<Last Round・Review of Urawa Match>
The difference in victory or defeat was due to the clever strategy.
100% capacity is allowed in the stadium, and vocal support is also allowed in all seats, bringing back "voices" to the J-League, which has been restricted due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection.
Tokyo's opening game at home. Over 38,000 spectators gathered at Ajinomoto Stadium, where they were allowed to express their emotions and enjoy the true essence of sports watching by cheering and shouting. The game progressed in an exciting atmosphere, typical of a professional soccer match.
In the first half, Tokyo showed a posture of holding the ball, but cut off the flow due to a simple mistake before reaching the finish. The time when they couldn't get into rhythm continued, but around 30 minutes into the first half, they started to attack with coordinated pressing and short counters after taking the ball.
The second half of the game started with high expectations after a promising first half. Coach Albert made a move, substituting Keigo HIGASHI for Shuto ABE and making changes to the midfield lineup. This was the first brilliant move of the game.
In the second half, Abe made multiple runs into the space on the side of the penalty area, known as the pocket, to create chances. In the 21st minute of the second half, Abe received a pass from Kashif BANGNAGANDE on the left side and made a sharp turn to beat the defender and cross the ball. Although Kei KOIZUMI couldn't make contact with the ball, it deflected off an opponent and went into the goal. Tokyo took an unexpected lead.
Then, without delay, Coach Albert Puig Ortoneda sends out his second arrow. In the 24th minute of the second half, he replaces Teruhito Nakagawa, who had a close shot hit the crossbar in his debut match in Tokyo, with Ryoma Watanabe.
And after 6 minutes, the substitution strategy fits perfectly. Adailton and Diego OLIVEIRA connected the ball from the right side throw-in, and Diego TABA made the last pass to the pocket in front of the left corner of the penalty area. Watanabe, responding to this, made a one-touch finish and added a goal.
Two substitute cards that were put in both contributed to the goal, and the clever tactics of coach Albert Puig Ortoneda pulled off the victory. At the same time, the second half, where they held onto the ball in the opponent's territory by avoiding the press from the Urawa Reds' front line, showed the continuation and maturity of the "playing football with the ball" (Coach Albert Puig Ortoneda) style that has been ongoing since last season.
<Match Preview>
Last season, the two matches against Kashiwa Reysol left contrasting impressions.
The first half of the game played at home at Ajinomoto Stadium was a struggle against the opponent who pushed forward from the front with a man-to-man approach, unable to advance the ball. In attack, they were unable to show much promise and in the end, they were shaken by a goal from a corner kick in additional time. Although it was ruled a handball with the support of VAR and ended in a draw, it was a bitter match.
On the other hand, the second half game played at the away ground, SANKYO FRONTIER Kashiwa Stadium, also known as "Hitachidai", had a completely opposite development.
Maintain an exquisite position and distance against opponents who come with a fierce press from the start, and use a combination of slow and fast passes to evade them. Not only evading, but also advancing the ball, taking the opponent's back with build-up from their own half, and taking the lead from the first half.
In the second half, we aimed for the opponent's back as they tried to counterattack and scored multiple goals with simple attacks. In the second half, we allowed 3 goals to Kashiwa who were chasing us, and it turned into a shootout, but in the end we scored 6 goals and won 6-3. Kashif BANGNAGANDE scored his first professional goal and Kuryu MATSUKI marked his second professional goal, showing the emergence of young talent and bringing a bright future to Tokyo.
What kind of impression will this season's match leave?
In the previous match, Kashiwa took the lead in the opening game at home. However, they allowed Gamba Osaka, who had started their engine in the second half, to turn the game around and maintain their lead until additional time. In the end, Hosoya was fouled in the penalty area and earned a penalty kick, which he successfully converted himself, equalizing the score just before the end of the game.
Press from the front line, pick up the inaccurate pass sent by the opponent in a hurry, launch a counter attack and carry it to the goal front at once and finish. Kashiwa is thoroughly sticking to their style and has been polishing their accuracy since last season.
"Can we afford to be taken off?" The key for Tokyo is how calmly they can move the ball and evade pressure against opponents who are increasing their intensity. It's important not just to evade pressure, but to have a purpose in drawing out the opponent, using space, and breaking through to shake the net.
Last season, we struggled against opponents with strong physicality and quick pressing. However, after a fulfilling preseason, when we think about tomorrow's match, we can imagine the blue and red team moving the ball with confidence, leaving behind our previous weaknesses.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, How will you take care of the players who are absent, such as Kuryu Matsuki?
In order to compete at a high level in every tournament, we need to have a team with a deeper pool of players. We do not believe that we have that currently, so we can only hope for the success of our young players. Young players must seize these opportunities. Every player starts their professional career when they are young. In order to survive in the professional world, I believe it is necessary to make the most of the chances given at a young age. The team is maturing smoothly. In that sense, I believe they will overcome this situation.
Q, I think we were able to attack actively during the camp. Even in the opening game, we were able to make adjustments during the match when things didn't go well and create a good form. How confident are you about that?
A, we cannot always dominate the game. We want to continue using our quick attacks towards the goal, which have been our weapon so far. Last season was the first year of style change, but we were able to surpass our opponents in ball possession rate in most games. The only game where we were below in possession rate was against Urawa. However, in the opening game of this season against Urawa, we were able to surpass them in total possession rate. The style that I expect from Tokyo is our own unique style, aiming to be a team that can attack with all our weapons while utilizing the ball. Last season, the most emphasized point was to convey the importance of the ball and to instill that mindset in the team. Although the season has just begun, we are gradually able to push our opponents and continue our attacks. One of our weapons is also the quick attack that utilizes the space behind the opponent's defensive line, and we want to continue having that option.
Q, what is the key point in the Kashiwa game?
A. I think it's our own play. I think our chances of winning will increase if we can express our good play firmly. However, there are various developments in the game. I think there are also good plays from the opponent in the game, and there are also dangerous situations that arise from our mistakes. In order to grasp the flow and dominate the game, it is important for us to play with confidence.
Q, what is your opinion on using young players?
A, I hope tomorrow's game will be an opportunity to give young players a chance. I think whether they have mental strength or not will determine whether they can continue to play as professional players in the future. I think young players in Japan are well trained in both technique and tactics. However, unless they fully understand that mental strength is essential to succeed in the professional world of Japanese soccer, I think it will be difficult for them to continue to grow. We only ask two things of young players. The first is bold play, and the second is mental strength.
Q: Is the presence of veteran players such as Nagatomo, Morishige, and Higashi important for young players to grow?
A key point for the team. I think one of the secrets of this team's strength is how much the veteran players contribute to building a good atmosphere on and off the pitch. When they become veterans, they can be divided into two types. One is a player who wants to adapt to the players around them in order to play more comfortably. The other is a player who not only performs well as a player, but also puts energy into promoting the growth of other players, especially young players.
Q, I was talking to Nagatomo before the start of practice.
A, Nagatomo is the soul of Tokyo. He is a great role model for us. Even when he is on the bench, he is a player who fights with us as if he is running on the pitch. Both Nagatomo and other players in Tokyo are veterans who are happy to see young players grow and encourage them. On the other hand, it is unfortunately a fact in the soccer world that there are players who have a negative influence on those around them in order to play themselves. We have the great Nagatomo. I think he is an important figure for both the team and the club, as well as for the future.
[Player Interview]
＜Yasuki KIMOTO＞
Q, what was the reason for winning the opening game in good shape?
A, each and every one of us was able to prepare well for the opening game. The game itself had a period in the first half where we struggled against the opponent's press, but I believe that our ability to endure and play without conceding any goals during that difficult time led to our goals in the second half. Every single one of us fought hard and I think the growth from last season was shown in our ability to endure in the first half.
Q, How was the game with 100% vocal support?
A, the atmosphere was amazing. The cheers were a push for us to give our last bit of strength, and playing in front of the fans and supporters is also a goal for professional soccer players. I am grateful for this environment. It was great to be able to play in such a wonderful atmosphere.
Q, Did you have a good impression of the away Kashiwa game last season, where you won by a large margin?
A, we were able to win with a large number of goals, so I have a good impression, but as a defense, we conceded 3 goals. If we can keep a clean sheet like in the opening game, I believe that the players in the front line will definitely score goals for us, and if we can continue, we can accumulate 3 points. As a player in the back, while being conscious of keeping a clean sheet, I want to show more of my own characteristics in the attacking part.
Q, What is your impression of Kashiwa and what kind of measures do you want to take as a team?
A, based on last season's impression, I think we will have a game where we will be able to keep possession of the ball. We want to distribute good balls from the center back to the front line, and since the opponent's strength is sharp counterattacks, we want to constantly concentrate for 90 minutes in both offense and defense, and play while cooperating with the defense line.
Q, the opening game had both the ball possession that the coach was looking for and a goal scored by invading the pocket, and I think it was the result of what we have built up in the last season and during the camp.
A, we have been working on practicing to invade the pocket together. The results we achieved in the opening game give us confidence. In that sense, I think we have proven that what we have been doing was not wrong. I think there will be countermeasures from now on, but I hope we can continue to play the same soccer and improve together from both the challenges in the game and in practice.
Q, How was the first game for player Kimoto, who changed his jersey number to 4? Please also tell us about the feeling of playing with Henrique.
A, regarding the jersey number, I wasn't conscious of it during the game, but I want to play in a way that people watching can see even a slight change in my play or as a player. The combination of Henrique and I as center backs has played several games since last season, and we have a good impression of being able to bring out each other's strengths. There were many matches with both results and content, so I had no worries and I think it was good.
Q, What kind of play is KIMOTO player being asked for?
As the oldest in the defense line, I am expected to show leadership and speak from the back by the staff. It is also my own challenge, but I hope to be conscious and speak out. I want to show more presence in the defense.
Q, please ask the fans and supporters for their enthusiasm towards the Kashiwa game.
This is an away game, but we will definitely bring victory and we hope many fans and supporters will come to watch. For those who cannot come, we would appreciate your support on DAZN.
Kashif BANGNAGANDE
Q, Did you participate in the attack boldly in the opening game, and do you want to continue to do so in the Kashiwa game?
A, I want to manage the risk while participating in the attack. In the previous match, there were some dangerous scenes where I went up too far, so I want to make corrections.
Q, Did you choose to play in a high position knowing that there would be space in the Urawa game?
A, it was expected that Urawa would come after the space I created by moving up to the front line. In that situation, I think we could have managed the risk better. I feel that it is necessary to play with a good balance between offense and defense.
Q: Do you aim for specific areas when crossing during a match? How does it feel?
A, this season, I am more conscious of looking inside and crossing. I want to be greedy and seek results because it doesn't lead to goals. In the away game against Kashiwa last season, I have good memories of scoring my first J1 goal, but in the second half, I couldn't play the way I wanted and was involved in conceding a goal. There are good players in the front line, so I hope to participate in the attack by responding firmly to crosses and other situations.
Q, I think we were able to have a successful experience taking the space on the side of the penalty area, called the "pocket", in the opening game.
In the Urawa game, we were able to use the pockets we have built up since practice. I think it was a game where we were able to have a good feeling both as a team and as individuals. We want to increase the number of times we use them in future games.
Q, I heard that after carrying it to the pocket, we are free to make our own decisions and aim for the goal.
After using the pocket, we work on various ideas during practice. I think if we continue to bring them out during games, our points will increase and we will move in a good direction.
Q, do you want to be involved in scoring?
I feel like my repertoire of movements towards the goal has increased, and there are various ideas in my head. The most important thing now is the result, and how many goals I can score.
Q: What was the content of the message that Nagatomo shouted from the bench?
A, I was told to continue because my positioning and attack during defense are in good shape. I am always taught to make small adjustments to my position at the right timing. During the game, I can only see from my own perspective, so I am grateful to receive advice from Nagatomo, who has more experience in the same position as me. There were also plays that went well after making actual adjustments. I am truly grateful.
Q: Did Nagatomo say that Kashiwagi's growth is also a motivation for himself, and do you receive encouragement from him on a regular basis?
A, I am grateful to receive your support on a daily basis. Long-time player's presence is truly motivating, so I want to continue to push each other.
