great. I have played as an away player before, but it was my first time playing as a home player. The atmosphere when I scored, and the cheers when I worked hard to cut the ball or made a sliding tackle, are genuinely uplifting for a player and really motivates me. I felt good while playing, and it was reassuring.
Q: I think you handled multiple positions seamlessly in the opening match, participated in the attack until the end, and showed various aspects of player Koizumi. Do you think you can show even more potential in the future?
Whether I perform well or poorly, as long as Tokyo wins, I honestly don't care about anything else. I came here to win the championship. I believe that the team that wins the championship is the one that continues to win consecutively, and since we've only won one match so far, the coach and players expressed that we should not be satisfied and should stay focused after the match. Without a doubt, I think everyone has confidence.
<Shuto ABE Player>
Q: I saw moments where we pushed the opponent during the practice matches at camp. Is this season going to be more about attacking football?
Regarding the first goal scene, I think it's a situation where neither team can easily respond to the way the ball is played through and received. With players from the second line making runs, it becomes difficult to mark them, and I hope we can continue to create more opportunities to score goals as the season progresses.
Q, how do you feel about reviewing the game?
A, today I was not a starting member and came on as a substitute, so I believe I need to leave results to stay on the pitch. It turned into an own goal instead of an assist, but I want to be able to achieve better numbers.
Q: I think there was some anxiety about being a bit late to the camp, but how do you feel about the fact that it has led to solid results?
A. Since I started the season with an injury, there was some frustration, but I have been seriously doing what I can every day in preparation for the opening match. I believe that the accumulation of those efforts was reflected in today's game. I want to continue to work diligently every day without neglecting my efforts.
Q: It was my first match in the number 8 uniform.
I want everyone to know that the number 8 in Tokyo is Shuto ABE, and I will do my best to make that happen.
Q: I think Tokyo fans feel refreshed that the number 8 is wearing the captain's armband.
A, today I happened to be near Diego TABA, and since he is the 3rd captain, he called me over and put the captain's armband on me. It was the first time I played with the captain's armband since turning professional, and I felt that I had to play with a sense of responsibility and weight.
Q: With a 2-point lead, I felt that continuing to play with the awareness of firmly regaining possession of the ball, even though it was a match situation where it might have been okay to drop back a bit at the end, contributed to our victory.
If we fall back, we often find ourselves in a situation where we are pushed back and have to endure. Therefore, I believe it is better to play with the mindset of going to take the ball and scoring another goal. If we aggressively press from the front, the opponent will have no choice but to kick the ball away, so we talked about maintaining that style of play for the full 90 minutes, and I think we executed it well.
Q: This season, while focusing on competition, it must have been really great to win the first match, don't you think?
A, it was understood in today's match that in soccer, which is based on fundamentals, one must first win the ball battles and run more than the opponent to win. I want to continue what we achieved in today's match and further grow from it.
Q: What possibilities do you feel this season?
I have the impression that we have improved compared to last season, including practice matches. First of all, the depth of the player pool has increased, and good competition has arisen from the daily practices, which feels like an upgrade. Since I am also part of the competition, I realized that I need to play in a way that I won't lose.
Q: It was impressive to see player Nagatomo shouting towards the pitch while warming up on the bench.
A, I believe that we cannot achieve victory without fighting together with not only the players on the pitch but also those on the bench and the staff. Nagatomo is truly a role model, and even when he is not on the pitch, he behaves and encourages as if he is, which made me feel that I need to do the same.
Q: I believe that when a substitute player scores amidst intensifying competition, it creates even more competition for the team, and a good cycle is being established. Is that correct?
A, Watanabe also scored after coming on as a substitute, and I believe that when substitute players bring momentum and achieve results, the team will improve. Therefore, we want to approach the matches while competing and elevating each other.
Q: Regarding the battles for the ball and the distance run, is it being emphasized within the team to outperform the opponent?
A, the coach often emphasizes that we must first focus on the basics, especially with Nagatomo as the center on the pitch, or we won't be able to win. I believe that this was reflected in today's results on the pitch, so there is no doubt about that. I want to approach it more fiercely than any other team.
Q, Is it clearly upgraded compared to last season?
Yes, that's right. Last season, the players were doing their best to adapt to the new style. This season, being the second year, I feel that the soccer the coach wants to play is becoming ingrained in the team. In addition, I think it's important to focus on the fundamentals of soccer, such as ball contests.
<Yuto NAGATOMO Player>
Q: What were you conscious of in your dealings with Hiroki SAKAI?
A, Sakai is such a wonderful player and a key player for the Japan national team, so I always keep that in mind. I played today with the feeling of not wanting to lose and with respect.
Q: You completely suppressed it, didn't you?
A, it was because we were working together as a team. I call it the "Tamagawa," but I think everyone showed the "soul" part of the duel.
Q: Was there something you wanted to show to the fans and supporters in the first official match after the World Cup?
A, something that resonates in the hearts of everyone who came today. I can't perform glamorous plays, so I wanted to show a gritty determination to push forward and deliver an emotional experience. I feel there is still room for improvement and challenges in the technical aspects, such as scoring scenes, but I think I was able to demonstrate that attitude of eagerly getting in there. I believe the team performed very well as well.
Q: Was it a match where the team was able to show their determination?
A, as you can see. They were fighting at the "soul's edge." It's fundamental, isn't it? Before tactics and such, I believe you can't win a match unless you can fight at the "soul's edge."
